Beat Bikini Anxiety

Ugh. Trying on swimsuits definitely isn’t as fun as trying on shoes, right? Shoes never make you look too fat, too thin, too flat, too whatever…but hey, get over yourself! With the right cut and style, you can love your beautiful bod in a bathing suit.

If the Suit Fits ….
Look for your body type below to find the suit that best, um, suits you!

Bootylicious If you’re fuller in the tush than you are on top, two-piece swimsuits with skirted bottoms are way in this season and are perfect for flattering your best assets. Go for solid colors or pretty patterns -- doesn’t matter what you choose.

Itty bitties To compensate for small breasts, you can always go for a bikini or one-piece suit with padding on top. Otherwise, stick to suits with halter-style tops or those embellished with ruffles.

Roundabout If you have a round shape, your best bet is to invest in some dark, solid-colored tankinis. You could also try one-pieces with large florals in bright colors or busy geometric patterns.

Skinny minnie You’re super thin or have an athletic build? Opt for one-pieces with belts or other detailing that’ll give the illusion of a waistline. If you’d rather wear a bikini, go for one that has a wide band under the bust.

Bustin’ out If you’re full-breasted, be sure to get a suit that has underwire built into the top for support, and lining in the bust for coverage. Also, try to find suits that are solid-colored on top but patterned on the bottom.

Rock it body-confident!
The most important factor when strutting your stuff in a swimsuit is to have self-confidence. This is so much better than being self-conscious. There is nothing more attractive than a girl who looks like she’s totally comfortable in her own skin. So instead of freaking out about every little perceived flaw, make an attitude adjustment. All girls are be-you-tee-ful! Start believing it.

The ABCs (and D's!) of the Bra

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Big boobs, itty bitties, in-betweenies -- they’re all beautiful! But when it comes to getting a bra, it’s so important to have the perfect fit. We want to keep you, er, abreast of what to look for when bra buying.

Bare Necessity?
Wondering if you even need a bra at all? It’s a personal decision, but maybe your breasts are beginning to bud, and you’re thinking of trying your first bra. It nicely covers nipples, if nothing else. Even if you already wear a bra, you might be bopping around in the wrong size.

Not an 8-ounce Cup!
So, what’s your bra size? Here’s the formula:

1. Use a measuring tape to determine the number of inches around your chest, just below your breasts. Add 5 inches if it is an odd number; add 4 inches if it is an even number. This is your bra measurement.

2. For cup size, move the tape up to measure your chest around the fullest part of your breasts.

     If the two numbers are the same, you need an AA cup.
     If the two numbers differ by 1 inch, you need an A cup.
     If the two numbers differ by 2 inches, you need a B cup.
     If the two numbers differ by 3 inches, you need a C cup.
     If the two numbers differ by 4 inches, you need a D cup.
     If the two numbers differ by 5 inches, you need a DD cup.

So, pretend your first measurement, below your breasts, is 28 inches. Adding 4 inches makes 32. Say your second measurement, across your breasts, is 34 inches. The difference between the two numbers (in this case, 32 and 34) is 2 inches, so you’d need a B cup. Your bra size would be 32B.

The Ultimate Breast Test
Spend time in the dressing room trying on a variety of bras. Once you find one you like, jump around in front of the mirror, then lean forward. Boobs still secure? Good. Now see how it looks under your shirt. No weird bulges or traces of lace? Remember to adjust the straps and the hooks on the back to get the best fit. Not so bad, eh?

Go With the Flow

My period doesn’t come at the same time every month. What’s wrong with me?
For the first two years, an irregular cycle is totally normal. Think of it as your body “warming up.” Stress plays a part in regularity, too. School pressure, parental probs, guy issues -- all of it affects your cycle. Excessive exercisers or girls with eating disorders can also experience interruptions in menstruation, so if this is you, talk to your doc about it.

I’m bloated! Is there a way to reduce the puffiness in my paunch?
It's a total bummer of menstruation to retain fluid. It’s actually caused by hormones, not because of what you're drinking. Your best defense is to down six to eight glasses of water a day to flush out the fluids. And avoid food that's processed or made with tons of salt, which adds to water retention.

What's the best plan of attack for killer cramps?
Cramps happen because your uterus is contracting before and during menstruation. You could try taking a steamy bath or drinking hot tea to warm your insides. Heating pads feel really good, too. Exercise is a good remedy for some girls, so take a yoga class or go for a stroll. And ibuprofen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory med that works magic.

Do periods have an odor?
Once you get your period, there’s a lot going on…and a lot coming out of you. Menstruation does produce a slight smell, but it's natural, and it's not bad or offensive. If you wear a pad, the smell might be a little more noticeable because the blood is collecting outside your body -- so remember to change it often. Tampons are inserted inside your body, which reduces the smell.

Is using a tampon tricky at all?
Inserting tampons isn't as tricky as you might think. Inside the box of tampons, you’ll find step-by-step instructions with pictures -- give it a quick read. Then trust yourself. And take it slow. No need to rush, right? Gently insert the tampon, angling it toward the small of your back (your vagina is not straight up and down). If you feel like you can't get it in, take a breath, relax and try again. You’ll be a pro before you know it.