I thought I needed something “flattering,” but I didn’t actually know what that meant anymore.
It’s like I don’t even want to be seen at the beach or pool, let alone in a bathing suit. I like going if it’s a social thing, but even then, we all know people are looking. Maybe not as much as I think they are, but it’s still added pressure.
So the idea of a “flattering” bathing suit feels counterintuitive. This is a piece of clothing that’s meant to get wet and cling to your body with zero forgiveness. It’s annoying.
But we’re not allowed to be naked in the wild, so here we are.
Now that warmer weather is coming, I figured it was time to get serious about finding something that’s appropriate, comfortable, and makes me look good. Hahaha. I’m such a comedian.
Ok, I’ll stop being negative and just tell you what happened.
Choosing Between a One Piece and Two Piece
The One Piece Phase
My initial reaction is please give me as many pieces as possible.
But then I realized the more pieces, the more is actually showing.
I went on a cruise for my friend’s 40th birthday and did not fit into my bikini anymore. The anxiety hit immediately.
After I calmed down, I ordered a bunch of swimsuits from Amazon and did a full process of elimination. I ended up with a deep V one-piece that, according to a drunk guy from a bachelor party, doubled as actual attire.
Comments aside, I chose the one-piece because it made me feel the most comfortable in an environment where everyone is drunk, on vacation, and very much looking.
The Two Piece (Again)
Now that it’s 2026, I’ve addressed the weight I gained. That process made me appreciate what it actually takes to stay healthy, and it shifted how I think about my body.
I avoided pools after that cruise, but when I started thinking about this summer, I had a moment: “Wait… you might fit into your old bikini.” It’s from 2016.
And I did!
It’s not exactly what it used to be, but I’m comfortable in it, and that matters more to me now. I didn’t realize before how easy it was to just wear something without thinking about it. Now I do.
After all these years, La Blanca still carries it. I have the Island Goddess Halter Triangle Top and the matching bottom. I liked it enough back then to buy it twice, so I also have it in black.
So for now, I’m saving money, using what I already have, and letting that be enough.
The One I’m Trying Next
I had looked into TA3 when I was panic-ordering for that cruise. They make swimsuits that cinch your waist, which sounded appealing at the time. It’s pricey, so I skipped it back then.
This year, I decided to try one. I’m planning to review it in a separate post. If it actually does what it claims and helps someone feel more comfortable, I’m open to it.
Also, apparently I really like this color.
What Actually Matters Now
At this point, I care more about being comfortable than anything else.
Yes, we all want to look our best. But swimwear is so heavily tied to being “sexy” that it turns something simple into a whole mental situation.
I’m not doing that this year.
I’ll wear what fits. I’ll bring a cover-up. I’ll accessorize if I feel like it. And I’ll go in the water if I want to. That’s it.
You’re near a body of water. You’re allowed to enjoy it.
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