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
Ain’t No Mom Jeans just praised the one-piece. I still fear the pool, though!
Afraid to swim…or afraid to wear a bathing suit?! The baby pool is a safe place for both!
Have you checked out ModCloth? I have their “Bathing Beauty” one piece in blue velvet and it’s the most flattering suit I’ve ever seen. Too bad I never actually go swimming!
A velvet swimsuit–or is the color just called “blue velvet?” Thanks for the tip–I’ll have to check it out!
This one is actually blue velvet. Crazy, but awesome. However, they have the same suit in many different colors and normal bathing suit material.