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DH's comment about my bikini has really knocked my confidence

462 replies

jessywxo · 05/08/2026 19:24

We're on holiday at the moment and this happened yesterday before we went down to the pool.

I'm late 20s and I've put on quite a lot of weight over the last few years and I'm not pretending otherwise. I don't look the same as I did a few years ago and when I met DH and I'm aware my body has changed.

I've sometimes struggled with my confidence because of it, especially when it comes to things like swimwear but I decided before this holiday that I didn't want to spend the whole time worrying about how I looked.

I brought a bikini that I've had for a while that I always loved and felt good in. It's definitely tighter than it used to be, but I didn't think it looked terrible. I felt comfortable in it and I actually looked in the mirror and thought I looked okay, which can be quite rare.

I came out of the bathroom ready to go and I saw DH give me a funny look.
I asked him what was wrong and he said "Nothing", but I said "No, what is it?"
Eventually he said, "I was just surprised you were wearing that bikini."

I asked him what he meant and he said that he thought it looked too tight and that they were digging in on me. He said he wasn't trying to be horrible, but he was only saying it because he'd rather I knew than walked around the pool feeling uncomfortable or looking silly.

I know he probably wasn't trying to hurt me, but it really upset me. I hadn't asked him what he thought. I wasn't standing there asking if the bikini suited me or if it still fitted, I was just ready to go.

Until then I actually felt quite good about myself. After he said it, I felt really self-conscious and ended up changing into a swimsuit because I didn't feel comfortable wearing the bikini anymore.

I spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish, which annoyed me because my weight and how I look is already something that bothers me and I was trying to make an effort to avoid that..

Last night I told him that his comment had upset me. He said he didn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it because he hadn't said it to be mean or nasty. He said if he was wearing something that didn't fit properly, he'd want me to tell him. I said I would if he asked me, but I wouldn't just look at him and point something out that I knew would surely make him feel bad.

He's very 'black and white' sometimes and his view seems to be that couples should be honest with each other even if its not nice to hear. I think there are some things you don't need to say unless someone actually asks.

For balance and to be fair to him, he is normally a good husband and I don't think he was trying to be mean/cruel. I just don't know if I'm overreacting, or whether he should have kept that thought to himself in the moment

AIBU to be so upset over this?

OP posts:
Dalston · 09/08/2026 12:16

Dalston · 09/08/2026 12:14

Surely you tried the bikini on before you packed it to go away? You say you’ve gained weight, well don’t we all. It’s not about whether you look good in a bikini it’s whether your old bikini still fitted you. I always size up when buying swimwear because I don’t like anything digging in me especially around my hips. I think the issue is that you already feel negatively about your body size. There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t know what that’s like. But I wonder if DH has made comments in the past about your weight? I wonder what he looks like, got a perfect 6 pack has he? I doubt it. Don’t tie your weight to your worth or your self esteem or let it stop you from doing or wearing anything you like. Do keep an eye on how your DH makes you feel.

Edited

Sorry not BF DH 🤦‍♀️

Dalston · 09/08/2026 12:14

jessywxo · 05/08/2026 19:24

We're on holiday at the moment and this happened yesterday before we went down to the pool.

I'm late 20s and I've put on quite a lot of weight over the last few years and I'm not pretending otherwise. I don't look the same as I did a few years ago and when I met DH and I'm aware my body has changed.

I've sometimes struggled with my confidence because of it, especially when it comes to things like swimwear but I decided before this holiday that I didn't want to spend the whole time worrying about how I looked.

I brought a bikini that I've had for a while that I always loved and felt good in. It's definitely tighter than it used to be, but I didn't think it looked terrible. I felt comfortable in it and I actually looked in the mirror and thought I looked okay, which can be quite rare.

I came out of the bathroom ready to go and I saw DH give me a funny look.
I asked him what was wrong and he said "Nothing", but I said "No, what is it?"
Eventually he said, "I was just surprised you were wearing that bikini."

I asked him what he meant and he said that he thought it looked too tight and that they were digging in on me. He said he wasn't trying to be horrible, but he was only saying it because he'd rather I knew than walked around the pool feeling uncomfortable or looking silly.

I know he probably wasn't trying to hurt me, but it really upset me. I hadn't asked him what he thought. I wasn't standing there asking if the bikini suited me or if it still fitted, I was just ready to go.

