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Original poster

Swimsuit vs bikini for a chunky size 16

26 replies

ShiftyFades · 29/04/2013 16:20

I have a horrible tummy, no stretch marks but I have a lovely hang-over from my section.
We are going on holiday in a few weeks. I'm happy to wear a kaftan to go to the bar lunch.

Should I buy a couple of bikinis or a couple of one pieces?

I'm 40 and deep down think I should cover up Sad

OP posts:
ScarlettInSpace · 29/04/2013 16:23

I don't have the answer, but I do think you have to wear what YOU feel comfortable in & sod what anyone else thinks.

If you are going to spend the whole holiday feeling paranoid and uncomfortable in a bikini then cover up - take one of each and see how you feel when you are there if you aren't sure beforehand [lol at me saying 1 of each, I take one bikini per day on holiday Shock ]

OneLittleLady · 29/04/2013 16:23

I'd buy whichever you're going to feel most comfortable in. No point buying a bikini if you're going to feel self concious the whole time and paranoid that everyone's looking at you. Go try some swimwear on and see, you might look better in a bikini than you think you will. Still, just go with whichever makes you most comfortable, don't spoil your holiday by being uncomfortable the whole time.

thereinmadnesslies · 29/04/2013 16:25

I'm a 14/16 and I bought one pieces for our holiday in Majorca last year, only to find that the majority of women regardless of size were wearing bikinis.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 29/04/2013 16:32

That's what worries me: my own paranoia and then finding plenty of plus sizes not giving a shit Grin

Maybe I should buy 2 super cheap (primark / supermarkets) sets of: bikini + one piece + matching / general kaftan

I tried a tesco one on today and I could have cried.... I need to go shopping alone (had DS with me)!!

OP posts:
Cherrypie32 · 29/04/2013 16:45

Having same dilemma, same body issues, same age but I think I will look daft on a beach in a swimsuit and would like to tan all over. Unfortunately I can't buy cheap bikinis as have 34FF bust so need a supportive top. Going to look for non skimpy bottoms with high waist to cover tummy. I will cover up when walking about but we are going to a family resort and I have decided people won't really be looking or judging me Grin

Cherrypie32 · 29/04/2013 16:47

PS- I won't look in the mirror too much when wearing and won't allow any photos either.

Parisisalwaysagoodidea · 29/04/2013 16:51

Get bikinis. Everyone wears them abroad, regardless of size/ tone etc.

TickleMyTitsTillFriday · 29/04/2013 16:57

Bikinis.

And I say that as a chunky size 16 also. Nobody will look. Just make sure you get the right one. I have to have side ties on the bottoms as they are nostalgic flattering for me. Big bottoms make me look mahoosive.

Make sure you fake tan before you go too.

Have a fabulous time!

awaynboilyurheid · 29/04/2013 17:15

I know I may get stick for this and I am well aware lots of woman prefer bikinis and should wear them but I just think as I don't like my tummy area either that a one piece can hide a lot more than a bikini and more flattering

Cherrypie32 · 29/04/2013 17:15

Yes def fake tan too.

miche8 · 29/04/2013 17:46

I'm the same size and have the same body issues, there's bound to be someone bigger who looks confident and having fun, but for me I just don't feel comfortable in a bikini if I have to stand up or play with children, last time we went away I wore a loose vest over the top, this time I'm a bit bigger so will take a one piece and a bikini and a loose vest top for the beach. I do think the bigger you are the harder it is to get well fitting swimwear, I've ordered lots and its all been sent back, I normally like boden always fitted well and wasn't skimpy but I have terrible body image at the moment and still have nothing.

Yonihadtoask · 29/04/2013 17:56

I say wear whatever you feel comfortable in. However, the slightly more expensive swimwear does tend to flatter more than cheap stuff.

Can you order some nice bikinis and one pieces on line - so that you can try them on in the comfort of home - then return what doesn't suit?

I don't have a tummy as such, but if I think it is looking a bit wobbly - I wear a one piece. At other times I wear a bikini. Both can look good if they fit well, and are a nice style.

Enjoy your holiday/

AnythingNotEverything · 29/04/2013 18:01

Cherry - I'm the same and bought a few Fantasie bikinis for my honeymoon last year and they had a sort f roll up waist bit, so you could cover the wobble while walking but roll it down when sunbathing.

Marylou2 · 29/04/2013 18:03

I'm the same size and always wear a well fitting bra sized bikini. Love Freya, fantasie and Figleaves. Buy a gorgeous bikini, grab a cocktail and enjoy your holiday!

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 29/04/2013 18:04

Thank you for the reassurance. I think I will search out tie-sides, I had a bikini like that before and, because it didn't dig it, was a firm favourite.

Maybe I should raise my budget, I have a 38DD busy and definitely need support.

Or I could starve myself for 5 weeks.... But I'd only lose a stone at best!

OP posts:
ubik · 29/04/2013 18:18

Have you tried Bravissimo? ££ but might be worth it if it lasts a few years?

BikeRunSki · 29/04/2013 18:21

Someone linked to a fantastic 50s style tummy control one-piece from Peacocks this morning. She was a size 14 and said it was really flattering.

ScarlettInSpace · 29/04/2013 18:24

yes yes yes to tie sides, and tie tops - I feel much slimmer when I can tie them to fit Grin

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 29/04/2013 18:36

I'm going to have to take a day off to do this aren't I? Smile

OP posts:
ZZZenagain · 29/04/2013 18:37

get a one-piece

Parisisalwaysagoodidea · 29/04/2013 18:47

Marilyn Monroe!

This one looks flattering. Still a 2 piece though

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 30/04/2013 20:05

Had a trip to Debenhams after work and I've decided I will buy a Tankini, I can roll up the top to sunbathe but retain dignity in the pool Grin

It was great to try on about 10 totally different bikinis / skirt-kinis and tankinis. Recommend a "try it all" session :)

OP posts:
LifeofPo · 30/04/2013 20:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChewingOnLifesGristle · 30/04/2013 20:13

I agree with Paris everyone abroad wears a bikini regardless of shape and size and no-one bats an eye.

I felt similarly iffy, but soon gave up on the swimsuit I'd brought with me and bought one in France and just went with the flow. I enjoyed my holiday and didn't feel awkward at all.