Swimwear tips for the unconfident

[DarkDarkNight]

I'm going away in June and I'm determined to get in the pool. I haven't actually worn swimwear in public in 8 years, even then I had a rash vest over the top. I'm aware that body confidence is my main issue. I've lost some weight but want to lose another 2 stone. The idea of people seeing me in swimwear make me feel ill.

Opinions/recommendations on body sculpting, tummy flattening suits please or will they just draw attention to something I'm trying to hide?

I like quite a retro style, but I'm not a fan of halter necks as I don't like the feel of them. I've seen a nice striped one in Fat Face and seen some nice ones in Next, and quite like just plain Speedo/Adidas functional ones as well.

I like this style and colourway from Boden, but not so much the price tag.

I get mine from Amazon (I've recommended it on here quite a bit). It's only cheap but I swim a mile 5 days a week and my current suit has lasted me a year and still going strong. I've ordered another today just because I fancied trying it in red. It's this

Forgot to say, it's got a double layer on the stomach and has the Ruched (sp?) effect.

I really love this, I like the short style legs as well. Is it a tie halter?

Yes it tied at the back, honestly for the price the quality is fantastic.

You can also get it in a slightly different style also sold by Amazon

Last time I bought a swimsuit I tried on loads until I found one that fitted well and suited me, probably worth devoting some time to it.

Maybe you could go for a few swims in your local pool when it's quiet before you go? It might then feel less of an issue on your holiday?

I might see somebody I know locally though, I really need to get over it.

Just wanted to say OP I'm a size 18/20 & live on the beach in the summer. Summer gone I lived in High waisted bikinis and costumes. What makes me feel good on the beach is having my legs etc shaved (personal preference!) and a bit of fake tan on my legs until they've got some colour of their own.

This was my fav this year £10 off eBay. Tassels hid enough for me and the top held my boobs up pretty well

Was just coming in to ask a similar question... and porkless that is exactly what I’m after!! Thank you!!

@mumtomaxwell it is sold by Amazon now (wasn't available with prime before) I can't do links, but it is a brilliant costume.

What size are you OP? Do you need more bra support than a standard suit i.e cup size swimwear? A lot of retro styles do have a halter neck.
I was a 16, now 12-14 and still prefer bikini or tankini to a suit when abroad. Are you going abroad? You may feel differently when you're there. All shapes and sizes and nobody cares. Good accessories help - hair slicked with conditioner and tied up. A flattering robe or sarong. Stylish sunglasses, pretty sandals, fedora straw hat, French/Italian style straw beach bag... tkmaxx is surprisingly good for all that.

This type of look. 100% cotton from Next.

QueenOfGaviscon I am so so pale, fake tan would help my confidence but I am rubbish at it.

DianaT1969 I am a D cup at the minute, formerly a B cup. I will hopefully not need so much support. Not abroad, just going to Center Parcs so want to actually be able to go in the pool not sit on the sidelines.

I know nobody cares, but I can't get past it. I don't judge other people but I'm so critical of myself.

Go for rouched most definitely I felt more confident as it didn't show my wobbles as much.

I like a formed cup. Doesn't have to be wired. It helps me feel more shapely.

I think once you get in one and to the pool you'll be surprised at how it won't bother you xx

The one I buy has underwire and a little bit padded.

This is good value; lined, tummy control, ruching over stomach, adjustable straps and a high back, which makes it good for real swimming and splashing around. Bandeau bust part is quite retro. M&S.

Bondi Beach fake tan from Superdrug is fool proof. I've tried loads and this doesn't streak. Put it on and sleep or wait 5 hours. That colour is only to show where you applied, so don't worry if it looks streaky. When you shower you're left with an even tan. Avoid heels, ankles, back of knees as usual though.

I like the M&S one, I think they do longer length ones as well which I like.

Nothing is fool proof when it comes to me and fake tans, I am like Ross in the tanning booth on Friends .

I have one with a little "built in" skirt. It really helps my confidence. Got it from Sainsburys

Zoggs Ella it comes in longer length. Nice cups, and it firms all around without using that vile tummy control mesh others use. Seems are well positioned to shape and hold, rather than just on the sides.

@porklesspie I’ve just ordered a red one

That's the one I ordered today @mumtomaxwell

I have that blue m&s one. I think it’s flattering.

Oh and I’m a size 16-18 so am not skinny. And I can promise you even though I’m obese there’s always plenty of people bigger than me. Plus when I see people bigger than me I don’t judge them. So I figure people skinnier than me aren’t judging me.

Someone I know who saw me in my swimsuit the other week sent me a message the next day saying I was looking good. Didn’t want to tell him it was the tummy control swimsuit!