Holidays are good for shopping. There’s more time and there are lots of good sales- you can save money at Macy’s and at JCPenney with these coupons! And because Memorial Day is the official start of summer, it’s also a good time to shop for bathing suits. Stop groaning! You don’t have to dread swimsuit shopping if you know the rules to follow. Here are 12 tips to help you find the best fitting and most flattering bathing suits:

1. Know where to shop. Choose a store that has a variety of styles and sizes, a helpful sales staff, and comfortable fitting rooms with full-length mirrors and good lighting.
2. Don’t rush. Take your time trying on each swimsuit, thinking about how it looks on you and how you feel in it.
3. Bring a friend. Shop with someone who will give you an honest opinion.
4. Test it out. Move around a little to make sure the straps stay up, the legs don’t ride up, and the front doesn’t sag.
5. Try on a lot. Try a range of sizes and styles- sometimes you need to try everything until you find the best one for you. Also, remember that you really can’t judge from the hanger- you have to actually see a suit on your body to know if it works.
6. Don’t go by size numbers. Bathing suits typically run smaller than clothing, so you might need to size up and that’s perfectly okay. Don’t feel bad about it!
7. If you’re in between sizes, go with the smaller. The material will stretch when it’s wet. The fit on a swimsuit should be comfortable, but snug.
8. Wear underwear. Obvs!
9. Flatter your skin tone. Choose colors and patterns that go well with your skin tone.
10. Consider separates. No one has a perfectly proportioned body and separates might be the answer if you’re a different size on top and bottom.
11. Shop online. Some women prefer this option for privacy, comfort, and softer lighting. Make sure you can easily get refunds before you place your order.
12. Know your body type. This is essential for choosing the most flattering bathing suit for you. Solid, dark colors are slimming; ruffles and busy prints add volume.

Take advantage of your time off, sales and coupons, and your great new guide for bathing suit shopping and go buy something that makes you look and feel great! And then head out to the pool or beach to enjoy it! Happy Memorial Day!