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Original poster

Help me find something to cover my stomach scars on the beach?

19 replies

TinyGoldfish · 11/07/2016 12:01

I've had a few gyne surgeries which mean I've got scars on my stomach. I'm okish with them but I don't particularly want to get them out all the time on holiday - partly because I'm self conscious and partly because I can't expose them to the sun too much.

I feel more comfortable in a bikini because I'm tall and I find swimming costumes always come up short in the body and also I feel a bit frumpy in them. But is there a nice holiday swimming costume out there for me? Or are there any good cover ups that I could wear over my top half if I stuck to a bikini?

I feel a bit like backing out altogether and spending the summer hiding indoors but I know that that wouldn't be fair on anyone. I just need to find something that will help me feel a bit braver.

OP posts:
NancyPickford · 11/07/2016 13:29

Tankini? Or those 50s pin-up style bikini bottoms that come up to the navel?

TeamEponine · 11/07/2016 13:33

I got this bikini recently and love it. I'm thinking of getting a second on in another colour... www.next.co.uk/g312176s2#865598

It comes up slightly higher on the waist and easily covered my C-section and appendix scars. The roll top means you can pull it higher or lower depending on how confident you are feeling, and it feels like it has a light "pulling it in" type effect.

The bikini top is also quite nicely cleavage enhancing, if you need that!

It gave me the coverage I needed to cope with being on the beach, without looking frumpy.

Original poster
TinyGoldfish · 11/07/2016 13:34

No to tankini - I'll be constantly pulling it down/making sure it isn't rising up.

But big fat yes to those bikini bottoms! You are a genius! Do they cover the belly button? I wonder if I'll suit them... I'm going off to look.

OP posts:
EverythingWillBeFine · 11/07/2016 13:35

Where are the scars?
Quite low down and the high waist bottom (short type of thngs) they are doing this year will work very well.
More towards the middle/top of your abdomen and a Tankini would be a better bet.

Original poster
TinyGoldfish · 11/07/2016 13:36

That bikini's really nice team but my scars go all the way up to my belly button so that won't work.

OP posts:
Original poster
TinyGoldfish · 11/07/2016 13:56

I've found this. Is it a bit too floral? My wardrobe is 90% black, maybe I should stick to black. Or will they just look like giant spandex pants?

Everything they're lower to mid abdo.

Help me find something to cover my stomach scars on the beach?
OP posts:
ApocalypseNowt · 11/07/2016 13:57

Oooh they're nice OP.

Imho a pattern looks nicer and is more flattering. Black would look more 'spandex pantsy' i think.

FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 11/07/2016 14:17

I like them. A lot.

Go a size larger than you think, that sort of style is normally pretty form fitting and if they fit tightly, you may get an unattractive roll. Not that I tried that at all!

Diddlydokey · 11/07/2016 14:37

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020668194_-1

I like them but think they're hard to pull off as they're always quite low in the leg. I end up wearing something like the next ones, basically a high leg brief as they come up high enough to disguise the porridge tum.

TeamEponine · 11/07/2016 14:40

They are not necessarily as low down as they look. The band that goes across can be "unfolded" if you see what I mean, so it can go far higher than it looks in the image. I think it was up to my belly button when unfolded.

They might be worth a try if you have a Next near you, or if you can get delivery?

Yes to going for the floral rather than the plain black too!

The ones that you posted a pic of are gorgeous though...

TeamEponine · 11/07/2016 14:41

You can see what I mean about the band a little easier on the floral pics... www.next.co.uk/x57234s1#402227

Original poster
TinyGoldfish · 11/07/2016 14:58

Ah I see what you mean Team. I think I'd still be worried that they'd be too low though.

I've put the floral ones in my basket. I need to check sizing first and build myself up to it. Thanks for the sizing advice Felicia.

OP posts:
TeamEponine · 11/07/2016 15:19

Oh, love that last M&Co one! Grin

velourvoyageur · 11/07/2016 17:39

OP this isn't very helpful of me but thought maybe could be reassuring? I have loads of scars on my stomach which are quite obvs SH and so have some stigma for some people. Also one big one from an operation. And a tattoo Grin I never feel self conscious about them. At most I would pop some factor 50 on and forget about them. I still like my stomach!
I just feel like if I started being conscious of all my physical 'defects' the list would never stop, so best not to start it in the first place, if you possibly can!

DianaT1969 · 11/07/2016 21:54

Asos have lots of high waist bikinis.
Example

And fold down high waist ones can be flattering - less chance of roll.
https://airymary.com/collections/high-waist-bikini-briefs

I'd agree - go a size bigger if they have a control panel.

Original poster
TinyGoldfish · 11/07/2016 22:08

I hear what you're saying velour. In a way I'm proud of my scars and in the past I have been happy to wear just a bikini (on holiday with DP and friends).

But I feel a bit uncomfortable about this holiday because a) it's with the MIL and b) because some of the scars are very new and I haven't quite got used to my body with them yet.

I appreciate what you're saying though and all the fab advice and links from everyone. Flowers

OP posts:
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