Columbus Day weekend is one of the best moments of the year to shop for swimwear. The sale runs October 8 to 12, online and in our U.S. stores, with extra savings on pieces that are already on sale.

A sale is a great chance to refresh your beachwear or get ready for a winter getaway. It is also the easiest way to end up with a swimsuit that doesn't fit or never leaves the drawer. This guide will help you shop the sale with a plan, so every piece you pick is one you'll actually wear.

Columbus Day Sale at a glance

• Dates: October 8 to 12.
• Where: online and in Agua Bendita U.S. stores.
• What's included: extra savings on items already marked down in the sale section.
• What's not included: full-price items don't take part in this offer.

Since the offer applies to sale items, the best pieces are often the ones in the sale section, where the extra savings stack on top of the existing markdown. Sizes and styles are limited, so the earlier you shop, the more options you have.

1. Start with a list, not with the discount

The biggest mistake in any sale is buying something because it's cheap. Before you browse, ask yourself:

• Do I need a one-piece for the pool, a bikini for the beach, or something for both?
• Do I have a trip coming up, like a winter escape or a holiday getaway?
• What do I already own, and what's missing?

Write down two or three priorities. When you open the sale section, you'll know exactly what to look for.

2. Shop the sale section first

Because the extra savings apply to sale items, this is where your money goes furthest. Filter by size first, then by style, so you only see what you can actually buy. If a piece you love isn't in your size, check back, since inventory can move during the sale.

3. Choose versatile, timeless styles

A piece you can wear for years is worth more than a trendy one you'll wear once. Look for:

• Classic colors and clean silhouettes that look good season after season.
• Mix-and-match tops and bottoms, so a few pieces create many outfits.
• Styles that work in more than one setting, from the pool to a beach dinner.

If you want help choosing a cut that flatters you, read our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Type .

4. Get the size right before you check out

Fit matters more than price. Before you buy online:

1. Take your measurements and compare them with the size guide.
2. Read the product description for fabric, coverage and support.
3. If you're between sizes, think about how you'll use the piece (lounging versus swimming).
4. Check the return and exchange policy before you pay.

5. Look at quality, not just the percentage

A discount only matters if the piece is well made. Check the fabric, lining, seams and finishing details. Agua Bendita designs pieces with handcrafted details and artisanal touches that are meant to last, which means more wears per swimsuit. That's what makes a sale price a real investment. If you want to know why craftsmanship matters, read Why Handmade Swimwear Is Worth the Investment .

6. Think about your next trip

If you have a getaway on the calendar, this is a smart time to build your beach wardrobe. Plan two or three swimsuits that mix and match, plus a cover-up or two. For ideas, see What to Pack for a Luxury Beach Vacation: The Ultimate Resort Wear Checklist .

7. Take care of what you buy

Rinse your swimsuit in cool fresh water after every wear, wash it gently by hand with mild soap, and dry it flat in the shade. Avoid the washing machine and the dryer. Good care keeps the color and fit for many more seasons.

Common sale-shopping mistakes to avoid

1. Buying a piece just because it's discounted.
2. Skipping the size guide.
3. Waiting too long and missing your size.
4. Ignoring the return policy.
5. Buying trendy items that don't match anything you own.