Can you think of any woman you know, over the age of 22, who looks forward to going shopping for a swimsuit? For that matter, can you think of anyone who is totally happy with the state of her body?  Somewhere between New Year’s and Easter many of us start entertaining the thought of a winter holiday to some tropical paradise or at least, planning for summer fun that invariably includes beach or pool time. Unwelcome thoughts immediately enter the picture. Muffins tops, “bingo arms”, thunder thighs, varicose veins and other crimes of the flesh yet to be revealed, are enough to convert vacation anticipation into vacation aversion. If you have already vowed not to experience torture of the squeezing into a new Spandex equivalent of a sausage casing this season, we urge you to think again. Yes, we are advocating that you go out and find bathing suits flattering to your current body, but not until you give your existing swimwear collection a  critical  once-over.

Your beachwear will likely be located in one of several places: in a drawer, a basket or plastic container on the top shelf of a closet; or in a suitcase that you have not unpacked since last year. Once you commence sorting, you will discover that specific categories will emerge.  These could encompass microscopic bikinis worn when you were a hipless teen with a flat tummy, tops without bottoms and vice-versa, one piece suits that barely cover your derriere and an assortment of faded, stretched out models where the elastic has all but given up. Decide if there is anything worth keeping.

CRUD Challenge

If this perusal of the present state of your swimsuits still does not motivate you to replace, consider these factors.  No doubt it has been a long time since you have deigned to enter the swimwear department of any store in the mall. Even if you are no longer size 4, creative designs and miracle fabrics have come along to enhance your assets and deflect attention from your “problem” zones. If going to a store is too intimidating, on-line shopping and catalogues provide you with garments to try on in the privacy of your home. Remember, everything is subject to change, including your body as you age. Clearing outdated, ill-fitting, uncomplimentary and tired wardrobe pieces acknowledges your commitment to staying current and embracing the person you are today. As hard as this may seem, your reward will come when you start splashing in the surf, self-assured in your new suit.  Take the plunge.