Never had a bikini

[fruitstick]

I've never worn one before - well maybe when I was 13.

However, I'm going on holiday with some friends and they are horrified that I'm taking a swimming costume rather than a bikini (they are much thinner than me!)

I need a new swimming costume anyway so, my questions is, are there bikinis which are high enough waist to cover my belly roll (rather than have it flop over) and make me look half decent?

Or will my dignity best served sticking with my swimsuit.

I'm a 14-16 with large arse and typical had 2 children stomach.

Try Lands End.

Their sucky in ones do give you a smoother outline (there's only so much minimisation a cozzie can offer), and they have various tankini tips, including a coup,e of longer ones.

Swimsuit plus cover-up
Nothing is worse than thin friends

A tankini is the way to go. Coverage while walking around but the option to roll up while sun bathing. Best of both worlds.

Some of the M&S bikinis are lovely and very flattering, slightly higher waisted and good value, and if your busty they cater in that area too.

The other place that has some lovely ones in at the moment is John Lewis again they have higher waisted types and are good value.

Problem I have with tankinis is that they rise up and actually show the one bit you don't want people seeing.

if you feel happier in a swimsuit again M&S have some that look like tankinis that are all in one, I have the tummy problem so just feel more relaxed in a swimsuit, don;t feel pressured into a bikini, your best to feel relaxed and happy than worried about what you feel like.

7to25, that is exactly the kind of honesty I come here for .

I might try a tankini, then scurry back to swimming costume.

In my head, I'm after something that will make me look like Joanie from Man Men

If the sun's up, there will be all ages shapes & sizes in bikini-wear. Figleaves has from £ to £££. To replace an old M&S I bought; www.freyalingerie.com/swimwear/fever/aw12/plunge_bikini_top.aspx?colour=blue

forgot - the right boy pants set might be the way to go??

Seriously. You must stop worrying and just enjoy the sunshine
Please.

If you must fret....Boy pants can make a large arse look sofa sized IMO.

Go for something high waisted, 50s style. Hoola do some great bikinis but they are v pricey. Bravissimo do some good styles too. Big pants (not a boy short leg though) and a halter neck is a flattering combination.

Boy pants do me know favours

I need high leg, high waist. Freya have one pair but they are black & look like control knickers.

I might try them on to see though.

Does anyone know if Boden pants come quite high?

I normally find them quite understanding of my shape

Can you pack different friends? People who get horrified by a onepiece sound high maintenance.

Errr, I reckon a one piece is fine in any situation so long as you feel fine. But there are quite a few high waist, high leg bottoms on Asos too in bright florals and you can mix and match the top parts. Like this and this.

Friends sound like nightmares. Wear what you like and feel comfortable in :)

They weren't being mean, they were trying to be encouraging.

More in a 'why on earth wouldn't you' rather than 'we won't be seen with you' kind of way.

I've always thought that bikinis were not for me, even when I was much thinner.

There are LOADS on Asos

Thank you

OK then your friends are forgiven. They are right. I broke my bikini duck at 33 post-baby and have never looked back...

Try Seafolly - expensive, but you get what you pay for and they really last, as well as give support. Plus they're so pretty that nobody looks at what's in between the two halves... Wish I'd discovered more expensive bikinis when I was in my 20s. The fabric is so much better.

www.forluna.co.uk/

In abroad land everyone wears bikinis.