If you ask us, summer is meant to be spent near a body of water—really, any will do. And while you're fantasizing about your next weekend trip to the lake or beach vacation, you're mentally filling up your suitcase with basically one outfit: a swimsuit and your coverup of choice. But when it comes to bathing suits, there are a few mistakes every woman should avoid no matter what. And no, it's not the baykini, we love the baykini, guys. We're talking about the fit of and the way you care for your swimsuit. So remember these no-nos before you hit the beach or pool this summer and you won't have to worry about what you're wearing while you're there. You can just focus on soaking up every last bit of sunshine.
Swimsuit Mistake #1: You're Focused on Covering Up
Have you avoided cutouts or cheeky bottoms because you're trying to cover up cellulite or—gasp—a roll? Dude, the "perfect body" is a myth and yours is gorgeous just how it is. But if you're still hung up on it, know that sometimes a skimpier suit gives you an overall slimmer look. "I used to avoid cutouts there because I have cellulite, but who cares?," model Ashley Graham told Glamour. "Companies think that bigger girls won’t buy [a string bikini] because it's skimpy. I actually prefer them because they're adjustable—I have thick thighs and hips and it keeps a suit from digging in to my hips."
Swimsuit Mistake #2: You Think One-Pieces Are Dowdy
All it takes is one look at Selena Gomez coming out of the ocean in her black maillot to know that one-piece bathings suits can be really (and we mean really) sexy. So if you want to mix up your swimwear assortment, or just step outside your comfort zone, give a one-piece a try in summer 2016.
Swimsuit Mistake #4: Your Swimsuit Is Really Uncomfortable
Is your suit digging or cutting into you? Or worse yet, does your bikini give you such little chest support that your shoulders are killing you? Guys, these are all signs that you're in the wrong swimsuit. "The most common mistake a woman makes when swimsuit shopping is not buying the right silhouette for her body type," says Michelle Copelman, design director of Solid & Striped. "Actually being able to swim in your suit is key; and jumping right in is the best way to do it. But you have to make sure you suit stays on and in place. The easiest solution for swimming is going with a one-piece style. I’d suggest sporting one with two straps, and get fun with the details with feminine tie-up straps, or crisscross cutouts. "
Swimsuit Mistake #4: You Don't Rinse Out Your Swimsuit Right After Swimming
We all know that sitting in a wet swimsuit is just plain unhealthy, but leaving your swimsuit around for hours after you swam in it is actually really bad for it. "Wash it as soon as you can after it’s been swimming in chlorine or salt water," says Lisa Moore, designer of Cover Swim. "We have found that washing it in the machine then hanging to dry works best."
For more Ashley Graham swimwear wisdom, watch this.