Until then I actually felt quite good about myself. After he said it, I felt really self-conscious and ended up changing into a swimsuit because I didn't feel comfortable wearing the bikini anymore.

I spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish, which annoyed me because my weight and how I look is already something that bothers me and I was trying to make an effort to avoid that..

Last night I told him that his comment had upset me. He said he didn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it because he hadn't said it to be mean or nasty. He said if he was wearing something that didn't fit properly, he'd want me to tell him. I said I would if he asked me, but I wouldn't just look at him and point something out that I knew would surely make him feel bad.

He's very 'black and white' sometimes and his view seems to be that couples should be honest with each other even if its not nice to hear. I think there are some things you don't need to say unless someone actually asks.

For balance and to be fair to him, he is normally a good husband and I don't think he was trying to be mean/cruel. I just don't know if I'm overreacting, or whether he should have kept that thought to himself in the moment

AIBU to be so upset over this?

Surely you tried the bikini on before you packed it to go away? You say you’ve gained weight, well don’t we all. It’s not about whether you look good in a bikini it’s whether your old bikini still fitted you. I always size up when buying swimwear because I don’t like anything digging in me especially around my hips. I think the issue is that you already feel negatively about your body size. There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t know what that’s like. But I wonder if DH has made comments in the past about your weight? I wonder what he looks like, got a perfect 6 pack has he? I doubt it. Don’t tie your weight to your worth or your self esteem or let it stop you from doing or wearing anything you like. Do keep an eye on how your DH makes you feel.

CoolCritic · 09/08/2026 11:04

Stop eating crap, go to the gym, or run/walk - get fitter and you will get your confidence back! Stop making excuses and feeling sorry for yourself! Late 20s is the age where you can make impossible possible, not clinging to silly excuses; Kudos to your husband for being honest! Surprised that he still tolerates someone who is so unreasonable and lack of respect to maintain her physics and character

YourTwinklyduck · 09/08/2026 10:19

If your weight is the issue as you say, tackle this, it will need addressing. .MyFitnesspal is good, can log your intake. No subscription needed.

Aluna · 09/08/2026 10:15

Ultimately you’re upset about being overweight and that’s not his fault. I think he was reasonably tactful.

TheUsernameChecksOut · 09/08/2026 09:24

jessywxo · 05/08/2026 19:24

We're on holiday at the moment and this happened yesterday before we went down to the pool.

I'm late 20s and I've put on quite a lot of weight over the last few years and I'm not pretending otherwise. I don't look the same as I did a few years ago and when I met DH and I'm aware my body has changed.

I've sometimes struggled with my confidence because of it, especially when it comes to things like swimwear but I decided before this holiday that I didn't want to spend the whole time worrying about how I looked.

I brought a bikini that I've had for a while that I always loved and felt good in. It's definitely tighter than it used to be, but I didn't think it looked terrible. I felt comfortable in it and I actually looked in the mirror and thought I looked okay, which can be quite rare.

I came out of the bathroom ready to go and I saw DH give me a funny look.
I asked him what was wrong and he said "Nothing", but I said "No, what is it?"
Eventually he said, "I was just surprised you were wearing that bikini."

I asked him what he meant and he said that he thought it looked too tight and that they were digging in on me. He said he wasn't trying to be horrible, but he was only saying it because he'd rather I knew than walked around the pool feeling uncomfortable or looking silly.

I know he probably wasn't trying to hurt me, but it really upset me. I hadn't asked him what he thought. I wasn't standing there asking if the bikini suited me or if it still fitted, I was just ready to go.

Until then I actually felt quite good about myself. After he said it, I felt really self-conscious and ended up changing into a swimsuit because I didn't feel comfortable wearing the bikini anymore.

I spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish, which annoyed me because my weight and how I look is already something that bothers me and I was trying to make an effort to avoid that..

Last night I told him that his comment had upset me. He said he didn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it because he hadn't said it to be mean or nasty. He said if he was wearing something that didn't fit properly, he'd want me to tell him. I said I would if he asked me, but I wouldn't just look at him and point something out that I knew would surely make him feel bad.

He's very 'black and white' sometimes and his view seems to be that couples should be honest with each other even if its not nice to hear. I think there are some things you don't need to say unless someone actually asks.

For balance and to be fair to him, he is normally a good husband and I don't think he was trying to be mean/cruel. I just don't know if I'm overreacting, or whether he should have kept that thought to himself in the moment

AIBU to be so upset over this?

