FOUR FAB FIT TIPS
There's no need to turn yourself into a live–action Cathy comic strip. That is to say, trying on bathing suits shouldn't drive you to the brink. Here are some foolproof tips to insuring a pain–free suit shopping session.

Fit Tip #1: To test the fit of tops and bottoms, bend down as if you were picking up a towel. The suit should move with you, and you shouldn't be popping out anywhere.

Fit Tip #2: Experiment with sizes — fit is more important than the size on the tag. Sometimes a size up or down can make all the difference in the way the suit fits. If you're looking for more coverage don't go up a size! Go for a style cut to cover more in the size that fits you best. Remember: It's a fine line between too tight and just right. But remember, a suit that's too big in the store will only get droopier when it's wet.

Fit Tip #3: Take time to adjust what you have tried on. Sometimes pulling down the legline or tightening straps can make a suit go from droopy to drop dead gorgeous.

Fit Tip #4: If you're hot for hot pinks or other bright colors then go for those. Maybe muted earth tones are more your thing. Your style on the beach shouldn't stray from your style on the street.

THE GREAT DEBATE: BLACK OR COLOR
With the sudden influx of fashion forward bathing suits–complete with high–end belts and couture–like detailing–is it time to shake up the color palette and retire your all–black, all the time approach? Darker colors are rich and universally flattering, but don't be afraid to go for colors you already have in your closet. If you want to keep it deep but not midnight black, check out the array of eggplant, gray and dusky green suits that are out there this season.

MIX AND MATCH
Lately, more and more companies have taken a custom approach to swimwear–to the relief and excitement of women everywhere. "You can mix and match tops and bottoms which is helpful for finding the right fit for your body," says designer Shoshanna Lonstein–Gruss who started her eponymous line, Shoshanna because she had trouble finding clothes and swimwear for large–busted women in particular. "For instance, if you are smaller on top and larger on bottom, you might want to pair a halter to create cleavage, with a string bottom which would adjust more easily to flatter your hips."

PROBLEM ZONE: HIPS AND TUMMY
If you want your help your hips, look for a bikini bottom that ties on the side and hits lower on the leg. It's not about covering your hips with a little skirt or sarong, but rather accentuating them in a flattering way. If you want to camo a poochy stomach, look for a swimsuit with ruching on the side, which pulls your eyes away from your lower stomach and gives the appearance of a smoother midsection.
Try a "pinup" one–piece (a strapless suit with shirring at the sides) if you want to play up and flatter curves for a glamorous look. Read the label too, since suits made with 20% spandex (or more) can really help to minimize...well, anything.

PROBLEM ZONE: THIGHS
Thighs (which are the first place that most women notice cellulite and stretch marks) are normally the body part that women want to wrap in a sarong or cover with a towel. But showing them off might actually make them look better. Choose a bottom with a higher cut leg which elongate thighs and make your legs look longer and thinner.

PROBLEM ZONE: LARGE CHEST
It's all about support when it comes to a larger cup size. Busty gals should look for suits with slightly wider straps for more support and comfort. The higher cut the armhole the lower cut the front can be without feeling like you're going to fall out.

PROBLEM ZONE: SMALL CHEST
Don't try to change what you've got; don't try to make it what it's not. Look for suits that have necklines cut like your favorite tops or dresses. And take the plunge! A low–cut swimsuit is a great way to make your swimwear sexy, sans cleavage. And a bandeau top (a style that's harder for large cup sizes to pull off comfortably) is a great if you are smaller that a C cup since the style doesn't need to create or enhance anything to look chic.

PROBLEM ZONE: WAIST
One pieces are back in a big way and if you want to minimize your waist, check out the 60's inspired belted styles. Plus, forget solid colors here–patterns can actually make your middle look teeny–tiny. Don't be afraid to try a graphic print–many are designed to slim and shape, especially around your waist.

TIPS FOR KEEPING SWIMWEAR LOOKING NEW—FOREVER
Investing in a more expensive suit requires the same kind of care as your splurge–worthy La Perla bras. Here are tips on how to keep your gorgeous swimwear gorgeous.

•Swimwear holds up well over time since it's made from a durable blend of nylon and Lycra. But the worst thing for any suit is the hot tub, since heat and chlorine take a toll.

•After a day at the pool or the beach, soak your suit in cold water with a mild soap. (Palmolive is excellent for removing body oil and sunscreen; The Laundress Swimwear Care which is a great delicate wash.) Let it sit for five to ten minutes, gently squeeze out the excess water.

•Don't hang suits from the straps to dry. It'll stretch out and lose shape and fit. Instead, lay them flat on a towel.