|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2016 1:43:47 GMT
I admit that I really hate wearing a swimsuit and most of the time try to avoid showing skin in the summer. Typically we go to wading pools or lakes and I wear a swim skirt and a tank top since my swimsuit sucks.
Last summer I told my friend (who dresses pretty much like me at the pool) that I was going to wear a normal suit this summer and be confident--either I had been working my ass off to lose weight and get in shape, or I hadn't and needed to suck it up and be ok with what I looked like.
Anyway, we booked a stay at a water park in March. I have been exercising and losing a little weight and feel better in my clothes, but in a swimsuit is a different story. So, my first question is what to do to look better in a suit (whether it is now or in the summer)? I generally don't tan. I have red hair and fair skin so avoid the sun if possible and won't go to a tanning bed. Are there any self tanners that are decent now, just to give a little color and maybe make the backs of my thighs look better?
The other part of my question is how to find a swimsuit that is cute but that I can actually swim in comfortably. We went to the pool at the gym a few weeks ago and I was reminded what a sad state of affairs my swim top is. It doesn't fit right--too loose all over so the stomach was floating up and the cups were too loose as well. I seem to have a hard time finding a suit that isn't super low cut. I am also wondering if there is such a thing as a tanking top that doesn't float up, or if I should look for a one piece?
Abu other suggestions, links, stores, etc are much appreciated. Thanks!
|
|
quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,708
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
|
Post by quiltz on Feb 18, 2016 1:54:13 GMT
I am also wondering if there is such a thing as a tanking top that doesn't float up, or if I should look for a one piece? I sew little tiny lead weights (from my son, who loves to fish and has this stuff) to the hem of my swim tank top and in some skirts so that they won't float / lift up. |
|
|
|
Post by 5peanutsnana on Feb 18, 2016 2:30:13 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Feb 18, 2016 2:48:06 GMT
We are at the beach a lot, and most of that is in the water.
Two things:
One, what ever style you choose, rock it. I see SO many different body types wearing all manner of styles of suits and what I have noticed is that the ones that look that best are the ones where the person isn't trying to hide themselves. Confidence seems to be the new sexy.
Two, practically speaking, get a long sleeved swim top from some place like Land's End. They have SPF (even so you should wear sunscreen under it) and you can wear what ever suit you want. I am the kind of person who prefers to be out all day, but sometimes even want to cut the sun exposure a little bit.
|
|
TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,775
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
|
Post by TankTop on Feb 18, 2016 2:50:11 GMT
Hapari.com
The end. Best suits I have ever owned. I follow them on Instagram so I can catch them on sale. They run great sales often.
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Feb 18, 2016 2:53:56 GMT
I've had two swimsuits in the past two years that I was very happy with (I lost enough weight that I had to replace the first or I would still be using it)
The first was separates from Target - I got a black skirted bottom and a print tankini top with built-in cups that FIT. I was still fat but I looked as good in that suit as I was likely to look in anything - it was pretty flattering
The second one was actually harder to find because I had moved from women's(plus-size) into Misses sizing and there weren't as many options with good support up top. I ended up with a swimdress (one piece) from Walmart. It had built-in cups and again - fit me properly. I didn't like the print as much but it was reasonably flattering
That said, I'm in my mid 40s and a full-figured size 14 and I swim daily in a public pool during the summer - one thing I've noticed is that unless you're a teen/college girl OR you're trying and failing to pull off that look in a bikini that may have fit WHEN you were 18...people generally don't pay that much attention to what you look like in a swimsuit. You're there to either swim or to supervise kids and so are most of the other people. You (general - and this includes me) are much more aware of how you look in a swimsuit than anyone else is and we're our own worst critics.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmpeter on Feb 18, 2016 2:58:33 GMT
Do you have any swimsuit speciality stores near you? We have a great one with a wide variety of nicer suits. You can go and try on a whole bunch of different styles at once.
