For most women, swimsuit shopping is an agonizing, frustrating experience. Typically, the lighting in the dressing room flatters no one, and baring so much skin in front of a full-length mirror is just...scary. Breast cancer survivors face even greater challenges when looking for the proper fit. A suit that is both comfortable and flattering can be especially hard to find for women who've had surgery. Have no fear. Help is here—and it comes in many shapes and sizes.

Manufacturers including Amoena are paying attention to the unique needs of survivors. There are several suits cut high under the arms or at the neckline to hide scars. All of our Amoena Swim styles are pocketed to fit a breast prosthesis. Thankfully, with today’s improved offerings you can focus on finding a suit that is right for your body and most likely it also will accommodate your post-surgery needs.

The Amoena Swimwear Collections offer a colorful variety of one-piece, two-piece and swimdress styles to flatter every body type. Each suit also features pockets that hold a breast form securely in place. Follow these tips to find just the right suit for your body this summer:

• Short torso: If your body is short in proportion to your legs, you will want a swimsuit that emphasizes your upper body. Try a halter-top paired with bikini bottoms that sit low on the hips.
• Long torso: Go for a one-piece swimsuit or bikini with high-cut legs to make your legs look longer.
• Pear shape: Try pairing an eye-catching printed top with modest bottoms in a solid, dark color. A non-skimpy bottom piece will make your bottom look smaller and shapelier. The combined look will draw attention toward your most appealing features. Try a side shirred tank or sarong style in aqua or berry.
• Plus size: For an overall minimizing effect, look for swimsuits in darker colors, but black isn’t your only option. Deep reds and blues will have the same effect and are a bit more fun for summer. Women with darker skin can sport bright colors. Don't be afraid of patterns, either. For example, a (small) two-color floral pattern can be a better option than a solid because it diverts attention from the body. To accentuate curves in a one-piece, look for a fitted swimsuit with a defined waist and a high percentage of Lycra/spandex. A high-cut leg will also slim your legs and hips.
• Round Tummy: Choose a tankini or one-piece with a thick band that emphasizes your waist, with pleating going down from it to the hips. Another great way to make your stomach look smaller is to wear bottoms in a bright color with a top that starts at the same bright color and fades into a darker shade at the stomach. Many women love the fit of Amoena’s Tampa tank and tankini set (shown above), which comes in berry and black, and has figure-slimming shirring (gathers) in the front.

Amoena also recently launched a new and improved swimform, featuring raised waves on the back to allow air and water to flow through, reducing the amount of suction. It offers improved performance in and out of the water—and you don’t have to worry about embarrassing suction noises. As a bonus, it’s packaged with a waterproof drawstring bag that can also hold a swimsuit.

There is no sure-fire way to rid yourself of the dread that comes with putting on your swimsuit for the first time in the summer and stepping out into public. However, if you follow these tips to find the right suit for your body type, you may have more confidence walking on the beach or up to the pool.

There may even be a bit of a spring in your step.

To view all of Amoena’s available swimwear styles, visit www.amoena.com/swim