Ah, yes, the BSSS trauma made worse by the fact that you've tried to avoid the issue for 15 years. I was in a similar situation last year when I thought I'd better try on my 20 year-old suit before tossing it into my suitcase (can you tell that beach vacations do not figure highly in our travel plans?)
I'll spare you the gory details, but, needless to say, that suit got tossed into the garbage instead of the suitcase. BUT, I do have a couple of suggestions if you are over 30 and not inclined to favor bikinis to show off your hot bod--my body is not bad for a 60+ woman, but I'm not quite Sports Illustrated material either.
First, find a shop that specializes in swimwear, preferably run by an older, European woman. The suit might be more expensive than what you'll pay in a department store, but you'll be able to walk on the beach without a blanket wrapped around you in the hot sun. I found my boutique by searching on the Internet.
My second tip, talk to the staff and ask for recommendations. My original plan was for a plain, one-piece, but the woman talked me into trying on tankinis which actually worked much better for my shape. Then try on every suit that they have in the store. Move in the suit, wiggle around, and do whatever you do when you are on the beach. Take your time, and don't settle. If you are afraid to leave the dressing room, the suit probably isn't right for you.
Last, keep a sense of humor about the whole thing. You'll see some strange sights in the mirror, but remember that it's the suit, not your body, that is the problem. You are gorgeous, and the suit needs to live up to you, not vice versa. Good luck, and I did find a suit--well, actually three bottoms and two tops, plus a matching cover-up, so now I have a bathing suit capsule!
