Swimmers, can you help? Swimsuit for lessons

[chilliesandspices]

After some reassurance from posters on chat I've taken the plunge and booked adult swimming lessons and start in September. Can anyone recommend a good swimsuit for lessons? I'm 5ft2 and a very un-toned size 10-12. I assumed my height would make it easy but the two size 12 costumes I've bought aren't good at all.

This one gives me serious side boob and is much lower in the front than on the model. No amount of pulling can get it up where it should be. I'm sure I'd risk flashing everyone www.sportsdirect.com/arena-firelight-swimsuit-ladies-354692#colcode=35469203

This one kept me contained but feels like it's trying to fold me in half. On DH's advice I tried it in the shower and although it became a bit too loose around the waist, it didn't loosen at all from top to bottom www.sportsdirect.com/speedo-hb-place-muscle-back-swimsuit-ladies-354383#colcode=35438318

Sounds to me like they might just be too small for you. I'm a size 12 but have a long body so have to buy bigger swimming costumes. Do they let you try them on in store? If so I would say I've found the speedo/adidas better but I always have to size up!

Maybe size up on Speedo? Best costume I have had is Speedo. Slazanger is probably the next one I would go for after Speedo.

Yes maybe too small, I wear the second one linked and went up one size but I’ve got big boobs & wear a sports bra underneath too for support. Tbh once your in the water no one notices so you just need to feel comfortable. Hope you enjoy your lessons, I learnt front crawl in my 40s and our instructor even got us to dive in! I never thought I’d be able to do that. Hope you have fun.

I always recommend the Slazenger boyleg as a great costume to start with as it is nice and cheap, keeps everything contained, and it seems to suit a wide variety of body shapes

I'm 5'2" and the straps on a lot of swimsuits can be too long and lead to lots of cleavage on show. You could try and get a swimsuit with adjustable straps, think I had a Zoggs one that had adjustable straps. Otherwise try different brands to see what feels comfortable, I buy from Proswimwear (I swim every day and the DC are club swimmers), they have a massive range with more specialist brands. Personally I hate Speedo, I think they fall apart really quickly if you swim regularly.

Thanks all. Think I'll try sizing up. I was doubting myself because the speedo got quite loose around the waist when it was wet but I do have quite big boobs and a bit of a bum.

swim lessons are not fashion moments. you're there to learn how to swim. find a solid black speedo and squish your boobies and your belly into it. it must be snug enough that as your flail your arms about your not fiddling with the straps.

land'send has several here's an example of straps that will not be falling down.
www.landsend.com/products/womens-chlorine-resistant-no-wire-high-neck-snap-front-one-piece-swimsuit/id_368660?attributes=43307,43325,43392,44256,44967,49282

Another vote for Slazenger boy leg. Comfiest and most containing costume I’ve had while still giving me the freedom to swim properly

I'd recommend Zoggs. Some of their swimsuits have a shelf bra which is very supportive. They have some nice styles which are compatible with doing exercise and feeling body confident. Good luck with the lessons.

@JaninaDuszejko gosh that website has a really good range. Any brand you would recommend?

The Speedo one is endurance fabric so typically not as stretchy as some others. Do you know what inch size it is, sports direct us shocking for translating swimming costume sizes.

Every single Speedo swimsuit I've owned I've had to go up a size!

Another vote for the Slazenger boyleg. Really comfy, and mine is about 5 years old and going strong

Just realised the Speedo one I thought I had is actually a very similar Slazenger one 🤦🏻‍♀️

I was tempted by a similar Slazenger boy leg one when I saw it. I'd much rather avoid my bum eating my swimming costume but thought it looked a bit serious for someone who's going to be flailing around like a muppet. Also, having never been to a pool I have no idea what people wear. Time to rethink and size up! If a few of your have it, it can't be that unusual.

I see lots of women wearing the Slazenger boy leg, it’s for anyone so don’t worry about that it’s very popular/common.

Try Decathlon - I've got one of their suits and it's really good and comfortable - it was cheap too!

The DDs and I have all had Amanzi swimming costumes that have lasted forever, I like the bright colours as well. Zoggs seem to be indestructible and are more 'sensible' and good bust support. DD2's current swimming costume is an Arena that has lasted well (but comes up small) and we've had some MadWave ones that have been OK.

I don't rate: speedo, modibodi, maru. All have lasted less than a year and lost shape and colour.

@JaninaDuszejko thanks

Another vote for slazenger boyleg, or just boyleg in general. Much more comfortable than constantly feeling like its trying to runaway and hide in your arse crack!