My son is 3 and has never been swimming. I would love to take him, but I have zero confidence in my body. My partner can't swim. I would also like to go swimming for fitness.
Basically I want to know what other people wear swimming when they're over-weight, have excess skin, etc. I'm over-weight, not out of proportion, but I have excess skin on my stomach, and when I wear something that is even a little tight, it all kind of just gets pushed down and makes me look like I have a fat bearded clam.
Long story short I have severe plantar fasciitis which makes most exercise difficult. After my son was born I suffered post natal depression for about 2 years, in which I developed agoraphobia. I'm mostly over it all now, but I don't want to take my son swimming, only to receive horrible comments or looks, which would ruin a fun experience for my son and cause a set back for me :/
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Fat swimming
XIIILC · 18/05/2016 23:00
You have to know that nobody is paying any attention to what anyone else looks like.
Wear whatever you feel comfy in - there are loads of nice swimming costumes out there - all in one or two piece. Have a look at curvy girl costumes for example.
You know that swimming would be good for your own health, and you know that it is a great thing to do with your dc.
Just do it. 
I'm overweight OP, very much an out of proportion apple shape too. I look pregnant with the way I carry my weight.
TBH, there are no perfect swimming costumes that will hide your body and transform it into a thin one. Even if you wore a modesty (religious reasons etc) type of swimsuit, your body is still apparent.
You need to realise that no one cares what you look like in the swimming baths. It's just not of interest to anyone else.
I have a couple of nice costumes from fashion world, which do big sizes. They fit fine, and are comfy. They are simple one piece suits, no body camouflage or 'slimming' panels involved.
Please remember you won't be the only one in the pool who is overweight. And no one will (almost certainly) care or comment on this anyway!
I do understand how daunting it is. I've found it very helpful to read a blog called 'Dances with Fat' and 'Iron Fat', which are by a size acceptance/ fat positive woman, who I find very encouraging and inspiring. I recognise that this isn't everyone's cup of tea, because it didn't used to be mine. But I've started doing more (things like swimming and yoga) now that I hate my body (because it's fat) a lot less.
Good luck 
LastFirstEverything I will check out that blog, thank you. I'm hoping that when I do go there will be other people that are also large. Or lumpy. Or whatever. It'll help me feel more comfortable.
My son does have a very funny way of drawing the attention of literally anybody . He's so outgoing it's ridiculous. I don't think there's anyone that hasn't been charmed by him 
. I'm just quiet and clumsy and shy
I'd bet that I'm bigger than you. Good boob support helps and is woefully inadequate in most swimwear, IME. I bought an underwired bikini top with removable straps in my usual bra size and I wear that under swim suits and tankini tops. Definitely helps with improving my 'shape' (not sure round and lumpy can be classified as shape though 
)
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