swimwear. I really want to get this right

[user1466690252]

I'm off on a once in a lifetime holiday, I've worked really hard and look good and I'm happy with myself with clothes on. clothes off, well I look like I've had 2 kids and there's no hiding that.
So where do I start, my days of cheap bikinis are over I think, but I also want a few as its a beach reaort so don't really want to spend alot on each. style wise, I'm very flat chested size 8 on top but very pair shaped. My bottom half is a 10/12. My issue is my bum and thighs, ai have a very small waist so I'm unsure where even to begin style wise?
I tried on some of my old bikinis and although they fit, they cut me off at my fatest thigh part and looked awful? is high leg the way to go? any help would be great please

You can get bathing costumes that sort of cover your upper things a bit if that is what you are after. Like this:

*thighs

oh thats pretty! thank you, Ive never seen one like that before.

Swim dresses scream "I think I'm fat and want to cover up"

Try seafolly. They aren't cheap but they are well made and well fitting and you can mix and match sizes. Yes, high leg works to elongate . You're not heavy if you're a ten to a twelve on bottom and eight on top, try a few styles, maybe use Asos, and send back what you don't like.

I agree that swim dresses draw attention to the fact you're covering up. I think they are ageing too, sorry!

Frankly if you're a 10/12 round the bum you have nothing to worry about

no not at all I don't think i heavy, just very bottom heavy so the style I had made it look worse as it jusy cut me off all wrong. I've never worn a high leg before but they seem fashionable at the moment, I think its like you say, good quality fabric and fit nowadays. The joys of getting older

That's the style I had, it did nothing for my thighs. I'm 5ft2 aswell so I need elongating

Ooh I love that runs off to buy

Yeah, they are very hard to wear. I bought a pair in that shape and I just felt matronly. They are not flattering for many Of us.

I sound similar to you OP, flat chested size 8 with wider hips.

I got this for my holiday last year and it's really flattering:

www.simplybeach.com/products/sunseeker-solid-d-cup-twist-front-one-piece-mint

It says D cup, but it fits my small chest (nowhere near a D) perfectly.

I got it from TKMaxx. They had a really good selection last year so it might be worth a look?

Try a vintage style- usually halterneck and cut low and 'straight' around the hips. Have a look on eBay.

Slightly different body shape (wobbly stomach issues!) but following recommendations on here I just bought a gorgeous suit from For Luna. I tried it on and it honestly makes me feel fabulous, which can't be said for any other swimwear I've ever owned..

This one www.forluna.co.uk/products/the-jewel-emerald-green-retro-swimsuit

The smaller your pants, the smaller your bum will look.

I have worn tummy-control bikini pants and all kinds of big bottoms - all made me look huge. Small triangles = more svelt-looking elquinto! And i'm a 1416.

What is it with all the low bottom costumes?? They're so unflattering! You may as well carry a sign saying "I'm fat, I'm self conscious about it and I'm trying to hide it"

Just wear a normal bikini, at your size you will be one of the thinest people there (believe me!). Don't try to cover up as it looks like that is what you are doing.
Don't get a large size to fit your bum in or they will slip down when you try to get out the pool. And if they cut in a bit this is better than the slipping down issue.
You are the shape you are and whatever cut of bikini is not going to hide it so just accept it.
I agree with elQuinto, keep them small

Yeah I second For Luna, very flattering and glam looking. I now want this one but want to lose a few pounds first! www.forluna.co.uk/collections/ladies-one-piece-retro-swimsuits/products/the-bettie-page-swimsuit

I second the smaller bikin bottoms being best,
. I’m a small chested pear shape too, with a size 12 lower half and I look best in side tie bikini bottoms - you know, the sort that are essentially two triangles tied at the hips with strings. I’m 40 so didn’t want itsy bitsy ones, so ended up buying separates from M&S - a triangle top in a 10(again the most flattering look on me) and a pair of size 14 bottoms,. This is bigger than I need but because they tie at the side, they fitted fine and it just meant that the triangles were a little bigger than average,

Thank you everyone for your advice. I will look at those styles, it's a strange thing to get around in your mind that the smaller bottoms are most flattering but I think your right. I will check Luna out as so many have reccommended them

I am same shape and size and I find that most swimsuits do nothing for me. Try a bikini where you can get top and bottom in a different size and the bottom with a roll down style waist. M&S had some last year and am sure they still do - reasonably priced and had some nice colours.

www.marksandspencer.com/roll-top-bikini-bottoms/p/p60101460?carousel=FUNH_RR_REFER

They look great, thank you, Its hard isn't it. we went away when I was bigger not long after having my son and I looked better in swimwear because I was more in proportion. I looked like a half full tube of toothpaste when I tried it on the other day.

I caved and bought that black and white one from for Luna. I bought a size smaller than normal so I HAVE to lose the weight. It's too expensive to go to waste. If this doesn't get me to the gym, nothing will...

Don't forget that there's nothing like being surrounded by people of all shapes and sizes in their swimming and sunbathing togs to make you feel much less self-conscious!

Those Luna costumes are gorgeous!

I swear by Calzedonia for a wide range of different styles. They're great quality and not expensive.