To think maybe I could wear a swimsuit?

[Thunderthighs11]

Hi there, I'm a regular but name changed for this. I'm off on holidays to Italy with dh and two teen daughters. I'm currently a size 18/20 and
Very thigh heavy. I've lost 1.5 stone but it's a drop in the ocean. Inspired by a previous tread on here by someone going to Disneyland and worrying about what to wear, I've taken on-board some of the advice and got myself a pretty decent holiday wardrobe and most importantly comfy foot wear. I'm pretty pleased with what I've got and feeling happy with that side of it
However we're going to a campsite which has really decent water parks and activities. Dh wouldn't be bothered about any of that but my dds will and so would I if I weren't so heavy. I'd resigned myself to just lying beside the pool and not taking part but I think it'd be pretty unreasonable of me not to join in when my dds ask. So what I'm asking is, is can anyone recommend swim wear that looks ok on heavier women and also if I'm been unreasonable to think it's ok to reveal so much of myself to the unsuspecting public?

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

I'm a size 22 and damn right I'll be wearing a swimsuit on my honeymoon! I have a shortie suit with a racer back for swimming laps, but it's not flattering just practical.

What style would you like to wear?

[drinkingtea]

Of course you can wear a swimsuit. M&S do decent plain black ones. YABU to think even for a second that there is any reason why you can't wear one and join in with your dds.

[Twig45]

Definitely-I've just been to Spain and was self conscious in front of mirror before going once on beech you realise there is every size and shape in the world all going about their day in swimsuits and no one cares so enjoy your trip and don't give it another thought

[GeillisTheWitch]

Honestly, nobody will be paying as much attention to you as you think. There are plenty of people your size or bigger who will be wearing their swim wear and getting on with it, I'm a 16/18 and I will be going in the pool and sea with my DC on our summer holidays. You can get costumes with a built in skirt if it helps you feel more confident though?

[trinity0097]

I wear trunks, the cycling short type with a tankini top, makes me feel more confident about my wobbly thighs as they are all contained!

[fuzzywuzzy]

Can you try on different styles and find what makes you most comfortable and go with that?

I really wouldn't give a damn what anyone thinks, so long as you're happy and comfortable that's the main thing?

[FloatyCat]

I've dieted from a Size 24 to a 16/18 (still going) and wore a swimsuit at 24
You absolutely should wear a swimsuit and go to the water park.

M&S do pretty decent stuff, I have a couple from there which are hardwearing and good quality.

[PeachPants]

If you're feeling conscious would a swim dress be any help?

[GeekyWombat]

You can do this. No one will be looking. Agree M&S does some great stuff. If you have a Bravissimo near you they do some good but pricey stuff. I was a 22 and bought a suit off them that made me feel more confident (aka strapped down!)

[whenthewindblows]

Have you tried a swim dress? They have a skirt that goes over the swimsuit and I find they're much more flattering on me than a swim suit (I'm an 18). Bon Marche have some (not very trendy I know but needs must).

[thinkfast]

Definitely. I'm bigger than you and don't think twice - I love swimming

Tesco and m and s swimsuits work best for me. Something with a high back and cups.

Swimsuits with skirts and shorts are much less flattering and make you look much much larger than low leg ones which fit in the natural crease between your thigh and hip.

[dementedpixie]

Goodness, I wear a bikini at that size (36GG top and 2o bottoms) and wore a swimsuit to do water rides on holiday. You will not be the largest person there l imagine so wear what you want

[Mollie85]

I was very heavy and then lost a lot of weight. (Almost six stone). My thighs and arms suffered, my stomach did not. I wear a plain blue swimsuit with a pair of "board shorts" over the top.

I feel comfortable in this and it looks cute. I got them from Amazon for about 6 quid.

I feel not you can get the vintage style bathers (what we call a swim suit in the CI ) with the low cut legs or even the ones with a little swim skirt.

Everyone should be able to do anything, no matter what their size. We are still members of society even though we happen to be carrying weight! Gavel.

Enjoy the holiday!

[jensterr]

I'm a size ten and I have the same reservations. I feel like people are looking at me but of course they aren't, nor you, so go for it!!

[Applesandpears23]

Size 22 here and I go swimming all the time. No-one else cares, honestly.

[Redhead17]

I'm a 20 down from a 24 I will be wearing swimsuit and tankini.

I always make sure I dress to suit my body.

My thighs look a bit ropey might get a spray tan so they look less ming

I have tattoos so people tend to stare at them

No one actually bats an eyelid any way

[thinkfast]

www.tesco.com/direct/ff-shaping-swimwear-twist-front-halterneck-swimsuit/299-8003.prd

Something like this?

[statetrooperstacey]

If the only people who frequented water parks were beautiful people in peak physical condition then water parks would be very quiet! Just wear something that fits and is comfy. I actually wouldn't go for a plain black costume, get a pretty colourful one. A rash vest would b good, very easy to burn your back and shoulders queuing otherwise.

[Wolfiefan]

Unless you have some kind of complicated medical problem that means you can't get the bloody thing on and off? Of course you can wear one!
Well done on your weight loss. I prefer to cover up poolside but sarongs don't work in the pool!

[Bellini81]

I've seen some lovely costumes on simply B, they mailed me their catalogue too and I ive been lusting after a few bits in there.

I'm a size 12 but all swimming costumes everywhere else seems so bloody flimsy I wanted some proper support for my knockers and google came up with their website.

If you are going on any water slides, a one piece is essential as some slides rip the pants off you on the way down

[specialsubject]

Put it on and get in the water. The whole world isn't looking at you , really you are of no more interest than anyone around you.

And please do not pass on this attitude to your kids.

A rash vest and boardies are good though , quick dry and keeps the sun off. No nasty soggy knickers either.

[Want2beme]

I've lived on the coast in a hot climate country and everyone goes to the beach.

Evans has some lovely cossies.

www.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/category/clothing-250468/swimwear-250499/N-91fZa25?No=0&Nrpp=20&siteId=%2F12553&geoip=noredirect

[LoveMyLittleSuperhero]

You've got plenty of good advice do I'm just going to leave this here. Have a wonderful holiday!

[NoDramasPlease]

Bonmarche has some nice swimwear/swim dresses with a bit more coverage if you're self conscious like this one> www.bonmarche.co.uk/swim-and-beachwear/geo-print-swimdress-170231.html?dwvar_170231_color=07&cgid=womens-swimwear

[ImperfectPirouette]

You should feel free to wear whatever you want. There are loads of styles of swimming costume available so you can shop around to find one that's comfy; and you can always wear board shorts over it if you want: women of all shapes & sizes choose to; and often people with fair-skin will wear a t-shirt over a costume as well.

Unfortunately, there might be some utter wastes of space who think it's ok to comment on you "daring" to wear a swimming costume. The only unacceptable thing is them thinking they've a right to police your body & your clothing choices.

Maybe have a look online to see what you think you might like & then once you've narrowed your options some get to shopping.

(Oh & well done on losing that 1.5 stone - don't tell yourself it's insignificant & only focus on what you've still to do, recognise that you've done well & that you're moving in the right direction for you in a healthy way.)