Swimwear

[zippyswife]

I need a swimming costume (I really don't think I'll ever be able to wear a bikini again) for holiday but really don't know where to start. The last one I bought made me look and feel much older and dowdier than I am (was an m&s tummy control one).

I'm looking for some inspiration. I'm 38 5'8" size 12 long slim legs (that's the good bit) but Apple shaped with big baggy belly and really baggy from belly button down to my lovely c section scar (2dcs and lack of exercise and too much food haven't helped!) boob wise 32e but lack oomph (think very sad looking bosoms indeed).

Any ideas?

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If you've found this page in search of swimwear that has been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best swimsuits for women useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

I have a dreadful saggy stomach thanks to my C-section, and the best costume I found was from Simply Be, it's got a fabulous tummy control section which actually worked, plus a halterneck to hoist my boobs up. And it was much cheaper than the Miraclesuit costumes I'd always worn previously (which again are good, but I don't think they have enough support in the boob region even if they are good around the stomach).

Great. I'll check them out!

seafolly are my go to for swimming costumes:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/magisculpt-the-curve-enhancer-swimsuit-standard-length-medium-control-level-2/hk989/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=2985#colour:Black,size:

Like both of those that simply be one has sold out in my size. The sea folly is literally lovely- slightly more than I was planning on paying but if it looks good will be worth it.

I need ruching don't i? I don't want ruching (looked frumpy on me in my last costume) but maybe it's a must.

Not literally lovely- really lovely I mean!

You don't need ruching! No one needs ruching.

Also, you're 5'8" and a 12 - I am the same. I certainly don't need frumpy swimming costumes!

Currently, apart from my seafolly folly, I am rocking swim board shorts and tankini top because I can't be arsed to do the topiary.

Swim board shorts and tankini top. Love the sound of that.

Ok - I have these board shorts

and most tankini tops will work.

Really like them. Stupid question but what do you wear under them? I'm off to centreparcs soon will that look ok with a tankini top? I've never had a tankini top- although I live the look of them I've feared they'll roll up and expose my fairly vile middle!

I don't wear anything under them. You can't see bottom even if you decide to cartwheel in them :)

I haven't experienced tankini roll up.

How about high waist control bottoms with a cup sized tankini top? The pants will keep your tummy in and an E cup will be a much better fit as you need lift and support than a one-size does all highstreet number.
Pour Moi do control pants for a reasonable price and cup sized tankinis:
airymary.com/collections/bikini-briefs/products/aloha-high-waist-control-bikini-brief
Board shorts tend to sit on the hips, so I'm not sure they will be a solution if you want to flatter the tummy area.