The moment you asked, he was in a lose-lose situation.

Tell you the honest view, you punish him.

Tell you a lie, you find out from someone else, then punish him.

One was immediate, the other is delayed.

Crazykatie · 09/08/2026 09:11

You are being too sensitive and hubby hasn't learned not to make comments like that.
Like many of us I cant wear a bikini, too many rolls so it's a full swimsuit in the water and a sarong out, all I do is make the best of what Ive got. Rarely mine does comment, because Ive got it badly wrong, otherwise he says how nice I look.

PoppyGalore1 · 09/08/2026 08:58

Wear the bikini! You’re so young, and you’ll look back wishing you hadn’t been so hard on yourself. Think about who you’re really wearing it for? Yourself. The truth is that most people won’t even notice, and those who do won’t remember it. Life’s too short!

Tiredhotmess · 09/08/2026 08:41

I don't think you are being unreasonable for being upset at the comment, but you are being unreasonable for blaming your DH for being honest with you. I don't believe he was intentionally cruel. You say he made a funny face, which was probably involuntary, and then you pushed him to say what he thought...so he did. He didn't actually say you were fat, he just said the bikini was too tight and didn't look good on you.

I say this gently OP, and as someone who has also suffered with body image issues over the years, but i think you are projecting you're own feelings of insecurity and low self esteem onto your DH. You are aware that you're overweight, but have you actually done anything to tackle the issue? Perhaps use this incident to kick start you into doing something about it. Explain to your DH that your weight is really getting you down and you would welcome his help and support in trying to lose it.

Nowthatshuge · 09/08/2026 08:12

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What a disgusting comment. If anyone is sat round a pool on holiday, or in any other scenario for that matter, commenting on someone else’s appearance then they need to question why their one lives are so sad, bitter and shallow that they spend a minute doing this.
everyone is so brain washed about size, we’re all different shapes and sizes and maybe most importantly it’s nobody’s business what someone else looks like, it has zero affect on anyone else’s life!!

BeKindPearlBiscuit · 09/08/2026 07:58

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Foggydaze · 09/08/2026 06:56

I don’t ask my hubby anything. I expect him to tell me if something doesn’t look right. This is exactly what your husband did & you are on unhappy with a fact. As you stated the bikini was to tight/small. Simply purchase a new bikini.

your husband probably feels damned if I do damned if I don’t.

Nowthatshuge · 09/08/2026 04:01

jessywxo · 06/08/2026 11:04

As i've already said above, there's a big difference between 'I think that looks a little bit tight', and (what he said) 'I'm surprised you're wearing that', which implies that it's ridiculous for me to wear it. That's what upset me. Its not like I was squeezing myself into something that was multiple sizes too small.

Also for people saying i 'badgered' him...are you seriously saying that if your partner gave you a very odd look and you asked them what was wrong and they said 'nothing', you'd just go 'oh, ok, it's nothing then'? Yes I asked him what was up, but there's tactful ways of saying things to someone. That's my point,

I'm aware I need to lose weight and i'm working on it, so I don't need people to tell me and advise me about that. Regardless of that, i'm still entitled to try and feel happy and comfortable while I do.

I think the issue here is that your husband was commenting from a practical point of view by the sounds of it, that the bikini looked to him to be uncomfortable, you’re mixing that up with how you feel about your size so the intent of his comment is getting skewed.
while there is a case to say he could be more sensitive around all things size related I think his comment and approach kind of says to me he has no issue with your size to the point he can’t understand why you have off the back of his comment.
rather than being mad with him maybe the approach should be to sit with him and say you understand he didn’t mean anything mean with his comment, what’s done is done, in future could he be more mindful of commenting on your appearance as it may not be an issue to him but your very self conscious about that subject, get him on board with that as a support rather than chastising him for not knowing or understanding what he didn’t.
and you have some responsibility to work on your feeling around yourself OP, that doesn’t equate to losing weight but to do some work to understand why you yourself have an issue with your current size x

Aussiemum87 · 09/08/2026 02:26

jessywxo · 05/08/2026 19:24

We're on holiday at the moment and this happened yesterday before we went down to the pool.

I'm late 20s and I've put on quite a lot of weight over the last few years and I'm not pretending otherwise. I don't look the same as I did a few years ago and when I met DH and I'm aware my body has changed.

I've sometimes struggled with my confidence because of it, especially when it comes to things like swimwear but I decided before this holiday that I didn't want to spend the whole time worrying about how I looked.

