Team one piece here. I had donned a retro style bikini a few years ago but now am back to wearing a one pieces because I just feel more comfortable covered up.

Well, I just bought a bikini this morning! There is a very slight chance I might need one for my trip next week (probably too cold still but just in case). so I picked up a cheap one from H&M - link below, for the bottom I just got a plain black hipster. I got the grey but am considering ordering the black instead (they did not have any other colors but grey in the store). The grey is more interesting but looks slightly underwearish to me.

http://www.hm.com/us/product/0.....le=06222-E

citygirldc - I applaud you for trying a different style. That literally takes guts. But I think it takes even more strength to say, no this is no me and go back to an original choice.
Diana - great suit!! Always good to be prepared. It would be ashame if they had a pool and you could not use it. I have to say though, that's the Herve Leger of swim suit tops!! Ooooolala!! Stunning!

Runcarla - you look great!

I am team bikini all the way. As a member of the big booty club, I definitely need a two piece suit. Also, my hips are relatively narrow in proportion to my booty so I find that string bikini bottoms fit me the best because I can adjust the fit. Non-string bottoms are too wide in width and shallow in volume (for the bootay...lol) so they will droop in front and wedge in back. Definitely not a good look.

I am a proud card carrying member of Team Thick Chick. There is nothing gamine or skinny about me. My butt is big. My breasts are full. My mid-section is a little soft, and my waist is relatively small. But you can't tell me nothing when I put on my swimsuit. I like what I see in the mirror and don't have a problem rocking my two piece suits. I've turned a head or two poolside...despite these "imperfections" Lol

*cues my theme music: "Brickhouse" by the Commodores*

All jokes aside, being comfortable in my own skin is what I strive for. I focus on and embrace my strengths and the things I love about my body. It makes getting dressed and shopping in general so much easier.

poirot0153 - wow, wow, wow, I do admire your confidence!! Pareo anyone?!! I think that is so awesome!! I wish we could bottle your attitude and give a vial to every person on the planet!! Being comfortable in your own skin is what it's all about. You go forth and rock that bikini, confident girl!! We will be applauding form the chaise lounge draped in our towels and wishing we were just like you!!

I'm on team tankini ... I like the flexibility of sizing that comes with two pieces, but I also like being covered up. It's not a body-image thing for me wanting to stay covered; I just prefer it (for myself).

I love the different opinions and styles on here though, and think everyone should rock the style that make them feel great

torontogirl - wise girl!! That great thing is that there is a style for everyone!! I like to be covered too, a lot is to limit sun but I prefer my middle covered. But I love that so many are confident and happy in their two pieces. So many great tankinis out now too!!

Pretty sure my last bikini was in ninth grade.

I can go years in between occasions of putting on a bathing suit (and I spend a fair amount of time in a waterfront community) but when I do, it's always one that covers my middle.

I don't like sun exposure and especially with age, I've come to appreciate the pristine condition of the skin that never sees the light of day.

Plus I have kind of an unfortunately-placed C section scar that is in and of itself not unsightly but that creates odd bulgy terrain on an otherwise flat surface.

April brings up a point that will be interesting for me the next time I put on one of my bikinis. Since I last wore one, I had abdominal surgery last year -- it was laparoscopic, so I just have two small one-inch scars on either side of my abdomen, but my skin is so fair I doubt they'll ever fade to invisibility. Between that and a slight softening of my midsection (probably related to hormonal changes), I am hoping I don't feel too self-conscious next time I try to don a bikini! Sigh. In some ways, getting older is not fun. Especially since, in my mind, I'm still 29!

April - battle scars. I hear you. Great door prize but, IMHO, lousy system. Too much wear and tear. Nothing wrong with a great one piece or tankini or wearing said scars proudly. It's whatever makes you most comfortable. Plus I am way into sun protection. I prefer to be covered too.
Janet - I have lap gallbladder scars. The do fade to white but will be slightly visible if they are like mine. So many great suits, you might just want to try on your swim capsule and make sure you still feel great. Also a rashguard is always an addition. But life is full of reassessment. No end to that!! Hope all still feels great on!!

Team Tankini here...I love to mix and match tops and bottoms. I am busty so I often buy tops in a larger size than bottoms. The brand Coco Reef is great for me because they sell swim separates and offer a lot of bra-sized tops.
I like tops that stay put and provide a lot of support for my 36DDD's. I often pair sports tops with built-in bras with skirted tankini bottoms. Wearing unskirted bottoms requires too much extra "grooming."

If you like sporty suits, Title Nine is a great E-store to checkout. They also have a great selection of sports bras.

GM - you crack me up!! Good job getting around the "grooming" issues!! Talk about excellence in advanced planning and a bit of fabric covering a multitude of sins!! I'll check out title 9. I have the opposite problem. I need suits for tiny tops. Fewer options from my vantage point but that may be my bias!!

I ordered a bunch of stuff from Lands End, hoping some of it will work. Several types of bottoms and tops (no one piece suits) including bikini top (!) and board shorts, some rash guards and beach coverups. We're going to Hawaii this year and I know I'll be going in the water. I've never worn a rash guard but I don't really tan so I hope it'll help keep me from burning.

My usual swimsuit use does not include going in the water. I wear a tankini, nylon shorts, and tee shirt when we go canoeing. The lake is too cold to swim in (for me) except for two weeks in August.

One piece swimsuits are not an easy fit for me as I have a long torso limiting most of the styles I like. Not a big fan of swim skirts but they are easy. My preference these days are tankinis with regular bottoms that can be covered up with nylon shorts and a tank top

JAileen - I have a bunch of stuff from LE that I am waiting for. I love, love, love rashguards. I usually wear them over a one piece. This is the first time I'd try it over a tankini top. LE had a lot of cute ones, just hope they fit but the reviews were very good. Hawaii!! My favorite vacation!! Lucky girl!! You'll have an awesome time. Hope you have a fab hat to go with your new suits!
Gail - tankinis are great and it sounds like you have a great plan for coverage. I find cover ups are harder to me to find than bathing suits (so that is going a long, long way!!) I usually wear a sunprotective jacket and a pareo with hat. Okay, people point and make fun but we must SOS (save our skin!! Did anyone else actually read Dodie Smith's 101 Dalmations!!)

I agree, gryffin! Looking after your skin is so important! Skin is an amazing organ (and the largest organ of the body- interesting fact, I'm sure you'll agree).

But I also want to have a liiiiiitle bit of fun. Just recently I did find a Seafolly rashie that was a wee bit sexy; very Blue Crush (movie) and would look completely hot with tied bikini bottoms! Hey, it's a compromise......

Fuzzy - but you should be really proud of yourself. Any change, that's postive and healthy, in that right direction is a great achievement. When your skin is still bikini ready 20 yrs from now (hey but allowing yourself a little voguing with a lot of sunscreen at times - nothing wrong with that) you'll be thanking yourself that your chest does not resemble Louis Vuitton luggage!!

I sit in the 'one piece' camp. I think they're the new black - classy, sexy and subtle! I Just splurged on a new heidi klein control one piece

http://www.heidiklein.com/pers.....-one-piece