by Claudia Bushee

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

The negativity that American women feel about their bodies is exposed in the summer. Going to the beach becomes an exercise in fear. Fear that a stomach bulge will be unveiled. Fear that some snarky kid will point a finger and call out, "Whale." Fear that only the thin are welcome on the warm sands.

We, as a nation, have got to put aside this type of thinking. Summer is a wonderful time. Warm breezes and cool water should make us feel relaxed and happy. Putting on a swimsuit need not be a terrifying event. There are many companies that specialize in fitting suits to the customer. There is a swimsuit company in Portland, Oregon that actually custom makes suits for the client. So, it is a matter of finding the right fit and cut.

First, take an assessment a true assessment and not a "I'm so fat" derailment of your body. What is your best feature? Make sure you show that off, whether it's your dcolletage or tiny bottom or your long legs.

If you are very busty, consider a suit that corrals the "girls." while still showing off the lovely curve of your bosom. Not so well endowed? A ruffle or some sort of gathering adds a bit more to the poitrine. Whether you are a B cup or a D cup, make certain there is good support.

You've got legs? Well, that's great. But skip the boy short bottoms, especially if your thighs are a little thick at the top. The eye will see the length of the leg and not the robustness of the thighs if the bottoms are cut a little higher.

Swimsuit manufacturers have done a great job of turning suits into restrictive girdles, so if you have a tummy, you may want to consider a minimizer suit. They aren't wildly comfortable, however. So you may want to save them for date days. I have found that the shoulder straps on those suits cut in to my skin. You may want to consider a custom-made minimizer.

While you search for the ideal suit, consider that women on the Italian coast all wear bikinis. Yes, bikinis! It doesn't matter whether they are 16 or 68, they are sporting a two-piece. And I didn't see a single soul donning a burka-like wrap. They like the beach; they like to get in the water and they didn't appear to care if they looked chubby. This was a real eye-opener for me. We Americans are too judgmental.

But here in the states, I am all in favor of the sarong. It covers everything. And the fabrics are willowy and ultimately sexy. Go for a swim and wrap the material around you. Voila! You are the winner of the wet sarong contest.

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