How to ensure your swimsuit looks great and lasts

Sure, you want to look great in your new swimsuit, but that's not the only criterion for choosing one. Here's how to choose the best swimsuit for the money:

Size and fit: 

• Make sure the suit fits. You want a suit that will last in the pool while you swim or will be comfortable while you lounge around poolside reading.
• Try on your choice of swimsuit; then sit, lie, and make swimming movements to make sure it fits right.
• Also, for the most comfortable fit, chose a swimsuit that's a few sizes larger than your regular clothes size. Your body will look better in it.

Fabric: 

• Examine the fabric. Longer-lasting swimsuits are made of nylon and lots of spandex. These suits are the best to withstand sun, salt, and chlorine.
• A fabric called Miratex is receiving attention for its ability to stretch in four different directions.
• This enables the suit to act like a girdle, tightening your figure without forcing bulges of skin to other parts of your body.
• Examine the fabric of your choice suit. Expand the fabric, and make sure it retracts firmly.

Style: 

• Try different styles of suits. For women, there are "tankinis," which look like a one-piece suit but have a tank-style top.
• Other women's swimsuits come with halter-style tops and shorts for the bottoms. Consider purchasing a bottom in one size and a top in another for a more comfortable fit.

Colour and patterns: 

• Create illusions. Black swimsuits are slimming and do not draw attention to your stomach. If you are lean, choose patterned or bright-coloured suits.
• If you have a small bust, choose a top with horizontal stripes. Busty women can wear light-colored suits.

• If you are a shorter man, don't buy swim trunks that are longer than 50 centimetres (20 inches) in length.
• "Volley" shorts are popular, which are shorter still and can draw attention from the stomach area and elongate the leg.

• To avoid chlorine damage, rinse your swimsuit as soon as you can after swimming in a pool.
• Follow this up by washing the swimsuit in the delicate cycle of the washing machine and letting it drip-dry.
• It's a good idea to follow this same procedure if you go swimming in salt water or spend time on a sandy beach.