Positive Reminders for Swimsuit Shopping this Season

So none of us have read a calendar and been aware of what month, day of the week, or even what hour it is since March, right? I feel like I just struggled my way through the most bizarre swimsuit season of all time, and I'm already seeing them go on sale at aerie. What is happening?

The number of posts I see about swimsuit shopping around this time every year is intoxicating. It's time to work on my bikini body? I'm lucky my body is able to get out of bed every morning. Now I have to hyper-fixate on this, too?

Let's get real- we've been through enough this year. Between financial hardships, disappointment, social isolation, lost plans...and for too many of us, lost health and lost life due to the pandemic...our mental health is quite iffy these days. And now we're going to fall prey to the toxic diet culture that comes along with swimsuit season?

I don't know a single person that's excited to put on a bikini. Sure, they might be comfortable enough in their own skin to try them on for a vlog, but there's always this look on their eyes that tells me there's more behind it. I've seen the most confident girls get just as worked up about beachwear as I do, because there's always somebody that we think looks "better" in a bikini than us. I can buy the cutest top in the store and be excited for a day out in the sun, but as soon as I sit on the sand and pull my phone out, I feel inferior to the girl that just posted on Instagram.

This year, I want to stop spiraling before I even start. I want to get excited about summer, especially considering being outdoors as much as possible is probably going to the safest option for us again this year. Even if I'll only be able to tan in my mom's backyard, I'll still need something to wear!

Here are some of the things I am going to remind myself to help stay in a positive mindset while swimsuit shopping this season...

Get a swimsuit that will serve its purpose

Is the purpose of swimwear just to show off my body? Sure, that might be fun, but I also really need it for tanning, too. I'm pretty picky about tan lines, so I'm always searching for the least intricate straps. I usually opt for a bandeau style. We also can't forget the "swim" part of swimwear, either! If you're an avid swimmer, make sure you get something that will stay in place whether you're out in the ocean of chillin' in the hot tub.

Remember its purpose if you get discouraged, too. Swimsuits might seem like the bane of my existence, but I'm excited for the things I get to do in them this summer.

Know there is a swimsuit for you out there- maybe you just haven't found it yet

Over the past few years, I've noticed a wider variety of bathing suit styles available at mainstream stores. Gone are the sunny days of 2013 when those neon color blocked tops were all the rage. Just going through the American Eagle app, I'm seeing everything from high waisted bottoms to adorable one pieces! We all have different bodies, and it may feel like the fashion industry is against us, but take a deep breath and remember if one style doesn't work out, there are many more to try.

And remember- it's the swimsuit, not your body.

The size is irrelevant

We've all seen those TikToks about how messed up clothing sizes are, right? A 14 at Old Navy might be three times bigger than a size 14 at American Eagle. Be kind to yourself and find the size that you feel comfortable in and flatters your body. And don't pull the "it'll fit by the summer" nonsense. The body you're in now deserves a comfy and cute swimsuit, too!

You can always return it

If you're like me, you're sticking to online shopping because of this pandemic. Even if you've been to a store this year, it's probably been hard to find one with an opening dressing room. As necessary as they are, these precautions might make swimsuit season more stressful. Online shopping is a safe alternative, but it can be disappointing when your package finally arrives and it's not what you hoped for. Keep the tags on, pack it up, and get your money back if you don't love it. Some things just don't work out- and that's okay!

It's not fair to compare

I get so easily discouraged when I see a friend, a celebrity, a model, an influencer rocking a swimsuit that just won't do it for me. It's always worth trying on and giving it a shot, but it's not fair to try and compare yourself to the girl that pops up on your feed. I know I sound like every other positive thinker out there, but you are perfect exactly as you are. Your body is valid, and your worth is determined by so much more than your appearance.

It's okay to take a break

If swimsuit shopping is taking a negative toll on your mental health, take a break. Stores often put out a second wave of their collection later into the spring, and you can always find a cute look on sale when it's closer to summer. There are other ways to get hyped for the summer; stop thinking about what you'll be wearing and start thinking about how the sunshine will make you feel.

I'm already scrolling through the aerie and Target apps endlessly, but being kind to myself in the process. How do you get into a positive mindset before shopping? What are your favorite stores?