1. Play To Your Strengths

Use your body shape to find the right fit

Nobody has the exact same figure, and so knowing yours can help you know which look will be most flattering. For example, if you have more of a straight body shape, a bikini from Boys and Arrows with a bandeau top and cheeky bottoms will give you more curves.

2. Play With Prints

Take a walk on the wild side

Feeling a little shy about putting on a new swimsuit? Prints can give you a fresh sense of confidence. Animal print, flowers, or even abstract designs can all turn up the charm and help you feel ready to hit the beach.

3. Follow The Season

Buy a suit for every shade of summer

Like shoes or sports bras, swimsuits reflect who we are, and having different options covers the bases from poolside barbecues to tanning on the beach.

4. Plan For Vacation

Don’t get caught without a swimsuit in your bag

With a little advance planning, you’ll be ready with the right swimsuit for an unexpected weekend away or a long trip.

5. Try On A One-Piece

One-pieces can flatter and add variety to your swimsuit wardrobe

Looking for #swimsuitgoals? One-pieces can be just as sexy as bikinis: think backless or ones with cutouts.

6. Look For Support

…and not just from your friends

Let’s face it, if you’ve got a big chest swimsuit shopping can be a new kind of torture. Fortunately, Acacia Swimwear, Boys and Arrows, and Frankies Bikinis all have swimsuits that flatter every figure. Look for bikini tops that have bra-level support, and bottoms that lift in all the right places.

7. Colorblock Your World

Shades to fit and flatter

If you’re bigger on the top or bottom, a few well-placed blocks of color can add definition to a larger figure.

8. Try It On With Friends

Make it a swimsuit party!

Trying on swimsuits alone can be time consuming and not nearly as fun as trying them on with friends. Get a group of friends together and have a swimsuit party! Get ready to snap and ‘gram your choices.

9. Define The Neckline

Lift and separate is the name of the game

A plunging neckline gets heads turning – and lifts and separates your boobs just like your favorite bra.

10. Get Stripey

Stripes that shape

A few stripes here and there balances proportions, and gets your body rocking.

11. Pick A Festival Vibe

Coachella or bust

Summer is music festival season, and a swimsuit totally counts as an outfit if you put a pair of high-waisted shorts and a denim jacket over it.

12. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Avoid a style rut with a new suit

It bears repeating: even if you’ve found a swimsuit style you like, try something new! You never know what you might find, and it’s always fun to surprise yourself.

13. Go For A Test Swim

Give it a few tries

You deserve to feel cute, no matter what suit you pick. Go for a swim or two and notice how fresh and fun you feel.

14. Embrace Your Size

Yes, you’ll be bigger in swimwear

It’s a fact of life: because of the nature of swimsuit fabric, you’ll need a bigger size to get the movement you need, but it’s no biggie.

15. Shopping For A Suit Online Is Awesome

Bye-bye, judgemental sales reps!

Dressing rooms at the mall don’t flatter anyone trying on a swimsuit, even if you’re a size 2. The bad lighting and difficult sales people can add pressure to an already complicated situation. But when you buy online, all of that magically disappears – letting you focus on finding the right suit. Now that’s awesome.

16. Who Cares What Other People Think?

Rock your own style

There’s this perception that a swimsuit should follow social norms, but when you’re picking one out for yourself, why should you cater to society’s rules? If you want to wear a loud print or bold colors, give yourself permission to do it!

17. Go Retro

It’s classic for a reason

Dreaming of your own pinup girl moment? A swimsuit with a retro shape will have you channeling Bettie Page in no time.

18. Think Strategically About Your Tan

Going for bronze? Look for the right suit

The beach isn’t just for summer reads – it’s also fun for getting that perfect bronze glow. Find a suit that will help you get an even tan on your shoulders, back, and hips without awkward print lines.

19. What Do You Need The Suit For?

Shop cute and shop smart

For lounging by the pool, get a cute little bikini. But if you’re planning on serious swim training, a more robust sport swimsuit is in order.

20. Ready To Take The Plunge?

Start shopping!

Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to take the plunge and start buying a suit. Checkout out our swimwear at Vida Soleil to find your perfect choice from a wide-ranging collection of swimsuits.