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Original poster

How fat is too fat for a bikini?

54 replies

oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 25/07/2011 08:43

I am size 16 and have a hefty wobbly belly. I would never dream of wearing a bikini ordinarily and don't think I've even owned one since I was 12.

But we are going on hol somewhere very hot, very other-side-of-the-world next week, it will be quiet and relaxing . I'm starting to think all my carefully panelled, tasteful retro 50s one-pieces might be a bit hot?

Or shall I just think 'fuck it'?!

OP posts:
FourThousandHoles · 25/07/2011 14:17

good thread

I am a size 18 and have been wrangling with this dilemma

I can't just buy any old bikini from Asda as there's no way it will adequately support or cover my dangly enormonorks but am baulking at spending a fortune on a decent bra size type one for just one week's use

might spend the money on a swimsuit fitted by bra size instead, at least I can then still use it at home

am I going to regret this decision when I get to the beach do you think?

Henrythehappyhelicopter · 25/07/2011 14:22

Tankinis are good for short people, no gap in the middle.
I like the fact they usually come with shorts rather than little pants.

beanandspud · 25/07/2011 14:24

I only discovered recently that M&S have bikinis on line for DD-G cup sizes. In the past I have always had bikinis from Bravissimo which fitted well.

IME - a badly-fitting bikini looks awful whether you are a size 8 or 18 - similarly a well-fitting one looks good whatever your size.

rookiemater · 25/07/2011 14:25

We have just returned from Portugal and the bikini bar seemed to be to do with age rather than size. All of the woman under 50 were in bikinis and although the average lady looked well proportioned there was a good range of ladies like myself in their forties with wobblish bellies and cellulite. I felt that I stood out more in my one piece than in my bikini as only the granny age ladies wore one pieces.

Do not however whatever you do wear one of those ghastly cut out costumes they only ( just about) suit pin thin ladies with big boobies and accentuate any bumps and lumps you may have. Ditto for tankinis, my tummy always hangs out of the gap between top and bottom which is much less flattering than a decent bikini.

I would buy a decently fitted one, mine was from John Lewis and wasn't terribly expensive, Asda may have what you are looking for but try to get one with underwiring and sturdy straps - note to all once you are over 35 strapless bikinis are not a good look regardless of your size.

Enjoy your holiday, if it feels like a bad decision on the beach buy some Pina Coladas and drink copiously until it becomes a good decision.

HoneyDuke · 25/07/2011 14:28

I wear one on holiday. I'm not going to see anyone I know and its too hot to wear a one piece.

noddyholder · 25/07/2011 14:29

A strapless one piece with built in bra is very flattering if you can find one!

PuttingMyFootInIt · 25/07/2011 14:31

I wear a bra-style bikini top and 'board shorts' which are like mini trunks and come to just above mid-thigh (I sometimes wear actual trunks if they don't have the weird mesh pants in), which makes me feel gorgeous.

Insomnia11 · 25/07/2011 14:42

They are the best style I think PuttingMyFootInIt - just a bit sporty with mini shorts. I like bikinis that you can move and swim in without breast or arse spillage.

That said, I did slightly moon everyone sitting on one side of the pool earlier this year when I hauled myself out after a swim Blush when my bottoms were slightly looser than anticipated. I looked round and no-one appeared to have died of shock - but then was actually quite pleased with myself that my size 14 bottoms were obviously a bit looser after all that swimming! :)

tulpe · 25/07/2011 15:58

Seems as though you have now decided to go for it OP :o Well done! Can I also add that once on, do not start fiddling with said bikini. Shoulders back, sit and walk tall. There is nothing which says "pay attention to my worst bits" than a woman constantly touching and repositioning her clothing Wink

Have fun!

EttiKetti · 25/07/2011 16:04

DO it! If I didn't have so much excess skin from rapid weight loss, I would have done this year and I am a 16! There were WAY WAY WAYYYY bigger women than me wearing them and looking good tbh!

Only one looked pretty bad, but she was at least 30 stone, had orange crew cut hair and a really SMALL bikini on, made me wince for the first time ever, I am very much of the mindset, if you feel good, wear it!

