Swimsuit, tankini or bikini?

[2point4kids]

I have only ever worn bikinis before (in my size 8 days) but now 2 chldren later and with a (size 12) bit of a belly, i am wondering what to get for my hols...

I cant quite get my head around the fact that people younger than my Nan wear full swimsuits so am thinking that a tankini would be a good compromise?
Or perhaps I should just stick to a bikini and hope my boobs notice more than my belly

Advice?

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Well I've packed a bikini. I'm 44, 3 kids, size 12ish.

I think it depends on where you're going too - I tend to be a bit less cautious abroad. If there are topless 20 somethings who's going to be looking at my tum?

[OsmosisBanana]

Go and try on, impossible to say. They have some surprisingly nice ones in M&S (bikinis that is) ATM.

I bought a bikini the other day (am about a 10/12.. well, 12 if I'm honest with myself) and it is never going to see the light of day.

Unless I shift a stone in record time.

[zippitippitoes]

it just depends what you feel comfortable in

i think finding a flattering comfortable nice fitting bikini is really hard and time consuming

i dont have to think about this now as i am older

and i had to find something quick so total lack of shops meant mand s which is rubbish and i ended up with a ridiculously athletic looking cossie but at least ill feel comfortable in it

someone recommended and linked to debeenhams the other day and that looked a good bet..not one here sadly

dont go to m and s

[2point4kids]

I'm going to have to order online as I will need a top bit that fits my boobs. I'm a 34E so cant fit in standard size 12 stretchy job.. need proper scaffolding!

I think I will order one of each and try them on at home then to see which is ok..

It is to wear abroad, but I will also use it at home to take DCs swimming I should think. At the moment I am still wearing my Mothercare maternity tankini

[FluffyMummy123]

Message withdrawn

[OverMyDeadBody]

tankini is never a good compromise.

Go for a bikini, as Cod said, life is too short.

[OverMyDeadBody]

but go with what you are most comfortable in. You don't want to spend your whole holiday self-conscious or tugging at bits.

[witchandchips]

tankinis draw attention to your belly. A well cut bikini can actually make it look smaller

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Hope I look this good in a bikini at 63!

[janeite]

I took Cod's advice and got a bikini. I got it from M&S, a 34E cup; they do quite a good size range. I've yet to wear it in public (tried it on so that dp and the girls could reassure me that they wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with me!) but we're off on holiday in a few days and I have decided I'm going to just wear it and not worry about it. There will always be somebody who looks worse!

[cece]

have a look at figleaves too. They are quick to deliver.

[Blondilocks]

I mainly have bikinis as I'm short so find it hard to buy swimsuits that aren't too small up top or aren't too long. I think most people tend to worry about themselves more than others.

I did buy a tankini a few weeks ago though - OH asked what the point of it was & whether I could tan thru it?! MEN eh? I only got it as it was a funky pattern & didn't look too awful!

[nkf]

I'd say a swimsuit but then I have never ever worn a bikini.

[ComeOVeneer]

Tankinis make a ny bely look worse. I am 10/12 and this year have braved a bikini rather than an al in one. Have opted for halterneck top and shorts and dh and dd both said it looks good.

[ComeOVeneer]

any belly

[traceybath]

Am 6 months post 2nd baby and bought a tankini for my holiday.

Big mistake!

Bikini would have looked far better and ended up rolling tankini up to look like a bikini.

Definitely get a bikini.

[WilfSell]

If you're even considering a bikini then your stomach is definitely good enough to wear one. It is only those of us who know we really can't who should stay away. Never a tankini: naff...

[themoon66]

well i'm 47 years old with DD saggy boobs and I say bikini.

Ok, i'm no jordon the beach/by the pool, but i'm not the worst sight in the world either.

Go for the bikini.

[robinredbreastmummy]

agree tankii make bellys look bigger, almost as if the belly is bursting out