To think maybe I could wear a swimsuit?

[Thunderthighs11]

Hi there, I'm a regular but name changed for this. I'm off on holidays to Italy with dh and two teen daughters. I'm currently a size 18/20 and
Very thigh heavy. I've lost 1.5 stone but it's a drop in the ocean. Inspired by a previous tread on here by someone going to Disneyland and worrying about what to wear, I've taken on-board some of the advice and got myself a pretty decent holiday wardrobe and most importantly comfy foot wear. I'm pretty pleased with what I've got and feeling happy with that side of it
However we're going to a campsite which has really decent water parks and activities. Dh wouldn't be bothered about any of that but my dds will and so would I if I weren't so heavy. I'd resigned myself to just lying beside the pool and not taking part but I think it'd be pretty unreasonable of me not to join in when my dds ask. So what I'm asking is, is can anyone recommend swim wear that looks ok on heavier women and also if I'm been unreasonable to think it's ok to reveal so much of myself to the unsuspecting public?

How about a high waisted underwired bikini? This is lovely, supportive and goes up to an 18 and 38DD
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020876480_-1
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020876380_-1
Enjoy your holidays.

Please wear a bikini! I've been to Italy and discussed this with several Italian women. One piece swimsuits are very much in the minority- most people you see wearing them are much older or not Italian.

Look for something that suits your body shape and get a bra sized top if you've got big boobs- you can mix and match with cheaper generic bottoms if need be. If you've got big thighs then a classic slightly higher knicker leg rather than shorts will be more flattering. Have a look at your favourite pants- chances are that's the shape that suits you most.

At an 18/20 you won't even be nearly the biggest person there, just get yourself a swimsuit and enjoy yourself! Congrats on the weight loss!

As a PP said upthread, Simply Be have great swimming costumes, bikinis, tankinis, suits and dresses. Lots of them have hidden support in them, too. I found one of their swimdresses was just the thing for the water parks, as it gave the back of my thighs a bit more protection on some of the rides. But trust me, you won't be the biggest person there by any stretch of the imagination! I carry all my weight on my stomach and boobs and was flattered that a guy tried to pick me up in one of the parks by commenting on my tattoo. So go for it - you'll have a great time.

I've just ordered a pair of swim shorts from Lands End to go over the top of my cossie. I also bought a beach dress from Fat Face yesterday to fling over the top when I get out of the water. It's only an 18 but stretchy.

I'm a size 20 and have worn swimsuits with no problem. I have now taken the plunge and ordered this www.torrid.com/product/heart-print-peplum-tankini-top/10733859.html?cgid=swim-tops-tankinis#start=7
I am so fed up not wearing pretty things and hiding just because I'm bigger. Torrid is very good for fun young clothes for bigger people. They go up to size 34 and have the best jeans I've ever worn. They really seem to know how to make clothes that fit in all the right places.
Op wear your swimsuit and have fun.

Have any of you tried the Miraclesuit ones they sell on the Evans site? They are about 150 pounds. Are they worth the money?

You lot will never know how much your kind words and enthusiasm has meant to me. Today I'm looking forward to a very different holiday than I was yesterday
I've ordered the orange suit someone linked earlier from Asda, thank you. And today I'm heading into town to see what's available there and even just see what suits me style wise
I've a gel nails pedicure and manicure booked and instead of my usual subdued nudes I'm going to go bright and fun.

Also I'd no intentions of passing on my negativity to my dds and had planned on excuses but I realise that the couple of people who touched on this are right I need to show them a happy positive mum on holidays and not pass on my body issues.

I've over two weeks so am kick starting my diet again with the intention of losing a few pounds to get me into the next stone bracket which will be another confidence booster.
Thanks again, it's great to hear so many of you who are larger like myself wear what you like and enjoy yourselves. Also great to hear from you slimmer women that you think I should go for it!

Good luck with your weight loss. YYY to lovely bright nails. Enjoy your holiday. And be fabulous!!!

I'm a size 14 but hate how my body looks. I was invited to a spa day hen do a few months ago and I was terrified at the thought of wearing a swimming costume in front of other people.

I finally got one I liked from Asda but was shaking like a leaf when I had to take my robe off at the pool.

Then I looked at the other hens around me. Granted there was one 'perfect' tanned size 8, but the others were all different types of curvy.

The one I was most in awe of was a 60 yo lady, probably about a size 24 who had lost a breast to cancer. She was wearing a stunning floral swimming costume and gave not a fuck about how she looked. I fell a little bit in love with her that day.

Since then I've really tried to love myself a bit more, why are we our own worst enemies?

So op, bloody well enjoy your holiday in whatever swimsuit you choose, you'll look beautiful!

Enjoy your day in town and have a lovely holiday!

Navy, me too! I always want to say something nice to them but loose my nerve.

