Mid Size (14/16) swimwear - not too expensive!

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Hello all

I’ve got the chance to lounge by a pool in a couple of weeks time. After that possibly even an overseas escape but not getting my hopes up at the moment!

I’m a classic victim of lockdown weight gain and I’ve gone from a solid 12 to a 14-16 over the past 18 months. I’m exercising 3 times a week now, so I’m becoming happier and slightly more toned, but realistically I’m not going to fit into any of my old swimwear properly by the time I need it.

Where do people recommend for cheap-ish (I’m thinking no more than £20 per set) bikinis and swimsuits (the lounging rather the swimming style is ok!) that are true to size, flattering and not terrible quality?

I’ve got rather wide hips and reasonable sized boobs that aren’t quite as pert as they once were.

Recommendations / links gratefully received!!

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If you've found this page in search of swimwear that has been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best swimsuits for women useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

I'm not generally a Boden fan but their swimwear is top. Particular fan of the Santorini (I have 2) which comes in lots of colours (and black) and two lengths. It comes back every year. Their other swimwear range worth checking out too.

Oh thank you, I do like Boden so will def check it. Do you generally find the swimwear true to size?

Yes generally true to size IME. Although there's nothing worse than not being able to pull a swimsuit up so I'd err on the side of caution maybe

Pour Moi should have what you need, I always get some lovely stuff there.

Sainsbury’s if you want a cheap but good option. Every year they do a classic black swimsuit with white piping detail which is nice enough for by the pool and practical enough to swim in. About £14, tummy control and decent fabric, sizing is spot on.

Tesco have a great range with good support where needed

M&S secret slimming swimsuits are the best. Really work and super comfortable.

TK Maxx for better quality

Thanks for all the tips!

I need to do a food shop at Sainsburys today and there is a large clothes section so I’ll take a look.

I'm a curvy size 14-16 with big boobs and I find that swimsuits in my actual bra size are infinitely more flattering. I just bought a Figleaves swimsuit in my bra size from Simply Be for £22 in the sale. Looks a million times better than my size 14 M&S swimsuit.

Matalan have a nice leopard print one piece.

Brastop also sells sale proper bra size swimwear, which I agree is normally better for the large of nork.

I'm a size 14 and I find George at Asda fits ell and they're really cheap.

I've also had bikinis from swimwear365 and currently have a swimming costume from M&S for taking DD swimming

Boden, love their stuff this year, so flattering! Also agree with M&S control swimwear

I second Matalan!

Quite a few in the sale on Asos last time I looked.

@FarFromTheMaddingITCrowd

M&S secret slimming swimsuits are the best. Really work and super comfortable.

This.