The last bathing suit I purchased was an itsy-bitsy black bikini from Old Navy two years ago, so I decided this past weekend that it was time to update my poolside wardrobe. As I plan to spend most of the summer in the baby pool with Levi, I had three very specific criteria for a new swimsuit:
- No strings that could be accidentally untied by grabby baby hands
- Not too skimpy (I’ve still got some post-baby jiggle to conceal)
- Reasonably priced
Besides jeans, I’m not sure there’s anything more traumatizing to one’s self esteem than shopping for a bathing suit. I tried on countless swimsuits at a local department store, only to leave empty handed and depressed. In a sea of one-pieces, bikinis and tankinis, I couldn’t find any that met my requirements.
And I’m honestly not sure which experience was worse–viewing my reflection in the dressing room mirror or realizing that the average price of a swimsuit was $115. Ugh. Maybe I should be feeling thankful rather than disheartened that nothing I tried on fit properly.
So I took my search to the internet. Specifically, to J. Crew. (Did you know that they’re no longer selling swimwear in their brick-and-mortar stores?) I found a handful of mom-approved swimsuits that seem to meet my criteria. My only problem is that I have no idea what size I wear in J. Crew one-pieces and bikinis, so I have to order each in two different sizes. Luckily, J. Crew is offering free shipping and free returns on all swim styles all summer!
These are a couple of my faves (clockwise): Polka-dot ruched underwire tank // Caspian paisley bandeau tank // Liberty underwire top // Antique paisley triangle top
