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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think there is no flattering swimwear for the larger lady

126 replies

MahMahMahMahCorona · 13/08/2022 15:47

I've scoured the Internet and I cannot find what I'm looking for.

Currently 9months into breastfeeding and 16 stone (down from 20 since birthing the baby, so that's a bonus).

Going on holiday next week and am in total denial about my size. Nothing looks right, nothing looks like it can cover all my sins so I anticipate hiding inside, beneath sarongs and towels, baking and perspiring for the entirety of the holiday.

DP suggestion? "Ask Mumsnet".

So I'm asking: where does a 16 stone breastfeeding large boobed lop-sided (baby only feeds from the right breast) large thigh'd large with an overhang mama, find flattering swimwear?

AIBU in saying the task is an impossible task?


If you've found this page in search of swimwear that has been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best swimsuits for women useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

OP posts:
Wombat27A · 13/08/2022 15:52

I wear a black boy legged swimsuit in very comfortable lycra and own the pool. Means I don't have to worry about bikini line and no tyres flopping out. I don't go anywhere where I'm expecting to be on show (just because it's not my sort of thing) but bugger would I be staying in hiding if I did!

4 stone is huge. I've lost about a kilo with a tonne of help and it's hard. Kudos!

Benjispruce4 · 13/08/2022 15:56

Those skirted swimsuits are cute. Swimwear 365 I think is a good website. A selection of cool wafty kaftans for wafting about. This applies to larger and smaller ladies in the heat.

GeekyThings · 13/08/2022 15:56

That's the kind of thing I wear, you can also get tankini tops in your proper bra size from some places, so comfortable! I think it looks better than normal women's swimming gear, because you look more comfortable and confident in it. In part because you don't have keep picking them out of your backside!

Bsmirched · 13/08/2022 15:57

How about one of these?
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B071787G38?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

RiverSkater · 13/08/2022 15:58

Look at Lands End, they have so much choice.

GlittercheeksOakleaf · 13/08/2022 15:58

I wear a boy leg swimsuit. I have two, my black one is more flattering than the navy/pink one. They're not the prettiest but they're practical enough.

www.amazon.co.uk/Slazenger-Swimsuit-Swimming-Costume-Beachwear/dp/B013QJYZTI?th=1&psc=1

I'm a stone heavier than you (well done on the 4 stone loss by the way, I'm 4.5 stone down from where I was this time last year and it's an amazing achievement!) and the size 22 fits well.

Thewheelsfalloffthebus · 13/08/2022 15:59

holding a baby is very flattering. People smile at them and then at you and don’t give another thought to your size or shape.

swimwear wise, pick something you have a reason to like that’s totally unrelated to your size and shape - a colour or a print you love, a cute ruffly bikini top (which might help disguise unevenness too).

Separates can work well - I buy bra sized bikini tops at bravissimo then cheap mix and match bottoms from h&m. I chose super high waisted bikini bottoms to hide my post baby tummy. You can also look at tankini tops with bikini bottoms to cover up just as much as a swimsuit.

Get a cover up that you love too in a cool fabric - a loose cotton or linen dress might be cooler than having the sun on more exposed skin.
Get your baby a cute swimsuit that matches your look!

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 13/08/2022 15:59

Find a tankini top you like and then pair it with mens swim shorts.

What size are you looking for?

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 13/08/2022 16:00

Skirted swimsuit or tankini, made up of skirted bottoms. I think I got mine from somehwere like Ambrose Wilson. I feel much better in mine, than in something without legs or a skirt. Bikini makes it easier to use the loo, obs.

mimbleandlittlemy · 13/08/2022 16:00

Land’s End are pricey but very good.

