My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style & Beauty

Swimwear tips for the unconfident

39 replies

DarkDarkNight · 11/02/2018 15:30

I'm going away in June and I'm determined to get in the pool. I haven't actually worn swimwear in public in 8 years, even then I had a rash vest over the top. I'm aware that body confidence is my main issue. I've lost some weight but want to lose another 2 stone. The idea of people seeing me in swimwear make me feel ill.

Opinions/recommendations on body sculpting, tummy flattening suits please or will they just draw attention to something I'm trying to hide?

I like quite a retro style, but I'm not a fan of halter necks as I don't like the feel of them. I've seen a nice striped one in Fat Face and seen some nice ones in Next, and quite like just plain Speedo/Adidas functional ones as well.

I like this style and colourway from Boden, but not so much the price tag.

Swimwear tips for the unconfident
OP posts:
Report
PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 15:44

I get mine from Amazon (I've recommended it on here quite a bit). It's only cheap but I swim a mile 5 days a week and my current suit has lasted me a year and still going strong. I've ordered another today just because I fancied trying it in red. It's this

Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Report
PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 15:45

Forgot to say, it's got a double layer on the stomach and has the Ruched (sp?) effect.

Report
DarkDarkNight · 11/02/2018 15:47

I really love this, I like the short style legs as well. Is it a tie halter?

OP posts:
Report
PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 15:48

Yes it tied at the back, honestly for the price the quality is fantastic.

Report
PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 15:49

You can also get it in a slightly different style also sold by Amazon

Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Report
Pavonia · 11/02/2018 16:16

Last time I bought a swimsuit I tried on loads until I found one that fitted well and suited me, probably worth devoting some time to it.

Maybe you could go for a few swims in your local pool when it's quiet before you go? It might then feel less of an issue on your holiday?

Report
DarkDarkNight · 11/02/2018 16:40

I might see somebody I know locally though, I really need to get over it.

OP posts:
Report
QueenOfGaviscon · 11/02/2018 16:46

Just wanted to say OP I'm a size 18/20 & live on the beach in the summer. Summer gone I lived in High waisted bikinis and costumes. What makes me feel good on the beach is having my legs etc shaved (personal preference!) and a bit of fake tan on my legs until they've got some colour of their own.

Report
QueenOfGaviscon · 11/02/2018 16:47

This was my fav this year £10 off eBay. Tassels hid enough for me and the top held my boobs up pretty well

Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Report
mumtomaxwell · 11/02/2018 16:52

Was just coming in to ask a similar question... and porkless that is exactly what I’m after!! Thank you!!

Report
PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 17:17

@mumtomaxwell Smile it is sold by Amazon now (wasn't available with prime before) I can't do links, but it is a brilliant costume.

Report
DianaT1969 · 11/02/2018 17:19

What size are you OP? Do you need more bra support than a standard suit i.e cup size swimwear? A lot of retro styles do have a halter neck.
I was a 16, now 12-14 and still prefer bikini or tankini to a suit when abroad. Are you going abroad? You may feel differently when you're there. All shapes and sizes and nobody cares. Good accessories help - hair slicked with conditioner and tied up. A flattering robe or sarong. Stylish sunglasses, pretty sandals, fedora straw hat, French/Italian style straw beach bag... tkmaxx is surprisingly good for all that.

Report
DianaT1969 · 11/02/2018 17:25

This type of look. 100% cotton from Next.

Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Report
DarkDarkNight · 11/02/2018 18:14

QueenOfGaviscon I am so so pale, fake tan would help my confidence but I am rubbish at it.

DianaT1969 I am a D cup at the minute, formerly a B cup. I will hopefully not need so much support. Not abroad, just going to Center Parcs so want to actually be able to go in the pool not sit on the sidelines.

I know nobody cares, but I can't get past it. I don't judge other people but I'm so critical of myself.

OP posts:
Report
Mrsjellybum · 11/02/2018 18:21

Go for rouched most definitely I felt more confident as it didn't show my wobbles as much.

I like a formed cup. Doesn't have to be wired. It helps me feel more shapely.

I think once you get in one and to the pool you'll be surprised at how it won't bother you xx

Report
PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 18:22

The one I buy has underwire and a little bit padded.

Report
DianaT1969 · 11/02/2018 18:26

This is good value; lined, tummy control, ruching over stomach, adjustable straps and a high back, which makes it good for real swimming and splashing around. Bandeau bust part is quite retro. M&S.

Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Swimwear tips for the unconfident
Report
DianaT1969 · 11/02/2018 18:30

Bondi Beach fake tan from Superdrug is fool proof. I've tried loads and this doesn't streak. Put it on and sleep or wait 5 hours. That colour is only to show where you applied, so don't worry if it looks streaky. When you shower you're left with an even tan. Avoid heels, ankles, back of knees as usual though.

Report
DarkDarkNight · 11/02/2018 18:39

I like the M&S one, I think they do longer length ones as well which I like.

Nothing is fool proof when it comes to me and fake tans, I am like Ross in the tanning booth on Friends Grin.

OP posts:
Report
PeterPiperPickedSeaShells · 11/02/2018 18:41

I have one with a little "built in" skirt. It really helps my confidence. Got it from Sainsburys

Report
SwimmingInTheBlueLagoon · 11/02/2018 18:52

Zoggs Ella it comes in longer length. Nice cups, and it firms all around without using that vile tummy control mesh others use. Seems are well positioned to shape and hold, rather than just on the sides.

Report
mumtomaxwell · 11/02/2018 18:52

@porklesspie I’ve just ordered a red one Smile

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

PorklessPie · 11/02/2018 19:12

That's the one I ordered today @mumtomaxwell Smile

Report
MrsJoshDun · 11/02/2018 19:14

I have that blue m&s one. I think it’s flattering.

Report
MrsJoshDun · 11/02/2018 19:17

Oh and I’m a size 16-18 so am not skinny. And I can promise you even though I’m obese there’s always plenty of people bigger than me. Plus when I see people bigger than me I don’t judge them. So I figure people skinnier than me aren’t judging me.

Someone I know who saw me in my swimsuit the other week sent me a message the next day saying I was looking good. Didn’t want to tell him it was the tummy control swimsuit!

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.