I cried in the changing room today :(

[TwentyOneGuns]

We're going on our first abroad holiday in about 15 years soon so DD14 and I went clothes shopping today. I came back with a pair of jeans.

I am fairly comfy with how I look clothed, I know what suits me and what I like. But I hadn't realised how really really bad I'd look in a swimming costume or holiday clothes.

I'm a14-16, have recently lost a stone on WW and hoping for a bit more before we go. Have also been following all the tips - loads of fruit, veg and water, fitting in some exercise, moisturising, looking after my skin. But it's apparently made bugger all difference as I look fat, saggy and a complete mess. Trying to find a flattering swimming costume for FF boobs seems to be impossible unless you spend £££ - why is it all so hard?

I've got 5 weeks till we go and right now I feel like cancelling which is not an option. I know there's always someone who looks worse but I wanted to feel good and enjoy my holiday, now I just feel I will be an embarrassment to DH and my DD (who doesn't help by looking stunning in everything) when I step on to the beach looking like a sad middle aged Mum :(.

[Goingtobeawesome]

Why DO all changing room mirrors make you look crap when the shops presumably want you to buy clothes?

I'm fat. Not all my fault but I'm still fat. DH has gone out to get tea. I had mackerel, salad and coleslaw for my tea at 4:30 .

[Makemineacabsauv]

Please don't cry, I am a big 16 with a huge belly and bum but splashed out on a proper bravissimo fitting and Freya bikini, it made such a difference to my confidence. I took a few bikinis but tended to go to that one all the time ascot definitely made me look/feel better. Got a couple of lovely cover ups from debenhams too. But on holiday there will be plenty of people bigger than you, wearing less than you and no one cares!

[Idiotxit]

YY to Freya bikinis. I've got big boobs and they fit like bras.

Also, having just got back from a beach holiday, I'm convinced that most people, no matter what size actually look better in bikinis than swimsuits. Swimsuits seem to make people look bigger than tankinis or bikinis.

[TSSDNCOP]

You have a wobbly white tummy with a one piece too, and they take ages to dry.

[TSSDNCOP]

pLease do avoid the bikini top and board short look though. Remember the photos of poor Mrs Rooney Snr.

[Fadingmemory]

Try //www.yoursclothing.co.uk - sorry but cannot link. Lots of costumes etc. If you order online, you can try on at home. My favourite costume came from Trescothick.

[ladylambkin]

My advice us to buy properly fitted swimsuit/bikini...I wear Fantasia brand and took one bikini and one swimsuit in my bra size (36h) and I felt fine as my bobs looked good! I'm a 16/18 I don't tend to wear shorts but did buy some nice little dresses for over my swimwear in Primark . Evenings I wore maxi dresses or maxi skirt with a vest top. Hope you have a fab holiday

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

Oh I feel for you.
I too cried this week in a fitting room.

2 years ago I was a size 20 to 12. I'm now an 28 - 20 thanks to thyroid cancer and now having no thyroid and my meds still not sorted out properly. 6 weeks at slimming world and I'm 3lbs down. I know the plan inside out as been on it for years.

Anyway. In desperation I have this week bought 2 takinis in boots.They are now half price but no fitting room. They will let you get a refund if you keep receipt and they don't git once you try on at home. I found their swimwear built a bit more for the middle aged woman with a bit of extraness!

Don't get me wrong. I know I'm going to look fat on my holiday cos I now am but Boots was the first stuff I tried on and didn't wince or feel a lump in my throat.

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

Oh and I intend wear floaty sundresses over my swimwear so all my flab is hidden under something floaty and cool. I bought a nice one today in Tesco for 12 pounds. It was with the bikinis etc as a cover up.

[Bellatrixandstrange]

Please don't cry. It doesn't matter what you look like you will be having a break with those you love and love you. Happiness makes people beautiful so enjoy your holiday.

[Choceeclair123]

Probably better with a tankini, swimming costumes can be tough cookies for anyone! Try 30 day shred dvd and get a bit of false tan on. Well done for losing what you have. Life's too short please don't cry

[didiimaginethis]

Please don't cry and don't ever try costumes on in a changing room - I buy them and try on at home.