I brought a bikini that I've had for a while that I always loved and felt good in. It's definitely tighter than it used to be, but I didn't think it looked terrible. I felt comfortable in it and I actually looked in the mirror and thought I looked okay, which can be quite rare.

I came out of the bathroom ready to go and I saw DH give me a funny look.
I asked him what was wrong and he said "Nothing", but I said "No, what is it?"
Eventually he said, "I was just surprised you were wearing that bikini."

I asked him what he meant and he said that he thought it looked too tight and that they were digging in on me. He said he wasn't trying to be horrible, but he was only saying it because he'd rather I knew than walked around the pool feeling uncomfortable or looking silly.

I know he probably wasn't trying to hurt me, but it really upset me. I hadn't asked him what he thought. I wasn't standing there asking if the bikini suited me or if it still fitted, I was just ready to go.

Until then I actually felt quite good about myself. After he said it, I felt really self-conscious and ended up changing into a swimsuit because I didn't feel comfortable wearing the bikini anymore.

I spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish, which annoyed me because my weight and how I look is already something that bothers me and I was trying to make an effort to avoid that..

Last night I told him that his comment had upset me. He said he didn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it because he hadn't said it to be mean or nasty. He said if he was wearing something that didn't fit properly, he'd want me to tell him. I said I would if he asked me, but I wouldn't just look at him and point something out that I knew would surely make him feel bad.

He's very 'black and white' sometimes and his view seems to be that couples should be honest with each other even if its not nice to hear. I think there are some things you don't need to say unless someone actually asks.

For balance and to be fair to him, he is normally a good husband and I don't think he was trying to be mean/cruel. I just don't know if I'm overreacting, or whether he should have kept that thought to himself in the moment

AIBU to be so upset over this?

Honestly two sides in my opinion and I am the ultimate man hating feminist 🤣 on one hand, not cool. He should be hyping you up on every level regardless. Mine commented on a top I wore about 20 years ago and I made such a fuss about it he has never ever made a negative remark about my appearance again.
But also I think we don’t have the context of the relationship. If it’s generally really good and he is very complimentary of you it’s different to if he’s making you feel like this all the time.
If he can’t acknowledge that what he’s said has hurt your feelings I think that is important too.

MatriarchCaz · 09/08/2026 02:07

Lemonymint · 09/08/2026 01:50

Post menopausal weight gain made me go up a size. I'd have to eat almost nothing to maintain my former size and the extra weight is better for my bone density. Initially, I tried to squeeze into my existing clothes. Eventually, I faced the fact that I was unlikely to be that thin ever again and gradually weeded out anything that didn't fit - a full length mirror in a good light is essential. I have nice clothes now that I fit and I look thinner in than I did squeezing into those too small clothes. I got those clothes out of the house and off to the local op shop rather than leaving unwearable clothes in the wardrobe. One of the things I replaced is my swim suit. I now have a wonderfully flattering leopard print one piece. One mantra I have is that just because you can get into it and do it up is no reason to buy it or wear it. I think you have to dress for the body you have now rather that one you had or the one you aspire to have.

Alternately wear whatever the hell you want and don’t give a f whatever anyone else thinks...

What a sad world we live in where we dress ourselves just so others think we look ok.

Lemonymint · 09/08/2026 01:50

Post menopausal weight gain made me go up a size. I'd have to eat almost nothing to maintain my former size and the extra weight is better for my bone density. Initially, I tried to squeeze into my existing clothes. Eventually, I faced the fact that I was unlikely to be that thin ever again and gradually weeded out anything that didn't fit - a full length mirror in a good light is essential. I have nice clothes now that I fit and I look thinner in than I did squeezing into those too small clothes. I got those clothes out of the house and off to the local op shop rather than leaving unwearable clothes in the wardrobe. One of the things I replaced is my swim suit. I now have a wonderfully flattering leopard print one piece. One mantra I have is that just because you can get into it and do it up is no reason to buy it or wear it. I think you have to dress for the body you have now rather that one you had or the one you aspire to have.

TheFluentQuail · 09/08/2026 01:18

This has hit your confidence when you just needed a break...from a mans view is there any chance he did not want you wearing the bikini because you looked a bit sexy and he felt threatened if you got too many admiring glances...

