Seek out the pros. Choose a store where you can expect good customer service. A knowledgeable salesperson “can really help” when you’re trying to find a style of suit that flatters your body type.
Experiment. “You might not be able to tell what will work on you until you put it on,” so try on different prints, colors, and cuts. Never go by the sizes on the labels because they vary widely. A well-sized suit should “fit like a glove.“ It should be “comfortable both lengthwise and around,” with no bagging or straining.
Check for quality. Test fabric quality by stretching it in all directions and making sure it recovers well and doesn’t crack at the seams. Fabric brand names to look for include Xtra Life Lycra and Sensitive. The first resists deterioration from suntan lotion; the latter is chlorine-resistant.
Source: Washingtonian