A bikini for a curvy post c section figure...

[hellswelshy]

Going on holiday in 4 weeks, and 4 years (yes 4) after having twin girls my stomach still leaves alot to be desired. I have stretch marks, twin skin (loose and wobbly) and a c-section groove. I have been on excercise regime for last 4 months and am eating a lot more healthier, but even though i want a bikini for my holiday, struggling to find the right one. Has anyone bought one recently that is super flattering, not too skimpy? Im size 12/14 and my problem is my stomach - see above:) Any particular styles that may work? Thanks in advance!

What about Fantasie?

Have you thought about a tankini? There's some lovely ones around and would cover the problem stomach without looking mumsy.

get a spray tan

brown flab looks better than white flab

Why a bikini? To be honest, I don't think they flatter the majority of people anyway! I'd go for a one piece. There's some fabulous ones around now - far from frumpy! Get a good quality one like this one from Panache - www.bravissimo.com/products/swimwear/swimsuits/monroe-halterneck-swimsuit/chocolate-cream-spot/ps57cc/?show=16&sort=1&level=1

Or this one which has a tummy sucking in panel www.bravissimo.com/products/swimwear/swimsuits/veronica-swimsuit/scarlet/ps89sc/?show=16&sort=1&level=1

Freya Swim are good.

Thanks all! I agree re one piece, may get one of those too, but would really like to wear a bikini, if possible as i like being able to tan my midriff! Im not hoping to wear anything that will transform me into Elle Mcpherson, but i would like something that keeps the stomach tamed and helps my chest look a bit more banger-ish! Will check out the above in the meantime....

I'm after a new bikini and have actually just read the guide to buying a swimming costume on the style and beauty pages (www.mumsnet.com/style-and-beauty/swimwear-beachwear-guide). That has totally put me of Tankini's even though I had been considering one...

A couple of years back I bought a bikini from Joules. That was a bit more generous on the fabric front then other brands I tried on. I am goign to look at them again this year. And, I've just seen a couple of really nice ones on the White Company's website.

I no longer have the figure I used to have, but I agree, I like the idea of a brown tummy.

Hope you get to wear your purchase soon :)

I love wearing a bikini so just get on with it on holiday. They are much cooler when its hot. No one knows you on holiday, and women in France and Greece of all shapes and sizes wear them

On holiday, most people wear bikinis whatever they look like. From previous experience of buying lots of swimsuits for a holiday!!

I like Freya and Fantasie and Figleaves own brand for generous cut bottoms and I need the uplift from the bra-sized top.
Fold over style briefs are my fave as they come fairly high up to hide wobble but still retain the bikini shape.

I was going to suggest the folder over ones as that way you get pull them up while you are sitting/walking about but roll them down for max tanning while on the sunbed.

I think bikini's look better than one pieces to be honest as they can squash you in all the wrong places and give no shape to the waist area etc.

Also my pet bug bear is watching people forever tuggin at the tankini top...

I've just got this one and find it a lovely fit but do need to size up in the bra size as the other reviews suggest.

www.figleaves.com/uk/product.asp?product=Sophina-by-Figleaves.com-Maldives-Underwired-Balconette-Bikini-Top&product_id=SBF-SS117176&size=&colour=Blues

People wonder what you are hiding under a one piece (as so few wear them) and hence study your midriff very carefully, which obviously kind of defeats the purpose if you are not confident about the area.

Halternecks are flattering, and something with a print breaks up your silouette. M and S have a good range at the moment, but it depends on your budget - plenty at higher prices!

Ahhhh thanks all! I have bitten the bullet so to speak, and ordered a boden one in the clearance section with a halterneck top and generous bottoms. Not bad for a bargain, so shall review once its been received and tried on! Agree re tankinis, wore one a few times but ended up fretting over bulge between bottom of tankinis instead which looks worse. Fancy the idea of a 50s glam one piece, but as mentioned here think it may be too hot and restrictive. Watch this space......