If you asked women to write down their most loathsome experiences, chances are swimsuit shopping would be at the top of the list (right ahead of bikini waxes and root canals). You’re forced to look at your naked body that was hiding under coats and stockings all winter, plus, who likes to put on a swimsuit knowing someone else has tried it on first? Ew. This season, before you head off to the stores, read this swimsuit shopping guide first. It will help you find the right suit for your body type, as well as provide some tips to feel great about yourself as you enter that dreaded dressing room.

Avoid any suit made of cotton. Cotton loses its shape, fades quickly and takes forever to dry. Polyester won’t last very long either. We like a 20/80 Lycra-nylon blend best.

Wear your tiniest undies when shopping to get the most realistic idea of what the bathing suit will look like.

Twist, turn, stretch, bend and squat in the changing room to make sure you’ve got the right fit. A well-fitting suit will shift only slightly.

Bathing suits usually fit small, so you’ll likely need to go one or two sizes larger than what you wear in regular clothes. No need to panic!