How to Buy the Perfect Swimsuit for You

Your Guide to buying the best Swimsuits

Overview

Swimsuits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, making it difficult to shop for the right suit. To make the process easier, this buying guide provides all the information you need to choose the perfect swimsuit for your body type, lifestyle, and style. It covers everything from body type and materials to price and trends, helping you find the perfect swimsuit for your needs.

Key features

  1. Style - Consider the style of swimsuit you are looking for; swimsuit styles can range from traditional one-piece styles, to more modern two-piece styles with various cuts.
  2. Material - Look for a swimsuit made of a comfortable, breathable material such as nylon and spandex. Make sure the material is chlorine-resistant to avoid damage from swimming pools.
  3. Fit - Make sure the swimsuit fits comfortably and securely. Consider the rise of the suit; a higher-rise suit may provide more coverage, while a lower-rise suit might be more flattering.
  4. Color & Prints - Look for colors and prints that flatter your skin tone and body shape. Solid colors are a classic look, while patterned or printed swimsuits can be more striking.
  5. Functionality - Consider what activities you'll be doing while wearing the swimsuit. Performance swimsuits are designed for activities like swimming and water sports, while more stylish suits may be better for lounging at the beach or pool.

See the most popular Swimsuits on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Swimsuits are usually made from long-lasting fabrics and can withstand many hours of swimming and sun exposure.
  • Comfort: Swimsuits are designed to be comfortable and move with you while you swim.
  • Style: From classic one-piece swimsuits to modern bikinis, there are many different styles to choose from.
  • Protection: Swimsuits provide coverage and protection from the sun’s UV rays.
  • Ease of Care: Swimsuits are usually easy to care for and can last for many seasons with proper care.

Cons

  • Material and Quality: Swimsuits can be made of a variety of materials, and the quality of swimsuit varies greatly based on the fabric used. Poor quality swimsuits can be prone to fading, stretching, and tearing.
  • Color-fading: Most fabrics used to make swimsuits will fade over time if exposed to sunlight and chlorine.
  • Fit: Finding the right fit can be difficult, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution with swimsuits. They come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, and finding the right one can take some trial-and-error.
  • Cost: Different swimsuits can vary significantly in price, depending on the fabric, style, and amount of embellishments.
  • Maintenance: Swimsuits require regular maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible. This includes hand washing and air drying the swimsuit after each use.

Best alternatives

    Wetsuits - Wetsuits are form-fitting garments made from neoprene that cover the upper body and arms, providing more insulation than swimsuits. Rash Guards - Rash guards are shirts made from spandex and lycra with a UPF rating to block the sun's rays. Swim Shorts - Swim shorts are a form-fitting type of swimsuit that come down to the knees and are made of lightweight, quick-drying material. Tankinis - Tankinis are two-piece swimsuits consisting of a tank top and shorts. Board Shorts - Board shorts are a type of swimsuit that is slightly longer than traditional swim shorts and have a drawstring waist. One-Piece Swimsuits - One-piece swimsuits are a single garment that cover the torso, legs, and sometimes arms.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Swim Cap - Used to keep hair dry while swimming.
  • Goggles - Protective eyewear used to keep chlorine or salt water out of the eyes.
  • Swimsuit - Clothing designed to be worn while swimming.
  • Pool Noodle - Foam floatation device used to support people in the water.
  • Ear Plugs - Inserted into the ear to protect against water entering the ear canal.
  • Flotation Belt - Used to assist inexperienced swimmers in the water.
  • Swimming Towel - Used to dry off after swimming.

Common questions

  1. What type of fabric is best for a swimsuit?
    Swimsuits are typically made of fabrics that are designed to resist chlorine, sun cream and oils. The most common fabrics used for swimwear are polyester, nylon, spandex/lycra, and polyamide.
  2. How do I know what size swimsuit to buy?
    The size of a swimsuit should be based on your body measurements. Measure your chest, waist, and hips, and use the sizing guide provided on the product page to find the right size for you.
  3. What type of swimsuit is best for me?
    The type of swimsuit that is best for you will depend on your body shape, size and preferences. For example, if you have a larger bust, you may prefer a style with support, like an underwire bikini top. If you’re looking for a modest style, a tankini or one-piece may be your best option.
  4. What should I look for in a quality swimsuit?
    When shopping for a swimsuit, look for quality stitching, reinforced seams, and good fabric coverage. The swimsuit should fit well and be comfortable to wear. If the swimsuit is chlorine resistant, look for a fabric that is specifically made for that purpose.
  5. What kind of maintenance do swimsuits need?
    Swimsuits should be washed by hand in cold water and hung dry. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, and other harsh cleaning chemicals, as these can damage the fabric. If your swimsuit is chlorine resistant, it may require special care for the fabric.

Trivia

In the early days of swimsuit design, women rarely ventured into the water. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the modern swimsuit was invented by Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman. The one-piece swimsuit featured long sleeves and stockings that reached up to the neck, which was considered shocking at the time. Her design was eventually banned in several countries due to its immodest nature. Despite this, Kellerman's swimsuit design has since become the standard for today's modern swimsuits.Source: https://www.history.com/topics/fashion/history-of-the-swimsuit

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.