Right I have booked a holiday and need bikinis to channel my inner Helen Mirren

[Mrsrobertduvall]

I am 53 and wore a bikini for the first time 2 years ago.

But cast out all my summer clothes last year, vowing never to go on holiday again.
However we have just booked a week away

i am a 34F so need something supportive and a 14 bottom, and would like big pants style. Nothing skimpy. I'm 6 feet tall and slim except for my stomach, but hopefully with jilliam Michael's help, that will be better by August.

[coreny]

something ike this?

[Mrsrobertduvall]

That's the sort of thing but it's sold out in my size. Quite like the Tallulah style on there.

[coreny]

I have some freya/fantasie ones that are really nice as the pants are proper pants - not too small! I think ebay shops may sell them.

[LadyMountbatten]

Hi. I'm similar ish to you.

My tips are Freya and panache and fantasie. Order loads online. Try tops only at start of day NOT under a ceiling light.

[LadyMountbatten]

Look on fig leaves. Then order.

[coreny]

yy to trying loads on.
I went into House of Fraser and tried loads on then ordered from the ebay shops - I've just looked online at HOF and they don't have many pants though.

[coreny]

oh yes figleaves - forgot about them!

[LyonsDemesne]

check brastop - they also have a sale at the mo

[LadyMountbatten]

Also choose colours that would normally suit you in clothes. Really makes a difference.

[Mrsrobertduvall]

Fig leaves have 20% off at the moment.
I had freya and panache ones two years ago and actually sold them on ebay as my cup size changed.

Great ideas everyone....Lady M I agree about wearing colours you'd normally wear.

[LadyMountbatten]

Yes. Got just black. Won't slim unless you stand against a black wall all holiday.

[LadyMountbatten]

Not just

[LadyMountbatten]

Also teat yourself to new little dresses etc or shorts/ shirts that all go with the bikinis.i always buy a vest top for if I'm walking to bar/ villa whatever

[KristinaM]

I buy from figleaves, bras stop and other proper bra shops in their sale. Panache, Freya, figleaves own brand etc . You buy the tops and bottoms separately.

There is one style that works for me as I'm also in my 50s and a 30f. I get underwired NON halter neck style tops and the bottoms with fold down tops, as I can adjust these to support my flabby tummy . I find halter necks styles hurt my neck and short style legs make my legs looks shorter. If you have a good bum and hips, why hide them?

The bonus of bigger cup styles is that they often have a wider strap at the back, which is less likely to dig in and create back flab.Not that you have any I'm sure

I search for my size of top, then style and find those with matching pants in my size. Then I order them all -probably a dozen to get a couple to fit. It's usually free postage and returns anyway.

Simple :-)

[LadyMountbatten]

Agree Halter no good.

[LadyMountbatten]

I had a lovely Chinese style one with aqua trim. Ace fold down pants

[Mrsrobertduvall]

I think dh expects me to wear a cossie with a little skirt. he made a face 2 years ago when I emerged in my two piece by the pool.

He didn't say anything though. My face suggested he didn't.

[LadyMountbatten]

oh fgs
I think its nice to have a whole range of stuff that goes.
right I am on laptop now, not phone - have you a moment to virtual shop?

[LadyMountbatten]

hello sailor not so mad on nautical meself - always looks a bit English

[LadyMountbatten]

key west - these colours would look good on me

[jamaisjedors]

Someone linked to a really nice swimwear shop a while ago run by a mner - will see if I can find it...

[LadyMountbatten]

key west cacks very nice pants

[LadyMountbatten]

i bought htis as a beach throw over

also BHS, oddly do super cheap accessories
www.marksandspencer.com/Limited-Pocket-Slub-Dress-Modal/dp/B002F6P5TI?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_13&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-13&qid=1365702094

[LadyMountbatten]

or put this on top to walk back to hotel
www.bhs.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=1&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=34096&storeId=13077&productId=8583656&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=471270&parent_categoryId=471112&pageSize=40&refinements=category~[471838|471270]&noOfRefinements=1

[jamaisjedors]

Here it is - but not sure any of the cups would work for an F - but it might be worth contacting them

www.forluna.co.uk/