I am going on vacation with my husband. YAY!
If I let my mind wander, I will dwell on negative things like worrying about the boys while we’re gone and all the what-if this? and what-if thats? I could drive myself crazy thinking that way.
The kids will be FINE! I need to focus on positive things like warm sunshine, all-inclusive food and drinks, a housekeeper, time with my husband, and sleep! Five full nights of sleep! Honestly, that might be the best part about going on vacation! If you are sleep deprived too, maybe you agree.
After the initial, “the vacation is booked” excitement simmered down, I started thinking about clothes for the trip. Fudgesicles! I will have to wear a swimsuit. And not just in front of random strangers on a beach. In front of people, like my husband’s co-workers and bosses on a company trip.
I need a new suit, and I do LOVE to shop. But swimsuit shopping {and wearing} is not my fave.
Swimsuits expose a lot more skin in public than I enjoy. My tummy is soft from carrying two babies and my thighs are thicker from eating too many cupcakes. Yours too? Oh good; we’re not alone!
Spring break, summer vacations, and lazy–I mean crazy–days chasing kids at the pool are just around the corner. Which are all perfect reasons to get a cute new swimsuit! Remember to think positive: swimsuits = WARM WEATHER! And that’s what we wish for all winter, right?!
Since I’ve recently been scouring the internet for the perfect mom suit, I thought I’d pass along some swimsuit shopping tips.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Swimsuit for You
Styles
Covering up with a tent sounds comfortable, but lets be honest, that’s really not cute…so instead my go-to swim styles are tankinis and one-piece swim-dresses. Try on suits in different styles and see what YOU are comfortable in. There are tons of options.
In an effort to hide certain areas, swim styles with ruching, shirred fabrics, tunic tops, tiered ruffle tankinis, blouson silhouette tops, skirted bottoms and the full coverage rear are a few choices that I find make swimsuit wearing a little less painful. You will find those keywords in swimwear descriptions!
Sizing
Swimsuit sizing can be wonky like bridesmaid’s dresses. It’s normal to wear 1 or 2 sizes up.
If you’re shopping online, read the sizing guides and take your measurements. If you’re shopping in-store, take a couple sizes into the fitting room.
Reviews
Read online reviews. Isn’t it so exciting when you find a review by someone with your exact height and weight?! Then write your own helpful review about the fit and sizing.
Double Up!
When you find a swimsuit you really love, buy it in another color too!
Swimsuit Shopping: Where to Look
{From my own online shopping “research” and suggestions from other members of ICMB}:
Online Department Stores –
Order and try on in the comfort of your home. Von Maur and Nordstrom offer free shipping and free returns. If you are not sure which size, order both and send back what doesn’t work. No big deal!
Amazon –
As a Prime member, I only buy items that have free shipping and free returns. My little secret is to compare prices on items from department stores with Amazon. I found a Magicsuit tankini top on Amazon for less than half price. It’s pistachio color, not the black one I’d normally buy. But for the price, who cares!
Athleta.com –
Multiple ICMB writers said Athleta suits are “amazing.” Athleta makes swimwear for water sports which equals great quality for moms who are chasing kids. They carry specialty styles including: Tall sizes, Bra-Sized Swim, UPF 50+ Sun Protection and Rashguards. Free shipping offers and free returns.
Miraclesuit.com –
I fell in love with this site immediately. Right at the top it says “Look 10 lbs Lighter in 10 Seconds.” Yes please! I’ll take one of those! Free shipping and returns.
Lands End –
Regular and Plus size swimwear and Cup-sizes: Regular, D, DD & DDD. Free shipping with $50 purchase.
Victoria’s Secret –
Bikini mommas delight! VS does carry more 2-pieces than other styles. Bra size tops, push-up styles and some one-piece shapewear. Watch for free shipping offers. You can return online purchases to the store {make sure to have your receipt}.
Target –
For the bargain shopper in all of us! How many of you go to Target at least once a week? Add swimsuits to your shopping list. Easier to do on a kid-free shopping trip. They have maternity suits at a reasonable price {I loved the one I had}. Don’t forget to check Target.com too for more selection than in-store. Several of our writers have been very happy with Target suits.
There is no one perfect mom swimsuit that works for everyone. Whether you wear a bikini, tankini, one-piece, swim-dress, swim shorts . . . whatever you’re comfortable in is the right suit for you.
Maybe you don’t feel so confident in your swimsuit. Maybe you don’t like your arms, your stomach, your legs. Know that you’re not alone. We all have body worries. If you see another mom in a cute swimsuit, tell her you like it and maybe even ask her where she got it. Can you imagine how much better that will make her feel about wearing it?!
Now go shopping and wear that suit on a vacation alone with your husband, on your family vacation, in front of co-workers, in your backyard, or at the pool with your kids. Live life. I won’t hide under a tent, if you won’t!
Do you have any swimsuit shopping tips or know of other great places to shop for suits? Please share!
