The time has come to suck in your gut, grit your teeth and try on some swimsuits for your upcoming beach goings.

Believe it or not, very few of us past the age of 18 actually enjoy trying on bathing suits. In fact, I no longer find joy in the torture that is swimsuit shopping, and I love shopping!

I find myself reasoning that the sizes are simply incorrect, the cut is just smaller than last year, and that today can be summed up as a “fat” day. No matter what the excuse, we all have to find something to confidently stride in across the sand. To prepare, I searched to find what is hot, what is not and what never was.

“This season, the key word when it comes to swim wear is embellishment,” said Helena’s Native Beach Owner Laura Tate. Beads, sequins, mesh, metal and frills will all be donning the hottest suits of the summer. Hot Tropical Tan in Pelham has suits in stock for women from brands like La Blanca, Kenneth Cole and Via Marina, as well as juniors selections from HotKiss, Hobie, Split, Citrus and Playa.

The styles of the season are bandeau tops for those who wish to avoid tan lines, the “monokini” for the dare devil, and skirted options for a playful, yet conservative look, surmises Tate.

When it comes to color, Tate said, anything goes, but the brighter the better.

Yellow, blue, hot pink and teal are some hot choices and make even the paler complexions stand out.

For the scoop on prints, Megan Harbison from Hot Tropical Tan elaborated on options for the season.

“Animal prints, whimsical designs and modern looks are all very popular for this season,” she said. Hot Tropical offers an array of printed suits from brands like Swim Systems, Endless Sun and Cover Me.

Get ready to conquer your swim demons wisely my friends. Go bold, embellished and unique for this swim season. Check out your local tanning salon for swim selections including Native Beach in Helena, Hot Tropical Tan in Pelham and Premiere Mega Tan in Chelsea. Also keep in mind Old Navy’s affordable suits as well as Belk, Ross, and TJ Maxx.