As I look for a bath towel, I find my two-piece cherry-colored halter bathing suit from last year’s trip to Ecuador. My pleasant flashback is spoiled, however, when I begin to wonder if the suit still fits. It does…although, maybe denim shorts would be a good cover up in the back.

Unsure of what kind of bathing suit to buy for this year, I resort to my magazines. Glamour’s "That’s a Sexy Swimsuit" spread in their May 2009 issue has me considering a one-piece—especially Sylvie Cachay’s black V-neck suit labeled Syla. Then, Marie Claire’s exotic beach "Shore Thing" spread rocked pages of two-pieces. However, Teen Vogue made me not want to get a bathing suit at all! Between their "Wave Riders" and "Swim Fan" spreads, encouraging me buy several beach cover-ups and dozens of accessories (that will also be out of style by next year), it was overwhelming. My point is there was so much going on over the bathing the suit you could not even see the suit anymore.

The real dilemma for all of us is: What bathing suit will compliment our figures? Of the current suit styles, we want to know what suit won’t have us looking like a fool while we are trying to look cute (don’t lie saying you haven’t wondered the same thing). I almost wish it were 1810 again—almost. Back then, magazines called bathing suits sea-side walkers. The dress would be wool with lead sown in so no skin was revealed. Even if the skirt was to go up women wore bloomers under the skirts. Sometimes these flannel dresses even had hoods! Can you imagine?

Later, when new forms of transportation, such as railroad, became more accessible, people visited the beaches more. Thus, seaside dresses became more popular—but also a problem. Skip a few decades to the 1880’s: a new cut suit came out named the "Princess". This new style was simply a full-piece of a blouse and trousers (though still concealing much). The seaside skirts became cotton pants. In addition, the princess piece of the style was the detached skirt that came just below the knee with a button at the waist. The last thing to top your look would have been a straw hat or ruffled cap. The next decade brought black clothes with puffy sleeves and sailor collars. A woman would complement her outfit with black stockings and bloomers.

At last, at the beginning of the 1900’s, more skin was shown and women started swimming as a sport just like the men. Still, the most a non-athletic woman would do was jump up and down with a safety rope at hand. Very lady-like. Just before War World I ended, people invested more time in leisure and thus, the first "Bathing Suit Day" took place at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 1916. No too long after, the stockings were taken away just before the ‘20s—whew! Next, suits became form fitting and the one-piece came into vogue. This suit had thick shoulders and bottoms that covered just the upper thigh. Thankfully, ten years later, bathing suits started being made with breathable cotton. Although the cotton was comfortable, the suit began to gain a structure of elastic panels (over the tummy) and bra cups—also known as the "girdled swimsuit." In ’58 spandex was invented and then sold in ’62. What about the thong? The 70s, of course, along with the tan-thru bathing suits. The 80s brought on French cut swimwear: "leg openings high cut on the hips"

Yes, some could say that women’s bathing suits finally make sense. Still, with so much variety, it actually becomes more difficult to find a bathing suit showing off the best of your figure. You know those short tube tops? Hate those! Why were they made? Those tops either have girls with perky boobs look smaller and squished or it makes the woman with fuller bust ook droopy! And the metallic full pieces? You could either blind people or look like a very shiny apple. What about those tiny sting bikinis that barely cover you butt? Please be careful with those and don’t be surprised if your sunscreen stays on longer than your top.

Now what works? First, the key to wearing a bathing suit: just like when you wear everyday clothing, walk with that confidence! You don’t have to be arrogant but when you come off meek and slouching, how are you going to look awesome in that bathing suit if you don’t feel it?

Second, you may not believe me but sometimes when your bathing suit has more coverage you can end up looking sexier. A nice halter top can flatter you more than a dental floss triangle top. Once again, it all depends on what’s right for your body.