by Anna Peel

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

When most people hear the words "bathing suit", they usually assume bikinis. And for a lot of us women, that can be a frightening thing to wear. But the good news is there are a ton of options out there to choose from, and not all of them are bikinis. Shopping for clothes(or anything) should never intimidate anyone, it's often a skill that gets better with time. You just need to arm yourself with a little knowledge of what is out there and what fits. Once you learn about them, shopping for swimwear can actually be fun. You want a swimsuit that flatters your body and covers any flaws that Mother Nature unfairly bestowed upon you. Read on how to do that.

What do you love most about your body? Do you like your shoulders or arms? Wear a halter swimsuit(luckily most swimwear are halters these days). Love your gams? Buy a high-cut swimsuit. Naturally curvy? Flaunt them tastefully with a high-cut tankini. But remember to also find a swimsuit that is not going to make you self-concious either. For instance, if you're rather buxom, then steer clear for bandeau styles, and go for halter styles with thicker straps. If you're naturally svelte and want the illusion of curves, then maybe you should try string bikini styles.

Color is another very important factor when it comes to choosing swimwear. While it is true that darker colors are great for downplaying certain flaws(such a bit of a tummy pooch), you can wear swimwear with more color. Try bold prints or florals that have a mix of bright and dark. You can also wear a swimsuit with stripes, but vertical stripes are probably best. And remember that almost any woman can wear a bikini if she finds a swimsuit that flatters her and gives her confidence. That's the beauty of mix and match pieces, where you can find a top and bottom to "custom" fit you.

That said, you should look at all your options. There are many one-piece swimsuits and tankinis that are as equally cute and stylish. If you want something sexy, look for malliots(which is another word for one-piece swimwear) with cutouts. If you're looking for more coverage, a tankini is a terrific option as it offers more coverage yet still keeps the sexy two-piece factor. And don't forget to invest in a cute little swimsuit coverup that will take you from the beach(or swimming pool) to a quick lunch and back. Perhaps a cute sundress?

A few extra tips here. Bring a friend when you go shopping so you both can honestly help each other pick the most flattering styles. Keep note of what looks good on you, what brands, and what sizes too-that will help whenever you have to shop for more swimwear. And if all else fails: shop online for swimwear, try them on in the comfort of your own home, and return what doesn't fit or flatter.

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