Need to be in a bikini in 5 weeks - haven't worn one for 3 years - need advice and encouragement please!

[LiegeAndLief]

We are going on holiday in 5 weeks (somewhere hot for the first time in 3 years, hence lack of bikini-wearing for that time - would look a bit odd at the local council pool!). I have just turned 34 and was trying on clothes yesterday, looked at myself half naked in the mirror and wondered what on earth I was thinking!

So, I need a bikini that is going to be as flattering as possible considering 2 dc have minimised my breasts whilst maximising my stomach. I am 5'8, size 10 on top and 12 on bottom (very definitely pear shaped), and a pretty droopy empty 32C after too much bfing (cheers kids). Fairly flabby (and pale) all over and can't hold my stomach in like I used to be able to, but thankfully no stretch marks or cs overhang.

I've considered tankinis but I've got a fairly long body and they really don't seem to be that flattering on me - I think I'd be better off with a bikini and strategically tied sarong. Tried on several but any that make my cleavage a bit less pathetic feel too insecure for holidaying with a 3 and 6yo. Please please can someone help me find one!

Any tips to shrink stomach/arse in 5 weeks that do not involve stopping eating also gratefully received

Get a decent workout DVD or hit the gym.

30 day shred is good.

And I'm very jealous of the hot holiday. And being a size 10. And having a c cup.

No potatos products crisps or chocolates.

Reduce to a low carb diet using only wholewheat bread, and replace carbs with lean protein. Particularly breakfast.

Limit apples and bananas. Replace with nuts.

Buy a well-structured bikini from Fantasie. Expensive but so worth it. Try on in shops to find the best shapes/styles/size for you and then scour e-bay for bargains.

I wore a bikini for the first time in 15 years last year (am 44).

mmme, let me think on the bikkini... will find some examples. I'm a fan of sea folly (££'s though) as they do separate sizes and styles... Are you really 32 inches under your boobs? Or is that just your 'bra' size ifykwim...
As for stomach shrinking... It's not going to fix you in 5 weeks but I have found pilates to be a god send. My core stomach muscles went to shit after dc 2 and tbh i didn't realise (just thought it was a bit of excess flab ), pilates really helped with that. I also found 'the shred' dvd good (but it did nearly kill me)... will bikini search now...

No carbs. Lots of water. Sit ups .fake tan (light) Black cossie

I'd start moisturising all over daily now, if you don't already. Your skin will look much better for it and maybe even use one of those ones that builds a gradual tan. I find they go a little streaky but if you use the one that is meant for fair skin it just gives more of a glow than a tan. A bikini will be much kinder to you if you have a bit of a glow about you, rather than that 'british not seen the sun for 6 years' white/blue look we usually have.

Hettie-lol at the shred! Thought it was just me it nearly killed its not bad though honestly op.

Each workout is only 20 mins plus 10 min warm up.

Get a bikini that comes in cup size rather than size 10. Figleaves usually have a good selection. Other the that don't worry too much. I wore one for the first time since dc last year and although initially i felt self conscious I was then having far too much fun to care.

try the frost french floozie bikinis at debenhams have always found them very flatterring for my fuller figure

I find that swimsuits flatter me much more. If I could afford it I would buy one of these www.wolfordshop.com/Swimwear/Estrella-Forming-Swimbody/cp56532/si6284576/cl2/vt01/
Apparently body brushing is also great, I have the body brush (but it's never been out of its package ...)

right here is a seafolly offering, not sure about black though? this is a bit more interesting I find John Lewis usually stocks a good range of brands (including sea folly and fantasia)

Apart from the tan what you really need is a great cover up for when you don't want to suck it all in.
Banana Moon does a good bikini with something along the lines ofthis you should look fab! (and go for halterneck top to maximise your c cup!) www.beachstorecannes.com/e_commerce/beachwear/banana-moon/spitzer-tulgranby-tunic-p-4989-c-122.htm

Thanks very much everyone. Those sea folly ones look lovely but blimey they are expensive - might check out a few cheaper options first...

The C cup sounds a lot better than it looks. A 32 band gives a surprisingly small cup size even for a C! I am actually 32 inches under my boobs, was wearing a 36B but recently changed to 32C after reading a few threads on here and it's a revelation, everything fits so much better.

From the belly button up I don't look too bad when in a supportive / padded / flattering bikini top - fairly slim and arms are quite toned from hauling bulky dc around. I will definitely not be wandering around the beach without something covering the bottom half though! I've heard loads about this shred thing, does it really work as well as everyone says? Do lots of walking but no proper exercise in years, it would probably kill me!

I'm not off to a good start - sat munching birthday chocolates

Have a great holiday OP!

this site is good.

I needed to replace my bikinis last hear and bought three. I tend to buy the bikini bottoms tht come slightly higher up the tummy.

Where are you going on holiday? Some countries are far more forgiving than others. For example, everyone in Italy wears a bikini - I promise you this is true, even my mum's 91 yo friend did - so you see all shapes and sizes and it is very unlikely anyone would give you a second look for wearing one. I don't suppose you are going to Italy at this time of year but worth finding out about the culture locally before you start panicking - ime, Cuba is also very easy because they lurve a big bum out there. I'd imagine that Rio and southern California are less so.

La senza do a triple gel bikini and they are great for up
Pumping up your boobs, and they come in bra sizes! Get one of those ;)

this has a boosting top and tummy smoothing bottom....

We're going to Qatar to visit my parents. My mother is 62 and will be in a bikini so I can always stand next to her!

If we were going to Southern California I think I would need some kind of tent of shame...

I think you are being a little hard on yourself, size 10-12 is really not enormous. Just relax and enjoy the sun on your belly .

Agree with lalalonglegs - relax and enjoy

Having said that, I found that 6 weeks of Tracy Anderson's Mat Workout plus daily body brushing worked wonders for me. In fact there were noticeable changes after a week. Thr Shred just knackered my knees!

Monsoon has a bikini in tile print this season which looks really flattering. Halter neck will make your shoulders look wider too so balances out your hips.

Fake tan and moisturising loads before I go helps me.

Last time I went on hot holiday I'd decided that thanks to flabby hated tummy that bikinis were prob a no but brought one just in case. Wore very flattering swimsuit on first day but after seeing lots of other normal people in bikinis and realising if its really hot they're more comfy I just thought sod it. DH was delighted, said it was best I'd looked in years because I'd found some confidence. Take both and see how you feel!

Also short length, long sleeved thin cover-ups are a Godsend. Make you feel so much more attractive than faffing with tying a sarong!

Just popping back on to say a huge thanks to ivanapoo, I loved that Monsoon bikini and ordered it. It's just arrived and is a great fit! Have the top in a 10 and bottoms in 12. Top gives good shape to boobs and bottom not too skimpy. Would highly recommend to anyone with similar body shape!

Now just need to stop eating cake and start doing sit ups...

Aw thanks Liege - Have a great holiday. I'm sure you'll look fab!