I went on holiday recently with my best friend, she has not had any children and is a size 6. I've had 2 children and am verging on a 16......she didn't care what I looked like and encouraged me to wear bikinis. So I did.
You know what? No one ran away shielding their eyes and screaming, the sun stayed shining and no one cared at all.
Wear whatever you like, be comfortable and enjoy your holiday. Have fun

[HemanOrSheRa]

Ah no. Don't cry . I'm a size 16 with 36ff boobs. I would NEVER have considered wearing a bikini until I ordered some from brastop, as another poster has recommended. Honestly, I well fitting bikini makes all the difference. I bought 2 curvy kate ones in the end. They are a bit pricey but it's worth it for the confidence it gives you. Brastop delivery REALLY quickly and refund any returns quickly too.

[HemanOrSheRa]

Oh and I've decided not to bother with shorts either for our holiday. As others have said I'm going for little cover up dresses. I can't be doing with shorts getting stuck up the crack of my arse or riding up between my chubby thighs .

[TSSDNCOP]

Agree about shorts. Check out Uniqlo's website for floaty dresses. I am a 16 big boobs, big tummy and the XL fits well.

[Janus]

I hate shorts now and I'm a 10-12, they do no favours to anyone imo!! Floaty dresses are the way and far more comfortable.
Also, I always have a fake tan before I go (unless you are lucky to be already brown), it honestly makes you look 1 stone lighter instantly!
You must go and have a wonderful, relaxing holiday, x

[BusyJessica]

Well done for the weight loss, I feel like sometimes we focus on our flaws rather then our positives. When I feel sad about my chunky thighs I think well at least I have pretty eyes or nice eyebrows, try and do the same.

[spanky2]

I was worried when we went on holiday. It was a med/pool/kids holiday. I'm even heavier than when I was pg! Back fat etc... There were thinner and fatter ladies there. But no one was looking, we were all too busy having fun. I've got a tankini with the boy shorts as I feel more covered. There are all shapes and sizes out there, don't worry too much.

[spanky2]

Bandalettes are great for stopping thighs rubbing together when walking in a dress or skirt.

[HemanOrSheRa]

TwentyOne If we've talked you into trying a bikini then brastop have plenty of FF sizes in this range www.brastop.com/curvy-kate-cocoloco-plunge-bikini-topaz. You could get a bikini and briefs set for £23.90 inc pp.

[TwentyOneGuns]

I posted yesterday and then went out so I've only just seen all these replies. Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond and for all the sensible suggestions. I agree that changing rooms are the most depressing places, why on earth don't they make them more flattering?! I will definitely look into some of the places mentioned and try on in the comfort of my own home, fingers crossed I can find something that looks OK.

I didn't mean it the way it came out about 'always someone who looks worse', just that it's self-absorbed to think anyone on the beach will be looking at me as they're probably too busy worrying about how they look themselves.

I know I need to exercise more - I find losing weight relatively easy if I stick to a plan like WW but fitting in any exercise is harder. I try and walk for 1/2 hour most days but I know I need to do more, trouble is I am always so tired and can never find the time - guess I'll need to if I want to look better.

Thank you again for all the support :)

[SuperFlyHigh]

OP - agreed don't be hard on yourself. I've piled on a stone (seems like nothing compared to some) yet when I tried on Gap denim shorts yesterday it was a no go.

I agree re fitting rooms they are the devils work and to be avoided at all costs!

Freya bikinis great sometimes you can get them and Figleaves own brand range even this time of year on sale at Figleaves, their phone customer service people are great too.

Get a great cover up too and dress and carry on as you are, you've done great to lose this much weight so far!

[Branleuse]

loads of people dont look their best in a swimming costume, or at the very least feel crippled with lack of self confidence. The trick is to be proud of yourself anyway and just get out there. Theres too many women who refuse to do fun stuff because they spend their entire life feeling ashamed of everything about themselves and thats a life not even half lived. You are beautiful as you are x

[Makemineacabsauv]

Good tip for preventing chafing thighs in the heat is to use 'vaginal powder' such as Femfresh or Vagisil. Pop it on your inner thighs and no more chafing! Talc doesn't work as well. Just make sure you wash your hands before putting on a black dress though or you'll have white powder all over it...

[IJustLostTheGame]

Changing rooms are horrid.
I've found mixing and matching bikinis helpful.
I have a well fitting top from freya for support and shape in black and white check.
I bought some bikini bottoms that are retro looking in black. The high waist means only the skinnies partner you is exposed and the ruching hides wobbles.
Plus you need curves to pull off retro really.