Shopping for swimwear can be stressful. Unwrapping yourself from jumpers and jeans in harshly-lit changing rooms is daunting enough, and that's before wriggling into 20 different types of swimwear to find the one that suits you. But buying a bikini doesn't have to be a battle - from shopping online to not comparing yourself to swimwear models, here are 9 tips for tacking swimwear shopping without the stress.
1. Ignore the label
Remember, the size on the label is just a number. What passes for a size 16 in one shop would barely fit your thigh while a size 10 in another might bag at the chest - don't get hung up on the size and think more about whether each piece fits properly. Try on multiple swimsuits until you find the right one for you.
2. Wear a simple outfit
Ditch layers of complicated clothing and lace-up shoes for one or two simple pieces when you go shopping. Chances are you'll have to shop in multiple stores before you land on the right bikini, tankini or swimsuit, so wear an outfit that you can easily strip off without fuss or hot sweats in tiny, overheated changing rooms.
3. Know what works for you
To quickly filter out swimwear you know won't make it into your suitcase, know what cuts and shapes work for you and will make you feel fabulous on the beach.
Curvy: For gorgeous hourglass bodies, colourful swimsuits and retro styles highlight curves while still providing the right support. This floral swimsuit comes with fixed foam cups and is available up to size 32. Swimsuit, £45, JD Williams
Small boobs: Those with smaller chests can get away with slighty more risqué cuts. Try triangle bikini tops or strapless styles with fun added ruffles or, if you fancy it, a little padding, like this leopard print bikini with contrast trim. Bikini, £35, JD Williams
Athletic: Athletic figures can add shape to their frame by opting for added detail on their swimwear, like embellishment, ruffles and side-ties on smaller bikini bottoms. The panelling and strap detail on this palm spring swimsuit is perfect for showing off athletic frames too. Swimsuit, £48, JD Williams
Big bum: If you have a big bum you want to balance out, try solid-colour and a high cut on your bottom half, whether that's a mismatched bikini or this mono swimsuit. Swimsuit, £45, JD Williams
Big boobs: Those with a bigger bust should look for underwiring and chest support in their swimwear. Thicker straps feel more comfortable while moulded cups adds extra reinforcement. Mismatch a block colour halterneck bikini top with printed bottoms to balance your shape. Bikini top, £26, and fold over briefs, £19, JD Williams
4. Don't shop in peak times
Hunting out the last size 14 on a Saturday afternoon in sale season is not the best time to shop for swimwear. Head out as soon as stores open to make the most of fully-stocked shelves and available sales assistants, after scouting the internet for styles you'd like to try the night before.
5. Feel good about yourself
Do you feel a bit bloated or have tired skin after a long week? We all have those days, but now might not be the time to shop for swimwear. Before hitting the shops, fake tan, style your hair or paint your toenails - whatever makes you feel great - for a pre-shopping confidence boost.
Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Coral Dahlia, £18; Utan Nourishing Night Creme, £25; Chanel Allure Femme EDT, £84 for 50ml; OPI Nail Lacquer in Living On The Bula-Vard!, £13, all JD Williams
6. Shop online
If your credit card can handle it, order multiple sizes of various swimwear sets to your doorstep then try everything on in the comfort of your own home. Strip off without fear of being walked in on, then simply send back what doesn't work for you. Try JD Williams for a huge range of swimwear and accessories.
7. Don't rush it
Finding the right bikini for you can take time, so don't leave it until the night before or panic shop at the airport. Plan ahead and make enough time to order and try on different styles to land on the one you love.
8. Don't compare yourself to anyone else
Nobody looks like a swimsuit model in real life, not even the models themselves, so try not to compare your reflection to theirs. Your friends will have their own body hang-ups, so remember that before you envy their taut stomachs and long limbs on holiday.
9. Accessorise your beach look
If shopping for swimwear is getting you down, take a break and have fun shopping for beach accessories instead, like some cool flats, a floppy straw hat (embroidered, if you can), oversized sunglasses and a beach bag for your latest page-turner and sun cream.
Straw beach hat, £15; Natalia cat's eye sunglasses, £24; Brakeburn strap sandals, £32; Pia Rossini tote bag, £42, all JD Williams
Don't let swimwear stress you out - shop online at JD Williams for the best styles to show off your shape
Illustrations by Gill Wright, Folioart.co.uk