GeekyThings · 13/08/2022 16:02

Or if you have better knees than mine board shorts with a tankini top, also very flattering:

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/black-board-shorts-p?currency=GBP&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl92XBhC7ARIsAHLl9akK7eB36DDzUYZag3DrjcydKkCxAw01k2g6nUDyJ7q5OVqYRvOFDw0aAuy0EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

DDivaStar · 13/08/2022 16:03

Carolina dress room havevjustbbrought out swim dresses.....

carolinadressroom.co.uk/collections

UpToMyElbowsInDiapers · 13/08/2022 16:03

calypsa.com/uk/swimwear.html

DinosaurDuvet · 13/08/2022 16:04

I like swimdresses, they skim all the bad parts. Don’t hide away though OP

Numbat2022 · 13/08/2022 16:05

I'm 16 stone, big boobs, c section tummy and bought this recently: www.marksandspencer.com/tummy-control-plunge-swimsuit/p/clp60510630

It's flattering and comfy, a bit booby but they stay in fine. Don't care about my thighs squishing together, it's normal. It's out of stock at the moment but you can sign up for an alert when it comes back into stock (I did and it appeared a week or so later).

DeborahVance · 13/08/2022 16:06

Numbat2022 · 13/08/2022 16:05

I'm 16 stone, big boobs, c section tummy and bought this recently: www.marksandspencer.com/tummy-control-plunge-swimsuit/p/clp60510630

It's flattering and comfy, a bit booby but they stay in fine. Don't care about my thighs squishing together, it's normal. It's out of stock at the moment but you can sign up for an alert when it comes back into stock (I did and it appeared a week or so later).

I've got this costume too, they do it every year. It's v flattering

SteveHarringtonsChestHair · 13/08/2022 16:06

I’m a size 18, wear a bikini and give no fucks. I buy the big pants as nobody needs to see my stomach, but I expose the bit between my waist and underboob. Then get a supportive bikini top, I like halter necks but they can Ache after a while so I usually untie the neck strap.

I keep a sarong handy for standing up, but tbh on holiday everyone else is too busy enjoying themselves to give one shiny shit about someone else’s thighs or jiggly bits.

Just enjoy the feeling of sun on your body and splashing in the water with your baby.

TooManyPJs · 13/08/2022 16:07

I wear a skirted swimsuit which is pretty flattering. Emphasises boobs, de-emphasises tummy.

Allthegoodusernamesareused · 13/08/2022 16:07

I am the same weight as you, OP (though without the reason of recently having given birth or breastfeeding). I have a Figleaves swimsuit I bought from Next last year, it's really sculptured and underwired so holds everything in and is really flattering.

I also often wear a tankini top and a pair of mens swimming shorts.

hotchocdrinker · 13/08/2022 16:08

Bizarrely, I just came on to recommend exactly the same swimsuit that @Numbat2022 has linked to. It's not something I would normally try but it's very comfy and quite flattering.

ForfuckssakeEXHstopbeingatwat · 13/08/2022 16:08

I think it's important not to confusing "looks nice" with "slimming" or "flattering". My mum drives me bonkers with this. Her sole criteria for if someone or something looks good is if it's slimming. If it's a gorgeous colour and you feel comfortable in it, then it's flattering. Especially on holiday when it's hot, you need comfort above all else. Pack a couple of very floaty lightweight shirts or dresses for mooching about but please don't make yourself miserable looking for a holy grail of 2 oz of lycra that will somehow perform miracles. I've been there x

MassiveSalad22 · 13/08/2022 16:09

Wearing one of these as I type and just ordered another. Didn’t realise it was a two-piece but I like it as it is not see through so you can relax and just let it skim you and let it all hang out. Quite flattering! I’m about 16st too. How did you lose the 4st? Well done!!

Swimwear Two-Piece Swimsuit Halter Swimdress Swimming Costume Tankini Sets V-Neck with High Waist Briefs Skirt amzn.eu/d/360vvm1 Here

Crikeyalmighty · 13/08/2022 16:11

I like that @Bsmirched !!!

Bindayagain · 13/08/2022 16:12

I find blouson style swimsuits or tankinis more flattering, or at least that is how I feel in them. After a day or two on a recent holiday abroad I really stopped caring how big I was - women (and men) of every possible shape and size were all around me, enjoying themselves - so I did too Smile