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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:
NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 13/08/2022 17:41

Watch some body positive women on TikTok - you look at them with their swimwear or regular clothes on and realise they look fine! It's a bit of a revelation to be honest, you then realise that actually no one is really looking.
The bp movement has its critics, but that and being in my late 40's has realised that women cover up/worry at all sizes while missing out on life experiences.
Stick the baby in a sun onesie though- saves ages on bloody sun cream

GetOffYou · 13/08/2022 17:46

I’ve bought this recently, and had compliments!

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01K4GW4XK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BorgQueen · 13/08/2022 17:51

I always liked the swim dresses I used to see very large Women wearing in Florida. I’m a size 18/20 and had my last costume from Bon marche of all places, it’s ruched all down the front and wrap over bra piece, it’s flattering.

yomellamoHelly · 13/08/2022 17:52

Tbh, I'd go for a skimpy bikini.
On holiday atm. Noone cares and skimpy would be the most comfy in the water. (I have a skort combo and a short combo.)
Having a tan on my flobby bits makes me feel better about them too. (Am currently rolling my high rise bottoms down once in the water.)
About 4 stone over weight.

DollyPartonsBeard · 13/08/2022 17:57

YourUserName it looks like SeaFancy is a bogus/knock-off company based in China /the reviews are not great at all

uk.trustpilot.com/review/seafancy.com

BoneyEmm · 13/08/2022 18:03

www.next.co.uk/style/ls133032/l89365

And this one. Both gave my breasts a bit of support, rest felt ok.

11GrumpsaGrumping · 13/08/2022 18:05

@MahMahMahMahCorona where are you going? If Europe bound, you'll be surprised how many different bodies you see, all in bikinis!

Like a PP said, I often think "less" attempt to cover yourself looks better. I can't articulate it well but so many larger women wear bikinis where I live (Portugal btw) and look great. You often then see tourists come wearing all sorts of tummy control suits or long shorts etc and they just look overdressed :-).

You have to feel comfortable though; that is the main thing. I promise though no one will care!

SquirrelCity · 13/08/2022 18:06

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

Excellent advice, you've written what I wanted to but better.

Beancounter1 · 13/08/2022 18:20

Wear your normal bra under a tankini top.

Nearly all swimwear is seriously inadequate for bust support.
Bra-fitting-sized swimwear is expensive, and your choice will be restricted.
So just wear your normal bra, maybe in a nude colour. Chances are the tankini straps will cover the bra straps so it will be very unobtrusive and you will be fully supported.

CoffeeWithCheese · 13/08/2022 18:26

Little advisory if you go for the top shown with this - I have the outfit and it looks great out of the pool, but in the water, unless you tuck the top in - it floats up and you end up with your norks dangling out of the bottom on show.

Learnt the hard way - thankfully I had entered the water slowly and taken heed of what was beginning to happen asap - thank god I hadn't just jumped in and popped out.

imnotthatkindofmum · 13/08/2022 18:32

This is mine. I have 2xl, I am 15 stone 7 and it's a little big for me. I have a large bust and belly, coverage is great. Good value and prime delivery!

AYEEBOOY Women's Plus Size Floral... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N6D8N7H?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare

imnotthatkindofmum · 13/08/2022 18:33

I did cut out the stupid foam breast bits as they move around and make it look like I have 3 boobs. Just a tiny snip on liner and pulled them out!

daisyjgrey · 13/08/2022 18:40

The language we use about our own bodies really is shit isn't it.

whysorude · 13/08/2022 19:02

Try Cupshe OP. I got 2 lovely plus size swimsuits from there recently. Lots of style and colour choice and very flattering.

uk.cupshe.com/collections/swimsuits?msclkid=744cd9e4f7911325d299bb1311e366fb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2021.7.6%7CBing%7CUK%7Cbrand&utm_term=cupshe&utm_content=1%20Cupshe%20Brand%20(EM)

Poppiesway1 · 13/08/2022 19:06

@MahMahMahMahCorona are you going abroad? They may have a shop you can get one from? I recently had the panic that my costume no longer fitted me when I was packing a few days before going away. Nothing left in stock here in my size, thankfully at the pool we went to there was a shop also selling costumes and I got a lovely dress type costume which comes down to top 1/3 of thighs, square neck and bust support. I’m almost not wanting to start my diet now I’m home so it fits for next year!
I also got a lovely floaty Roxy cover up too.
the States had much better costumes than here!!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 13/08/2022 19:09

Sunshineandwetsuits · 13/08/2022 16:59

Landsend tugless tummy control swimsuits are AMAZING! I’m in my 3rd ( size 18-20 with wobbly bits everywhere and big boobs) and that’s only because I swim daily.
most flattering and comfortable swimmer suits I have ever worn.
not cheap but they have a great sale on right now.

I agree with this. Also on my third, in 10 years. I swim several times a week. Sign up for emails and an offer will be along soon.

OldTinHat · 13/08/2022 19:33

A halterneck swim dress. I got one from Simply Be and am complimented when I wear it. No link, I'm afraid. I bought it about three years ago.

DillDanding · 13/08/2022 19:37

Swimwear is exposing, no matter how much ruching or Lycra.

Instead of trying to find something flattering, just think ‘fuck it’ and go for comfort.

fyn · 13/08/2022 19:55

The lady who’s collection this is and is in the pictures wears a 16 or an 18, I think she looks great in them all. Possibly helpful to visualise a similar body type too!

www.inthestyle.com/catalogsearch/result?q=ash#color=&size=&category=&product_type=Swimsuits,Swimwear&min=0&max=300&page=1&results=40

ForfuckssakeEXHstopbeingatwat · 13/08/2022 20:41

@Beancounter1 honestly, I think that's terrible advice. Nude bras are hideous and ugly and far from invisible and the last thing you want is an extra layer of substantial fabric, tight straps etc.

Fifife · 13/08/2022 20:43

MN hate this company but shein check out their swimwear they have lovely pieces for all shapes and sizes. It also doesn't look like pensioner wear.

feeona123 · 13/08/2022 20:45

I’m the same weight as you. I like Sainsburys swimsuits. My belly is huge, there’s no denying that but I like their colours and style.

LadyMaid · 13/08/2022 20:48

Try Maya Swimwear.

They have loads of options and are very flattering.

www.mayaswimwearline.com/