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Swimsuit Season

As we head officially into summer, you have probably started gearing up for a season of family trips to the beach, getaways with friends, and weekends spent lounging at the pool or on the river. Regardless of your warm-weather plans, you’ll undoubtedly need two essentials: A hardworking sunscreen and a go-to (or three) bathing suits.

Swimsuit shopping can be fraught with so many un-fun feelings. Whether you’re dealing with budget issues, body issues, health issues, or all of the above, the idea of a bathing suit may not be your most favorite thing about summer. Fortunately, there are a variety of styles, prices, and retailers to provide flattering and feel-good swimwear for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite resources for swimming suits.

There are a variety of approaches when it comes to swimsuit shopping. I’ve found it helpful to first determine the most flattering cut of the suit and then start searching for options that speak to your style. For the longest time, I was all about a black tummy control V-neck ruched one piece from Lands’ End. But this year, I’m hoping to play with a bit more color in a navy one-piece with a rainbow neckline and some interior support from Boden. If one-pieces are up your alley, consider playing around with different necklines and straps for a bit more variety. Swimsuits for All on Amazon has a black lattice plunge-neck suit with soft bra cups and a power mesh tummy. Over at summersalt.com, you can find a one-strapped one-piece with smoothing compression fabric, flattering diagonal seaming, and full bottom coverage.

Not all one-pieces provide the best coverage. There are maillots with cutouts, unsupportive closures, and high-thigh cuts, plus which, a wet one-piece, can make it a pain to use the restroom. For those of you that prefer the modesty of a one-piece but enjoy the convenience of a two-piece, there are a ton of tankinis out there with your name on them. Athleta’s high neck tankini top — in teal, neutral, and black patterns — has an adjustable neck, and the back hooks are made of recycled swim fabric and can be paired with a traditional brief style bottom or matching board shorts.

For a bit more drape and comfort, check out Lands’ End’s blouson style tankini tops. The bottom band of this top holds everything in place, while the flowy silhouette provides a bit of drama. Bottoms are sold separately, so you can mix colors and patterns. You can also totally eschew the standard bikini-style bottom for a more modest swim skirt or a chlorine-resistant high-waisted swim skirt-leggings combo.

If you need a more active-oriented option, then look no further than rash guards. J.Crew has a variety of rash guards and sun shirts in basic colors, as well as fun patterns. For hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, REI features rash guards for every water activity imaginable. Their half-zip carve design in lilac would be perfect for snorkeling, while their H2Core rash guard was designed for kayaking and paddling with hemloops to thread through the drawstring of board shorts to prevent lower back exposure. Because who thinks about applying sunscreen to your lower back? You do after it gets burned from an afternoon in a canoe!

For times when lounging poolside is the main summer event, you may prefer swimwear with a bit more panache than performance. Swimsuits For All features a black n’ white polka dot halter swim dress with a twist-front sweetheart neckline that drips with vintage kitsch! While Garnet Hill has a ballet-inspired, wrap-style swim dress for a minimalist yet romantic swimsuit style.

Of course, if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, a functional suit with a touch of glamor, then definitely check out (and get creative with) bathing suit coverups. From shawls to button-up shirts, to ponchos, to kimonos, to kaftans, the styles possibilities are endless. Sure, you can always throw on a t-shirt and cutoff shorts over your suit, but if you’re making all of the effort to find a great suit, why stop your style with a bland coverup? I’m loving the idea of a sarong, which you can drape, tuck, and fold for a variety of silhouettes. Or look to your sundresses from seasons past. Reutilizing pieces slightly past their prime for a casual coverup is budget-friendly and reduces waste.

Lastly, if you can’t decide on a silhouette, or want to experiment with bathing suit styles, then check out Spanx’s swim transformation tube. This nylon and lycra mixed fabric can be worn in 13 different ways to augment your current swimsuit. Pull it down as a swim skirt, pull it up to make a bikini a one-piece, use the drawstrings to fashion a bikini or tankini top with your favorite board shorts. Regardless of the swimwear, you end up sporting this summer, as mentioned in the beginning, don’t forget the sunscreen!

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