Ah, summer in the suburbs—a time for sun, fun, and the often cringe-worthy experience of swimsuit shopping. After years of pairing stretched bikini tops with board shorts and employing my kids as shields, I finally decided to invest in my first official mom swimsuit.
With my children safely at home (seriously, leave them out of this), I headed to the mall on a Saturday morning. The experience was neither easy nor glamorous, but after several hours of trying, I emerged victorious, having found a chic black one-piece that provides ample coverage and even gives the illusion of curves. Victory!
After experimenting with countless suits that just didn’t cut it (goodbye, bikinis), I started to notice a pattern in what worked and what didn’t. While body types and gym routines certainly play a role, here are some invaluable tips that helped me find a swimsuit I actually liked.
1. Supportive Straps
Extra support is key, especially as gravity takes its toll. If you have young kids who are still breastfeeding or enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane by sticking their hands down your shirt, straps are a must. I tried on a sleek strapless suit but quickly envisioned my toddler yanking it down to reconnect with his “nursies” at the pool. No, thank you.
2. Full Coverage (Skirt Optional)
I have to confess, I was initially against buying a suit with a skirt. I preferred board shorts, but to my surprise, I found that many adult swimsuits provide sufficient coverage. I also discovered several stylish skirt options that were far from the gaudy floral designs of my youth. Sorry, Grandma!
3. Embrace Solids
While I appreciate a good pattern, they can often be overwhelming. If, like me, you haven’t touched a thigh machine in years, opt for solid colors or color-blocked designs for a more sophisticated look. I ended up with a classic black suit, but don’t let my choice limit your options—if they had a retro red halter in my size, I would have snagged it!
4. Look for Bling and Clever Details
To my surprise, a bit of sparkle can elevate a mom suit. I spotted elegant gold clasps and tasteful frills. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of ruching! This technique is a secret weapon for disguising any post-baby body insecurities. Ruching allows you to indulge in your child’s leftover pool pizza without any worry. Need I say more about this magical feature?
5. Be Kind to Yourself
You can disregard all my other advice, but not this one: you cannot turn back time. Most of us don’t have the pre-kid bodies we used to, and unless you’re a celebrity with a personal trainer, it’s unrealistic to compare yourself to those with flawless figures. Instead, focus on finding a suit that highlights your favorite features and learn to accept what you may not love. Embracing your current shape will lead to a more enjoyable summer and a happier life overall.
Now, where did I stash my cover-up? If you’re interested in more on family planning, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys. For additional insights into supporting black-owned businesses, visit this thoughtful gift guide. If you have questions about fertility insurance, this resource is excellent.
Summary:
Embrace your body this summer by choosing a swimsuit that prioritizes comfort and confidence. Look for supportive straps, full coverage, solid colors, and clever details like ruching while remembering to be kind to yourself and enjoy the season.