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?

Sorry but it makes you look bigger. I am a size 18 and sympathise. I wear a well cut swimsuit which has a low neckline and has built in tummy control (doesn't help my legs though!).

When I was last on holiday there were some people wearing mens type shorts over their swimming costumes, others wearing swim dresses and honestly it just drew more attention to them.

Just no, it highlights everything you're actually trying to hide.

A good structured swimsuit, or bikini or even tankini will work much better.

I prefer a tankini with shorts or big bottoms. Something like this is nice.
www.next.co.uk/gl03486s1

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 agree with everyone else. It has the same effect as going out with a tape measure round your leg- it highlights everything.

I rely on people having crap depth perception/3D perception and don’t give them anything to measure against by just wearing a well cut one piece.

I wear what looks best on me and that is a swim dress. My body is frumpy, it's not the clothes.

Thanks all - I thought as much!

This is the one I have..
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/magisculpt-animal-swimdress/ty154/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Animal%20Print,size:

It’s bad isn’t it?

Picture

I've got a swim dress. I think it's really flattering on my shape

I do have normal costumes and bikinis too but my swim dress is quite retro looking and just a cheapie from Tescos. I get compliments when I wear it.

Is something like this better?

They are awful. I've never seen a good one.

I like the second one.
Where's that from?

Just ebay!

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253654312057

I've bought this one this week because I don't want to have to close shave my bikini line (I do trim it but it doesn't bear close inspection!).

I think it looks lovely!

It does look lovely- dry.

It’s the reality in water that changes on most people. Obviously I’m sure you’ll be the beautiful exception

you are the shape you are. so what?

if you prefer not to be in a giant soggy thing, wear boardshorts and a bikini top. nothing under the boardies as bikini knickers are crappy fashion items and hold water. also boardies hide the normal adult pubic hair, and keeping that also means no 'camel toe' if that matters.

if in the water for a long time, add a rash vest. some on here think they are for babies , but if you arent stupid you will know that suncream comes off in water.

I have only ever seen older ladies wearing swim dresses. Get yourself a nicely cut black bathing suit, OP - you'll feel loads better in it. And remember that you are your own worst critic.

I’m not fat but I have wobbly bottom and tops of legs which I hate and do I wear a swimdress, which is more a costume with a long frill than an actual skirt, but it hides the fact my bottom cheeks aren’t contained by any reasonable costume and even if they are (such as shorts style costume) then I sidnf hours tugging the legs into place.

So I wear a swimdress/costume with a long frill, and I feel ace. Especially at water parks. In bright holiday sunshine I’m not as self conscious and might wear a normal costume by day 3.

My friend - who’s thin - wears a swim dress . It looks utterly frumpy on her.
If you’re self conscious buy a structured one piece - I like Fantasie - and wear a waist cinched sarong or shortie beach cover up dress when you’re not actually in the water.

I think people should wear whatever they want to.

BUT I really struggle not to look at women in swimwear which is basically clothing and not think 'oh poor her, she obviously feels really self conscious about her body' which is not great of me obviously but I suspect very common.

And in some places (France) they won't let you in a swimming pool in stuff like that.

I saw some in Sports Direct last week. I liked them but then, my bikini/swimsuit days are over. I’d wear a swim burkha if I could like Nigella did.

I love a swim dress because I don't have to defluff
What can I wear instead if they are so naff?

The ones with the floaty skirt are a bit sometimes. But there are retro, longer tankini types.

Look like a mini dress but you can swim in them.

Just go to any department store type website and look at the models in the swimwear section. They use the same models for different swimsuits.

You can see how bad low leg, wide strapped swimsuits make even the models look dumpy. Put on something fabulous. Why would you not?