There are some items—as you all well know—where I will advocate just going As Cheap As Possible. There are notable exceptions to this directive.
Why, here’s an exception right now: Don’t buy a cheap swimsuit. Cheap swimsuits pill, stretch, fade, and fall apart. And most of us are neurotic enough about donning a figure-baring item of clothing, in public, that the last thing we need is a pitiful excuse for a swimsuit making us even more self-conscious.
Why not check out a SwimFinity suit from Lands’ End? There’s an assortment of great styles to choose from in the “Not Quite Perfect” section, right now.
Don’t buy a cheap swimsuit. Buy an expensive swimsuit, cheap.
I love, love, love their virtual model!
What a great sale! I bought a suit at the LL Bean Factory Store, and I am disappointed that after about 2 months of use the lining has totally thinned out in a spot. I am going to try to return it because everyone keeps saying great things about their return policy. I’m hoping it is, outlet store or not.
This is my first summer with a new suit in too many years to count, I love my Land’s End suit, super comfortable and I have been able to keep up with the kids all summer at the waterpark!
my favorite place to shop for suits is http://www.swimsuitsforall.com I’ve bought several suits there for myself and my kids and had great luck with all of them.
Anne: I have heard from multiple folks that swimsuitsforall.com has pretty lousy customer service. So if you get the right suit the first time, great! If not, well, you may be on your own. (Not saying you shouldn’t shop there, just highlighting that part of the reason I’ll recommend a place like Lands’ End is because their customer service is impeccable, and they will right any problem with minimal fuss.)
the Lands End suits have stood up really well to 3-4 years of use, too. We’ve handed them down within the family (I have 3 girls). We live near the ocean and use pools, so we get at least one day/week’s use out of them.
I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price, though – usually I get things from LE Overstocks. And as a bonus, if you get a Tankini for the kids, it can last one more season than a one-piece, yet it is still modest enough for my tastes.
Mir, you totally rock! That’s an awesome price for a LE suit. 😀
I love their ‘tugless tank.’ Mostly because they have told the truth in their advertising. I frequently have awesome wedgies in my swimsuits, but have remained dignified (although fat — LE hasn’t offered to do anything about that) in my suit.