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 18, 2016 3:12:13 GMT
I bought two swimsuits (tankini and swim skirt separates) at Lands' End a couple years ago before we went on our cruise, and I was surprised by the fact that I didn't look *completely* awful in them. Since I mostly wore them in the lake after that, I didn't have to worry about chlorine damaging them. Well, I've been doing pool therapy in a heavily chlorinated pool for the last few months, and I'm noticing that the color is starting to fade so I'm looking for another suit for this summer. I saw some in a recent email from Costco that I hope they have in the local warehouse, and that I hope I like in person. I like the one with the ruffled top and also the black and white polkadots. The tops and skirts are all sold separately but even so, compared to the prices at Miraclesuit (looks like they are made by them for Costco) the Costco prices are a bargain. Women's swimwear, Costco |
|
|
|
Post by leannec on Feb 18, 2016 3:27:03 GMT
I love Land's End swimsuits ... I have a number of swim skirts and tanks  The only reason I buy new ones is because they come out with a new pattern that I like  I agree that whatever you choose, you just have to rock it  |
|
|
|
Post by kath323 on Feb 18, 2016 4:03:30 GMT
Another vote for Lands' End. They make some tops that are tanks with underwires and padding, so I feel "in" the suit. I also have a one piece (I think it's this one) that has great support and is comfortable. The swim shirts they make are also great. I have one that's a little longer than a tshirt and another that is a tunic that has an adjustable length. |
|
|
|
Post by mrssmith on Feb 18, 2016 4:04:28 GMT
I also love Lands End swim suits. I usually get the tanktop with briefs. I personally don't like one-pieces because it's harder to go to the restroom!I don't think the top floats up.
I am also very pale. That's my skin tone and I've accepted it.
There was a post on HuffPo maybe a while back about the mom who wouldn't wear a swim suit because she was self-conscious and was sitting by the sidelines watching her kids and husband play in a waterpark... anyway, the point is wear the suit & have fun!
|
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2016 4:04:48 GMT
I bought two swimsuits (tankini and swim skirt separates) at Lands' End a couple years ago before we went on our cruise, and I was surprised by the fact that I didn't look *completely* awful in them. Since I mostly wore them in the lake after that, I didn't have to worry about chlorine damaging them. Well, I've been doing pool therapy in a heavily chlorinated pool for the last few months, and I'm noticing that the color is starting to fade so I'm looking for another suit for this summer. I saw some in a recent email from Costco that I hope they have in the local warehouse, and that I hope I like in person. I like the one with the ruffled top and also the black and white polkadots. The tops and skirts are all sold separately but even so, compared to the prices at Miraclesuit (looks like they are made by them for Costco) the Costco prices are a bargain. Women's swimwear, CostcoThese are cute and the price is great. Wish we had a Costco closer. |
|
|
|
Post by moveablefeast on Feb 18, 2016 4:14:06 GMT
The Longitude suits are fantastic. I am also a big fan of the Great Lengths suits they sell at Kohls and Macy's. As for the style of the suit, I'm of little use. I like a standard maillot and spent most of last summer in a convertible tank suit because it was cute and I felt good in it. I swim for exercise and a tankini just doesn't do the trick and I find swim skirts very annoying. Too much fabric that is just there floating around and getting in the way. So my big fat legs and my cellulite go on display and not a single damn is given. That's just my personal attitude: the way to have a swimsuit body is to put a swimsuit on your body. Boom done. |
|
paigepea
Drama Llama
Enter your message here...
Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
|
Post by paigepea on Feb 18, 2016 4:17:37 GMT
I only wear Seafolly bathing suits that I buy at our local bathing suit specialty shop in the mall. They make underwire tanking tops or supportive soft cups that always flatter my larger chest, and their tankinis always have rouching (is that spelled correctly?). I feel like a rockstar in my Seafolly suits. They're expensive, but I feel they last and I feel great, which is priceless in a bathing suit. I've seen larger sized women wearin Seafolly suits and know that they flatter all figures. I usually travel with one pair of black bottoms and two tankini tops.
I'm unable to sport a swim shirt nicely. My suits have rouching (sp?) so a swim shirt doesn't sit well. And I find two layers to be too hot. I buy a nice light cotton cover up that I put on when I've had too much sun. We also use umbrellas and hats. My kids love swim shirts but they don't have chests yet so they just wear them as a single layer.
P.
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Feb 18, 2016 4:26:16 GMT
Tankini and shorts/skirts option from Lands End. I've used them for a number of years and really like them. I also have really pale skin and don't tan.
If you want a one piece, LE also have some good options, or at least they used to.
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Feb 18, 2016 4:38:29 GMT
I like Lands' End or Eddie Bauer. I bought a tankini a few years ago and the top was so supportive. It had an underwire and really fit like a bra. I can't remember if it was LE or EB, but the line was something like "Beach Living." Worth every penny.
|
|
AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057 
|
Post by AllieC on Feb 18, 2016 5:11:05 GMT
I have bought some really nice separates online from Swimsuits for All. I bought a couple of tankini tops and then two pairs of plain black bottoms. The bottoms are great as they have really good butt coverage and come up high enough that when your tank may slide up you are still covered. The tops have very varying styles but many have good bust coverages - I went up a size though.
