To think nothing terrible will happen if fat me wears swimming attire on holiday?

[BlowDryRat]

Assuming we're ever allowed on holiday...

I used to be a size 10 but this has crept up to a size 14-16. I do a lot of exercise but eat too much. None of my clothes fit and I feel quite self conscious.

We're off to the beach over the half term and summer holidays and I've been stressing over what sort of cover-up to wear. It then occurred to me to wonder what would actually be so terrible if I just wore a normal swimming costume or tankini (I've never been a bikini person). Will the fish jump out of the sea in fright? Will ladies faint? Will small children run away in terror? Will everyone turn and laugh at my wobbly bits? Probably not.

AIBU in thinking it will be fine, or is there some terrible consequence I haven't thought of yet?

You're not fat. People won't even look at you anyway. I wear a swimming cozzy to the beach and no-one looks at me and I am fat.

Besides, going to the beach isn't a long bathing beauty contest you're only allowed to show up at if you're thin. It's about swimming and diving sandcastles and doing things, not looking like something in particular.

Just wear what you want :) I am a 16-20 (don't know for certain post-covid but let's average it at an 18 - I wear a bikini and no one has ever batted an eyelid. Or at least if they have I've not heard. It's your body!

Nothing terrible happens when I fling my cozzie on. I’m a size 14, I have stretch marks on my thighs, a lipoma on the bottom of one butt cheek and I am very hit and miss with hair control. In the local pool I look normal. No one has ever commented or given me a second look. At the beach I sometimes wrap a sarong around my waist but it really isn’t necessary. You’ll like fine!

Literally no one will care or even notice.

It will be fine! I am always really impressed when I travel to Greece to see ladies of all ages/shapes and sizes on the beach enjoying themselves, looking relaxed and 'at home' in their bodies.
Try not to be self conscious - like a 'bad hair day' , no-one is really bothered, they are too worried about what they look like. And if they are...meh? Who cares?

People wouldn’t even notice

Everyone else will be too worried about how they look to be looking round judging others. The best looking people on the beach and those with confidence having fun, not necessarily the slimmer people!

You're not fat.

I'm obese. I'm only 5'4 and weigh 85kg.

I would notice.
But think 'thank goodness, it's not just me'.

Nobody else is likely to care! I get a bit self conscious so wear a swim dress last few years but that's just for me not to please others. Wear what you like :)

Why? Have you ever seen any of those things happening in the past when you've been at the beach and there have been people larger than you there??

Has there been some recent incidents of things happening? I don't really know why this is a question unless there's been something I've missed.

People of all shapes and sizes wear swim wear in public, obviously not much in the past year but it's a normal thing to do.

The fact you're asking suggests that you have judged other women in the past.

@BlowDryRat

You're not fat.

I'm obese. I'm only 5'4 and weigh 85kg.

Ok. Pick out that part of my otherwise supportive post if you want. Don't go swimming and cower under a towel with your unacceptable body instead

At the beach there is always a handful of absolutely beautiful young people with amazing bodies that everyone can’t help looking at. They are the only ones anyone notices, the rest of us might as well be invisible. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Nobody will notice. When you're there you'll realise you're not the worst by far.

I should know - I'm a size 16-18.

Ive no idea what size I actually am, as everywhere I buy from has different sizing - Im a 12 hips/waist some places, 14 others, and 16 to 18 top half (36hh bikini top, M or 12 bottom). Im 5'6" and also 85 kg. I dont give a toss what randoms on a beach or round a pool who Im never likely to see ever again once Im home think of my appearance.

Of course nothing is going to happen.
It is all about how comfortable and confidant you feel.
If you’re not going to spend to whole time feeling self conscious and a bit crap then wear whatever you want.
I choose my swimwear depending on how comfortable I am in it.

What will happen is you will encourage others to do the same and children will look at you and see that all bodies are different and all are beautiful. I wish I was a size btw!!!! What will happen is you will inspire people DO IT and bloody revel in it

I wear a bikini at size 14 and in my 50s.
I do however insist on underwiring which I didn't need when younger.

Enjoy yourself OP. Our bodies should not be a source of shame, however we look.

Oh my goodness OP you are massive, you should probably lock yourself away and never be seen in public again.

Or alternatively have a word with yourself and realise many women are a size 14-16 and wear swimwear at that size and no one even gives them a second look. Let’s not pretend someone at that size is huge and would have people staring at them for daring to wear a swimsuit.

I’m a size 14-16, I wear a bikini if I’m on holiday and I look fine.

Ps I'm 5'3" so I out I sets you if that helps

** out obese

Given that swimming costumes come in sizes up to 32 (probably more, just done a quick google) people are buying them and wearing them and the world is still turning...

I’m fat, and swim at the local beach. I have frequently seen children I teach, and their parents, as I wallow in the sea. They may be traumatised by the experience, but I’m absolutely fine.