Shopping for swimsuits.

If you HAD to declare how you feel about it from a scale of “love it”  to “I would rather encounter a fire-breathing dragon,” I’m guessing most of us are closer to entering fantasy-land.

That was me, anyway.

But maybe, just maybe…not anymore.

After three pregnancies, three c-sections, and the dramatic body changes that came with that for me, I’ve been putting off getting new, non-maternity swimsuits. It’s mostly because I keep waiting for my body to feel “back to normal,” which I’ve now come to conclude may never truly happen.

But I’ve realized recently…I’m okay with that.

And trying on all of these swimsuits got me thinking.

What if…swimsuit shopping wasn’t a time to agonize over the parts that “aren’t where we want them to be” or “aren’t the size we want them.”

What if, instead, it was a time for us to look at our bodies through a lens of appreciating the work they have done. To accept and value our bodies for the changes they have gone through to bring life into the world.

I’m not saying I did that perfectly while trying on swimsuits for this post, but I have recently said that it really is a desire of mine for us to be kinder to ourselves about our imperfections or perceived imperfections. And that, for me, meant avoiding negative self-talk during this process, and trying not to cringe as I was videotaping, yes (VIDEOTAPING – you can find it in my story highlights on Instagram), while seeing things I don’t necessarily love about my body.

But I decided to do it. And it got easier as I went.

“…what if you wake up some day, and you’re 65, or 75, and you never got your memoir or novel written, or you didn’t go swimming in those warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were jiggly and you had a nice big comfortable tummy; or you were just so strung out on perfectionism and people-pleasing that you forgot to have a big juicy creative life, of imagination and radical silliness and staring off into space like when you were a kid? It’s going to break your heart. Don’t let this happen.

-Anne Lemont

And the great news is that swimsuit manufacturers are, I believe, doing better than ever to provide gorgeous swimsuits that flatter all types of figures. I appreciated my shopping experience so much more than I have in the past.

I’m simplifying that process for you today. I’ve done the shopping. I tried on a TON of swimsuits, and I think you’ll find something that you will feel confident and dare I say “sexy” in?!

I mean it!

Are we ready?

And be sure to stay-tuned until the end to see my FAVORITE SWIMSUIT FIND OF ALL-TIME.

I know it sounds dramatic.

But just. you. wait.

You’ll understand.

Beautiful Budget-friendly Options:

(*some of these links may be affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase by clicking them, I may earn some coffee money, at no added cost to you! Thank you so much for supporting my work here, friend!)

1. CUPSHE Women’s Orange White Bowknot Swimsuit Padded One Piece Swimsuit (approximately $30)

I have to start with this swimsuit I LOVE. Such an affordable price, and a flattering cut. The top is padded so you don’t have to stress about the white side showing something it…*ahem*…shouldn’t. Great bum coverage. So. cute. on.

Note: I tried on all the swimsuits you see here – head to Instagram for more!

2. COCOSHIP Women’s Ruching High Waist Bikini Set Cross Wrap Push Up Top Tie Back Bathing Swimsuit (FBA) – (approximately $30)

I love mini-stripes, and this suit did not disappoint! Though maybe it should’ve come with directions, because I got the tie-top wayyyy wrong on the first attempt! Ha! The bottoms have almost a skirt-type feel. Lots of great booty coverage here.

3. CUPSHE Women’s V Neck One Piece Swimsuit Ruffled Lace Up Monokini (approximately $30)

This swimsuit is so. flattering. when on. I was worried the top would feel a bit too scandalous for my taste, but it actually accentuates in a way that felt more feminine, less “scandal” to me! I love it. The color is gorg!

4. COCOSHIP Women’s Retro Boho Flounce Falbala High Waist Bikini Set Chic Swimsuit (FBA) – (approximately $30)

These were my fav bottoms – great coverage and the ruching makes them flattering and comfortable! The top requires a tie, so you gotta get it TIGHT! Another gorgeous option.

5. MARINAVIDA Swimsuit for Women Two Piece Bathing Suit Top Ruffled Racerback High Waisted Tankini Swimsuit (approximately $20)

This bathing suit is beautiful. The flower details on the high waisted bottoms are a such gorgeous colors. The sizing is a bit odd when you order – I selected size 4-6 which ended up being a small, and I could barely get it on! I wish I would’ve gone with the 8-10. The triangle pattern on the top was so cute and the flow continues to the back! The bottoms were great!