My good friend who came to Thailand with is a large lady. She has always bought suits with skirts on them but couldn't find anything before we left. She bought a well fitted one piece and she felt really good in it - she looked great in it. I think we can be very self conscious in normal bottoms but the skirts actually often are less flattering.
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 18, 2016 5:27:37 GMT
The Lands' End tankini tops I have don't tend to float up. They are nice that way. They also have decent built in support which I need. My good friend who came to Thailand with is a large lady. She has always bought suits with skirts on them but couldn't find anything before we left. She bought a well fitted one piece and she felt really good in it - she looked great in it. I think we can be very self conscious in normal bottoms but the skirts actually often are less flattering. It doesn't really bother me if the swim skirts are less flattering, it's the red bumpy rash from shaving/waxing that I don't like people seeing and the skirts cover that up.  |
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 18, 2016 5:29:40 GMT
I bought two swimsuits (tankini and swim skirt separates) at Lands' End a couple years ago before we went on our cruise, and I was surprised by the fact that I didn't look *completely* awful in them. Since I mostly wore them in the lake after that, I didn't have to worry about chlorine damaging them. Well, I've been doing pool therapy in a heavily chlorinated pool for the last few months, and I'm noticing that the color is starting to fade so I'm looking for another suit for this summer. I saw some in a recent email from Costco that I hope they have in the local warehouse, and that I hope I like in person. I like the one with the ruffled top and also the black and white polkadots. The tops and skirts are all sold separately but even so, compared to the prices at Miraclesuit (looks like they are made by them for Costco) the Costco prices are a bargain. Women's swimwear, CostcoThese are cute and the price is great. Wish we had a Costco closer. They ship free, if you happen to know someone with a membership. Returns are easy too if you ended up not liking it. |
|
inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
|
Post by inkedup on Feb 18, 2016 6:54:33 GMT
I love retro style swimsuits. Esther Williams brand one pieces are incredibly forgiving and pretty. (And great to swim in!) Modcloth usually has a good selection of suits for women of many different sizes and ages. They carry a good selection of the Esther Williams suits, too. There is a navy blue one that would be gorgeous with your coloring. Pinup Girl Clothing and Unique Vintage always have a great selection of vintage style suits. I, too, have decided to enjoy the sun this summer. I'm turning 40 in a few months and I'm not wasting any more time feeling self-conscious. I have as much of a right to enjoy the sun as anyone. I've been working out with a trainer for the past few months, and I just ordered this bikini: 40 Year Old in a Bikini
Part of me feels crazy because I haven't worn a bikini in 20 years, and part of me feels free. I've worked hard and I'm going to enjoy my new (much smaller than last year's) swimsuit! You don't need anyone's permission to wear a swimsuit....just find something that makes you feel gorgeous and rock it! |
|
Grom Pea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,944
|
Post by Grom Pea on Feb 18, 2016 7:17:50 GMT
I love retro style swimsuits. Esther Williams brand one pieces are incredibly forgiving and pretty. (And great to swim in!) Modcloth usually has a good selection of suits for women of many different sizes and ages. They carry a good selection of the Esther Williams suits, too. There is a navy blue one that would be gorgeous with your coloring. Pinup Girl Clothing and Unique Vintage always have a great selection of vintage style suits. I, too, have decided to enjoy the sun this summer. I'm turning 40 in a few months and I'm not wasting any more time feeling self-conscious. I have as much of a right to enjoy the sun as anyone. I've been working out with a trainer for the past few months, and I just ordered this bikini: 40 Year Old in a Bikini
Part of me feels crazy because I haven't worn a bikini in 20 years, and part of me feels free. I've worked hard and I'm going to enjoy my new (much smaller than last year's) swimsuit! You don't need anyone's permission to wear a swimsuit....just find something that makes you feel gorgeous and rock it! I love my Esther Williams 2 piece red and cream polka dot bikini except for if I'm in a hot tub with bubbles, boy can that skirt collect bubbles which you then have to release with a big blorp. It does look great and hide my numerous stretch marks. I got the Monroe from unique vintage as well, which was half the price, but you can tell since it doesn't have clasps, you tie it. It doesn't have the double layer skirt do it's better for hot tubbing. I saw a ton of cute bathing suits for cheap at dress lily but ymmv. I ordered a $55 dress there and it's gorgeous, and a $17 dress and it's not quite right, the fabric is nice but the way it was sewn is not like the photo. I'm going to get a bikini there as an experiment, but they're like 20% of the cost of a unique vintage bikini so i imagine the quality is not there. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 14:56:46 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2016 7:42:00 GMT
I misread the title as "snowsuits"
(backing out now to go turn the heat up a bit)
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Feb 18, 2016 12:07:47 GMT
The Lands' End tankini tops I have don't tend to float up. They are nice that way. They also have decent built in support which I need. My good friend who came to Thailand with is a large lady. She has always bought suits with skirts on them but couldn't find anything before we left. She bought a well fitted one piece and she felt really good in it - she looked great in it. I think we can be very self conscious in normal bottoms but the skirts actually often are less flattering. It doesn't really bother me if the swim skirts are less flattering, it's the red bumpy rash from shaving/waxing that I don't like people seeing and the skirts cover that up.  I don't give a darn about cellulite or fat thighs...the rest of me is fat, of course my thighs are too...but I have PCOS and there's a lot of shaving involved and it never looks good  |
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2016 13:00:42 GMT
I misread the title as "snowsuits" (backing out now to go turn the heat up a bit) Lol. As I was typing my autocorrect changed swimsuits to snow suits a few times. |
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2016 13:03:17 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions. I will check them out.
