To think that there's no solution for me (fat legs and the beach)

[JMSA]

I am very overweight and am going to Greece next month. I am making a massive effort to lose weight, but let's face it, I've left it too late.
I really envy overweight people who have decent legs! You can conceal a flabby stomach or bum with good 'shaping' swimwear. But you can't cover up fat, toddler-like legs. Of course you can put on a sarong or cover-up while wafting around the pool. But the thought of the dreaded walk between sunlounger and sea/pool is leaving me cold! I'd look ridiculous with one of the skirted swimsuits, and there's no point because the skirt is too short. Swim leggings might make me stand out more than just my actual legs!
Is there a solution I haven't come across?
Thank you.
PS I've always had bad legs, even at my slimmest. The varicose veins and corned beef tinted skin don't help the cellulite either.

Thank you so much for all the comments - just working my way through them now!
For those suggesting a fake tan, do you do these yourself or go somewhere to have it done? I think I'd prefer the latter, despite the embarrassment.

OP, I'm disgustingly overweight ATM & recently went swimming. Nobody- I mean nobody- looked, & there were a load of chavs there- teens etc.

Have a fab time. And if you want to lose weight, do it when you're ready, & for you. Not just for a holiday 🌹

This makes me want to cry for the legs I'm always criticising.
They're amazing, aren't they?!

Gosh, I've just finished reading and I'm amazed at all your supportive and helpful comments.
Thank you all!
A quick question about fake tans. Are these done by a person or machine? And I've heard that they just come off in the pool. Is this not true?

I have lipoedema OP. It’s basically ‘fat leg syndrome’ and is incredibly painful and embarrassing. I’ve never, ever gone swimming with my younger two (8 and 11) as it has got worse with each pregnancy. I can’t wear leggings and am so envious of fellow fattiest who can disguise with a floaty dress or tunic, leggings and DMs!

I cry if anyone so much as glimpses my cankles and won’t even go for my smear test as I’m so embarrassed- I’d rather flash my bum and bits to the world than have anyone catch sight of my legs.😳

Some of the vitriol I’ve seen on social media about fat ankles and odd shaped legs makes me realise that women really ARE judged on this.

I wear one of those full length kaftans you can pick up from a tenner from TK Maxx. They’re made of light, quick drying synthetic material so I just wade into the sea in them and have a swim. Absolutely dread the annual beach holiday, so feel your pain.

@TinyRebel oh bless you, you sound so self-conscious. Anyone who judges other people's leg shape is a vile individual whose opinion is of no consequence. I know it's easier to say than to believe though.

Honestly no one cares, no one is looking. Everyone is just thinking about their own lives, enjoying their own holiday.

Try to remember that :)

In the nicest possible way, everyone else is too busy worrying about their own insecurities to notice anyone else.
Have a fabulous time OP, enjoy the sea, sun and salt on your skin. Not hidden under layers x

Having "fat legs" doesn't mean you are not beautiful. You are more than just your legs xx

Fake tan and fake confidence

Sorry, I mean these are the two things you need - fake it til you make it !

So what op. Just go and have a great time forget about everyone else..its awful feeling so self conscious when you're somewhere you ought to be relaxing and enjoying!

I wasted so much time worrying and panicking about having no tits whatsoever and how I looked like a child in a bikini ,agonized over which one had padding big enough, is it push up, maybe ruffles will make it look better, maybe I can stuff in extra padding in this one.
I've even worn bras with them or just felt so shameful I wore tshirts in the pool. 🙄 I imagined men laughing at me and women pitying me...in reality nobody gave a shit about me or paid any attention 🤣

Now I wear whatever I want I and couldn't give a shit who noticed or not. Its my body, it's all I have🤷‍♀️
Hope you have a brilliant holiday op!

Yes, there is a solution. Stop saying your legs are 'bad'. They're just your legs. They do a bloody good job for you - one day they won't and you've wasted all this time obsessing about whether they're good enough for other people to see.

The messages here are really inspiring but I have to say I am not able to ignore my awful body maybe I lack the maturity but I am so self conscious I hate the summer months. I'm going on hols in 2 weeks to a big kid friendly resort and if we bump into someone I know then I probably won't go swimming at all and ruin my own hols. Ridiculous - yes it is.

What troubles me is that I was this heavy about 8 years ago and lost loads of weight over 3 yrs but when I cast my mind back to the holiday I took at my slimmest I felt exactly the same. And now I can't understand why I wasn't dancing around in a string bikini. I foolishly thought I was still on a weight loss journey. Anyhow my point is its how you feel that counts so you should own and love your wobbly bits and to hell with everyone else, then come back and tell me how to do the same!!

One tip - I sometimes wear my sarong to the pool edge and just slip out of it and leave it there in a little bag or with a towel and get straight back into it. No one on loungers gets to watch my walk of shame

This 100%

Slap on some fake tan, a big smile and remember everyone's too busy worrying about their own fat bits to care about yours!🤣🤣

Those swim skirts are bloody awful.

get some board shorts with a bikini top or tankini.

I live in Portugal. In summer the beaches are full of everyone from 8 months to 80. Bikinis are everywhere no matter how fat or thin. Stretch marks, wrinkles, saggy tummies and thighs are all on display. Trying to cover up in a one piece or sarong just draws attention. It really doesn’t matter to anyone else.

I'm sure your legs are perfectly fine and when you're getting in the pool etc think about the memories you are making and how beautiful things are around you instead of missing everything focusing on your legs and what other people may or may not be thinking.

Genuinely, You know who cares about your legs when you're on the beach/round the pool? You and only you.

Have a fabulous holiday

You will not be the largest woman on the beach, I can guarantee this. I can also guarantee that when you see the largest woman on the beach, she will not be remotely concerned about her size. Neither should she. Or you, for that matter.

Me and my big fat thighs enjoy the sun and the sea in a high-cut bright blue 50s style swimsuit. And we look fucking fabulous. 😁You only get one life OP - don’t waste it, get out there and feel the summer breeze and the sea on your bare legs and be grateful for those strong, healthy legs that carry you through life.

Just wear your swimsuit and enjoy the beach. Nobody cares about fat legs.

I have worked hard to pay for this holiday
I am holiday miles from anyone that I know
I will never see any of these people again
I am going to enjoy my holiday & I don't care what other people think
Once you are in the water, you are free !
We are all human

No one will be looking at you , they will be worried about themselves!

A person does it for you using a spray whilst you're standing in a booth. They give you a little pair of paper pants which you can wear if you like but you're otherwise nude, no make up or perfume on. The spray is quite cold so prepare to shiver a bit, they'll swoop all over you, back and front then you stand there for a few minutes letting it dry. Get dressed then in old, very loose clothing (no bra) I take flip flops too. Then go home! Make sure you don't wash your hands or get water on you until it's developed, anything from 3 hours to overnight. I try and have mine around 7pm the night before I go wherever and eat fish n chips or something!