Are swim dresses fuddy fuddy.

[Burlea]

I'm 58 size 16/18 not very tall, weight is all around my tummy and bottom. We go abroad in june, I feel uncomfortable in a bikini now too much flesh on show.
Should I get a swimsuit or swim dress. If swim dress any suggestions on where to buy.
Thanks for your help.

I'm not a fan of swim dresses at all. I think they make the individual look bigger than what they are. I would get a nice swimsuit and team it with a sarong that you can wear around the pool.
Figleaves swimsuits are really nice, a little pricey but well worth it.

They are very unflattering. Definitely a swimsuit.

I disagree with PP, I think they are absolutely fine. I would get one in a holiday colour not black though (unless black pattern) as I think plain black looks too harsh and a bit like a gym dress in the pool. Also black seems to say "I want to blend into the background" but (carefully selected) colourful dress says "holiday fun". I would rather wear a swim dress if it made me feel more

But my problem area is bottom and tops of legs, if I was more proportioned (ie more of an apple shape) then I would wear a normal swimsuit and pick one that flatters the best bit of my body.

So in short, if your main problem area is bum/hips then I see no reason why you shouldn't do a swim dress. It doesn't make people look bigger, as people are the size they are and a swim dress isn't going to change that. What it does do is help someone feel more confident when not everything is on show and then they can relax a bit more. I think it's worth it.

Only go for a swim dress if you really want to stand out in a crowd and appear extra large too.

There are some lovely one piece cossies, tankinis and high waist “cover a bit more” bikinis out there. High legs are not just for the young size 10 wearers either.

Swim dress or a swimsuit with short-style legs are fine. I think you can get swimsuits with a swim skirt to wear over them.
I would try Lands End for ideas.
Other options are swimsuit with swimshorts over it, or a tankini.
Wear what you feel comfortable in. If you are happy and enjoying yourself, you will be attractive.
Swimshorts and tank top would be great.
Hope you have a nice holiday.

I had a fab tankini top & swim skirt combo from Lands’ End few years ago. The skirt was quite sporty and not frilly which I think made a difference.

I have looked recently for holiday swim wear and come to this conclusion. I’m going for a cross over style one piece with some scaffolding in for big boobs . I’ve bought some cover up dresses to get me to the sun loungers.

Thanks for your help, I've seen a tankini and a swimsuit on landsend. Will order and try on at home. Unfortunately I'm not very large in the boob area.

A swimdress is great for water parks because it gives your bum a bit more protection (but I'm clumsy so not everyone will agree) but I find them a pest when just playing in a pool.

You could go for a bright patterned top with a dark short in a tankini.
Bhs used to be good for swimwear. I definitely need shelving in my swimsuit.
Sarongs are great as are kaftan style tunics.

How about something like this, which I think is really lovely.

bettylicious.co.uk/product/esther-williams-red-1950s-style-swimsuit/

I agree that swim dresses just draw attention to problem areas. Also when they are wet they are uncomfortable and heavy.

I think swim skirts/dresses just draw attention to the area, sorry! I’m quite conscious of my bum/thighs and I have a couple of gorgeous 1950s style swimsuits from this website- I like the shorts-style and the draping is very flattering on the tummy

www.forluna.co.uk

Looking fuddy or bigger isn't a factor when i wear my swim dress. I wear it to hide my flab.

Go for a For Luna swimsuit - they cover you up but are super glamorous at the same time! www.forluna.co.uk/collections/ladies-one-piece-retro-swimsuits

Looks like lots of thumbs up for the 50s retro style! I think that style is perfect for coverage without being ‘fuddy duddy’

I’m also a sucker for a halter neck!

Another thumbs up for the retro styles.

I have visions of myself with bright red lips with a bright scarf keeping my hair off my face wearing my retro cossie and sashaying around the pool ah la Marilyn Monroe.
Alas, the reality is far from it 😂

Big sunglasses and a swipe of red lippie and you're practically Marilyn reincarnated! 😂

I got this last year when we went to Brighton to visit friends in the summer. I’m a size 22 and 5 foot so massive. It has tummy control so smooths the bumps, flatters the waist and boobs and honestly I felt confident (with a sarong to cover thighs)

Whoops no link.

www.amazon.co.uk/Angerella-Vintage-Waisted-Bathing-UK12-14/dp/B01HTGDP4U/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?psc=1&ref=plSrch&keywords=high%2Bwaisted%2Bbikinis&th=1&dpPl=1&dpID=41%2BkNqS3UmL&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1548795122&sr=8-4

RavenLG that looks lovely is it true to size or do I need to order a bigger size.

@Burlea Imo it was true to size. I ordered the 20/22 and it fit really well, I was very pleasantly surprised, and it's been the first bikini I've owned since I was a small child lol.

Have a look a Jantzen, they are well cut.

The for Luna swimwear is really good quality. My black forties style swimsuit is 10 years old and still good.