Swimsuit shopping, uggh!!

Well, I supposed it’s about that time. Gosh, what’s it been? Probably looking at around 5 or 6 years since I last bought a swimsuit. That’s an awfully long time when you think about it. However, how often do I get in the water now that the kids are older? MAYBE a couple times a year at most. The one I have still looks new, covers all the major areas and still fits so why buy a new one? Least that’s been my thinking the last few years.

But gosh darn, we’re going on a trip where there are going to be beaches and I can’t wear the same dang swimsuit every day so now I feel forced to get a new one, maybe two and let me tell ya, swimsuit shopping is NOT easy at my age. I remember in college or even as a young mom just walking into Target and picking out a few cute bikinis, making sure they fit and voila, heading out the door. Done! Every style pretty much worked and I basically knew my size and it was as easy as picking out some socks.

Sigh....not anymore. These days, it’s like, should I stick with the tankini idea, or wear a swim skirt and top, or maybe some swim shorts and a swim shirt? I don’t know. I don’t wanna look like an 85-year-old but I also don’t want to look like I’m trying to be a 20-year-old either. I want “stuff” covered and I promise you, I am NOT gonna spend all day sucking my gut in. I want comfy and cute and appropriate. Oh, and maybe somewhat cool, too! Sound good?

I finally had the nerve to look online to see what all is out there these days since it seems like a decade has passed since I bought the one I have. Not a whole lot different I guess. A few more ruffles offered than I would ever prefer and several sheer options that aren’t my cup of tea, but I did see some long, board shorts that I actually loved. However, most of what I saw was basically the same ol’ styles. The only thing that is totally different is the price. $60 for the top and another $50 for the bottoms? Yikes! Of course, those prices are for the older “mom” suits not the cheapy, little bikinis the young women buy. And since I definitely fall into the older “mom” category, I guess I’ll be forking over the big bucks for the suit that covers most of me.

Now the real question is, do I go for the long, board shorts (which I assume are for surfers but could really achieve all that I’m looking for but would not include surfing) or do I go for the skirt and tank top style like I already have? Whatever I decide to do, I need to get it done and make it a good one. This suit will have to last me another 7 years if my swimsuit buying pattern continues. Guess we’ll see what happens!