The bathing suit is made of about a half yard of fabric, but it's the wardrobe piece women worry over the most. The good news: One-piece suits, which cover a multitude of sins, also happen to be very hot this year. Many have a retro, pinup-girl appeal. There are clever embellishments to draw the eye away from problem areas. Better still, many suits have hidden features that shrink away inches. Dive in.

Swimsuits: How to find your best one

• Don't fear bathing suit tryouts. Go in with a good attitude, says Carol Wior, owner and founder of the California-based bathing suit company of the same name.

"You put the swimsuit on with an attitude — with a little self-confidence," she says.

• Look for the right details. Figure-flattering cuts and embellishments can go a long way, says Lisa Cheney, manager and co-owner of Beach Baby Swimwear in Indianapolis. The most becoming elements: side shirring (gathering), a surplice-style suit (material is draped across the body diagonally for extra tummy control), an embellishment at the bust line, empire waists, or a moderate- to high-leg suit. V-necks open the top half of the body, making for a flattering silhouette.

"What may be a huge no-no for one person will be good for another," Cheney says. "That's the good thing about swimwear."

• Expect to go up at least one size from your pants size. "One thing we always stress here is the number inside the suit is not the important thing," Cheney says. And don't go too loose — suits will expand when wet, so go for a snug fit in the rear with no gapping or sagging, she says.

• Once you've settled on a suit, enjoy it. "I've noticed everybody feels self-conscious in a swimsuit," Wior says. "Don't give up having fun in the sun because you don't like your figure. Go out and enjoy yourself, get the exercise."

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Learn more:

www.landsend.com, Lands' End

www.kohls.com, Kohl's

www.everythingbutwater.com, Everything But Water

www.carolwior.com, Carol Wior