Plus size ladies -do you prefer bikinis/full suits?

[BeTheHokeyMan]

Im a size 20/22 but take a 24 usually in swimwear .We are heading off to Greece in a few weeks and I've bought two swimsuits with matching sarongs and was feeling pretty confidant ( I normally never swim and usually spend my time, draped in a maxi dress, on the edge of the pool or beach watching the kids swim )

But I've read recently that full suits are seen as frumpy and that hardly anyone wears them and I'm worried now that I'll stick out like a sore thumb

I think I would possibly be brave enough to wear a bikini but wonder would I look even more ridiculous then? Please be kind as even thinking of stripping off around the pool/beach is a massive step for me

I'd say wear whatever makes you feel comfortable regardless of societal 'norms' because they are just that, societal. Your beautiful just as much as the super slim lady waltzing around in a bikini, just because your bigger doesn't mean your any less beautiful nor does it mean you should feel the need to take anyone else's opinion into account. If it was just you at the pool and no one else, what would you wear? Perhaps that is where your answer lies....

How about a tankini, i tend to mix and match plain bottoms with funky tops, Freya and panache have some lovely underwire built in bra ones for support. Whatever you decide on no one cares what other people wear around the pool and on the beach, just wear what you're comfortable in and have a lovely holiday.

I'm a swimsuit wearer. My reasons have nothing to do with how I look (size 18) but are because:

1. I burn easily and I grew up under the hole in the ozone layer so any unnecessary sum exposure horrifies me
2. I am a swimmer. I've never met a bikini that could cope with me under full steam. I need a racing back at a bare minimum.
3. Swimsuits and matching sarongs are sexy (according to DH)

I'm a 16/18 and I've got tankinis and bottoms for my holiday.

Mostly so I don't have to put sun cream over my tummy and lower back as well as everywhere else - I am very pale and will burn easily. Plus I'm more comfy with my tummy covered up.

Oh, wear whatever makes you feel gorgeous!

And you're going to Greece - you'll see all sorts of figures of men and women in all sorts of swimming attire.

I prefer a one piece swim suit for actual, you know, swimming and bikini for lounging around.

Have a great holiday

I'm a size 14 - just lost 3 stone and aiming for another 3 stone
2 Caesarians and a hysterectomy has not helped my stomach area and I much prefer a full costume
I'm very particular on style and fit though and searched for ages to find something I was happy with
I don't suit bandeau or halter neck or anything too ruched
Under wired and plunge with adjustable straps in bright colours worked for me

I'll wear both, I'm a size 24/26 if a bikini then I like the high waisted ones with a long line bra top. Check out Monif C for some great ones. The only style I hate is the swim dress . Too frumpy for words.

High waisted bikini for me (size 14/16). I like Pour Moi.

Thanks everyone I really appreciate the replies and I'd be lying if I didn't have a tear in my eye from your kind words

I think my problem is that I was very slim for a long time and even though I've been obese for some years now I still don't seem to know how to dress for my size.So I end up feeling awkward all the time and of course my self confidence has taken a massive knock so that doesn't help either.

I think I'll go with the swimsuits I have and maybe explore the tankini option or even a high waisted bikini as others suggested thanks again everyone (PS.why is plus size swimwear so bloody expensive !? )

I wear a bikini. 36GG top and 20 bottoms

Can I also suggest a swim dress? Bon Marche do some beautiful ones and they are very flattering imo

Swimsuits are actually REALLY in, I have a couple and I'm not bothered about wearing a bikini normally.
There are loads about that are more interesting than the bog standard plain black type. Have a look on ASOS, they do a plus range of swimwear and have some lovely things.

why is plus size swimwear so bloody expensive !?

Good question...

However, Brastop may be the answer to all your worries

Good article here about swimwear...

www.the-pool.com/fashion/wardrobe-stories/28/lauren-bravo-on-swimwear-for-big-boobs

Look on the fullerfigurefullerbust blog for bikini recommendations. I have the same stats as dementedpixie upthread and never dreamed of wearing a bikini til I came across Georgina Horne's blog. I've never looked back - a well fitting, high waisted bikini is the most flattering swimwear I've ever owned.

I buy bra sized tops from bravissimo et al (36k ffs!). Then I buy a selection of cheap, high waisted bottoms from M&Co and mix and match them. I wore bikinis for the first time this year and was MUCH more comfortable. And no one died of shock. Wear what you like!

I read that thread about swimsuits being frumpy but I honestly don't care and it's nothing to do with size. I'm a 10 and prefer a full suit because a) less worry about burning and easier sunscreen application after a dip and b) they "stay put" better. So don't be afraid to wear a bikini if that's what you like but equally if you feel great in a costume then go for that. For what it's worth I saw a couple of super slim women at the beach on holiday recently in bikinis who spent the whole time adjusting them and looking awkward so it's not a size issue, just what you're comfortable in.

Thanks everyone still here and reading ! Great article inigo interesting reading and she is so right .Am currently off to check out brastop thanks for the link Pacific and thank you for the blog recommendation captain

I am a size 20 (38F) and would never buy a bikini. Too much fat that needs hiding away! Actually I prefer tankinis - more practical than a swinsuit though I also wear them.

I'm a size 18-20 and just back from holiday where I wore a swimsuit. I wouldn't say I stuck out like a sore thumb, there were a fair few other women wearing swimsuits. However there were a lot of women bigger than me in bikinis and nobody bats an eyelid. Wear what you like.

Wore a bikini for the first time in years this summer. I've finally realised that nobody gives a flying fig what I'm wearing, and there's always going to be some that are some smaller than me and some that are bigger. Size 18 and large of nork. Pour moi brand was great, high waisted briefs and bra sizing for tops (though I felt they were smaller than my usual bras and went up a back size). I loved my bikinis this holiday. That said, the biggest factor is what you feel comfortable in.

this has just literally turned up five mins ago and I love it. Swimsuit but looks like a tankini, very flattering.