I should point out that, in our household, there are two interpretations of the “swimsuit issue.” To one of us, the Swimsuit Issue is the copy of Sports Illustrated with the most sales, year after year after blah, blah, blah…
To the other (that would be me), the “swimsuit issue” is buying one — a swimsuit, not Sports Illustrated — when you’re going on a cruise, as we will this weekend when the Celebrity Eclipse leaves Miami.
A cruise is one of those places where you see all kinds…of lots of things, but specifically of swimsuits.
It’s probably the clothing item that you’ll spend the most time shopping for, and spend the most for what you get. Sometimes you’d think they were diamonds — well, maybe some 
are, but not mine. At my age, I have a LOT of experience in that department (buying swimsuits, not diamonds), so over the years I’ve picked up a few shopping tips for anybody in the market for a new swimsuit.
Probably the most important advice is: Be sure you’re comfortable wearing whatever style you buy. If you’re the modest sort, you know you’ll never be really at ease in the skimpy thong-type, itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny scraps of cloth. You know, the kind where the cost-per-inch of coverage is outrageous.
Keep in mind there will likely be kids of all ages cruising with you. So if you’re pregnant, for example, a suit with a little fabric in front is most flattering.
Many of the latest styles are two-piece, with the top meeting the bottom (no bare midriff). For we less-than-perfect shapes, they’re easy to wear and look good in and out of the water. Another popular style is the short/skirt bottom, and they hide a multitude of sins, not to mention cruise-ship meals!
Since most cruise lines don’t allow swimsuits in the dining rooms, it’s a god idea to have a cover up…to cover up when you’re ready for a meal.
And if you have lots of shopping time, and the swimsuit is not TOO expensive, buy two. They’re small, and you’ll always have a dry one to wear!