Are swim dresses frumpy?

[WaitrosePigeon]

I’m a bit fat and have a swim dress I could wear on holiday. Just wondering if you think they are frumpy? Dare I say they make you look bigger than you are?

What kind of ones are you looking at? I can’t imagine a swim dress ever being flattering but I may just have an old fashioned idea of one in my head.

Are you thinking of wearing it swimming or for lounging by the pool? For swimming I think a tri suit style costume is most flattering and practical if you’re overweight. For lying by the pool/ on the beach then just a thin, kaftan style cover up is best over a normal costume.

Yes, frumpy. Go for good structure and I’d say spend what you can. There really is a difference in high end swimwear.

Yes! Get yourself a beautiful, well cut swimsuit instead. The more material, the bigger it makes you look.

No, it isn't. I don't care for them for just swimming - a costume is better for that, but if you are going to a water park, they are great. Its a little bit of extra cover for your bum on rides.

They say 'I'm very self-conscious about my body', but, being swimwear, don't actually hide the fact you're fat.

Whenever I see one the word matronly springs to mind. I’m a bit fat (size 16) my go to beach wear is a tanki top with a pair of Lycra mid thigh swim shorts on the bottom. The shorts contain my ample bum while the top skims my stomach rather than clinging to my c section overhang like a one piece would.

They're chaos in a Jacuzzi

Frumpy imo.

I used to wear a swimdress because I felt better in it..I remember walking past someone on holiday and her husband asked what I was wearing. she said "it's supposed to hide things a bit more, but it doesn't" . I won't wear one now, and feel better for it..they are hideous when wet, heavy and uncomfortable.. and to be honest, no one cares once you are round the pool. all shapes and sizes there.

Very frumpy and the extra material just adds more volume to the body. if you're fat, you're fat. People will see it wether you're in a two piece, a normal cozzie or a swim dress. IMHO the best styles are a nice supportive one piece or a good high waisted bikini. Look at Monif C for some stunning ones.

I prefer a retro style swimming costume with short bottoms if you want a bit more coverage- something like this or Amazon have similar much cheaper.

These can look great over a plain swimsuit or with a bikini or tankini tops. A lot less frumpy than a swim skirt but similar bum coverage. Also more practical for toddler manhandling and slides etc with DC.

www.decathlon.co.uk/C-876789-board-shorts-and-swim-shorts

They certainly don't help me in any way as my worst feature by far are my thighs. No way of hiding those monsters...

They just point attention to how uncomfortable you feel in your skin. Sad but true, though I wish it wasn’t.

stop worrying about what people who you haven't met by the pool will think about you. None of us ever give a shit..... Where what gives you comfort, best tan and have a selections of kaftans, sarongs, accesories that you can glam up your cosy with.

Where are you going on holiday?

Anywhere else in Europe, other than possibly the UK, people will notice you for the swim dress, but not if you wear a bikini. No matter how fat you are (or think you are).

Just let your skin breathe.

I think plus size women (And I am in the category as a size 18/20) looks fabulous in high waisted bikinis. Swimsuits and swim dresses just scream self conscious to me.

High waisted bikinis cover up bellies and bums whilst still showing some skin and looking chic. I swear by them.

I have never seen anyone in a swim dress on holiday in Europe. It will make you stand out. I see very few women in swimsuits. Nearly everyone wears a bikini no matter what their shape or size.

I agree that it will just draw attention to yourself, which is the last thing you want. Also, the material is very heavy and cumbersome once it is wet. It's a no from me.

I have one. I like the retro look of some of them, but I'm under no illusion that it hides my fat bits. As a pp said, they are not pleasant when wet they get heavy and the skirt bit gets cold and uncomfortable so I wouldn't recommend if you actually plan on swimming!

They’re awful in the pool...the skirt bit floats up and feels so heavy

I have knee length swim shorts (like cycle shorts) and LOVE them. Only have to shave half my legs, no worried about bikini line, cover my cellulite and stretch marks and they're high waisted so look fab with a tankini top. I'd feel way more self conscious in a bikini or swim dress.

I think if you can get a 50s style one they’re nice. With a halter neck maybe. They draw all the attention to your breasts and away from areas you don’t want people looking at. I prefer shorts with a flattering top though. Try Pin Up Girl if they still have an online shop.

I don’t share the love for high waisted bikinis - 5’2” and big boobed

Haha, I have one and DH thought it looked like a very sexy mini dress

Looked rubbish when wet though

I hate my bum and legs but wear board shorts with a bikini and feel not too bad in that. Plus I get a spray tan as that definitely helps even out my horrible cellulite.