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

You sound really mean about the bikini thing; it's not about having class, a bikini is much much cooler than being wrapped up in a one piece.

Your mum sounds a bit more fun than you tbh.

You do what you like and let her do what she likes. I wouldn’t go topless on a public beach but have been known to in the privacy of our own villa - as a PP said, it’s less about brown boobs and more just because I can. Plus, fewer tan lines.

I only wear one pieces to do “proper swimming”, if I’m sunbathing or just bobbing about in the water I love a bikini. Mind you, I never had any pretensions towards being “classy”

It's generational. My parents (70s) see a tan as a status symbol. They both sunbathe in nothing or next to nothing because they don't want tan lines. They do it in anything from 16 degrees plus. They are both the colour of old boots.

I sunbathe topless - when I’m on a private balcony or terrace somewhere with just dh and I. Not in front of my kids!
I prefer wearing a 2 piece - makes it easier to go to the toilet.
Why do you need to look classy by the pool though; that’s baffling 😂

Well, classy is entirely subjective really and depends on your personal values. I don't go topless because of very reactive skin, but I guess it probably feels really nice to do so. I'm off to France next week where there'll be lots of boobs out and likewise lots under cover. Personal choice. Your definition of classy really doesn't affect anybody else's behaviour but your own.

Who cares , she's in private. And good for her for wearing a bikini at 70! True nobody needs tanned boobs but maybe she just wants them! It would have been a normal thing to do when she was younger and people weren't as aware of sun safety. I don't really tan anyway so never sunbathed topless because no point!

Sorry but your own hangups or insecurities about your body should not dictate what others do with theirs.

Personally I hate having white bits on my boobs when the rest of me tans. Restricts the cut of whatever else I wear on the holiday. If I get to 70, I'd love to still rock a bikini. Good on her for not people pleasing and making herself uncomfortable

This. I'd do it if I could get away with it!

I realise I sound mean spirited don't I ? Or just uptight ? But isn't more, less and more classy in general ?

Yes, yes and no. Why does she need to be 'classy', she's in private!

Ps. You're also being ageist. I hope I can wear what I want when I'm nearly 70!

Nobody needs to.
Some people want to.
They like to look the same colour all over I assume. No strap lines.

I agree it's not something I want my mum to do, or I shall be doing to my kids

No one needs to.

Some people want to, and given it's a private spot why shouldn't they?

I think people often rebel against their parents' attitudes to such things so it's not massively surprising that you feel differently. She's probably wanting to avoid tan marks etc., I'm not a fan of sunbathing of any sort but as she's in private she's only harming herself ..

Leave her be. If she was flashing her boobs around in the supermarket it would be different. But there she is taking advantage of some rare sunshine in a private place.

It is not about brown boobs - it is about the wonderful sense of freedom.