Bikini thread

[HopefulQuitter]

Just how does one go about buying a bikini?

There are SO many different types/styles/colours now-what suits what shape?

I've been told halter necks are rubbish for swimming in?

A lot seem to have the sorts of bottoms that come high up on your stomach area-I think that would make me look fatter? What flatters what shape? I am stuck. Can we have a bikini thread? :)

I like the effect of halter necks as they sort of push my boobs up and together in a way which looks quite natural but I often find the tie uncomfortable at the back of my neck.

I think the high waisted ones look ok on the stomach but make my bum look very long and flat.

This is impossible to answer as our bodies are not one size fits all, neither are our preferences.

As a starter though, l would suggest going for seperates rather than a set, where, say, size 12 pants come with one size top.

Also avoid anything with a plastic clasp, the plastic can go brittle in the heat of the sun, and then snap. Also look for a clasp that is easy to do up/undo.

Go for something which feels slightly too tight as it will get looser with wear.

I find halter necks fine for swimming in, but on the right beach, l prefer no top at all. 🤫

I prefer tie side bottoms and tie halter necks. That way I can get the fit just how I want it.

I like halter necks too. I'm looking for an bikini but there is just almost too much choice nowadays!

When you say swimming what exactly do you mean?

If you mean proper lengths at a quick pace then I really don't think anything less than a 1 piece 'athletic' style swimsuit works.

If you mean splashing around, leisurely breaststroke... then the vast majority will be fine, unless you have massive boobs more liable to pop out. As someone who is small chested I find the bandeau style the least secure personally.

As for what will suit you it depends entirely on your body shape, proportions, size, and confidence - no point is everyone suggesting a string bikini if you wouldn't feel comfortable in something so tiny. Places like ASOS have the mix and match section where they have the same fabric in a whole host of styles and cuts, order a bunch and see what works for you.

In my opinion, if you buy an underwired, bra size one you will look SO much better than without. You can get ones which look like skimpy triangle bikinis which still have hidden wires, and you can get very well scaffolded ones, either way, the wire makes a big difference. You can often buy ones which have a cross over back so the look of a halterneck with the support of a bra.

In terms of bottoms, a lot of people feel comfier with more fabric, but often more fabric draws attention downwards and makes a bottom look bigger. Obviously it depends a lot on what your priorities are in a bikini!

I wear a Boden bikini, you can buy different sizes bottom and top separately which suits me as I'm a pear. Also you can mix and match styles if you want. Mine is halter neck, I like it but then my breasts are tiny (?AA). Always feels secure though and well made.

Oh, meant to say, I'm not a serious swimmer! I only wear it on holiday and maybe do a couple of lazy lengths or bob about, then out to sunbathe!

I agree about buying separates. I also like getting the ones with tops which come in an actual bra size and prefer the bra style ones, rather than ones that you have to tie up and might come loose, come undone.

A couple of years ago I got a lovely bikini (in two different colours) in the Ann Summers sale. The top was one of those plunge makes you look two sizes bigger types. I am a typical pear who had failed to lose weight for my holiday so felt that it balanced me out.
www.annsummers.com/special-offers-sale/special-offers-sale-swimwear/aroa-bikini-bottom/AROA-BIKINI-BOTTOM.html?dwvar_AROA-BIKINI-BOTTOM_color=Khaki