OP, I've been a size 8, a size 20 and everything in between and worn bikinis at all those sizes. I always feel self conscious at first but that's MY insecurities; I've never had any funny looks, comments etc. Plus I give myself a little pep talk and think 'feck it, I'm on holiday and won't let my hang ups hold me back from having fun'.

Have a fantastic time!

www.amazon.co.uk/TDOLAH-Swimming-Costume-Swimwear-Boyshort/dp/B01ESTC5GK/ref=pd_rhf_schuc_s_cp_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01ESTC5GK&pd_rd_r=8WJ6W4PT9Y7WACXTGV1Q&pd_rd_w=T4T52&pd_rd_wg=Ggh5R&refRID=8WJ6W4PT9Y7WACXTGV1Q&tag=mumsnetforum-21
Quick update, tried on a few in town but there wasn't a great selection. I've figured I would be happier when I've to walk around to slides and stuff if the tops of my inner thighs are covered but swim shorts just kinda made my thighs bulge out where the short leg ended and didn't look good. Someone posted a link to liligal.com where I fell in love with a swim dress almost identical to the above but it wouldn't be here in time so a quick google threw this up on Amazon. It's ordered and will be here this week. I'll wear the Orange asda one by the pool if it looks ok on.
First time I've ever planned to bring more than one swim suit on holidays as its never been a priority. The last time I even bought one was 8 years ago and I've never owned a pretty one, it's always been plain one colour, so this is a big leap for me. There's lots of swimwear shops where we are going so who knows I may even invest in a tankini!!! I love swimming and water parks/activities but every sun holiday has had me holiding back, even when I was lighter. I can't believe that at my heaviest on holiday I'm going to just go for it and it's completly down to the honest opinions And encouragement of fellow mumsnetters.

Recently been to the US and you will not stand out. Pick a bikini and go have fun!

I'm a size 18/20, gained a lot of weight since giving birth and desperate to feel confident.

Have bought the bikini from Asos to help cover my arms and the high waisted shorts help me cover a tiny bit of my stomach.

The swimsuit though has been a real game changer for me, it can be worn in so many different ways and so many of them flattering. Plus, it's magisculpt so has loads of support

Swimsuit didn't attach to first post

This might not be helpful, so please ignore. But I'll just put it out there.

When I've been on holiday to various countries, including Italy, whilst the tourists are hefty, most "locals" seem slim and healthy. Might be just where I've been.

An example - my DM lost some weight following stress. She fits a size 8-10 and being petite looks perfect. She thought she was too slim. I told her no. Our (UK) perception of what looks normal has become skewed. We're all fatter. I told her that in Italy she would look perfectly normal.

I've been to Italy a good few times and each time I feel like a heffrrlump at size 14. I think I look "English". Fat, pear shape, pasty. I have NEVER felt good dressed never mind undressed. If I was single I might not give a shit.

I'm trying to lose weight. I have an amazing DH who would always try to make me feel good, and no-one would look at me strange, but I know what I look like.

Caveat - in very UK type hols like Spain, where there are a lot of overweight tourists it's easier.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far

You can wear what you want in the pool.

Tankini tops with shirts bottoms can work well for larger thighs and bigger built woman. A halter top can draw the eyeline upwards and you may feel more flattered in it.

And just think of all the weigh you'll lose with all that swimming and the amazing memories your Dds will have.

I can assure you they'll remember the year mum went on rides at Disneyland and swimming at the campsite - not your size or what you wore.

We went to centerparcs at Easter and there were people who were anything from a size 6 to size 28 or so wearing swimming costumes.

How about something like this?
I got a Fantasie one a couple of years ago. Very flattering, very comfortable and makes my breasts look awesome! Underwired and adjustable. Worn it loads, washed it loads and still looks brand new. Don't fall into the trap of not having fun or moving around because you're fatter than you'd like. I have put on stones with that kind of thinking. I now go to the roller disco without a care. I'd rather be having fun.

Navyandwhite, yes I've some lovely cover ups, and while I'm feeling brave they'll still be well needed
Allfurcoat, that's an amazing swimsuit, so glad you're wearing with confidence.
Jamesblonde, I think I know what you mean. Hopefully there won't be too many skinny Italians where we are but regardless right now I am large and me covering up and hiding away isn't going to make an enjoyable holiday. Yes I'll be self conscious but I'm making a determined effort not to dwell on it or let it take over. I'll make the most of myself and be confident.

The sad thing is even stones lighter I have always been body conscious on holidays and bought into this negativity too much. I'm letting it go and embracing everything the camp site and area has to offer, they were the reasons we booked it and it would be an awful shame for me to miss out. Plus I know if I get stuck in so will dh, he's not confident in water but if I'm with him he trusts I'll watch out for him and enjoys it more.
I've never heard comments about my weight and unlike some people don't feel people in general treat me differently because of it. I'm probably my worst critic and project my insecurity into thinking other people will judge me harshly.
This tread has shown me its time to change the way I view myself, again thanks to all.