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15 Common Swimsuit Fashion Mistakes

The temperature is warming up, and the sun is out in full force. If you’re not stuck inside on a beautiful day, swimming is the perfect activity. For that, you’ll naturally need a bathing suit. Ugh. Swimsuit shopping is the worst. It’s hard to find something in your style that doesn’t leave everything hanging out while at an affordable price. No one wants to spend $70 or more on a swimsuit.

Thankfully, stores are beginning to change what they have in stores, but it can still be easier than it currently is. Most of us that go swimsuit shopping each year go to the same places we always go to, which can be a mistake. Surprisingly, it’s not the only habit we’ve fallen into.

If you’re having trouble finding the swimsuit that’s perfect for your body and personality, we’ve gathered together some tips that may help. Even though we all dread swimsuit shopping, we shouldn’t have to. It can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone, as long as you know what to look for. These are 15 common swimsuit fashion mistakes to avoid. They’re guaranteed to help you find that perfect one- or two-piece.

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Lacking Support

Lacking Support

Bandeau and triangle bikinis look adorable, but they unfortunately just don’t work for women who have larger busts. If you actually want to feel comfortable in your swimsuit, look for a halter or underwire style.

 

Shopping Only at Department Stores

Shopping Only at Department Stores

If you only look for swimsuits at Kohl’s or Macy’s, you’re really missing out. Niche swimsuit brands like L*Space and Moeva London offer absolutely stunning swimsuit styles that will blow anything at a department store out of the water.

Not Buying for Your Body Type

Not Buying for Your Body Type

Sure, you can technically wear whatever swimsuit you please, but there are certain suits that will flatter your body shape more. For example, ladies with an athletic body look amazing in suits with ruffles, and pear-shaped ladies look phenomenal in high-waisted bikini bottoms.

Staying in Your Comfort Zone

Staying in Your Comfort Zone

If you’ve only ever purchased triangle bikinis, you’re missing out on a lot of other great styles! Branch out and choose pieces that are a little different, like a high-neck bikini or a low-back one piece. You never know what you’ll fall in love with!

Forgoing a Chic Coverup

Forgoing a Chic Coverup

Don’t forget to buy a chic cover-up to go along with your new swimsuit, otherwise you’ll regret it when you see that a lot of beachside restaurants don’t let you walk around in just your bathing suit. It can be sheer or revealing, but it has to cover up more than your swimsuit does.

Ignoring One Pieces

Ignoring One Pieces

For far too long, one pieces were seen as frumpy and old-fashioned, so young women avoided them. However, the current one piece offerings are even sexier and chicer than their bikini counterparts, so don’t rule them out!

Paying Too Much Attention to Size

Paying Too Much Attention to Size

Swimsuits are sized a little differently than regular clothes, so don’t get discouraged if you have to buy a bigger bottom/smaller top or vice versa. The sizing is more ambiguous, so grab a couple different sizes on your way to the dressing room. Remember, size is just a number.

Not Mixing and Matching

Not Mixing and Matching

If you want a suit that’s truly one-of-a-kind, you need to mix and match your tops and bottoms. Try out different combinations of colors and patterns until you find one that you’re in love with!

Only Trying on In-store

Only Trying on In-store

Retail store dressing rooms are notorious for having unflattering lighting and mirrors. So, if you find a suit you love on the hanger but don’t love how it looks on your body, buy it and try it on at home. If you find it really doesn’t look good, you can always return it.

Not Considering Functionality

Not Considering Functionality

You’re probably going to want a different swimsuit for a snorkeling excursion than a day lounging by the pool. Think about what you’re going to use your swimsuit for, because no matter how cute that velvet triangle bikini looks, its chic factor is going to vanish the instant it gets wet.

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Buying Too Small

Buying Too Small

We’re all guilty of buying something that’s a little too small as motivation to lose weight, but we’re here to tell you to stop doing that. More often than not, those too-small pieces sit in the closet with the tags still on.

Not Considering Potential Tan Lines

Not Considering Potential Tan Lines

If you tan easily, you’re going to end up with tan lines, no matter how much sunscreen you slather on. Think about those potential tan lines before you buy a suit that has a million straps in the back or a high neck.

Focusing Only on Covering Up

Focusing Only on Covering Up

If you’re too worried about covering up your tummy pooch or the cellulite on you backside, you’re going to miss out on showing off your best assets. For example, if you love your back, but are self-conscious of your stomach, go for a low-back one piece.

Buying Lingerie-like Swimsuits

Buying Lingerie-like Swimsuits

Lingerie-inspired fashion is big right now, but bikini bottoms that look like lacy underwear aren’t quite as chic as a pajama-inspired blazer. Keep the lingerie to the bedroom and find a swimsuit that actually looks like a swimsuit.

Going for the Cheap Option

Going for the Cheap Option

A swimsuit is an investment, and you should treat it as such. It’s better to spend $100 on a suit you’re going to love for years to come, rather than a cheap, ultra-trendy version that’s going to be out of style after one season.