Big pants bikini bottoms - flattering or not?

[SunnyL]

I quite like the look of the vintage style bikinis that have the big pants on the bottom but I'm aware the models are rather fabulous and look nothing like me.

I don't have an overly large arse but I do have big thighs and boobs. Is it one of those looks that really only flatter swimsuit models or can mere mortals carry it off?

[KatharinaRosalie]

I've tried some and it's a no for me. The more fabric - the more gigantic your arse will look.

[BobbinThreadbare123]

I like them. They look comfy and retro. I couldn't care less if other people thought I looked nice in them; as long as there's no dental floss-type bikini bottoms trying to get up my arse, I'm happy!

[ItGoesWithoutSaying]

I thought these would be flattering and tried some on. But I looked like I was wearing a nappy. TBH, some of the models do not look so great in them.

I found the standard tanga-type (provided not too skimpy) to be more flattering - even with a slight caesarean overhand and less-than-perfectly smooth bum. (Sounds great doesn't it!)

[dementedpixie]

I don't like them as big as that. I prefer them somewhere in between size wise

[Titsywoo]

Depends on your shape. I am hourglass and they look good on me.

[Thefitfatty]

I've tried them and they make me look bigger if anything. I wish I could find a nice pair that are lower than that, but higher than the normal ones.

[LaserShark]

Another hourglass who looks better in big pant style than any other. And they are so much more comfortable too so it's a win-win for me. You have to try them on to see.

[AristotleTheGreat]

I found them good for me. It hides my tummy a bit.

[BobbinThreadbare123]

If you don't like the big pants but want coverage, I like this type: www.figleaves.com/uk/product/FE-FS5435/Fantasie-Montreal-Adjustable-Fold-Bikini-Brief/?size=&colour=Black

You fold the material over, so you can hide what you want to hide! Those are quite expensive but they're a good example.

[TooExtraImmatureCheddar]

I have some - Tesco Magic something or other ruched tummy control black pants for £6, which I wear with a Curvy Kate black ruched bikini top. I'm 5'2", size 10/12 and have a bit of CS overhang, perfectly ok bum, sturdy thighs, reasonably defined waist. I think they look good on me, and I wore them on holiday last week for anything that I thought might involve a bit more physical activity, eg boat trip with swimming, because I didn't want to be hauling myself onto boat and my tummy wobble being obvious. They also cover my stretchmarks!

Not so good for tanning, obvs. I think they look weird on clothes website models. Go on Pinterest and look up high-waisted bikinis and you'll see much cuter pictures. I would link but I'm at work and Pinterest is blocked.

[FirstTimeMummy25]

I've got high waisted bikinis and I think they are great, I buy the control ones to hold my stomach in a bit. Wouldn't wear them at the mo as just had a baby but before baby I was size 14 and wore them

[SunnyL]

Hmm interesting. I am hourglass but I have a weirdly flat bum. I've a narrow waist and wide hips but when I stand side on I look peculiarly flat.

I was actually planning on making my own bikini this year using this pattern indiesew.com/products/named-clothing-beverly-twisted-bikini
but wasn't sure if I should go for big pants. Think I'll have to try some on before I start cutting fabric

[bialystockandbloom]

I don't think they look good on anyone, regardless of size, sorry. Just my taste though, don't like the style. They give everyone a flattened out square arse.

Imho either lower cut bikinis or one piece swimsuits always look better, whether on size 8 or 18.

[TooExtraImmatureCheddar]

I don't really care what my arse looks like in them - I can't see it! And they cover my wobbly tummy. I think you have to be reasonably hourglassy or it looks weird.

[PitilessYank]

I love that style of bathing suit; here is one and then another retro style I think is lovely.

[squoosh]

Super unflattering. A high cut makes your leg look longer and your arse look less like a big flat square.

Even the model can't carry it off. Not even vaguely.

[leedy]

They work reasonably well if you have a long torso (a tip I got from Oprah magazine, trust Oprah, she will not lie to you) - I have a Toast bikini that has a high waisted bottom and halter top that works really well.

They have to be the right cut, though, the wrong shape or too "middling" rise (those foldy-over ones look TERRIBLE on me because of where the waistband sits) and you will look either rectangular or like you are wearing a nappy. Bottom needs to look like little shorts, not M&S grandma knickers.

[PrimalLass]

They look like they would roll over at the front when you bent down.

[SunnyL]

Hmm I have a short torso and short chubby legs so there probably isn't much that looks good on me other than a burkini. Maybe I just say sod it and wear what I think looks pretty??

[CwtchMeQuick]

My best friend wears a high waisted bikini to cover up her stretch marks on her stomach and looks fantastic! They disguise the little excess skin she has on her stomach but she isn't carrying extra weight anywhere else.

I'm the same size as her but a different shape, pretty flat stomach but I have love handles, and they look horrendous on me. Totally dependent on your individual shape.

Anyway, I say screw what anyone else thinks and wear what you feel comfortable in!

[umiaisha]

I have 2 of these and have to agree that they are not flattering at all!! I am a size 12 with a hideous flabby muffin top that will not shift. I know I ought to just wear a standard bikini but am so conscious of the wrinkly skin that I can't face it :-(

[squoosh]

I think high waisted is fine but high cut and high waisted is more flattering than those granny style bloomers.

[squoosh]

(tattoos optional)

[PrimalLass]

OP I think the bikini pants on your pattern link looked a perfectly good rise. Just go with them rather than super-high waisted.

[DerelictMyBalls]

I have never seen these high-waisted bikini bottoms look good on anyone - they even look awkward on most of the models! And how are you supposed to get a tanned midriff if there is only 1cm of skin showing between top and bottom? Tie-side briefs all the way for me... (size 16 hourglass)