Do big bikini bottoms actually make your bum look bigger?

[MooMinCow]

Am trying to find a new bikini and have steered clear of tie side bottoms as I thought a normal pant/high leg style would be more flattering and cover my c/section scar/slight overhang. But trying on some bottoms yesterday I caught sight of my arse and it looked as wide as a bus! (I'm a size 10-12 hourglass)

So, should I rethink my search and try a skimpier style bottom? Don't the tie sides just cut into your sides?

you won't be able to see your own arse when on the beach so just get whatever ones you like and enjoy your holiday

You don't have to tie the sides really tight. Or just buy bottoms a size up. They won't fall off you and less cutting in.

However there aren't any mirrors on beaches and there's always some with a bigger arse in the vicinity so I wouldn't worry about it.

That's true, but just curious really! Is it an optical illusion?

It's taken me to reach the age of 40 and think 'fuck it life's too short to swelter in a one piece when no one else gives a toss'. Have a belly covered in stretch marks but realise no one is going to be standing 6inches from my navel counting them

I think tie sides are more flattering, I always wear them and I'm a curvy 10-12 when I'm not pregnant. I look for bigger tie sides some of them can be a bit skimpy for me and usually buy a size 14.

I don't think that they do make your bum look bigger. I have bought shorts or higher bikini bottoms for the last few years'. I am quite long waisted so would feel exposed in skimpy bottoms even when alot younger.

I like tankini shorts, I don't care if they make my bum look bigger although I don't have a particularly big bum (boobs more of an issue) so perhaps thats why. I wouldn't be comfortable in skimpy bikini. I like to play in sand with DS etc.

Having a hard job to find any decent ones this year though, very annoying.

My 2 are a bit older, so and amuse themselves mostly, so I'll be mainly lounging around really. Need a supportive top too (32E) so itsy bitsy triangles no good either!

I've always worn tie sides and never had a problem with them cutting in or being too skimpy but I suppose it depends on the style.

I have always found them to be more flattering on wider hips/bum than other styles too.

The people saying they dont care and to just buy something practical aren't exactly being helpful. This is S&B, good for you if you aren't bothered what you look like but that doesn't answer OP's question!

well I don't think it does make your bottom any bigger.

I think skimpy tie side bikini bottoms don't look good if your tummy is hanging over them and you feel self conscious.

appear to look itms

yes it depends on your shape.

Right then, shall try out some tie side ones and like the idea of wider ties. Don't have much time this week (we fly next Sunday) - where should I head? Might be able to go to Birmingham tomorrow.

Can't speak for every body shape, but on mine (bum not too big, but huge saddlebags) any bigger/retro style bottoms make my arse look GINORMOUS. Tie side or plain bikini shape are by far the best on me, although low cut boy short ones are ok-ish when I'm slim.

I like the low cut boy shorts, they seem to suit my huge arse. I'm not big, I'm a 8-10 but because I am curvy my bum always looks huge but they seem quite flattering. Happy shopping.

I've been to Brazil a few times and they all wear teeny tiny bikini bottoms whatever size and age they are. They just walk about so confidently and look FAB!

I much prefer the boy short style on me - I just feel a bit exposed in the more skimpy bottoms. I don't think they make my are look any bigger than it already is.

I do think bikinis can make you look slimmer/more shapely than a one piece, though. I'm quite straight up and down, and look like a breeze block in a one piece, but a bikini gives the illusion of curves.

yes. I bought bigger bottoms last year so I felt secure in the sea and nothing slipped when I was picking the dc's up. I have never felt like such a frump .

Am going back to string and tie-sides this year.

Personally I feel fab in the big retro style bottoms. My arse might look hench (I don't think it does but wouldn't swear to it) but I feel like Audrey Hepburn and strut about accordingly!

Am size 14 with massive boobs btw.

So yeah, whatever you feel good in is the way forwards imo.

yes, honestly massive

I think it is an age thing too. mid 40s with baby tummy and if flab is hidden.

usually wear a sarong as well when walking about.

Have 4/5 hrs in the Bullring tomorrow. Where should I head to? Next? Debenhams? Selfridges? (Don't want to spend stupid amount, but would like decent quality)

I don't have a particularly big bottom and boy shorts still make it look large.

Whenever you have a large expanse of fabric, the human eye is drawn to the fabric/garment rather than the body part. So skimpy bottoms will usually be more flattering than a more covering pair of bottoms, in the same way as maxi dresses usually look awful as they are such a huge amount of fabric it looks as though you are wearing a pair of living room curtains. However, it probably does come down to how you actually feel, and you probably don't look at your bottom when you are on holiday.

Thank you Peach! That makes sense actually, especially the maxi dress example (was thinking that actually while I was people watching in town yesterday)

I guess it's the same with how a good fitted dress is actually more flattering than a shapeless tent like one!

So, after a mammoth trying on session came away with this simple black bikini from Debenhams. The top gives lots of support and uplift without looking too frumpy and the bottoms are quite low hipster type so look great from behind! I did try some tie side ones, but preferred these on me.

Nice. You'll look fab, I'm sure.