6. CUPSHE Women’s Ladies Vintage Lace Bikini Sets Beach Swimwear Swimsuits (approximately $30)

A perfect choice for those preferring a one-piece but also wanting a sexy and flattering bathing suit! It’s accentuates the chest but provides great coverage. The crisscross back is very cute, as well! Not super strong on the booty coverage.

7. CUPSHE Women’s Falbala Design Bikini Swimsuits Set ($28.99)

This color combo is one of my favorites. I truly love the design, and it provided comfortable coverage! Again, with the mini-stripes – you can’t go wrong!

8. CUPSHE Women’s Halter Lace Up Back One Piece Swimsuits Padded Crisscross Bikini – (approximately $30)

This one has great coverage all around and the top cutouts provide interest without being too sexy! The ruching adds coverage and comfort – I really love this one!

Gorgeous Options for a Bigger Budget:

1. Arie

Aerie Waffle Scalloped High Waisted Bikini Bottom (on sale for $27 at time of post) with the Aerie Waffle Scalloped Tie Longline Triangle Bikini Top ($28 at time of post – both on clearance and with several options!)

I loved this option. I also tied the Aerie Pique Animal Print Tie Longline Triangle Bikini Top ($17.50), but it didn’t quite provide the coverage I needed up top! The bottoms were a favorite, though!

2. Coral Reef Swimsuit

another mix and match option, I got the Lounger Top – Pink & White Stripes ($44.99) to pair with the Sun Baked Bottom – Pink ($24.99)

The design of both were so, so cute. However, the top ran a little small, so size up if you’re between sizes! I felt like it was a little unforgiving to my body, personally, but such a super-cute design!

3. Red Dress

Seaside Getaway Black One Piece Swimsuit -$48

This is a super-sexy suit (more than I was ready for 😳)! It’s quite flattering, but I would be uncomfortable rocking it while also chasing babes around, which the potential of it moving against my wishes.

However, if my husband and I got away on a little mini-vacation, I would totally rock this one. It does run a little small – I wished I had sized up to the large.

4. Red Dress

À La Plage Black One Piece Swimsuit -$42.00

Oh la la! This one made me blush. It was small (definitely size up), but because it was too small, it pinched in all the wrong places. I love the style for a sexy getaway, but it is dangerously close to revealing more than you may want so keep that in mind!

Worth the Splurge:

1. Albion Fit

Island Fever One-Piece Swimsuit – $118

The color combination of this bathing suit is gorgeous. I wish I would have sized up (again, because of where the cutouts are located on the sides). It has a classic scoop neck top, with a very cute zip up back. It’s slightly difficult to get on, for that reason, but worth it in the end.

2. Becca at Nordstrom

Wanderlust One-Piece Swimsuit – $118

Full disclosure: I don’t actually own this swimsuit, but it is so gorgeous and I’ve heard so many great things, that I had to include it If I hadn’t just purchased two other swimsuits for over $100 each, this would be in my closet as well!

So we’ve almost, ALMOST, made it to the end, friend. And I bet you’re wondering:

Which one was my ultimate pick?

FINALLY, I bring you…

My All-Time FAVORITE Swimsuit in the whole wide world:

Albion Fit

Desert Rose Cape One-Piece – $128

What can I say, I have expensive taste sometimes! 😅

Guys. I felt deeply connected to this bathing suit from the moment I put it on. It is full of class. I feel like a princess in it and it’s so uniquely perfect for a mama ready to rock it on the beach.

The sleeves add coverage and the colors are simply beautiful. It has a deep v in the back, which is so flattering, and the v neck front adds a little sexiness without going over the top! Love, Love, LOVE! ❤️ Now I just need to convince Albion Fit to collab with me!

________________

Which one is YOUR fav, friends?

I included a few pictures here, but if you want to see me try them ALL on, head to Instagram, where I have the full try-on in my story highlights! Yes, I did, in fact, put myself on the internet in a swimsuit. 😳😅 Also, check this post for a round-up for 2021.

And it’s all worth it if it helps you out, too!!!!

Can’t wait to see you so soon, friend!!!

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