Too many times women will fall in love with a swimsuit in the store and then never put it on again. Why does this happen? The main reason is that the suit isn't practical for active use. When buying a swimsuit there are some important considerations to look at before buying, not the least of which is whether you are going to be active in it, like playing volleyball or just lying in the sun.

Let's take a look at some of the things we want to consider.

First off, you want to choose the right suit for your body type. For example, if you have wide hips or a little bit of a tummy you want to use blocks of color on one-piece suits constructed of darker fabric on the bottom and a lighter top half. You also want at least 15% spandex.

If you aren't naturally or otherwise endowed in the top, choose a lightly padded halter or a bra style with an underwire. You can also divert attention away from a smaller bust by using suits with texture and small print designs.

If you have the opposite problem or blessing, whichever way you want to look at it, you can minimize a larger chest by wearing a darker top with a higher neck. Make sure that the suit offers the support you need and choose a wider bottom to give you balance.

For a small or petite frame, a one piece with thin vertical striping can help and you can make short legs look longer with a higher cut on the hip. If you have a boyish figure, you can give yourself the illusion of a smaller waistline with a tankini and if you have what you consider to be an overly round bottom you can wear a ?skort?, the short and skirt combination to divert attention.

If you are one of the lucky ones with nice toned legs and shoulders, show them off with a bikini or a more revealing one piece.

These days, you can mix and match tops and bottoms when buying bikinis, so have fun with that. Just remember what you are going to use the suit for. If you plan on being in the water a lot you may not want a light thin material, unless you are an exhibitionist!

If you are going to be doing some kind of athletic activity you wan to be sure that you have the proper support so that you don't end up falling out while jumping for a volleyball.