Last summer, my family and I visited Ocean City, MD for a week (above), and I couldn’t get over how many girls my age were wearing bikinis and not one-pieces. Today I finally moved all of my belongings back into my parents house for the summer after being away at college for a year, and while I was unpacking all of my bathing suits, I decided that I’m really getting tired of all the skinny strings, strapless bandeaus, tiny triangles and minuscule bottoms designers are expecting us to sunbathe in.

 

Granted, the more skin that’s exposed, the less tan lines, but I doubt I’m the only one frustrated when the waves swallow up my swimsuit and leave me naked on the shore.

There’s this stigma associated with one-piece bathing suits that I just don’t understand. I don’t see anything wrong with full coverage. For one, I don’t have to use as much sunscreen on the unexposed areas, and two, I am guaranteed to not be naked when I swim in the ocean. I’ve lived about ten minutes (30 with tourist traffic) away from Seaside Heights, NJ most of my life and have grown up with sand between my toes, hair dancing in the salty breeze and skin fried to a crisp more often than not.

The last time I remember wearing a one-piece was when I was a child, but I’m not sure why I haven’t worn one since. Since all of my friends were shopping for bikinis in junior high, I did too. Whether it was peer influence or personal taste, I really could not tell you.  

When on the prowl for swimsuits this season, I’m definitely going to consider ditching my polka dot bikini and opting for more full coverage. I’m so in love with all of the retro looks out there, most likely due to my old-fashioned sense of style. To me, nothing screams feminine like a pin up girl-esque suit that not only keeps the “girls” in place but makes me feel beautiful while enjoying the summer.

The patriotic swimsuits are my favorite!

Do you wear a bikini, a one-piece, or something else entirely?

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7