Swimwear that’s not revealing…

[MagnoliaStory]

Just to start by saying that I haven’t been swimming for 8 years after putting on a ton of weight after having my babies. Totally my issue, but I didn’t feel comfortable wearing swimwear.

I’ve worked hard on my diet and fitness and recently lost 4.5 stone and I’m back to a size 10 and happy with how I look, but I’m still struggling with the idea of wearing a swimming costume.

I’ve booked to take my DC to a swimming pool water park with slides next week for half term. They’re very excited!! They’ve both had swimming lessons with instructors, but they’ve never been for a fun swim because of my worries about how I looked 🤦🏼‍♀️

Ive ordered a nice swimming costume from M&S, it’s a kind of magic pull in at the waist and a bright, flattering colour etc. I like it…but it feels revealing. I then ordered some swimming shorts online and they’re like hot pants!! Nothing like I would wear.

So I obviously have a mental block. I wouldn’t wear my underwear around strangers and swimwear is pretty much like underwear.

I’m fine with the top half of the swimsuit, but want to find something like trunks. Has anyone seen swimming shorts for women that look like trunks? I may just go back to M&S and head to the men’s section.

Advice welcome please. I know someone will say that no one else cares what other people look like, but I care and I need to somehow find a solution that means my children don’t miss out. Thank you 🙏

I bought a decathlon type swimsuit with shorts style legs to take my grandson swimming. I only wore it once. Everyone there ,old or young, had lumps and bumps and sticky out bits and saggy bits. I'm near 60 and a size 10. The second time we went I wore my M and S tummy control swimsuit with normal legs. Felt absolutely fine.

Congratulations on losing the weight, op. Wear a swimming costume and bung some men's swim shorts on top.
Edited to add: I do this all the time. Stops having to worry about having to shave or flashing my arse.

I wear this- in fact I bought 2 because I found it perfect and it was cheap so I figured it was a low risk to try out. I'm a size 8-10 but have always struggled with regular Swimsuits as I feel they never give enough support for my boobs. But this one feels great for me.
https://www.sportsdirect.com/slazenger-lycra-xtra-life-boyleg-swimsuit-ladies-354743#colcode=35474303

Modest swimwear is booming right now. Look at Muslim swimsuits and you will find lots more that are covered up.

@Hihihello193 I’ve just ordered one of these, boy-leg swimsuits are a joy, thank you.

I found these board shorts from mountain warehouse quite flattering https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/patterned-womens-stretch-boardshorts-short-p23945.aspx/jet-black/

Rash vest & shorts

Wet suit

I wear swim leggings - they come to just below the knee - with a longer length Tankini top. I think I bought them from Yours, but have seen them elsewhere. The problem I always have is finding tops that don’t show loads of cleavage and actually provide some support! I’m large busted and do aqua aerobics regularly, so really don’t need to be adjusting the neckline every 5 minutes. I’ve taken to wearing a cup sized bikini top under my Tankini top as I can’t find anything suitable!

M&S do a really nice 'swim dress', I would recommend it is black and provides a lot more cover than a swimsuit, they are selling out very fast online and I can see why.

I have the same one for swimming.

I just bought two more because I’ve had mine it a few months now and swim everyday, it’s very flattering and comfortable.

I actually bought it after someone recommended it on mumsnet, I’d love to find the thread and thank the OP. I was so body conscious before and hated the walk from the changing room to the pool, it put me off swimming. I’ve lost weight now because I go more often 🙂.

I do find it annoying though that sports direct charge a fortune for delivery even if you spend a lot. You also have to pay to return items as well. I bought different sizes and colours of this swimming costume and I tried to return the ones not needed in store and was told I had to pay to return online.

Thank you for all of the great suggestions. Yes, board shorts is what I meant, as they’re baggier than the swimming shorts I kept finding on Google.

In the end I took DH’s board shorts with me to the pool/water park intending to wear them over my swimsuit. But when we arrived and I saw everyone else in the “changing village”, I thought what the hell am I worrying about 😂 So many different people, body types and quite a few bikinis, so I didn’t stand out at all.

So I just wore my new swimsuit and went swimming!! I found it really empowering, even standing on the stairs waiting for the water slides. I’d definitely recommend the magic M&S swimwear. I wasn’t embarrassed at all in the end.

My DC announced afterwards that it was the best day of half term.

Thank you again 🥰

I'd suggest a swim dress! It skins over the tummy and covers upper upper thighs and bikini area. That's the only thing I'll wear in the pool, I'm a size 20!

https://www.meetcurve.co.uk/black-halter-sweetheart-polka-dot-sexy-swimdress-b-sfsd1911031.html?gadsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsPCyBhD4ARIsAPaaRf0Y9B72ocOnQBUGjsymZuT7c2i77PAc0SdUC24wHQiizwHtdQI4KfgaAjk6EALww_wcB

If you aren't sniffy about Shein, they do some swim shorts. They're designed for Muslim women but I'm a modern Orthodox Jew and I wear them.

I'm so glad OP, I think these things are often a lot worse in the imagining than in the reality.

@MagnoliaStory What about this op? It is really flattering, modern and not frumpy at the same time, while being covered. It is on Amazon, and really well made. There are loads of different colours and designs. I highly recommend this.

I brought a half wetsuit, but my local pool is bloody freezing, and I have sensory issues.

The thing I find with additional swimwear is it attracts more attention as it is in the minority, likely highlighting the insecurity and therefore having the opposite desired effect. Easier to blend in by wearing what everyone else wears I think.

Brilliant

I used to love swimming with my DC.

Fab @MagnoliaStory that's my thing - I never wear a bikini because age + 3 kids and every time I am on a beach I think 'wtf am I worried about' - maybe this year!

Glad you had fun

Look for boy-leg swimwear. Boden swimsuits are usually quite low cut in the leg.

Joe Browns have a few swimming skorts which are really cute.

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/paradise-cove-swim-skirt-wp147

Board shorts from mountain warehouse. Just got a pair to wear with a swimsuit. Very flattering and comfy and obviously can wear in the water.

Swim skirts look lovely

Lots of examples on amazon not that I'm suggesting you buy from Amazon its just to give you an idea. I personally like the ones with a pocket so I kniw I can keep a card or key with me safely.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/swim-skirt/s?k=swim+skirt

JJB sell boy leg swimsuits, slazenger. All in one, less than £20.google 'boy leg' swim wear or swim dress ( comes with an integral skirt.

Honestly. Your children will not care and are clearly excited for this event. I realise you are body conscious, but as a size 22 that swims everyday I can honestly tell you there will be all shapes and sizes at the pool. Loads. And no one ever comments on anyone's figure. No one looks. I go to fitness classes in my gym vest and leggings too and the gym. No one looks, no one cares and neither do I. I've never been a size 12.

Please be reassured you will be so busy with your children you wont even think about what you look like. Go have fun and make memories. It's a few steps from changing area to pool, and then once in the pool no one will see your lower body anyway !