PLEASE help me with choosing swimwear after weight loss

[oceanswim]

I need new swimwear. I have a basic one piece that I wear if swimming in a pool (whenever they open). I find one pieces a pain on the beach though, because they are awkward to get on and off. If I swim spontaneously when walking on the beach I like to be able to at least get the top off to get my clothes back on because it's invariably not hot enough for everything to dry and to just get dressed over it. I don't know if that sounds weird or if it's a normal problem.

I'm 5ft 8 and have lost 5.5 stone, currently weigh 12st 6lbs so still some more to go. In my head I'm still 18 stone though. I have always had a warped body image because I refused to wear a bikini when I was 18 and a size 10 because I genuinely thought I was fat, so I just have no sense of how anything looks to be honest. I feel good now compared to when I was bigger, but then an internal voice is like oh god you're still 2 stone heavier than when you were slim and you thought you were big then

Anyway so I was thinking I'd get a tankini to solve both the one piece problem and body confidence problem but then read some threads on here saying if you're going to have a two piece a bikini is more flattering. I've never felt good in a tankini so that follows. But is it true? Are tankinis unflattering? And if so what kind of bikini to go for? I have pretty big boobs still and want them to be secure so can run around the beach with the kids, most bikinis seem to be small triangles of fabric over nipples designed for people with lovely pert A cup boobs. I also don't really want something too fiddly and bra style because cup sizes never seem to be very accurate and vary across brands. Then bottoms, would high waisted accentuate my stomach? I have a bit of a small overhang from weight loss/csection so need some coverage at the front but always think shorts make your bum look big.

Any advice or suggestions gratefully received. I did take some faceless underwear pictures in case that would help but don't think can bring myself to post them!

Saying that I won't be running round the beach in any swimwear. But messing around in the waves etc without flashing my boobs if the goal iyswim

I would get something bra sized, after making sure you are wearing the correct size for your new weight. I get swimwear from Brastop or bravissimo. I'd go for a tankini rather than a one piece.

I have larger boobs and feel much better in a properly structured, underwired bikini top.. the kind that has a bra size, not just a stretchy triangle. Mine is from Floozie.

The problem with takinis is they usually don’t have the bra structure so don’t provide any boob support.

I'm a 34G & wear bra size underwired halterneck bikini tops with size 12 or 14 bottoms. Last time I wore my bikinis I was about 12st5lbs.

I got mine from Figleaves which is now a concession of SimplyBe.

I strongly recommend buying a bra size top (measure yourself on Boob or Bust). Freya, Fantastie, Moontide, Panache all do lovely bra sized swimwear. Some do bra sized tankinis. The most flattering briefs are standard classic shape (not high waisted) but they have a fold down panel. They don't cut into the skin to create a tyre. They can be adjusted in height and the double fabric layer is very supportive. Google 'fold down' or 'fold over' bikini briefs.

Even look at Matalan, they are my go-to for structured supportive bra-style bikini tops.

Well done on the weight loss
Your right about the tankini! I spent years in them before realising they just highlight a chubby middle.
I think at that height and weight you are definitely in the realms of average now, so should be plenty of choice.
Freya are well made, and also M&S do good supportive swimwear. My well endowed sister had to pay for their bikinis when the rest of us were getting away with Primark.
I also was convinced I was fat as a size 10 teenager.
It's amazing the power of the mind, I went on holiday and borrowed clothes from a girl I considered tiny.
Her clothes fit me but yet I still believed I was fat!

Lands End are good because you can mix and match the differing styles of tops and bottoms.

www.pourmoi.co.uk/swimwear/

I have great stuff from here .Vey well made.

I would go to a boutique lingerie/swimwear store and get measured and fitted there. Have you anything in particular on your tummy that you want covered (apart from the fact that you're not 18 I suppose?). You're exceptionally tall for a woman if you're in the UK. I think the average height is 5.4 so a lot of ranges will cater for that size. Big boobs are hard to hide, but there are some tops which have a bra element and a longer top which hangs down. Italy is the place to go for this sort of fitting, but I'm sure places exist in the UK. With big boobs and your height, I wouldn't go to M&S really. I certainly wouldn't try to buy online.
Flattering colours can be black if you're pale, white if you're dark-skinned or neon orange(!) if you're tanned.
I would definitely get fitted.
You want something which flatters, fits and preserves your dignity when you run around. Primark bikinis won't cut the mustard.
I have relatively large boobs for my frame. I always hated them, but a well-fitting bikini bra can give you all the support and confidence you need. I spent hours trying on bras and bikinis in a proper shop. If the place is good, they won't let you leave with something you're only half happy with. You will leave with something which looks good!

www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/hot-spots-underwired-tankini-top/?styleid=53213&source=shoppingads&curr=gbp&kw&cpn=6742748285&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwx6WDBhBQEiwA_dP8rdqc2HoBSd8PbSY6-ec5WcfQMkuZEzVzWmE9Qh50JB2wfy2CDQQ9khoCEj4QAvD_BwE

This is really flattering, but it's never going to support your boobs! I would be going for this look, but you'll need it sized for your boobs.

I think just have a look through any online retailer that has swimwear ;ASOS, Boden, M&S, Figleaves etc. Look at the same model wearing different bikinis.
My conclusion is the more fabric there is the larger you look, as long as it doesn’t look like your fat bits have eaten the bikini. So small sides on your hips look good, tiny thong bottoms less so.
Wide straps make boobs look larger especially dug into back fat but a bra top looks neater.

Have you looked at Next? Their swimwear is great and I have just got a lovely bra-size tankini in the sale.

Congratulations on your weight loss and I hope the advice others have given enables you to find what you are looking for.

Thanks for all the advice! Really helpful. I'm quite excited at the idea of of my

Whoops trying to type with kids on my lap

Quite excited at the idea of nice swimwear!