You’ve found the perfect-fitting suit and you want to keep it that way. How do you make sure your suit lasts when it endures more than any other garment you own? Below are 10 steps to help your new suit last for many seasons to come.

1. Before you wear your new swimsuit, rinse it in a mixture of two teaspoons of white vinegar and one quart of cold water to help slow down fading and keep bright colors vibrant longer.

2. Get your suit wet by standing under the poolside shower before you get in the pool. It will absorb less chlorine if it’s wet.

3. After you’ve enjoyed the sun, beach, or pool, you’ll want to make sure to rinse your swimsuit in fresh water right away, as the chlorine, salt water, and sand can cause damage to your suit.

An easy option is to wear your suit in the shower and rinse thoroughly. You can use liquid body wash to clean the suit. If it’s mild enough for your skin, it’s mild enough for your swimsuit. You can always hand wash your suit by using a mild liquid detergent and cool water. Let it soak for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

4. After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry on an absorbent towel, or hang dry by draping the suit over a line or towel bar. Make sure you don’t twist or pull on the fabric.

5. If your suit has sequins or any type of embellishments, use extra care when rinsing your suit.

6. Never put your swimwear in the washing machine. The agitation in a washing machine can cause problems – from the padding in the cups, to the elastic in the straps, to the seams.

7. Never put your swimsuit in the dryer. We all know the heat from the dryer wreaks havoc on delicates.

8. Try to avoid hot tubs as the heat and chlorine will wear the suit out quickly. If you plan on going in the hot tub, wear an older suit.

9. Avoid oil based suntan lotions. The oil causes harm to the elastic and can also stain some fabrics.

10. Have at least two suits, especially if you’re going on vacation and plan on wearing one every day. You should wait 24 hours for your suit to dry before wearing it again because it takes some time for the suit to get back to its normal shape. Wearing the same suit the next day will prevent the fabric from doing this. You don’t want a saggy derriere on your next outing!

By Robin Monheit

Shopping for swimwear is the ultimate showdown—you versus the pitiless three-way mirror, scary lighting, a pile of unforgiving rayon and Lycra. Robin Monheit turned to style reporter Charla Krupp, the author of How Not to Look Old, for a few survival strategies.

Q: Why is swimsuit shopping so difficult? Is there any way to make it better?

Charla: You have to realize that this is the most tortuous shopping of all. Nothing compares. Shave or wax your legs and bikini line before you go. You may be the only one looking, but you want to do everything possible to feel good. And, self-tan. Everybody looks better in a swimsuit with a little color.

Q: Is there one fail-safe style that flatters everyone?

Charla: A V-neck one-piece with shirring or draping can look terrific on a lot of women. Miraclesuit makes several with a brooch at the cleavage point that's the perfect distraction from areas you might be self-conscious about—your eye goes right there.

Q: What if you're bigger on top and uncomfortable drawing attention to that area?

Charla: Fit the bust first. Find a suit that solves your problem spot, and you can worry about everything else later. Also, if you're big-busted, you want a wide strap. Skinny, little nothing strings are going to cut into your skin and be painful.

Q: Everyone has bought the wrong suit at some point—have you?

Charla: Oh my god! I'm a repeat offender in buying things on sale that I can't return. Every summer, I go to a giant yard sale. They have supercheap swimsuits from fabulous designers, but no dressing rooms. Once, I bought a zebra-print suit without realizing the stripes would make rings around my stomach. Last year, I bought a nice voluptuous V-neck, but it was way too deep. Every time I think, "But it's on sale!"

Q: Are there certain styles you should never even take into the dressing room?

Charla: Stay away from any suit with a skirt attached, the classic old lady look. In reality, that extra fabric always makes you look bigger, and the additional seam is unflattering. If you want to wear that style, get a swim dress.

Q: What's the difference?

Charla: A swim dress is more A-line; it's a traditional swimsuit that flares just above the hips and gives the appearance of a dress. I love it as an alternative for women who hate to show too much flesh.

Q: What else can women do to avoid looking old at the beach?

Charla: The tankini is a disaster for anyone over 40. A lot of people say, "Oh the tank, that's so easy, right?" Well, most of them don't have bra support. You also run into a problem with "middle management"—the tops are always flapping up, baring midriff when you wanted to hide it. Just buy a one-piece shaper suit. You will be so much better off. Consider going to a specialty store. Bra stores that sell swimwear are an excellent place to start. You'll find salespeople trained in how to fit

Q: You keep mentioning shapewear. Why does fabric make a difference?

Charla: The best swimsuits now can take almost an inch off your body because the high-tech fabric holds you in and retains its shape after many wearings. As you get older, you need the construction, you need the boning, you need the bra, and you need the padding. If you're over 40 and you find all that in one suit, you're set for the season.

Q: One suit! Really? What color should it be?

Charla: You can't go wrong in a dark jewel tone: burgundy, navy, brown, and absolutely nothing beats black. The Little Black Suit is the trump card.

Q: What new trends are you excited about?

Charla: We've seen a lot of the one-shoulder dress in 2009—Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet—and I think the one-shoulder swimsuit is going to be the trend of the summer. It's a snappy way to modernize your look and will stay up a whole lot better than strapless suits.

Q: Are there any other mistakes you see at the beach? Charla: A lot of women blow it with the coverup. You can't just throw on a T-shirt. If you want to look chic and sophisticated, think about a whole look at the store, everything down to shoes and a hat.

The above article was first published on Oprah.com, and we are re-publishing it because it we think our readers would enjoy it. Please visit Well Suited Swimwear for more information.

Are you Well-Suited? Hit the beach in the perfect-fitting suit!

A flattering swimsuit does exist! We strive to provide swimwear to flatter all body types. Nearly every woman fits into one of five body types. Knowing your body's shape will make it fun and easy to become well-suited.

Legs & Shoulders: If you have toned legs and sexy shoulders, flaunt them in a string bikini, bandeau top, or a sexy monokini – meeeeow! You’ll set the beach on fire in this style!

Are you well suited? Find out if your swimsuit is the right suit for your body type.

Most women enjoy shopping ... except if it's for a new swimsuit. Shopping for swimwear can be frustrating unless you have a Barbie-like figure. Don't be discouraged! A flattering swimsuit does exist!

Nearly every woman fits into one of five body types. Knowing your body's shape will make it fun and easy to become well-suited.

Apple Shape: The apple body shape usually has a fuller bust and a less-defined waistline, with more narrow shoulders and thighs. Choose a swimsuit that draws attention away from the midriff and tummy area – and flatters your slim thighs and sexy shoulders. Try one-piece suits or tankinis with a dark-colored, solid lower half and a printed top. For extra tummy camouflaging, try a suit that has ruching, or gathering at the waist.