It’s getting close to swim suit season. I know that may be hard to believe if you live anywhere north of Phoenix, Arizona, but it’s true. Are you ready?

As I prepared a few weeks ago to go on a trip, I found myself looking for bathing suits. I always like to check out Victoria’s Secret’s suits and see what they have this season. While browsing for a modest, but cute suit, I realized that I will probably never look like one of the models. (*sigh*) But then again, who does? Maybe 2% of the entire population? That’s just not the norm.

I also realized that no matter what kind of body I have, I will probably always wear a one-piece—or perhaps a tankini that covers my midriff. I’ll admit that despite strict rules, when I was a teenager I sometimes wore “a little too revealing” bathing suits. Sometimes it’s really hard to find a one-piece that looks really cute on you, so I guess I’ll chalk it up to laziness of not wanting to ‘search’ for a cute one-piece, or just pure hopelessness that all one pieces look like this:

(sorry America Ferrera)

As I become older (gasp!) and a mother, and dawn my ‘motherly marks of wisdom’ (ie, stretch marks) I realize that covering up is the way to go. But part of me is a little frustrated by that. I WANT to look cute, I want to be stylish, I want to be comfortable at the beach or the pool. But how do I do that when I’m wearing a one-piece?

Recently, I’ve found a little known secret:

Are you ready?

You sure?

YOU CAN FIND CUTE ONE PIECES!!!! THEY EXISIT!!!!

HALLELUJAH!!

But there’s a little more to rocking a one-piece than finding the perfect suit.

Here are some tips:

Be comfortable in your own skin. You don’t have to be a size 2 to look and feel great in a one-piece. The key is to be who YOU are—and be your best. Feel good about your body in relation to your own size. When you feel good about the way you look, it reflects and others notice. You don’t have to look like a super model to look and feel good in a one-piece; all you need is a little self-confidence. If you don’t feel like you have that right now, get started! Now is the perfect time  Check out our Health & Fitness section for tips and ideas on how to start getting ready for summer. It’s all relative to you!

Dress the part. Don’t be afraid to add extra pieces to your swim wear so that you feel comfortable. Add a cute swim-skirt to your ensemble, or a nice cover-up. Again, how do you feel in your swim wear?

Accessorize! Find cute sunglasses, earrings, or a bracelet to add a little something fun. Unless your swimming in a triathlon, why not add a little bling?

Do your homework! I will admit that finding a great one-piece requires some detective work (I searched over 4 hours to find great suits for this post, yes, you're welcome). Let’s face it, two-pieces are very popular and that’s what most stores stock. It’s also has been true in the past that most one-piece shoppers are older women looking for something to cover-up in. But times are 'a changin'! One-pieces are coming back and designers are realizing that there is more of a market for one-pieces and coming up with some great stuff!  Many cute one-pieces that I find also seem to be really expensive—some outrageously expensive! (upwards of $200! Yikes!) I usually can find the same ones on Amazon or eBay for half off or more. (I will admit that the nice suits that I have purchased are VERY well made with nice sturdy comfortable fabrics, so that counts for something).

Differentiate! Don't be afraid to be different! Wear an unusual color or print! Make it about the piece of swimwear not the type of swimwear.

Make sure it fits! This one is essential, but can be extremely difficult (especially if you’re ordering online—make sure to pay careful attention to sizing charts). If it’s too tight then it’s too tight, so go a size up. You also don’t want it too loose and hangin’ off your body.

Suits for Every-Body:

(If you want more info on any of these suits, just click on the pictures)

Full Figure:

For full-figure shopping, look for suits that are lined and provide a good amount of support-- ultra-lycra. Also larger straps that don't dig in make a nice seamless look.

I love this ring dress from Layne Bryant, great coverage, yet so original!

How awesome is this… Love SPANX? They just launched a swimwear line!! And look how cute!

This cute suit is perfect for flattening the tummy, smoothing the back and slimming love handles! How GREAT is that?!

Large Bust:

Halters are great for the bustier types! Just make sure it isn't too low cut, or you might be advertising a little too much! You also might want to look for suits with cups and/or underwire for maximum support.

Delta Burke Black & White Plus Size Halter Bandeau One Piece Swimsuit. This classic suit is so feminine and flattering.

Panache Monroe Halter Style One-Piece. What a fun retro suit!

Freya Lunar Halter Style One-Piece Swimsuit Swimwear. Loving the dots!

Small Bust:

Halters tops also look nice on slim-busted gals!

How ADORABLE is this one?! I actually just got it in hot pink as a birthday gift! (Thanks J!) I absolutely love it! IT is the most comfortable suit I’ve ever owned, and I feel not only covered and modest, but super cute at the same time! You may still be able to find it on eBay, Nordstrom has a few left, and I did find it for $75 at Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx.

This one wins the prize for best deal! It comes in a variety of colors and prints, its SUPER cute and the best part? Only $40! But it get's better...on sale at the moment for $34.50, yes it is your lucky day. Oh but wait, it gets better, it's also available in 'long torso size.' Wow.

Pear-shape, larger hips, thighs, & booty:

The key here is to feature your top half. Try suits with embellishments or patterns on the top that draw attention away from your lower half. Also try for a suit that is darker on the bottom, and lighter on the top. This preppy Tommy Hilfiger suit is a perfect example

Slim figure:

Belted suits work great for this figure type to create the illusion of curves. Also try suits with ruffles and other flirty embellishments to add style and charm.

I could not find this suit anywhere, but just couldn’t resist putting it on here, just for the sake of showing that there are a lot of cute one-pieces. It’s just too adorable to ignore. If you find it, please leave a comment and let everyone know where you got it!!!

More Fun One-Pieces:

Anthropologie has SO many cute one-pieces, here's one I loved, you can check them all out here

Wow how fun and flirty is this one? Also comes in lime green!

Oh J.Crew. How I love you.

My all-time favorite swim suit: Retro One-Piece by Carmen Marc Valvo, so classic.

Check out all these great designer suits from Couture Carrie

I love the retro yellow one!

Buss Buss has 40 great one-pieces featured here

Um? Can I have them all please?

CBS has this good article on suits for all body types

Well I hope I gave you a new outlook on one-pieces (or a renewed one if you were already on the band-wagon!) Remember you are beautiful! Have fun this summer!