ShopSmart Poll: 81% Of Women Own At Least One Swimsuit

~45% Say It's Hard to Find One That Fits Right~

YONKERS, N.Y., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over one-third of women buy a new swimsuit each year. But that doesn't mean it's an easy process. According to a new national poll featured in the July 2011 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, women encounter many different challenges when purchasing swimsuits. The poll found that 65% of women struggle to find a suit that flatters.  

"Bathing suit shopping can definitely be daunting," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart.  "According to our poll, the average woman owns 3 suits as compared to 7 pairs of jeans and 17 pairs of shoes.  Bathing suit shopping is a more difficult process, but if you take your time and shop for your body, you'll be sure to love the results."

Shopping For the Right Suit

• May is the most popular month of the year to shop for a swimsuit
• The average amount spent on a new swim suit is $47
• Department stores are the most popular places to purchase swimsuits, with 50% of women buying their suits there
• 27% of women have tried shopping for a swimsuit online
• Bikini is the least popular style overall, but the most popular style amount women ages 18-34
• The most offensive swimsuits are those that are not age appropriate (31%) and thongs (28%)
• 61% of women shop for suits alone, but younger women, ages 18-34, tend to shop with someone else

The Challenges of Finding the Right Suit

• Over 1/3 of women like the way they look in a swimsuit, whereas 40% are neutral and 18% dislike the way they look
• Tummy is the body part that gives 42% of women the most anxiety when shopping for  a suit
• 42% of women struggle to find a suit with enough support, 31% can't find enough coverage on top, and 30% can't find the right suit for their rear

ShopSmart Shoe Poll Methodology:

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 1,009 interviews were completed among women aged 18+. Interviewing took place over March 31 – April 4, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3.1% points at a 95% confidence level.

Buying for Your Body Type

Are you an hourglass, apple or pear?  Read on to see which suits and styles will work best for you.