When one of my most favorite humans, Donna, asked me to write something about bathing suit shopping, I could not say no. It’s late in the summer, but, as you probably know, all the summer clothes are about to go on sale so that retailers can bring in fall and winter inventory. So, if you are in the market for a new bathing suit or have always struggled with the process of finding the right one, this post is for you. Now is the time to check-out this season’s suits!

I’ll share any sales on summer clothes that I see or hear about over on my Instagram stories.

Bathing suits are tough. They usually expose the body in ways that we aren’t used to. The fabrics are not the most forgiving, and depending on your size, they can be hard to find ones that you are confident and comfortable in. Besides lingerie, it is the most vulnerable thing you could wear.

I struggled for years to find a bathing suit that was actually CUTE. It was like retailers were telling me that I didn’t deserve to feel good in my body. But, I got news for everybody and their brother…

You and me deserve to look and feel amazing in whatever we wear, no matter our size!

Sometimes I want to snatch my waist. Other times I could give a shit less if my shape is tent-like or not. Wear what makes you happy, comfy and confident. If you want to cover-up, do it because you want to. If you want to show more skin, do it because you want to. Are you catching a theme here? It’s all up to you, baby.

Today I am going to let you know where I got my current swimsuits and what I like about them. I’m also going to share some tips on where I recommend shopping for swimsuits and what you should look for in a suit.

A quick note on the word “flattering”: I am not okay with people using the word to body or fat shame someone into wearing or not wearing something. I am, however, okay with people choosing to wear or not wear things because it affects their comfort and confidence in negative or positive ways.

I do have access to a pool, but I don’t think I am ready to take bathing suit photos at a public pool. I’m still getting used to taking photos in public and I surely don’t want to be stared at when I am in a bathing suit. A bath tub photoshoot will have to do.

I only have two bathing suits! I don’t live near a body of water, unfortunately, and I would rather spend my coin on things that I wear more often. With that being said, the two that I have are awesome.

First, I have a pair of bikini bottoms and a bikini top that I wear together, even though they were purchased separately. These bottoms provide me with the amount of coverage that I desire, but are also a vintage throwback that looks good on any body shape and size. And black goes with everything. I don’t need to explain that, I don’t think.

As for this top! Woo! It gives me life. If you look closely, it is a white base with black polka dots, which looks chic with the black bottoms. I am also OBSESSED with the sleeves and open back. Sometimes I don’t want to show my arms and that’s okay, I can still look cute in this top.

I threw on these lightweight black pants with the top and it looks like an outfit, not a swimsuit. If I can ever travel again, I will be wearing this exact look when I go from the beach to the bar.

Outfit Details: Bathing suit top – ASOS | Bathing suit bottoms – Target, similar pair | Pants – ASOS | Sunglasses – Thrifted

Tip #1: Try buying separates when you find ones you like. You will have more outfit possibilities and may create something that no one else has.

Tip #2: If you are comfortable with wearing a bikini, try high-waisted bottoms. They give you more coverage, but are stylish.

My second suit is a one-piece from none other than Wal-Mart. I saw an influencer wearing this suit and was successfully influenced to buy it. I love the colors, the back detailing and the neckline. I’m a fan of a one-piece because it is easy to be active in and covers me up when I don’t feel like dousing myself in sunscreen.

I wear this suit with a striped cover-up, which is light and airy, but also guards you from the sun. I like the detailing on this guy too. I would wear this one out in the real world with a tank underneath and some pants, obviously.

Outfit Details: One-piece bathing suit – Wal-Mart | Cover-Up – Wal-Mart | Sunglasses – Target

Tip #3: Get a cute cover-up that makes you feel amazing! I find that if you think of your bathing suit as part of an outfit, you can add accessories and layers that will make you feel more confident and comfortable.

As listed above, I don’t have many bathing suits because I just don’t need that many. But, if I were in the market for one, I have some designated go-to places and retailers I would love to try out.

My Go-To Places:

ASOS – Trendy clothes and accessories for men and women, sizes 0-26.

I am digging this amazing two-piece cover-up and this tropical bikini that has me dreaming of the Caribbean.

Target – I like the sleeves on this floral one-piece and this swim romper, which I didn’t know was a thing.

Wal-Mart – I want this lemon-printed bathing suit something serious and I am drooling over this take on a tankini.

Brands I’d Like to Try:

Cupshe – For their wide size range and fun prints.

Swimsuits for All – Because Ashley Graham and Gabi Fresh have collections with them. Need I say more?

Adore Me – Because their stuff is pretty.

Torrid – Because they are good for bustier ladies that need a lot of support and have interesting prints.

Let me know where you shop for bathing suits and if you know of any sustainable and ethical brands doing inclusive swimwear. I have been known to thrift and thoroughly sanitize a bathing suit in my time, but those options are few and far between.

I hope this info helped you will feel more prepared and less nervous to go bathing suit shopping and ready to wear that sucker out in public!