Now that summer is in full swing, I wanted to share a few of my favorite places to shop for swimwear. I, along with most of the rest of the world, am not the biggest fan of swimsuit shopping. Most swimsuits seem to be made to fit only a very small percentage of body shapes. I’ve tried quite a few different brands in my quest to find swimsuits that fit, feel great, and flatter! Today, I’m sharing some of my best swimsuit shopping tips as well as a few stores that I recommend. Happy shopping!
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Swimsuits Featured Above:
- Top Left Grouping (top to bottom): one | two | three | four
- Top Right Grouping (top to bottom): one | two | three
- Bottom Left Grouping (top to bottom): one | two | three
- Bottom Right Grouping (top to bottom): one | two | three | four
Swimsuit Shopping Tips
Fit Tips:
- Bra-sized swim is your friend! (I repeat: bra-sized swim is your friend). It makes sizing easier and most bra-sized swimsuits have much better support – a lot of times they’ll have underwire, padding, or thicker straps. Bra-sized swim will fit better simply because it’ll be closer to your actual measurements than standard-sized swim.
- This Youtube video offers a ton of great info on what kinds of suits will work best for your body type. (There are a few other swimsuit videos on this channel too; they’re also helpful!) It took me a long time to start shopping based on my body shape, and it’s made a huge difference in finding flattering clothes!
- Decide what silhouette you like best. I tend to stick with higher-waisted bottoms and regular or cropped swim tops, because I like when the part of my torso that’s exposed is the narrowest part.
- Bottoms with ruching on the back (like these or these) are always more flattering. Trust me.
Shopping Tips:
- Pick a “base” color for your swimwear collection to maximize your collection. I buy mostly black or black/white swimsuits. Navy is another great base color. Then, mix and match pieces to your heart’s content! So, instead of buying 3 swimsuits, you’d buy 3 tops and 3 bottoms to make 9 possible combinations.
- Invest in great, well-fitting tops. I spend more on tops, since it’s harder to find ones that fit well, and then buy (cheaper) matching bottoms. I like Old Navy for cheaper bottoms – I have these ones and these high-waisted ones.
- Try on as much as you can! This can be really frustrating when it feels like nothing fits, but it will ensure that you don’t buy something and then regret it! Get to know your size with different brands so you can take advantage of sales without having to worry about sizing.
- If ordering online, buy multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit. I look for stores with easy and free returns. Check the return policy to make sure that swimsuits are returnable! If you’re shopping some place without returns, look at reviews, check the size chart, and/or ask customer service with help on sizing.
Where to Buy Swimsuits
Stores I’ve Tried:
Target: Target has really pleasantly surprised me! Not only did they come out with a whole bra-sized swim line last year, but they also started carrying a D/DD size for most of their normal line! Target has great affordable basics. I did have to do quite a bit of trying on to find something that suits me, but they definitely have something for everyone! If you’re shopping at Target, be sure to use your RedCard for 5% off! (We use the debit card since we didn’t want the credit card. It links to your bank account and you still get the 5% discount.)
ASOS: I’ve had a great experience with ASOS swimwear! They have a HUGE selection of bra-sized swim, and they have a really great return policy so I can order a bunch of suits and keep what I like best. Check the “outlet” section for really amazing prices.
Kortni Jeane: I’ve been following this brand for years on Instagram, and took the plunge last year and bought some tops. I love these suits for when I’m doing activities in or near the water. These crop style suits are great for playing beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. because they fit securely and offer good coverage! They offer big sales a few times per year, so be on the lookout for the best prices!
Athleta: Athleta has beautiful patterns and great high-quality sporty swimwear. They are on the pricier side and only go up to a D/DD cup size, but there are definitely a few gems to be found! I’ve tried several tops from them (I love this one and this one), and found them flattering with excellent support.
Stores I Haven’t Tried (but come highly recommended):
Albion Fit: This is another brand that sells crop top style swimwear – I love everything they sell! Return shipping isn’t free, which always makes online ordering a bit tough, but I’ve only heard great things about this brand, so it will probably be the next place I try!
Aerie: Aerie has some cute suits as well! They sell a few really flattering one-pieces, and have a really easy (& free!) returns process (just take them back to your nearest store if you order online). Most of their bra-sized swim has demi coverage. Bonus points for not retouching images of their models!
Lands’ End: They don’t have a ton of styles, but they are a great source for high-quality bra-sized swim (they carry up to DDD cup) and one-pieces.
Janela Bay: I’ve heard some great things about this brand! They’re very similar to Kortni Jeane in style and price, but I have heard that their suits may offer better support!
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