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Do these swimsuits exist in the UK?

44 replies

ShowOfHands · 18/02/2021 17:44

MNers of old will know that I'm not allowed to post in the hallowed halls of S&B and, to be fair, it's about to become patently obvious why.

We are supposed to be going on a big family holiday later this year (in the UK) and there's a chance it might happen. There's a pool where we are staying and custom dictates I can't wear dungarees whilst in it. I last bought swimwear over a decade ago (shorts and a tankini thing) and I'm a different shape entirely and it's all a bit threadbare now tbh. I do have an Adidas triathlon training suit which is for use in water too but I'm going on holiday, not partaking in a sporting event. I thought I'd idly browse for something I'll feel comfortable in and found the perfect suggestions (attached). But they're from Shein and it looks like they're poorly reviewed and based in China (two no nos).

So I've tried to find a UK alternative. I've found the following:

Boden sort of have an option in rash vests and shorts but they're cut so that they'll emphasise the peculiar ravages of my two EMCS. The shorts would be a perfect shelf for The Overhang That Will Not Go.

Surfwear seems promising but options are either eye-wateringly expensive or wetsuits rather than swimsuits.

Search results are dominated by "modesty" wear for cultural and religious reasons. I just want to be slightly covered up and feel comfortable.

There are weird swimming dress/skirt things. No. All the nos.

I can't wear a one piece costume or a bikini. I need legs on my swimsuit and would prefer arms but they're not essential. I burn very, very easily and so being covered up across my shoulders is important but from a fucked up body image point of view, it needs leg coverage.

Like I said, I have a plain black, sporty Adidas suit with legs but wanted something vaguely colourful or patterned that is for messing about in an inflatable ring as opposed to doing laps of the Loch.

Does it exist? A pretty ish swimsuit with legs, maybe arms and all in one? Without remortgaging?

Do these swimsuits exist in the UK?
Do these swimsuits exist in the UK?
OP posts:
ShowOfHands · 18/02/2021 19:09

I've got loads of running leggings. Could probably try using some of my older ones tbh.

I'm going to do more open water swimming once we are out of lockdown so am looking forward to revamping my swimming options.

OP posts:
huuuuunnnndderrricks · 18/02/2021 19:10

I wear a swimsuit with one size too large board shorts on my hips .. I find this the most flattering . Those all in ones would surely not be very forgiving ?

stodgystollen · 18/02/2021 19:11

This looks almost exactly like your picture, but practical!

I think this is actually decathlon, but it's not on their main website. I googled "aqua fitness swim leggings". Speedo make some too

GemmeFatale · 18/02/2021 19:14

Would swim shorts suit? I often use a spare pair of DH’s swim shorts if I want to feel more covered. I tend to pair them with a bikini top but I’m sure you could find a rash vest that would work.

ShowOfHands · 18/02/2021 19:15

@rbe78

‘Spring suit’ is the magic phrase to google...
Thank you!

I can't tell you how many phrases I've googled trying to find these things. Various configurations involving "coverage" "legs" "arms" "modesty" "surf" and so on!

OP posts:
ShowOfHands · 18/02/2021 19:16

@GemmeFatale

Would swim shorts suit? I often use a spare pair of DH’s swim shorts if I want to feel more covered. I tend to pair them with a bikini top but I’m sure you could find a rash vest that would work.
I've worn Dh's swim shorts before, with a tankini top and I have 12yr old board shorts I've worn to death and they're okay but I don't like the bagginess.
OP posts:
DietrichandDiMaggio · 18/02/2021 19:16

@BikeRunSki

The Speedo thing in France is to make sure that all genitalia stays tucked away out of sight. Loose shorts can provide a bit of a "tunnel vision" view of said genitalia, if there are no inbuilt pants.
I think you are made much more aware of a mans genitalia in Speedos than in shorts.
pointyshoes · 18/02/2021 19:27

@BikeRunSki

The Speedo thing in France is to make sure that all genitalia stays tucked away out of sight. Loose shorts can provide a bit of a "tunnel vision" view of said genitalia, if there are no inbuilt pants.
The Speedo thing is actually a hygiene thing- some people spend all day in swim shorts (sightseeing, shopping etc) so they not necessarily as clean as they might be. Making everyone wear speedo type means they probably haven’t spent all day in them already
Onelittlepiglet · 18/02/2021 19:36

There are some in Surfdome too www.surfdome.com/search?search=Spring%2520suit&gender=3

They also have swimwear separates including rash vests etc.

nevertrustaherdofcows · 18/02/2021 19:44

On holiday, I usually swim in a swimsuit with a floaty, lightweight cotton caftan over it, cos I burn so easily. so shoulders and thighs covered.
They are surprisingly unencumbering, and dry in a flash - abroad.

British weather may not cooperate though.

AuntieStella · 18/02/2021 20:05

I don't know anything about Shein.

But I do know that Decathlon running tights (full length, Capri or cycling short length) are completely pool and sea proof, and you could combine with rash vest, tanki top, crop top or whatever

AuntieStella · 18/02/2021 20:09

Or you could try a kneesuit such as this

www.simplyswim.com/products/speedo-hydrosense-kneesuit

Try also triathlon suppliers, eg

www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-blok-sleeveless-tri-suit-cellular

dhb is Wiggie's own brand, and it's very good

pingster · 18/02/2021 20:13

I've got one of the long sleeved swimming costumes from shein and use it for cold water swimming. I've only used it a couple of times but it has been good and quality seems fine

bluebluezoo · 18/02/2021 20:20

I’d get a surf rash vest from somewhere like surfdome, animal etc.

Then if there are no matching leggings just get some plain black nike style lycra.

ShowOfHands · 18/02/2021 20:22

Wiggle is my go to sports supplier!

Thank you so much everybody. I've gone from thinking I'll just wear a t-shirt and shorts to choice paralysis.

OP posts:
RogueV · 18/02/2021 20:43

Debenhams had full swim leggings a couple of years ago.

Try searching for modest swimwear

AlannaOfTrebond · 18/02/2021 23:39

I've got a couple of the Boden rash vests, I'm a total technical outdoor gear snob but love these, great fit and fabric.

The matching shorts weren't flattering on me either so I just got some plain swim shorts from Amazon to go with them. Really comfortable to swim in and dry pretty fast too.

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