I honestly spent years just buying black swimsuits because I thought they were the safest choice for everyone. I really believed that you couldn't go wrong with a classic dark color but then I saw a photo of myself next to a friend who was wearing this vibrant olive green and I looked like a literal ghost in comparison. It hit me that just because a color is slimming doesn't mean it is actually doing anything for your skin tone. I started playing around with different shades and realized that the right swimsuit color can basically act like a real life filter for your skin. It is not even about being tan or pale it is more about that weird undertone thing that stylists always talk about. Once I figured out which colors made me look glowy instead of tired it completely changed how I shop for vacation gear.
Figure out if you are actually warm or cool
The biggest game changer for me was realizing that my skin has a bit of a yellow undertone which means I am definitely on the warmer side. If you look at the veins on your wrist and they look more green than blue then you probably fall into this category too. For us warm girls wearing those super icy blues or pale lavenders is a total disaster because it just makes us look kind of sallow. I started leaning into earthy tones like terracotta and deep mustard or even a rich chocolate brown. These colors just melt into your skin and make you look like you have been basking in the sun for weeks even if it is only day one of your trip.
Why cool tones need that icy pop
If your skin has more of a pink or blue undertone then you are probably in the cool category and you can pull off colors that I could never touch. I have a friend who looks absolutely incredible in those bright cobalt blues and emerald greens that would make me look totally washed out. If you have that cool porcelain skin tone then you should definitely go for jewel tones or even some of those frosty pastels. Stay away from those muddy oranges or yellows though because they will just make your skin look a bit dull. A crisp white swimsuit is also a huge win for cool tones because it creates such a sharp and clean contrast that looks so expensive and high end.
The secret to making a tan really pop
Everyone wants that glowy tan look but sometimes the swimsuit color actually works against you. If you already have a bit of a tan or a naturally olive skin tone you should definitely try wearing some bright neon shades or even a really clean coral. These colors create this amazing contrast that makes your skin look about three shades darker than it actually is. I used to be scared of wearing bright pink or turquoise but they are actually the best colors for making a tan look super vibrant and healthy. It is like an instant boost of confidence the second you see yourself in the hotel mirror before heading down to the pool.
Don't be afraid of the deep neutrals
If you aren't really a fan of bright colors you can still find shades that make you look radiant without being too loud. I’ve moved away from basic black and started looking for deep charcoal grey or a really dark forest green instead. These colors still have that slimming effect that everyone loves but they have a bit more depth and soul to them. A deep burgundy is also a fantastic choice because it works on almost every single skin tone out there. It feels a lot more sophisticated and modern than just wearing a plain black suit like everyone else at the resort.
Always check the color in natural sunlight
One thing I learned the hard way is that those harsh fluorescent lights in the dressing room are total liars. A swimsuit might look okay under those buzzing lights but the second you get out into the actual sun it looks completely different. I always try to take my potential purchases over to a window or even just step outside for a second to see how the color reacts to real daylight. You want a color that makes your skin look clear and bright not something that emphasizes every little shadow or blemish. It is worth that extra minute of checking to make sure you don't end up with a color that you hate once you actually hit the sand.
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