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by BRENDA McMILLAN On a scale of one to ten where one is equal to having a mammogram, women rank bathing suit shopping at minus forty-seven. It is rated as worse than putting on eight pounds, because you looked at a croissant and only marginally better than finding out you brought bedbugs home in your suitcase. We all hate it because it confirms our fears that a) we are getting older and b) we are getting wider. We tend to hang on to bathing suits like we do husbands. Although long past their prime, we still take them out even though they are saggy in the rear and stretched across the belly. They lack support and fail to flatter, but they come with us on vacations anyway. Shopping for swimwear is not the traumatic experience it used to be, because today there are stores dedicated to flattering bathing apparel.  No matter what size, shape or age, there is a suit that will make a woman look and feel good. We all think we have “too” problems—too fat, too thin, too flat a bottom, too small a bust, too, too, too. Our real problem is we tend to focus on our “too” parts instead of the assets we possess. An hourglass figure, long legs, perky bust, round bum and toned abs are examples of assets. By choosing a bathing suit that makes an asset a focal point, all other parts get downplayed. So how do we do that? A good fit is one way. Bathing suits are designed with support systems like tummy-control panels and built-in bras. For comfort and style, large busted women should look for suits with slings or girdles that support the breasts and make them the focal point. Underwire, while surprisingly less effective for large busts, works well for smaller and less-perky breasts. There are also padded bras when a little more magic is required. If you consider your puppies to be an asset there are halter and plunging neckline styles that draw attention there – and away from “too” bits. Maybe you’re one of the lucky or young or childless ones who still looks great in a bikini. If so, there are styles of bras and bottoms to enhance, emphasize and flatter your assets in colours and patterns (very popular) ranging from bright and tropical to sexy and seductive. I’m envious. Tankini suits have the benefits of one-piece styles and bikinis, but are forgiving if you left your waistline in a restaurant. Some styles have strategically-placed ruching or drape below the bust to hide lurking bulges. Be careful choosing a bottom style from bikini, brief or thong, because leg lines can be flattering – or not. In my case, I wanted a definite division between leg and bum. It used to be really well defined (and a real asset, if I can be so cheeky), but lately my legs have stretched upwards or my bum has sagged (the more likely scenario). The suit I chose had a high-cut leg. It was generous across my bum and didn’t ride up when I walked or sat. Colours and patterns are also able to flatter. I tried on a shiny turquoise suit that had to be rejected even though it looked pretty good when I was standing up (and was sucking everything in). Only when I sat down did I realize that it showed every ripple and bulge. They disappeared entirely, however, when I put on a suit with a black and white pattern. This one was the winner. The best way to find a new bathing suit is to visit a store that specializes in swimwear and try on every suit that fits you (ask a consultant to help you get it right). Susan of Susan’s Fine Lingerie has great advice, “If you have a mummy tummy, a great way to hide it is with a pattern around your waist. Also, a ruffle at the bustline will draw attention there instead of elsewhere.“ As Susan says, “Shop before you need it and buy it when you find it.” At some point, you will look in the mirror and smile because your assets will be emphasized and your “too” problems will be insignificant. Once you have made your choice, you can find a matching cover-up, flip-flops and a wide-brimmed sun hat to round out your ensemble. If your old bathing suit sags across the rear, lacks support and stopped flattering your assets years ago, then it is time to trade it in for a new model. If only it were so easy for husbands. GL

ABOVE: Java one shoulder purple swimsuit from Change ABOVE: Buenos-Aires blue stripe monokini from Change ABOVE: bikini from Sunflair ABOVE: Montage Laguna seamless stayup bikini in Passion red from Change