AVOIDING THE SWIMWEAR HOUSE OF HORRORS

Summer is almost here –and with it comes that dreaded trip to the local mall for a new swimsuit. I do not know a single woman who enjoys trying on bathing suits. Maybe it’s just the horrid lighting, but most of us find the dressing room to be a house of horrors –and one with too many mirrors at that.

A recent study published in the scientific journal Sex Roles revealed results that concur with my personal findings. The study, conducted by psychologist Marika Tiggemann of Flinders University in Australia, found that women dread trying on swimsuits in private. This dread is greater than that of parading around in a swimsuit in public. Why? Because the dressing room demands we evaluate the fit of the garments we’re trying on –and as a result, calls direct attention to our flaws, whether real or imaginary.

That’s the simplified explanation anyway. It’s all very sciency. Fortunately, I have a solution –and it’s one I’ve been perfecting for years. Don’t try on swimsuits at the mall. Order your swimsuits online. Then wait until you’re in a really good mood (maybe after a cocktail or two) before trying them on. You’ll be amazed at how much fun it can be to choose your new swimsuit. Ship the losers back to wherever they came from. It’s that simple.

Where to shop:
You will find loads of great swimsuits online these days. If your tastes run to high-end designers, you can order swimwear from Michael Kors’ safari inspired spring 2012 collection at his website. Or look for fun spring bathing suits from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni and other popular designers at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom or Sax Fifth Avenue.

You can also find stylish swimwear at lower prices. I’m a big fan of Boden, which offers colorful swimwear in fun prints and affordable prices. J.Crew is also a great source. This season’s collection is full of polka dots, stripes and other adorable prints in a variety of shapes to suit women of any size.

If you require a swimsuit that is extremely functional as well as fun, check out the selection at Athleta. These suits won’t ride up or fall down –making them perfect for extreme water sports. And if you’re mad for the retro esthetic (as I am), don’t miss the gorgeous suits at Pinup Girl Clothing. I have two of these myself; they are well made and extremely flattering.