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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

435 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:
BassBug · Yesterday 20:06

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?

It all comes down to one thing - do you want an honest husband or someone who lies to keep your ego intact? Are there no places where you can go buy a larger size? I think curvy women look great BTW, just ask him to buy you a bigger one.

GrandmasCat · Yesterday 20:19

Sassylovesbooks · 05/08/2026 20:01

If I wore something that didn't look right on me, regardless for whatever reason that may be, I'd rather my husband tell me.

You know you've put weight on, you admitted that the bikini looked tighter, so you probably already know it doesn't look bad, but it doesn't look great either.

Yes, your husband looked at you oddly, you asked what was wrong and he said 'Nothing' but you pushed him for more. He told you the truth, now you're cross that he told you the truth. He wasn't nasty or mean, he was honest. If you hadn't pushed him, I doubt he'd have said anything further.

This

Zazazoolly · Yesterday 20:26

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?

I do t think he was being horrible, just honest. I’d be more upset if my husband didn’t point out something that I only noticed or realised later. Having said that, have you seen some people around pools and beaches abroad? I wouldn’t dwell on it

EmpressStorm · Yesterday 20:30

Notonthestairs · Yesterday 19:35

But there was nothing stopping him simply saying you look amazing in XYZ rather than knocking the bikini.
He absolutely could have been more positive rather than leaving her feeling worse.

He should have lied?

I mean he could have but I, like many others, would rather my husband was honest. Rather than told me I look amazing when I don’t. In fact I think that’s quite cruel

katepilar · Yesterday 20:33

I dont like the "looking silly" bit. Obviously we cant tell whether it was too tight or not but he could have chosen better words.

Triskellion75 · Yesterday 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.

KatieGeeGee · Yesterday 21:05

He was being VERY kind. I always ask how I look. I appreciate others opinions. No one is perfect.. Surely if you can afford to go on holiday you have more than 1 swimsuit. Prixmark has AMAZING cozzies. Why not just change into another

Jimmy917 · Yesterday 21:12

Just lose some weight

StarlightLady · Yesterday 21:17

MarriedTwiceOneGrownUpDaughter · Yesterday 20:00

I often wonder about the intentions of the inventor of the bikini. Did they hate women in general? Only a minority of us can wear one with confidence, and even then only for a few years. It's not even enough to be skinny, you have to be curvy in all the right places and have perfectly even skin.

The inventor of the bikini did nothing wrong. It was more comfy than a soggy one piece when you came out of the pool or sea. At the end of the day it was merely a swimming version of bra and knickers.

What went wrong was somebody mixed misogyny into the water.

HJC88 · Yesterday 21:18

Look, his comment although crass was well meant as he obviously understands your weight/confidence issue and he wants you to be comfortable. Be glad that he loves you enough to 1) not care about your weight and 2) care enough about you to want you to be comfortable and confident.

MatriarchCaz · Yesterday 21:27

Jimmy917 · Yesterday 21:12

Just lose some weight

Haha it's that easy - NOT.

Vespanest · Yesterday 21:35

I've been the person who said nothing and then blamed for not saying anything. Holiday with SIL, very similar as she looked in the mirror and told me how great she looked. I had the whole 360 view and the bikini was all over the place. Once she saw the photos especially one from the back she was horrified. She didn't speak to me for months. It wasn't her size as she looked great in other bikinis/swimsuits it was that particular bikini. Hindsight I would have been brave enough but then without the photos she may have thought I was just being a bitch.

DollyPop100 · Yesterday 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.

EmpressStorm · Yesterday 21:54

DollyPop100 · Yesterday 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?

LemonSnail · Yesterday 21:54

Triskellion75 · Yesterday 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?

DollyPop100 · Yesterday 22:12

EmpressStorm · Yesterday 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

Triskellion75 · Yesterday 22:41

LemonSnail · Yesterday 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. 😆

TinyFlamingo · Yesterday 23:09

Triskellion75 · Yesterday 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!

Juli123 · Yesterday 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."

Aurelai · Yesterday 23:38

This seems to be a case of

TheFluentQuail · Today 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...

Lemonymint · Today 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.

MatriarchCaz · Today 02:07

Lemonymint · Today 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.

Aussiemum87 · Today 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.

Nowthatshuge · Today 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

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