Swimsuits – I am pretty sure it’s everyone’s most dreaded item to shop for. I have put off this task for a couple of years sticking with a few staples I have, but this year it was time to try new styles and look for some updates. I hope my search for the right suit{s} might help you too! See what styles I ended up keeping, where I found them, and the one suit I’m keeping that is under $40! I hope I took some of the guess work out of finding a swimsuit for this season. Sit back and shop from the comfort of your couch with these recommendations.
Tips on Finding the Right Swimsuit:
- Always size up! Swimwear runs different than clothing. I am an 8 on the bottom, and always order a size 10 in swimwear. This will help a bit with the overall frustration in finding a suit.
- Look for support in the areas you need it. Need bust support? Look and only order underwire options, have a larger mid-section opt for rouching to help camouflage that area. Truly focus on your body type and really hone in a suit for specific to it. Don’t let color or pattern be the main focus, rather style and fit.
- Black is always a good option! We all know black is slimming and it just helps hide any problem areas. If it seems boring, accessorize your swim look with a fun cover-up, flip flops, or hat.
Let’s Talk Two Piece Options:
Being a mom of two babes, my body has changed! Perhaps you’re in the same boat for one reason or another – weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, new baby, I get it! Our style has to change with our changing body. For me, it was time to introduce a high waist bikini {gone are the days of the low waist}.
Last summer I was really attracted to the high waist bikini options and thought I would try a couple. The suits I received were not going to work as they were way too cheeky, you know what I mean. I gave up and stuck with what I had. This year, however, I thought I would try again. I am happy to say I found a couple viable two-piece options. Here are some great high waist bikini options {the perfect “mom” bikini}:
Freya Stripe Ruffle Two Piece:
There is so much to love about this suit! First of all, a classic stripe – always a good idea {it also comes in a red/white stripe}. The top is sold by bra sizes and is underwire – so much support! The shoulder straps can be removed for a badeau style of top and the ruffle adds just the right amount of fun!
The bottoms are high waist, full coverage and a fabulous, silky, stretchy material. Overall a flattering, supportive, classic looking high waist bikini. {click on photos to shop}
Fit: True to size
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”freya-two-pice” title=”Shop This Suit”]
The Yellow Flower Top and Black Bottoms:
For this next two piece look, I put two totally different pieces together to create one look. Two different brands, two different shops. It creates a really custom, great fit doing this.
I’ll start with the bottoms and simply say, they are AH-MAZING! These black, high-waist bottoms were a hot item last year in the swim world and highly noted for their great fit. Let’s just say they sold out so quickly and I missed out on them last year. I was not about to let that happen again and ordered them immediately when I saw they were in stock.
I can’t say enough about what a magic fit these bottoms have. The rouching is so forgiving and they have the perfect high waist. The higher cut on the leg, which tends to be more flattering and elongating to the leg adds another great aspect as well the seams are sewn in a way that won’t dig in causing a bubble butt affect. Basically, just try them and you will be hooked! These also come in extended or plus size!
Fit: Size up one size. I have a large.
I found the magic bottoms. Now, it was time to find the perfect top. I wanted something bright and fun. My friend had mentioned her favorite brand in a conversation discussing the struggles of finding the perfect suit and she mentioned Kortnie Jean Swimwear.I checked it out and thought they had fantastic styles and gave it a try. Needless to say, I am in love with my bright yellow floral top. It fits so comfortably and the extra flare of the ruffle adds that bit of whimsy. PLUS, they sell matching suits for the entire family so my six-year-old daughter and I can match! So. Good.
Fit: True to size, following sizing on website. I have a small.
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”yellow-floral-swim” title=”Shop this suit”]
Target Floral Top and Black Bottoms
This is another {affordable} option that I really liked to pair with these black bottoms; this floral, bandeau style top from Target. Trust me when I say the top is cuter and brighter in person. It created a great swim look together.
Fit: Runs large, size down 1-2 sizes
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Mei Lange High Waist Two Piece:
This suit is pretty much at every high-end retailer; Nordstrom, Saks, and Anthropologie. I thought I had to give it a try. Clearly, I also have a thing for stripes, they are quite flattering when it comes to swim in elongating the body. Overall, the suit is very high quality – a nice thick material and worth the more expensive price tag that comes with it.
The top is very comfortable and stylish with the unique, wide straps. This top is NOT going to work with ladies with a large bust, however. There isn’t any built in support and overall it fits a tad on the small side.
The bottoms are amazing! They fit like a glove with full coverage and are nice and high. Good for someone with a long waist and legs. This suit also comes in a color block pattern, which I think is really attractive too! Don’t be afraid to try these bottoms and opt for pairing them with a totally different top. I could imagine a cute yellow top with these bottoms as well.
Fit: True to Size
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”mei-lange-swimsuit” title=”Shop This Suit”]
One-Piece Swim Suits:
A one piece is ALWAYS a great option for ANY body type. It elongates you, can hold certain areas in and give you the support you may need. I certainly feel most comfortable in a one piece. They don’t have to be frumpy. One-pieces have come a loooong way! Here are some great, stylish options:
La Blanca Cris Cross Suit:
I have owned this suit for two years and it’s my go to! I feel good in it, it’s the right amount of fun while remaining classy, and mom friendly. The fabric is soft and silky. There isn’t a ton of support for the bust, but for some reason it does the trick. The back is really fun with the criss cross detail.
Fit: Runs small size up
Tommy Bahamma Floral Stripe:
I really think this suit is so cute! I love the stripe mixed with the bright floral pattern. A little preppy, a little fun. The front is all business, great for a large chest {it will hold it all in} with built in bra system. The back of this suit is really cute with a wide open back!
Fit: Runs very small. Size up two sizes!
Target Scallop Halter One Piece:
We all love a great Target find! This Target suit is SO great for under $40!! The scallop detail is chic, simple and upscale. There is a high end swim brand, Marysia that is known for the scallop detail, but the price is way up there. I’ll take the Target version!
Many women love a halter style for support and the little bit of rouching through the tummy area on this suit is very flattering. This sleek suit comes in two other colors including teal and purple, both beautiful. This great swimsuit has excellent reviews from many consumers!
Fit: Size up one size.
I didn’t actually try on this suit, but knowing the two piece was so great, I am betting this one piece version is awesome too. Plus, I love color combo.
Fit: True to size.
I truly hope this helps a little while you are on the hunt for your next swim look! I am really excited to have some new swimwear for our upcoming vacation! Here is my current swim wardrobe with the pieces I ultimately kept after a major try-on haul:
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”swimsuit-wardrobe” title=”My Swimsuit Wardrobe”]
For more details on the fit and style of these swimsuits, watch my try-on sessions on Instagram. You’ll find it in my story highlights under ‘Swim’.
Great fitting and popular swimsuits sell really fast. This is why I am sharing this post so early in the season {well, for those upcoming spring breaks too}, but don’t wait on trying a suit if you want to – they will sell out! Now, we just need the weather to warm up here in the midwest. I can’t wait to sport one of my new swimmies at the pool. I promise it’s coming!
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As always thank you for reading! Make it a great day!
Photos for this post by: Kaley Rae Photography