Aurelai · 08/08/2026 23:38

This seems to be a case of

Juli123 · 08/08/2026 23:29

jessywxo · 05/08/2026 19:24

We're on holiday at the moment and this happened yesterday before we went down to the pool.

I'm late 20s and I've put on quite a lot of weight over the last few years and I'm not pretending otherwise. I don't look the same as I did a few years ago and when I met DH and I'm aware my body has changed.

I've sometimes struggled with my confidence because of it, especially when it comes to things like swimwear but I decided before this holiday that I didn't want to spend the whole time worrying about how I looked.

I brought a bikini that I've had for a while that I always loved and felt good in. It's definitely tighter than it used to be, but I didn't think it looked terrible. I felt comfortable in it and I actually looked in the mirror and thought I looked okay, which can be quite rare.

I came out of the bathroom ready to go and I saw DH give me a funny look.
I asked him what was wrong and he said "Nothing", but I said "No, what is it?"
Eventually he said, "I was just surprised you were wearing that bikini."

I asked him what he meant and he said that he thought it looked too tight and that they were digging in on me. He said he wasn't trying to be horrible, but he was only saying it because he'd rather I knew than walked around the pool feeling uncomfortable or looking silly.

I know he probably wasn't trying to hurt me, but it really upset me. I hadn't asked him what he thought. I wasn't standing there asking if the bikini suited me or if it still fitted, I was just ready to go.

Until then I actually felt quite good about myself. After he said it, I felt really self-conscious and ended up changing into a swimsuit because I didn't feel comfortable wearing the bikini anymore.

I spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish, which annoyed me because my weight and how I look is already something that bothers me and I was trying to make an effort to avoid that..

Last night I told him that his comment had upset me. He said he didn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it because he hadn't said it to be mean or nasty. He said if he was wearing something that didn't fit properly, he'd want me to tell him. I said I would if he asked me, but I wouldn't just look at him and point something out that I knew would surely make him feel bad.

He's very 'black and white' sometimes and his view seems to be that couples should be honest with each other even if its not nice to hear. I think there are some things you don't need to say unless someone actually asks.

For balance and to be fair to him, he is normally a good husband and I don't think he was trying to be mean/cruel. I just don't know if I'm overreacting, or whether he should have kept that thought to himself in the moment

AIBU to be so upset over this?

In fairness, you did as him what was wrong. As my plain spoken grandmother would have said; "Don't ask the question if you don't want the answer."

TinyFlamingo · 08/08/2026 23:09

Triskellion75 · 08/08/2026 22:41

Sadly I had a mastectomy and reconstruction some years ago and while the boob area is actually OK, the absolutely massive scar right across my abdomen is a sight to behold.

Plus I never go anywhere hot enough on holiday anyway. 😆

Wear those scars with pride mumma they show your strength and tell an amazing story.

I do!

Triskellion75 · 08/08/2026 22:41

LemonSnail · 08/08/2026 21:54

Why can’t you start wearing one now?

Sadly I had a mastectomy and reconstruction some years ago and while the boob area is actually OK, the absolutely massive scar right across my abdomen is a sight to behold.

Plus I never go anywhere hot enough on holiday anyway. 😆

DollyPop100 · 08/08/2026 22:12

EmpressStorm · 08/08/2026 21:54

He didn’t comment on her body though, he commented her bikini was too small?

Yes inferring she was too large for it

LemonSnail · 08/08/2026 21:54

Triskellion75 · 08/08/2026 20:55

I hope, no matter what, it doesn't put you off wearing bikinis. I'm middle aged and I've literally worn one once in my entire life which I'm really regretting.

Why can’t you start wearing one now?

EmpressStorm · 08/08/2026 21:54

DollyPop100 · 08/08/2026 21:37

I don’t think he should have made any comments about your body at all.
if you had asked his opinion and that was his honest opinion then maybe that’s a bit different but you didn’t so I agree with you being miffed especially if he knows it is something you struggle with or are feeling a bit low because of weight gain.
Don’t feel annoyed at yourself for being miffed you have ever right to feel upset.

He didn’t comment on her body though, he commented her bikini was too small?

DollyPop100 · 08/08/2026 21:37

I don’t think he should have made any comments about your body at all.
if you had asked his opinion and that was his honest opinion then maybe that’s a bit different but you didn’t so I agree with you being miffed especially if he knows it is something you struggle with or are feeling a bit low because of weight gain.
Don’t feel annoyed at yourself for being miffed you have ever right to feel upset.

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