How EVERYONE Can Feel Great in a Bathing Suit

by Allison Riney

Every year, thousands of women across the country spend months overworking and under-nourishing their bodies to achieve the ever-elusive “perfect bikini body.” I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t strive to be healthy. It feels great to eat a balanced diet! I have even grown to love working out! But we should all do these things to feel good and take care of ourselves, not to fit into a skimpy string bikini.

So I’m going to let you in on a few secrets known by the rare, amazing ladies with health body images. After talking to a handful of these wise women, I have never been more ready to hit the beach!

Secret #1: If you want to look gorgeous in your bathing suit, learn to love every birthmark, inch, and curve of your body. While it may be difficult to accept at first, once you master this, you will look and feel hotter than you ever thought imaginable. Only a confident woman who loves her body exudes that sexy quality that makes the men swoon.

Secret #2: Unless you are Sofia Vergara, all eyes are not on you. It may take some adjusting to, but taking off that cover up doesn’t require any sly maneuvers; just a smile.

Secret #3: There are flattering bathing suits for every body type. You just have to learn what works for you.

For larger chests, opt for extra support, just like you would in a bra. Straps can also work in your favor. Aim for thicker straps or the cute ones that cross in the back. Straps that do both are super cute and have the extra advantages of better supporting your back and showing off your perfect cleavage!
If you are like me and more comfortable hiding your tummy, one-pieces are more fun and sexy than ever this year. Go for one with details reminiscent of lingerie, like a corset. If you want something a bit more conservative, try a suit that is busy with a small print for an optical illusion. And don’t forget, ruching is your friend!
Corsets can also add some va-va-voom to smaller chested ladies in a brightly colored two piece. Two-pieces usually work better, but make sure the top has molded cups or padding.
Have a muscular, sporty physique? There are plenty of suits that up the feminine details- try flower details, eyelet fabric, or my personal favorite, ruffles!
So many of us want to hide our thighs and bums, but once again, there are bathing suits designed to flatter, not hide, these parts. Slip on a one-piece or tankini featuring a fun pattern up top and a solid, dark on the bottom. Or be super stylist with one with cut outs a few inches above your belly button. And think about how amazing Beyonce looks in her bikinis that tie on the side!
Just remember my cardinal rule: Always wear the right size for your body!

Before you run out the door, you can’t forget about your accessories! Sunnies are always a must on the beach. Make sure they protect your eyes from those harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays; which are even more dangerous at the beach when they reflect off of the water and sand! You want to buy quality sunglasses that are UVA and UVB protected (it should say so on the lens).

But the most important accessory for any day you spend in the sun is your sunscreen! This year the FDA required all sunscreens to have more clear labels with more thorough instructions. Follow them whether you burn or not! No one wants melanoma! Or leathery skin! Besides, isn’t sunburn painful enough? And don’t forget your protective lip balm!

You are officially ready for some outdoor fun! Now it’s time to relax in your fave beach chair, catch up on your reading, play in the sand and surf, and look phenomenal while you’re at it!