We've all been through it. You head to your local mall or department store and try on suit after suit

yet none of the ones you've tried are "the one". It can be tiring and frustrating.

I've found that shopping for a suit online can be much easier and less stressful that going out from

store to store looking for suits. It may seem harder in theory, but in the long run it's not as hard as you

think.

Auction sites like Ebay, Overstock and others are okay to shop for a suit as long as you know

what you could be getting into. Without checking into the sellers feedback could have you encountering

more expenses in the long run.

I've encountered people selling used swimsuits as new, damaged items, suits measured wrong by the seller

and other issues. Getting a refund or exchange from these people can be next to impossible. I prefer to

shop websites that are more permanent and have a good customer service reputation.If you should choose

to buy from an auction site, make sure the seller has excellent "seller" feedback (high numbers over 50 as

a seller not just as a buyer) and has been around for a while selling.

Watchout for the shipping costs. What you think is a great price for a suit could wind up costing you much

more as soon as the shipping charges are added.

To avoid final value fees (the percentage that sellers pay Ebay based on the items final dollar amount) sellers

will often offer a very low price but then recover their money by charging the cost of the item you won for shipping.

(IE. I won a pair of sunglasses on an auction site at $1.99 but the shipping cost was $12.95. I saved nothing!)

Make sure you accurately measure yourself get bust waist and hip measurements. Also find out what colors

are for you. Once you know your measurements and the colors you want you're well on your way to the perfect

suit.

Before you buy, try these few pointers. You can look great on the beach no matter what size or

shape you are.

Bottom Heavy

Suits with skirts aren't as "matronly" as they were in the days past. You can find some really cute

skirted swimsuits that will hide flaws and accent what you want to show. Try to find suits that have

patterns or designs toward the top of the suit. It draws attention away from the bottom. Straight

necklines will give a balance to your appearance.

Wide Midsection

These days if you look around, you'll see that more and more women with small to large pot bellies

are wearing bikini's to the beach. For some, they can do this for without being self concious, but

for a lot of us, we want to cover it up and accent the area to slim it down.

I always thought wearing a belt would make me look wider. Boy was I wrong! A belted suit will actually

cinch the area and give the appearance of a more "hour glass" shape.

Solid colors have the best slimming effect. Avoid patterns and prints.

Small Bust

Try padded or close together cups to enhance the bustline. Shorter straps are good to give the bustline a lift

Patterns also tend to make the area look fuller as well.

Large Bust

High straight bustlines will help conceal and make you look more proportioned. Larger straps will offer more

support and keep you from bulging out on the sides. Bikini's or even tankini's are great because they offer more

support where needed.

Short Legs

Try to buy a suit with a higher cut. This will make your legs appear to be longer.