Not everyone wants their cheeks out

A practical gal's guide to swimwear

“Where have all the swimwear butts gone?” It’s a fair question. There’s a school of thought that says a string bikini is actually the most flattering bathing suit you can wear, and that’s not wrong; the strings can be positioned anywhere, and it’s the closest you can get to being naked, which really is very flattering. That said, it’s a rare woman who feels incredibly comfortable in a string bikini out at the beach with a gaggle of kids and maybe in front of her in-laws. Does somebody need something? Sorry, she can’t move. She’s wearing a string bikini.

I love this Hunza bikini but she only comes on grown-up vacations. Sorry I can’t play catch with you or build a sandcastle. I’m wearing a string bikini.

If you’re still carrying bathing suit PTSD from your youth, know that you have nothing to fear. We’re living in a golden age of swimwear where the options abound, and plenty of them cover your butt. Today we’re getting into:

• The best swimsuits out there

• Different bodies/different needs

• The best suits under $100

• My swimwear shopping non-negotiables