by Priscilla Benfield

Created on: January 22, 2012

So many women dread shopping for a bathing suit and the main reason why is they get hung up on the size that ultimately fits them. Size does not matter when you are shopping for a bathing suit. When you go shopping for a bathing suit, disregard size and just focus on getting the right fit. Here are some tips on how to take the dread out of bathing suit shopping and find the right fit for you!

Be ready to spend time trying on bathing suits. In order to get the right fit, you are going to need to try many different sizes and styles. Plan to spend the afternoon at the mall. If you are in a rush you may settle and then regret your purchase.

Another mistake many women make is shopping in the wrong department. Those bathing suits in the junior department are cute but if you have a more womanly figure (think fuller figure) go to the women's department. Some junior departments have plus size suits that may be fine if it is age-appropriate for you.

One piece or bikini? Go for both and see what you like. If your proportions are such that you cannot find bottoms that fit as well as the top, don't give up the idea of a bikini. Instead of buying a two-piece bathing suit set, look for separates instead. To get the right fit in a bathing suit you may need to mix and match. Many stores give you the option of choosing the kind of tops and bottoms you like and creating your own bathing suit.

One piece bathing suits come in a huge variety of styles. You can find one that is flattering no matter what your age, style preference or body type. The same goes for two piece styles. Some are sporty and some are made for show. The key is to try on a lot of them until you find one that flatters your body type.

Posing in the dressing room mirror to see how your suit fits is one way of deciding if you like what you see. In order to choose the right suit for your body, you are going to need to move around in it. Bend over, reach up and see if the suit moves with you or if you pop out of it. Unless you are just going to be laying on a lounge chair you are going to want a bathing suit that you can move in.

Fabric is another consideration when you are trying to get the best fit. Some cheaper suits are made of material that may not hold up to frequent jumps in the pool. Spend the money for quality. The suit will hold its shape better and when you find the right bathing suit for your body, it will be worth the cost.

Choose support if you need it. Today's bathing suits offer extra support for fuller figured women. Don't select a suit that leaves your ladies sagging. It is more flattering to get a bathing suit that will give you support. This is where you really have to inspect the bathing suit carefully. Some discount stores have bathing suits that promise to support but the fabric may not be of good quality. Remember that you get what you pay for. While you are trying on bathing suits, pull them, stretch them and really notice how it holds its shape or doesn't.

Consider the color, patterns and draping of the bathing suits that the store has to offer. If you are trying to hide one area and emphasize another, the color or pattern bathing suit that you choose can help to disguise a less-than-perfect bathing suit body.

When it comes to finding a bathing suit with the perfect fit remember to disregard size and just look for what fits your body the most flattering way. Follow these tips and shopping for a bathing suit will be fun.

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