It's a 90 degree July day and in retail world that means it's time to start shopping for fall clothes. Unfortunately, I never got around to shopping for the bathing suits I need (rather desperately) in February when I was supposed to. One piece suits are on my list and apparently I'm not alone. I read recently that something like 63 percent of women prefer one piece suits. No mystery here since the population of over 40 bathing suit-wearers outnumbers all other female shoppers. But there are more reasons to love the one piece than just 'bits' coverage. Just like wearing the right bra, a one piece suit can be a feat of architecture in lycra and spandex. 

I've done some legwork on-line. The 8 one piece suits below were available as of yesterday ( Monday, July 12) many on sale and in a range of sizes and colors. Since nothing is more depressing than the glare of a fitting room fluorescent trained on a half naked body, I prefer shopping for swimwear online. Before I commit to a purchase I perform a fit ritual in front of my bedroom mirror. Try this: Bend over, reach, squat, sit down on the floor indian style.  If the suit passes the 'bits' containment test then move on to a color inspection in daylight. Ocean side strolls require skin flattering (and sophisticated) shades. And you don't have to fall back on solid black to look slimmer. 

I especially like the look of shirred and ruched styles inspired by the 40's and 50's with feminine lingerie touches. Nothing offers clever camouflage like draping, gathering and embellishment in the right places.

Fake a flat tummy, a fuller bust and a smaller bottom in  J. Crew's Ruched Femme Tank in neon purple. Available in a D cup. $80-$82 jcrew.com.  

The Chikara Anastacia tank with rosette details is designed for women who have had left, right, or bi-lateral mastectomy. Ten percent of the proceeds of Chikara sales are donated to Komen Greater NYC, an affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. $160 chikaradesign.com. 

Ruching, a vertical ruffle and a high cut leg make for a longer, leaner and more hourglass appearance. Suit has a high back and is available to size 16. Karla Coletto $292 everythingbutwater. This site offers great suggestions for different fit questions.

LEFT TO RIGHT: A colorblock design from Spanx creates waist definition, de-emphasizes a tummy. Underwire construction supports and lifts the bustline. I like the slim-appeal of black in a non-black suit.

On sale for $119. The horizontal ruffle detail on this style (detachable straps) also from Spanx, draws the eye upwards from a full bottom and adds volume to a small bust.  High cut leg openings make gams appear longer. On sale for $107. Both available spanx.com. 

Plus size style Sonatina by Miraclesuit has waist shirring to disguise a tummy and a high cut bottom for a leg lengthening effect. $142 cyberswim.com. 

Color blocking, side drape, shirring and a graphic, mid-sized pattern add up to a defined waist, tummy coverage, a minimized bottom. High cut bottom lengthens the legs. Chamberlain sweetheart neck bandeau by Miraclesuit. On sale $70.99 saks.com.