Any chance of getting a swimming costume that fits, or should I give in and get a bikini?

[tectonicplates]

This is for actual swimming pool swimming for exercise, not a beach holiday.

My bra size is 32HH at the moment, which is technically a size 10 in terms of bra-sized swimwear, but I'm actually up to a size 18 on my bottom half as I've gained a load of weight. Is there any chance of finding a one-piece swimming costume that fits, i.e. is large enough for my bottom half but also has enough bra-sized support on top? I know I could go sister-sizing to the max and end up with a 38G or something, but then surely the shoulder straps would be too wide apart and would keep falling down? Should I just give in and get a bikini (is that acceptable at a public swimming pool?) as then I could hopefully get both halves to fit?

Alternatively does anyone know of any "normal" swimming costumes that are designed for a larger bust? I used to have one called the Speedo Crystalshine, but they don't make it any more, I can't find anything similar and their website doesn't have that sort of information.

I've been to endless bra/swimwear fittings in the past and it never works for me as I'm short, so even if a swimming costume fits I find the neckline is indecently low, and bra fitters never seem to have any understanding of this. When I was a smaller size and went to John Lewis, I actually found the swimwear department staff were much more helpful than the lingerie department.

A bra sized tankini? Look on ebay for those sort of sizes if you dont have a bravissimo near.
Fantasie, freya, panache, curvy kate are all brands that would have suitable swimwear.

If what you want is sports swimming, I have always got on well with the basic slazenger swimsuits from sports direct.

A 32HH bra size surely must give you a round the bust measurement of 40 inches which I think would mean an 18 would be okay ISH? obviously you'd need to try it on! They don't have an inbuilt bra or anything but they have effective enough compression that nothing moves around or falls out for me and I have quite a large bust. Surprisingly flattering too I think.

I.e. this one

store.slazenger.com/slazenger-basic-swimsuit-ladies-354071#colcode=35407122

I'm 5' 3" and a half and the neckline and costume length are fine for me.

These might be an option: www.deakinandblue.com/pages/sizing

Deakin and Blue looks very interesting, thank you! Very expensive but could be worth a go. And on the other end of the scale we've got the Slazenger one that only costs £11! Both ones to consider, thank you both.

I never thought of a tankini actually, that's a good point.

I can't help with recommendations (I'm very much the other end of the boob scale!) but just wanted to say I think bikinis are fine but I'd be looking at the sports ones for more security.

Look on Brastop website for cup-sized bikini/tankini tops and clothing sized bottoms. They stock Curvy Kate and many other brands.

I know where to buy bra-size bikinis, but would really prefer a one-piece swimming costume if possible.

Sainsburys are very good for swimming costumes for bigger chested women. I have one a bit like this but black and I don't think the top is as box-like

I’d just go for a standard size 16/18 tbh. Maybe a racerback if you’re worried about straps slipping?

Bikini but high waisted and long tops

https://www.reign-studio.com/collections/swimwear

I'm a 30D and wear a 10 on top, don't see how a 32HH could be a 10? Don't you need the over bust measurement?

Pour moi are excellent for swimwear. I usually order 5 or 6 costumes at a time and send back the ones that are wrong

I have smaller breasts but I personally prefer the sports swimming suits when I'm actually going swimming. Especially with my kids. They generally have higher necks and I'm not worried about falling out of them.

I have a couple of Regatta tankinis as well. They do up to a 20. Their neckline is pretty decent.

I'm not criticising what you said as you know your body better than me! But why would being short mean that necklines are low on you? I'd have thought necklines would be higher?

Because that's what happens with all items of clothing? If lots of women of different heights try on the same piece of clothing, the shorter you are, the lower the neckline will be. That's why it's so important that petite clothing needs to be made - it's not just about the overall length of the garment, but also about the depth of necklines and the positioning of waists on dresses. I'm tired of answering these questions now.

Well first of all a 30 back size is generally synonymous with a size 8, but it depends what sort of clothes you like. I generally wear fitted tops - maybe you prefer a more relaxed fit? Most of my tops are a size 10 as long as they're made of stretchy fabric. I don't wear things like shirts.

Anyway, bra-sized swimwear is manufactured according to the your bra back size, not your cup size. If you buy any size 32, regardless of the cup size, then the bottom half will be a size 10. If you buy any size 34, regardless of the cup size, then the bottom half will be a size 12. If you buy any size 36, regardless of the cup size, then the bottom half will be a size 14. And so on.

Please guys, I'm getting really tired of having to justify my size to people. I know what size I am. Can we please stay on topic?

I'm tired of answering these questions now.

Fair enough! I still can't make sense of it all, though.

A lot of people of average height never even think about this stuff. Anyone who's short or tall knows how it works.

Please stop with these comments - it's very frustrating.

Happy to receive any more suggestions/recommendations for swimwear options.

Anyway, bra-sized swimwear is * manufactured according to the your bra back size, not your cup size. If you buy any size 32, regardless of the cup size, then the bottom half will be a size 10. If you buy any size 34, regardless of the cup size, then the bottom half will be a size 12. If you buy any size 36, regardless of the cup size, then the bottom half will be a size 14. And so on.*

If you do end up getting a bikini don't buy a set - buy a separate top and bottoms. M&S is good for that.

The Deakin and Blue cossies are £££, but mine makes me feel amazing, it fits beautifully, and stands up to proper swimming and use with no problems. But although I am difficult to fit in costumes due to being tall and a larger bust, I'm not sure whether they would work for someone who is a very pear shape like yourself, and I think a tankini or bikini would probably give you the best fit. Lots of my outdoor swimming friends wear a bikini to properly swim as they are so easy to get off when its cold

Yes indeed. I think most of the brands like Freya etc can be purchased in two separate halves now, (nothing in my size at M&S) but certainly in the past they used to sell them as sets, which wasn't very useful, but it does seem more customisable now. I still have this problem with pyjamas though, which for some reason nearly always seem to be sold in sets.

Well first of all a 30 back size is generally synonymous with a size 8, but it depends what sort of clothes you like. I generally wear fitted tops - maybe you prefer a more relaxed fit? Most of my tops are a size 10 as long as they're made of stretchy fabric. I don't wear things like shirts.
Im a 34 overbust so generally between an 8 and a 10 for a normal fit in stretchy cotton tops. Definitely a 10 in non stretchy.

Hi everyone, we've had a few reports of users derailing the thread by posting about other things. Please could this be avoided to ensure the thread stays on topic.