To not understand why my mum ( or anyone ) needs to sunbathe topless ?

A one piece is more classy? Weird statement. She can do whatever she wants and if she wants to wear a bikini at 70 good for her, your problems with your body and wearing a one piece are your own hang ups, don’t project them onto someone else.

I still enjoy laying out topless in my 50's (if I have complete privacy, not with kids around). Nothing to do with tanning as I usually lay in the shade, I just love the feeling of getting some fresh air around my boobs. Being larger breasted bikini tops feel just like bras and I hate both with a passion.

It's mainly my dad. He's a good looking man and is a tad vain. He actually used to time how long he sun bathed on each side...

As for the bikini. I just think a one piece looks better on most people, most of the time. It's my preference.

But you don’t get a preference for what other people think of we and feel comfortable in! It’s not about your preference.

I'd find it a bit embarrassing too. Luckily my mum doesn't do it! I don't mind kids seeing my breasts out at home (the baby still breastfeeds), but I don't see any need to have my breasts out outside even if I'm somewhere private. Also beyond husband and kids I wouldn't want to be on display. Maybe I'm a prude too!

I also wouldn't wear a bikini. I'm quite self conscious of my fat hairy body so I usually wear a swim dress or board shorts and rash vest! So even more covered up than your typical one piece. I wouldn't mind if my mum wanted to wear one though

Don’t you need proper sunblock on your nipples?

I'm feeling a bit miserable today and that really made me laugh! Good on your parents.

I am a similar age to your mum, and definitely wouldn't want to be topless around my grandchildren so I sympathise. I also wouldn't wear a bikini now , my one piece is much more flattering.
Each to their own, but I would also be uncomfortable with other people being top less around me.

I'm peri menopausal / PMT right now and tbh the thought of my nipples getting sunburnt would be the final straw cos my boobs already feel like they want to explode. Could you imagine? Fuck n

Oh yes I do wear a one piece costume for when I’m going to the pool to do lengths, much more practical.
But for holidays I’m just enjoying messing about in the water and then I’ll be in and out for drinks, going to the toilet etc and it makes more sense to wear a 2 piece.

I physically can’t fit into a one piece - I sincerely hope there’s not an expiry date on me going swimming !

Comfort perhaps?

Swimwear tends to feel itchy, constricting and digs in.

I used to go topless in France on beach holidays if lots of women were doing it, purely because I find it more comfortable and I don't need to keep adjusting boobs/straps. Why should we feel uncomfortable about people seeing our boobs? Men don't have to be modest and cover their chests. Plus we need to get ours out to breastfeed, it would help if society stopped sexualising breasts. Maybe fewer women would feel they need boob jobs and uplifts too. As a teen I was surprised how open and non self-conscious French were, women all ages and sizes going topless. It made me less worried my own were too small/not symmetrical enough.

Went to Spain recently and it seemed like majority of women on beach were displaying big round fake boobs (obvious when sunbathing on back as they don't move!)

Let your mum enjoy the sun on her skin, it's so natural.

It's weird to me that people think children shouldn't see women topless, but it's fine for men, I guess because boobs are so sexualised. It's a shame when they're main function is feeding babies.

But you also have a problem with her wearing a bikini which is perfectly normal pool attire. Sounds like this is your own hang up about how ‘classy’ you think a one piece is.

I’m currently in Cyprus in an adult hotel. Bikinis all over the place. I think good on them! Why should men be allowed to expose their pot bellies but older women have to cover it all up. You are being both ageists and body shaming. I’m nearly 60 and I will carry on wearing a bikini whilst I can still get my feet through the leg holes.

I don't live in the UK and I live opposite a nudist beach. This post has made me smile. I'd forgotten the prudishness of Britain. ;)

People sunbath topless to avoid the strap marks amongst other things

Not everyone in a generation is the same!

What has age got to do with wearing a bikini? If you’d said she’s overweight so she should cover up, there would be absolute outrage on here.

And, spoiler alert, women have breasts, and children won’t be mentally scarred if they see some bare ones.

My parents don't

Why?
What's the worst thing that can happen if your kids see boobs?

Not really the thing to get your baps out in front of the grandchildren but otherwise I admire her attitude.

but she's not in private if around you and your children. This used to make me feel so uncomfortable as a child so I wouldn't do it. If she's completely solo then let loose and enjoy

YNBU to feel uncomfortable around people who are topless. Nudity doesn’t occur that often in most peoples’ daily lives and it can be a bit strange.

But likewise, your Mum is NBU to want an all over tan on her holiday. Or wear a bikini.

This is one of those situations where you need to sit with your own discomfort without blaming anyone.