Greenshadow · 25/07/2011 16:29

Wouldn't wear one in England, but do if I'm somewhere hot on holiday.
To be honest, a one piece sticks out in the Med - almost no one wears one and ironically it's one way to draw attention to yourself.
A one-piece is also actually quite hot to wear.

ZeroMinusZero · 25/07/2011 17:31

I am much too scared to wear one but I applaud anyone who does. My skin is naturally very dark brown but I have lots of stretchmarks which make my tummy look like a zebra :( Well done to those who can though. Furthest I've ever good was a tankini and that was pre dd.

ENormaSnob · 25/07/2011 18:05

I am a 14 and will wear a bikini anywhere.

KristinaM · 25/07/2011 18:11

im just back from Greece and EVERYONE was wearing a bikini, alll shapes, sizes and ages. i would have lelt really conspicuous in a one piece or tankini

i wore a couple of underwired ones from Figleaves sale, about £20 each. My norks are too saggy big for tesco £7 ones Blush. i put on loads of fake tan befroe i went which disguised the flabby tummy a bit. also wore a cover up to waft around

ladybutterfly1 · 25/07/2011 18:33

if your feel confident enougth go for it i wish i had the attuide to do it

hifi · 25/07/2011 19:35

i w ear one if im lying down sunbathing, look good on my back. throw on something if walking around and wear tankini/onepiece for swimming. really difficult to find none halter neck bikini top,i prefer the bra type as i have big boobs.

frazzlenz · 25/07/2011 19:45

I wore a one-piece last week (felt too portly for a bikini) in the south of France and Italy and I was the ONLY person!! I felt like a nun! There were plenty of bigger ladies than me in bikinis. Next time I will go with the fake tan, bikini, big hat and glasses routine.
Get a nice cover up, a pretty bikini and go and enjoy yourself.

VitaEstBonus · 25/07/2011 20:17

I think the crux is - if you feel confident, any size goes. There will always be someone fatter!

But for me, I am a size 12 and would happily wear a bikini around the pool as it's just ours, but a one piece on the beach.

Original poster
oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 25/07/2011 22:50

Well I have bought one!

This one

Not cheap but am hoping for the coverage and confidence in paying a lot and dh would pass out if he knew bit more.

Spray tan booked for Friday too!

And here's to the battle cry of the size 16 bikini wearer (with thanks to Vita): "There will always be someone fatter"
Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 25/07/2011 22:52

btw, the link is to figleaves but i got it cheaper at brasgalore.com, free delivery too.

OP posts:
louloubellamozzarella · 26/07/2011 10:09

Just wanted to poke my head in to recommend Freya bikinis. Great support and they offer a choice of different style bottoms to suit all shapes/sizes. The Figleaves own brand range is also good.

I'm a size 8/10 but with larger boobs and a curvy shape (ie hips and a bit of a wobbly butt Blush, and I like to know that I'm not going to fall out of my bikini top in the sea. I can't get away with string bikinis, look awful on me and I also like a bit of room in the bottoms - discomfort on holiday is not the way to go!! Both of these brands tick these boxes for me, having tried loads of other labels.

If you're looking for Freya, I would not buy from bravissimo as they mark up the prices... you can buy Freya through figleaves when they have a discount offer on (often do) or there's often lots going on ebay.

louloubellamozzarella · 26/07/2011 10:14

15% off figleaves just in Grin

IWouldNotCouldNotWithAGoat · 27/07/2011 04:46

my rule of thumb is if your stomach moves when you walk, go for a onepiece.

Original poster
oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 27/07/2011 08:04

Too late!
Will be a LONG way away and shan't care (see all comments above) Grin

OP posts:
notyummy · 27/07/2011 08:12

That a great bikini. I am sure you will look fab. And it is true - there IS always someone larger/wobblier than you. Half the time you don't notice because they carry themselves well. Wearing a one piece with a kaftan over the top is the equivalent of carrying an illuminated sign saying 'come and scrutinise my body because I am worried about it - I must have something to hide!'