Does Costco have fitting rooms? I do have a friend with a membership. Not sure if it would be worth driving there with her or just ordering and taking my chances. I will look for the others as well.
I like the swim skirts when I am not getting very wet but when we were at the gym last week it was annoying when the skirt would stick to my legs.
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 18, 2016 14:27:13 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions. I will check them out. Does Costco have fitting rooms? I do have a friend with a membership. Not sure if it would be worth driving there with her or just ordering and taking my chances. I will look for the others as well. I like the swim skirts when I am not getting very wet but when we were at the gym last week it was annoying when the skirt would stick to my legs. Our Costco doesn't have fitting rooms, but they have the best return policy around if you don't like anything they sell. I know it's a PITA to have to go back there to return, especially if you don't have a membership yourself. I would look at their fitting chart, have your friend order the two sizes you might wear online since the shipping is free, try them both and send back anything that didn't fit. I'm pretty sure the last time I ordered clothing from them online there was a return label in the package. |
|
|
|
Post by Leone on Feb 18, 2016 14:29:50 GMT
Swimsuitsforall.com is a great source and offers many styles and brands.
|
|
ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
|
Post by ginacivey on Feb 18, 2016 15:38:04 GMT
i wear a miracle suitthey are pricey - i found mine at tj maxx after wearing it i know i'd go back and buy it again at full price! it's kinda like climbing in a sausage casing but it's TOTALLY worth it it covers and holds...and makes me feel like i don't mind being in a swimsuit it's damn near impossible to have fun in a swimsuit if you are worried about what you look like and it's really hard to just be confident - gina
|
|
|
|
Post by genny on Feb 18, 2016 17:18:12 GMT
i wear a miracle suitthey are pricey - i found mine at tj maxx after wearing it i know i'd go back and buy it again at full price! it's kinda like climbing in a sausage casing but it's TOTALLY worth it it covers and holds...and makes me feel like i don't mind being in a swimsuit it's damn near impossible to have fun in a swimsuit if you are worried about what you look like and it's really hard to just be confident - gina Cute suits! but I need a bigger miracle than those models do! Can't they ever show someone with cellulite and a muffin top as a model so we can really see how they'd look on us? I used to be in shape and confident and wore a bikini all the time…the last two years I have fallen slap apart and look awful in whatever I put on. Yes, it's really hard to be confident. |
|
ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
|
Post by ginacivey on Feb 18, 2016 17:42:10 GMT
i wear a miracle suitthey are pricey - i found mine at tj maxx after wearing it i know i'd go back and buy it again at full price! it's kinda like climbing in a sausage casing but it's TOTALLY worth it it covers and holds...and makes me feel like i don't mind being in a swimsuit it's damn near impossible to have fun in a swimsuit if you are worried about what you look like and it's really hard to just be confident - gina Cute suits! but I need a bigger miracle than those models do! Can't they ever show someone with cellulite and a muffin top as a model so we can really see how they'd look on us? I used to be in shape and confident and wore a bikini all the time…the last two years I have fallen slap apart and look awful in whatever I put on. Yes, it's really hard to be confident. i don't look like any of those gals either - but this suit makes what i do have....look as best as it can! |
|
I don't give a darn about cellulite or fat thighs...the rest of me is fat, of course my thighs are too...but I have PCOS and there's a lot of shaving involved and it never looks good 
