How to find the right suit -- and make swimsuit shopping fun again.

Do three-way mirrors, fluorescent lights, and the thought of seeing your own pasty skin squeezed into a form-fitting garment usually scare you right out of shopping for a swimsuit? Well, it's time to face your fears. This year, instead of avoiding the dreaded bathing suit try-on, try these tricks to make it more painless:

Prep a day in advance. The day before you plan to shop, avoid salt and lots of starchy carbs. The former causes your body to retain water, potentially making you bloated; the latter requires water for its digestion, thereby temporarily adding a bit of water weight to your frame. And avoid shopping pre-period!

Take a trusted friend. You can make the experience a bit more fun if you have a friend to joke with along the way. What's more, she can tell you what really looks great on your body.

Don't get hung up on sizes. You may need to go up -- or down! -- a size from your regular number to get a suit that fits. Ignore the numbers and look for suits whose elastic lies flat and doesn't pull, and whose fabric skims and sleekens your body.

Pick a comfortable store. Department stores offer lots of choices, but their lighting can be harsh and they can be less than comfortable for baring all. Check out stores that sell only swimwear; chances are, their salespeople will make you feel more comfortable.

Enlist a salesperson's help. Particularly in specialty stores, salespeople can size you up and know what styles might look good on your body. Ask for advice before you step into the dressing room.

Assess all angles. A suit that looks great from the front may bag or pull in back. Make sure you check a three-way mirror before making a final decision.

Don't be fooled by plain black tanks. Many women think the less adorned and the darker the color of a bathing suit, the better. But that's not always so. In fact, plain black tanks can make you look bigger than you really are! Details like shirring, halter necklines, and side-ties can be more slimming than a plain tank; and colors and tiny prints are surprisingly flattering on most figures.

Work with your body. There are a few "rules" when it comes to which shapes work on different figures:

• For a large bust: Try an athletic-inspired suit, or one that has a not-too-low scoop neck in front. Look for suits with built-in bras for support.
• For a small bust: Try a suit with details or patterns on top, which make small busts look fuller.
• For a rounded stomach: Try a suit with details at the waist or down the sides, to take the emphasis off your belly.
• For a full derriere: Try a suit with leg holes that are cut a bit higher than you might think. This elongates the leg, drawing the eye away from your butt.
• For ample hips: Try a tie bikini, which you can adjust to work perfectly, or a tankini, the pieces of which you can buy separately for the right fit.

Above all, relax. Swimsuits should conjure up thoughts of relaxation on the beach or by the lake, warm summer sun, and a sense of happiness. Why shift the focus off these pleasant images by obsessing about what you see in the mirror? Chances are, you're the only one zeroing in on the "flaws" your swimsuit reveals!