  Michelle is a perfect 10 in a two-piece from the Maïa collection by Maillot Baltex. Available at The Bay, Bikini Village and Sports Experts. Top with butterfly applique priced approx. $44; bottom approx. $36. (Alex Urosevic, Sun Media)
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The whole "trying on" swimsuits process is a torturous task that goes from having to dive into dozens of ill-fitting suits to experiencing the mental anguish of sharing a communal changeroom mirror with swarms of slim, young things prancing around in their itsy-bitsy bikinis.
Sometimes it's easier to start looking early. If you are determined to wear a bathing suit this summer, there are less stressful ways to find a suit that's right for you.
Start with a little background info.
Know your body and know what looks good on it -- one-piece, two-piece, tankini, monokini, teenie-weenie bikini.
If you're stumped from the start, either get help from knowledgeable staff in a specialty swim boutique or research a few tricks of the trade to maximize your attributes and minimize your figure faults.
Jamieson Laboratories recently introduced a crash-course on finding the perfect bathing suit that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
The Online Swimsuit Guide (slimdown.ca) coincides with the natural health-care company's new weight loss program using PhosphoLean complex. Whether you try the diet or not, the Swimsuit Guide is worth checking out.
Swimsuit trends:
• One-piece suits with plunging necklines.
• The monokini -- looks like a two-piece from behind but is a one-piece at the front with connecting fabric or hip hardware.
• Natural trims: Mother-of-pearl buckles, wood beads and rings, seashells, raffia.
• Crochet and embroidery.
• The tankini is especially loved by yummy mummies who still want to look sexy but covered.
• White is hot, and graphic black one-pieces bring Bardot glamour back to the beach.
• Perennial prints: Animal, snake, tropical florals.
Fit tips
• Take advantage of suit-savvy staff in specialty swimwear shops. They can save you time, sweat and stress by matching your body to their brands quickly and efficiently.
• If your top and bottom are different sizes, buy swimwear separates. Who has to know?
• A swimsuit should stay in place with every move you make and provide good coverage without riding, pulling or sagging. Simulate swim, surf and beach volleyball moves to check the fit.
• If you find the perfect suit, buy it in different colours to expand your wardrobe options.
• Inner bras will lift the breasts and build confidence from the inside out.
• Serious stretch fabrics smooth body bulges but watch out for fallout -- you may need to go up a size.
• Invest in a swimsuit coverup for those more modest moments and to also avoid overexposure to the sun. "This season, long flowing caftans, mid-length tunics and peasant shirts update classic sarongs," says Caroline Accardi.
