With the weatherman’s promises of above freezing temperatures, and our quickly approaching unofficial spring break, we can soon say goodbye to our winter wardrobe. Whether you’re hitting the beaches of Miami or catching some rays on the Peace Quad, the warm weather means many of us will be dusting off last year’s bathing suit.
Freeze! Before you do that, stop and think: How many years have you been wearing that bathing suit? Is it really all that flattering or does it leave you victim to the ever infamous butt sag? With all the new prints and styles that come out every season, maybe it’s time you thought about investing in a new one.
Before you go running out to your local boutique it’s important to first figure out what type of bathing suit is right for you. While your likes and dislikes should be the main motivator in what suit you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that different styles flatter different body types, and you want to choose something you will feel comfortable in. For example, if partying and late night calzones have left you a little more round than you’d like, don’t think that the ’50s-style one-piece is your only option. Tankinis and cut-out one-pieces provide a tummy-conscious wearer with just the right amount of exposure. Want to look like you have longer legs? Look for high-cut bottoms (think ’80s dance leotards) which will make you look a couple inches taller. Another recurring style is the push-up bikini top which gives you a little extra lift without leaving you worried about any unplanned indecent exposure.
OK, so you’ve figured out what type of bathing suit to get ‘ now it’s time buy one. Since it’s not exactly summer yet, local stores are somewhat limited in their selections. While you can find suits at Dick’s Sporting Goods, they’re pretty expensive and intended for sport swimmers. Old Navy is a pretty safe choice, but this time of year the selections can be pretty slim. Your best and most convenient bet is online shopping. There you’ll find a much larger selection of styles and sizes. You may be worried that buying the right size without trying it on can be tricky, but if you go to dickssportinggoods.com, you can find a great guide to measuring yourself specifically for swimsuit purchases.
For really good bargains check out Delia’s, Alloy or Wet Seal at their online stores. They have suits in every imaginable color and style but tend to be more on the girly side when it comes to prints. If you’re wanting more of a subtle look and are willing to spend a little more, jcrew.com not only has great suits, but also has an awesome interactive tool that allows you to select what aspects of yourself you hope to enhance and what you hope to minimize. This site is perfect for those who have trouble finding suits that flatter or fit their proportions.
So now that you’ve got everything you need for the perfect pre-class layout it’s important to go over a couple of the rules:
$ Sunblock is your friend. (I know you want to speed up the tanning process, but do you really want to speed up the aging and cancer process as well?)
$ Strapless may lead to unintended flashing. (We all hate tan lines but lets try to keep it tied up.)
$ Watch out for flying objects. (Most prime sunbathing spots are also home to playing fields, so keep an eye out for stray balls and Frisbees.)
$ Bring a book. (The distraction of warm weather can cause grades to sink faster than the Titanic; multi-task by bringing your textbooks with you.)