Swimsuit Help (I've never really owned one before!)

[ooodile]

This might sound crazy but I've never owned a swimsuit as an adult (and I'm WELL into adulthood).

I've always just felt too imperfect to go swimming, but this year have decided not to be so bloody stupid. I just want to take my child to the pool but don't know what's best.

I think I'd look less frumpy in a bikini / two piece but is a swimsuit better for recreational swimming?

I want to look decent, but not be pulling at bits and feeling uncomfy or self conscious.

I'm about 5'3", hourglass, probably measure 34D, 25, 36. Short legs, big thighs, rubbish bum, so nothing high cut on the legs or skimpy of cheek.

I suit a balconette / bustier style of bra best I think, so a swimsuit or bikini top with this style of top half possible?

I thought this might work?
www.marksandspencer.com/secret-slimming-twisted-swimsuit/p/p22496986?image=SD_02_T52_5852_F0_X_EC_90&color=NAVY

I should probably spend a day in department store fitting rooms trying on as many styles as possible but seeing myself from all angles might make me decide against actually choosing any!

Can anyone offer any help? I really don't know where to start looking and I would be very grateful!

No, I don't think a one-piece is any better than a bikini for recreational swimming - in fact, I think a bikini or tankini can be more comfortable.

I find the costumes with padding on the bust aren't that great in the water - they seem to feel bulky and to slow you down somehow.

Halter necks don't work for me, as the whole thing seems to twist around and end up in the wrong place. I can't do front crawl in a halter-neck. Plenty of people seem to be fine with them, though.

If you get stuck and you can't find anything, try a basic Speedo racer-back one-piece. They are the only thing I can find to fit me at the moment. The basic ones have nice low-cut legs and fit around the bum very well.

On the subject of M&S ... I had to return some of their costumes a couple of years ago, as they only lasted a dozen swims before they started falling apart (I'd bought five because they looked gorgeous, and they were all rubbish.) It may have been a temporary problem with the fabric they were using, of course, but it put me off.

Thank you Euphemia and Time40 - I think you've both sold me on a two-piece. I never thought about how horrible it is when you need the loo in a swimsuit!

Off to look at Landsend now.

I think I agree with the halter neck; I usually tie them too tight and end up sore and uncomfortable.

Thanks Rach - I'd never thought of shorts before - I might go and try some on as I'd prefer the bum coverage they give!

For an indoor pool/leisure centre type place I'd go for a one piece, which would keep everything where it should be - no bits falling up or falling down or whatever. Better still with a cross or racer back as that's more comfy and keeps the straps in place. I agree with the pp who said that too much bulky padding gets in the way. But a little bit of bust support would be ideal. I think going to the loo in a swimsuit is only a big deal if you're spending all day by the pool on hols. It's less of a thing for a local pool as you could just go when you've finished your swim.

I tried on a bunch of costumes from m&s and sainsburys lately and all had a fuller brief and tummy support. There were some very flattering ones and I actually had a hard time choosing in the end.

Gosh, for heading to the pool with little ones, I have to agree with TIme40.
I have my nice holiday swimsuits and then I have a few Speedos for pool with kids. (also an hourglass with a horrendous bum). They last well, stay in place, cannot be pulled down by small hands that need to grab mum for help, or want to be towed down the pool.

I have that M&S costume and it's great. Very flattering and comfortable.

I don't do bikinis as I don't like exposing my flabby midriff I can see that a bikini would be more convenient for going to the logo but I don't really find it that much of a hassle.

I think I'll go and try on the M&S one (thanks JuneFrom!)

But will also see if there's a decent two piece around too. I don't mind my middle being seen and think it will make me look a little more youthful than a full swimsuit, but I think having the option of both would make me more confident.

Just looking forward to getting in the water for the first time in a long time now!

The problem with a 2-piece set is you need to have a body that matches available sizing conventions.
I am 14-16 on top (mostly shoulders not boobs) & 8-12 on bottom. So I don't match. Have to buy separates. I've ended up getting either a tankini top & jammers bottoms, or one piece suits (including leg suits).

I prefer swimsuits as they are streamlined and more flattering.

Tankinis I find roll up and obviously the loose hem of the top doesn't hold anything in that well, and you might as well get a swimsuit as the continuation of fabric is better for support.

Have a look at figleaves site for costumes. You can usually see from the pics which are cut for a bigger bottom. Quality is good and prices comparable with m&s but I find there's a wider variety of style.

Zoggs every time for me. Chlorine resistant and last even longer than they claim (if you treat them right). Some really good sporty styles. Never had any chaffing or troublesome straps.

Ps the swimsuit you linked is lovely and the front is great, but you can see from the back view that it is high cut on the bottom. If you have a bigger bottom (like me) it will leave you feeling like half your behind is on show and you'll be tugging it down all the time, but it'll never tug down because that's not the cut.

Under- I had a really flattering swimdress from dogs. Because their designs are spotty it still looked like a swimsuit not underwear

*sporty!!!

*zoggs!! Argh!

Sorry are Zoggs not MN enough? (Hides in corner with face to wall.)