How to Adjust to Wearing a Bathing Suit (for Tomboys)

Co-authored by Hannah Park

Last Updated: December 29, 2021 References

If you're a tomboy, you might be turned off by the idea of revealing or restricting swimsuits. Shopping for swimsuits may seem overwhelming because you don't know what type of suit to get or how to feel right wearing it in front of people. To make wearing swimsuits a little more comfortable and a more positive experience, spend a little time choosing the right suit for your body and personality, and then try out some confidence-boosting tricks.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Finding the Right Swimsuit

1
Explore the internet or local shops for ideas. There are many different variations of swimsuits out there, so the first thing you should do is just look around at Pinterest or fashion blogs and see what is available. This will help you gain a little direction before going shopping so you aren't overwhelmed with choices.^{[1]
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- Search phrases like “conservative swimsuits” or “modest swimwear” and you'll find suits that offer a little more coverage than a traditional bikini.
- There are three basic forms of swimsuits that you will find in most stores: a two-piece bikini; a one-piece suit; and a tankini (which is a tank top or camisole and bikini bottoms or shorts). Within those three categories, there are unlimited possibilities for variations.
- You can also find swimsuits that offer more coverage from speciality stores. Sporting goods store sell variations of wetsuits that will offer quite a bit of coverage. Additionally, you can check Islamic clothing stores and websites for modest swimwear that is a lot like a wetsuit in terms of coverage and material.
2
Assess your style and personality to determine what is right for you. To be comfortable in a swimsuit, as with any article of clothing, it needs to fit your style and personality.^{[2]
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Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.} Think about what colors you'd like, how much skin you're willing to show, and what kinds of activities you'd like to do in the swimsuit.^{[3]
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- If you need a swimsuit because you are going to be engaging in watersports, you'll want to have something with more coverage to protect you from bumps and bruises. If you are just going to relax on the beach or go to a pool party, you can wear anything that makes you feel good.
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3
Choose fabrics and cuts that aren't too revealing. To avoid feeling self-conscious in your suit, avoid tops that are cut very low or that reveal a lot of skin. Also, you want to be careful about choosing white fabric if you are going to get wet because it can become see-through.^{[4]
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- To test a swimsuit fabric to see if it's too see-through, put your hand on the inside, stretch it out a little, and hold it up towards the lights. If you can see your hand clearly, the fabric is probably too thin for you to be comfortable and will likely become more transparent in the water and sun.^{[5]
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- There are also gender-neutral swimsuits that provide good coverage and look great. Check out brands like Hirsute and Outplay that specialize in these types of suits.^{[6]
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4
Highlight the features of your body that you really like. Pick your favorite body part and play it up with a swimsuit that shows it off.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.} If you have great arms and shoulders, go strapless or choose an off-shoulder design. If you want to show off your waist, choose a belted one-piece suit that will draw everyone's eyes to your midsection.^{[8]
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- If you have certain features that you are not comfortable with—the size of your chest or backside, for example—choose a suit that covers up those areas and instead draws people's attention to another part that you do love.^{[9]
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  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- There are suits that have padding in the bottoms and the top that give the illusion of a fuller backside or fuller chest, if this is something that concerns you.^{[10]
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5
Try different styles until you find the one that makes you feel the best. You may not ever feel totally comfortable as you try on suits in the store, but you should keep trying on different styles until you find one that makes you feel better than the others. Try many types of suits in various colors and cuts.^{[11]
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- It's best to buy swimwear from a store so that you can try it on. You never know what the fit will be like if you buy it online, although if you pay next-to-nothing for an eBay sale, it could be worth the risk.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Feeling Confident

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Get a tan to mask blemishes and bodily imperfections. A subtle tan can make you feel better about the way your body looks in a swimsuit. To avoid harmful UV rays, a tanning lotion or all-over spray tan are great options.^{[12]
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- Keep in mind what parts of your body will be showing and be sure to try to tan all of your exposed areas evenly. If you don't, you may feel self-conscious about tan lines or missed spots.
2
Cover up with a sarong, swimsuit cover, or oversized shirt. There are so many products available that you can wear over a swimsuit to provide some extra coverage and confidence. You can choose a sarong or cover-up that is made for covering swimsuits or just wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts from your closet.^{[13]
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- Some swimming pools have rules about wearing shirts in the pool because loose fabric can be dangerous while swimming. If the place you want to swim doesn't allow t-shirts, you can opt for a rashguard top. These are full-coverage, snug-fitting swimming tops.
- You can try a tank top and board shorts over a suit to make you feel a little less on display.^{[14]
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3
Practice wearing the suit around the house to get comfortable. Wear your swimsuit around the house while you do everyday activities like the laundry or watch TV. This will help you get comfortable wearing it so that when you have it on in front of others, it feels more natural.^{[15]
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- Be careful what you do in your swimsuit around the house. Avoid cooking or anything that could cause burns or injury.
4
Distract yourself so you don't worry about the people around you. No matter what you are doing in your swimsuit—tanning, watersports, swimming—avoid looking at other people and comparing yourself to them or worrying about what they think of you. Everyone's bodies are different and comparing yourself to others or obsessing if they are doing the same will ruin your fun.^{[16]
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- To distract yourself, read a good book or really focus on the sports or activities you are doing. Put your anxieties in the back of your mind.
5
Hang out with people that make you feel good about yourself. Surround yourself with good friends or your family. Be with the types of people who you don't think would judge you and you'll find that it's easy to forget about what you're wearing and just enjoy the day.^{[17]
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Forget about being perfect and try to have fun. If you asked other girls how they feel about wearing a swimsuit, you'd likely hear that everyone has some issues with their bodies or how their suits fit. Knowing that, just try to forget about what people might think or how you look and go have fun swimming, waterskiing, or relaxing on the beach.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Which type of swimsuit is most flattering for many women?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

The swimsuits with a high waisted bottom are most flattering for many women. They accentuate the tiniest part of your waist and slim your stomach down.
Question

What sort of swimsuit is suitable for those with a smaller chest?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Those who have a smaller chest can wear off-shoulder kind of muscly tops. They make the breasts look large.
Question

What if I am 10 and want to be a tomboy?

Community Answer

Go ahead! If you want to be a tomboy, you are more than welcome.