Help...3 weeks till holiday and I'm braving a bikini! Any recommendations?

[wiccamum]

As the title suggests, I'm gonna do it this year! I'm a size 12, pale skinned ( but considering a light spray tan) and sort of toned. I've got good arms and great boobs ( even if I do say so myself) but my problem is my paunch of a tum. The top bit of my abs is alright, but lower down...all goes a bit squidgy. I don't want a tankini, as I find they ride up and just make sticky-out bellies look worse. I'd like to go "full bikini", but anyone have any recommendations for the more pear-shaped lady...with great boobs and sturdy thighs?

I'm slightly pear shaped and I always go for a bottoms with a side tie. To the extent that a bikini can ever 'hide' anything (you are basically parading around in a bra and knickers after all) these seem to draw the eye in a good way and somehow make hips seem smaller. The other great thing is that they can be adjusted as necessary - tighter for swimming, looser for hanging on the beach so they're not cutting into your flesh at all (never flattering). Can't advise on the top - are your great boobs big, small or huge? I generally go for a halter neck triangle because I have great shoulders! Really, tho, if you don't know what suits, you just have to go and try shit on.

What about a high rise bikini with a tummy control waist?

You might like Asos high waist bikinis. Worth popping into Primark too as you aren't looking for boob support. They had some nice swimwear a couple of months ago.

I got the best bikini this year! Have a horrible tummy but this covers a multitude and the top is sooo flattering and cute! The fit of the bra is amazing! Read the reviews of some of the other coloured ones, they are really good. Highly recommend it.

m.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_064020707260_-1

It comes with gorgeous thick red halter neck straps, you can see them in one of The pictures

Oops I don't know if you can see the bottoms in that last link. Here they are.

I've got a podgy lower tummy too and found that bikini bottoms with a fold over top suit me best as you can adjust how high you want them. I got this one: m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-swimwear/bikinis-tankinis/wb090/womens-fold-over-bikini-bottom

Thanks for all the lovely suggestions. OuchLego, that polka dot one looks gorgeous, so checking that one out, and I really like the idea of bottoms that tie at the waist, thanks Phoolani. My great boobs are a 34D, so a good handful but hopefully my cup won't runneth over! 😊👙

I have just bought two lovely bikinis from, believe it or not, Asda! I am 34F and find it quite hard to find tops that fit properly.

Bravissimo have nice ones but are ~£60! I just nipped in to Asda to get something else and was pleasantly surprised. Worth a look, as pretty cheap and they do big bust sizes too.

My top tip for finding bra-sized bikinis is lingerie outlet stores like Belle Lingerie and Lingerie Outlet Store - they also sell through ebay, so just stick your size in and see what's available. It's all brand new previous seasons' stock so you can get the kind of stuff you get in Bravissimo for less than half the price. Obviously if you care about having this year's most up to date bikini, it may not be for you. :)

Of the bra-sized ones, I am a big fan of Cleo bikinis, which have tops that are essentially my favourite everyday bra in bikini form. Quite a few of them have tie bottoms, which I agree can be v flattering.

Oh, and Toast do a nice high waisted bikini, though this year's model has weird stripes and due to some weight loss my last year's awesome floral number doesn't fit any more. :(

I did it! Found one I like, but not sure if the link will work. Went for nice big pants...and the skimpy ones for when I'm feeling braver. Cannot believe I actually came in at a 34DD 😳 boobs much bigger than I thought! Ouchlego, I did try that lovely Floozie one, and with bottoms that tie on the side, it was truly lovely, but the Ben De Lisi one just came in at a better fit.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020628743_-1

Thanks for the helpful tips...now I'm off for a spray tan! X

I would have a look at Asos, they have a huge range x

Ooh yes, feeling brave so might have to check out Asos for another...I bloody love Asos!

Tesco do great tummy control bikini bottoms (foldy down) but so flattering, comfy and cheap. I got plain black ones . They're cut quite low on the thigh too, hide a multitude of sins. As good as ones that are really high end IMO

I'm a very similar shape to you & have just got this in the ASOS sale.

Delighted you got sorted! Now enjoy your holiday!

I got a nice bikini from Debenhams but found the fit on the bra top a bit small. I went for the same as my bra size (34D) but I get an unflattering roll of flab over the top of it :-( Went back online and the 36D has sold out very annoyingly. The cup was slightly small on the D so got a 36E and the fit around the back is fine but the cup is way too big!
Also it says on the paperwork you can't return swimwear!

So I now have a pair of bikini bottoms which fit fine, but two pairs of bikini tops that don't fit and not sure what I can do with them :-(

I like the high waist in the bikinis linked too but I don't like the way the leg is cut so low. It just creates an expanse of arse. High waisted with a high leg is more flattering and leg lengthening.