I've got to buy a swimsuit. Help!

[JofraArchersFastestBall]

Hello. I've recently started going swimming with my children. I haven't bought a costume since before they were born and haven't got anything that really fits any more. I don't love how I look at the moment (size 12/14, very grey and wobbly. Small boobs, bigger tummy and thighs)

Please could you tell me where to look for something that will make me feel less awkward and conspicuous? (I know nobody is looking at me really) Nothing with very high cut legs or low cut top! Thank you

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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 like M&S costumes, though i'm not super fashionable. I normally size up a bit in costumes and if you dont want to stand out i'd go for something fairly plain and dark....maybe with a cup built into the top

I'd say you have two options: totally anonymous navy blue/black cossie from Speedo or similar (they probably have them on sale at the pool), OR go for something so bright and amazing that you'll get loads of compliments on the print and no one will even notice your body (which is doubtless fine anyway) like this: www.batoko.com/collections/swimsuits

I got mine from Bravissimo and they have an inbuilt cup which I do need, but otherwise I'd be clad in the puffins.

I think Boden do the best swimwear. Not cheapy-cheap, but good quality. Look at the Santorini and Corsica ones. I also like their swim shorts.

Thank you so much for the advice.

Is a tankini a big no no? Boden have this reduced (and I'm a sucker for a reduction)

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/corsica-v-neck-tankini-top-french-navy-scattered-dot/sty-s0147-nvy

I love the snorkelling tops from Decathlon to wear over the top of a swim suit. Keeps you warm if you are doing a lot of standing in the pool, and means nipples aren’t visible through the suit.

[quote JofraArchersFastestBall]Thank you so much for the advice.

Is a tankini a big no no? Boden have this reduced (and I'm a sucker for a reduction)

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/corsica-v-neck-tankini-top-french-navy-scattered-dot/sty-s0147-nvy[/quote]
I like a tankini. I've been looking at that one too. In previous years I've bought the Boden rash vest and swim shorts for a big cover-up (I hate the sun). I think I'm going to get either the Corsica bikini or tankini top to go with the shorts, and buy the big knicker style bikini bottoms. I like the way you can mix and match.

@Iknowitisheresomewhere

I love the snorkelling tops from Decathlon to wear over the top of a swim suit. Keeps you warm if you are doing a lot of standing in the pool, and means nipples aren’t visible through the suit.

That sounds good, do you mean the rash vest type ones?

I'd love a swimsuit designed and made just for me but can't find anyone who does it!

Then every year, I'd just have it re-made in a different fabric.

I’ve bought this type of swimsuit every year since having children. Very forgiving. Not sure if you’re after something more stylish though.

www.marksandspencer.com/tummy-control-padded-square-neck-swimsuit/p/clp60529786?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

This was surprisingly flattering when I needed to quickly lay my hands on a costume recently www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Z4WDB6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8 I was worried it would be a bit old fashioned but the colour seems to lift it (I got purple) and the ruching isnt too much.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-short-sleeve-neoprene-top-500/_/R-p-309429

Like this one. V thin wetsuit material.

Figleaves used to do very good suits - tummy and boob control, flattering leg cuts, nice patterns/block colours that hide lumps and bumps. I had a quick look and they seem to have gone a bit ‘Miami beach’ but it might be worth seeing if you can find some old stock.

On now this one isn’t too bad - www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/figleaves-underwired-tummy-control-swimsuit/XS630/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=5010&optionColour=Navy%20Stripe&optionSize=32FF&promo=6202&cm_mmc=GOOGLE--JDWilliams--na-_-PRODUCT_GROUP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOvOqdezbur-ZAnAMIqKvzVge_yzhwle9rl6Jil8Zoe5GR5f6r5MZehoC2acQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or some here -www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/c/figleaves-swimwear?&promo=6200&cm_mmc=GOOGLE--Simplybe--na-_-figleaves+swimwear&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOrvmxGYWn9ZsnFcIEQUxMOpdSEB19zZFgbRiPeK7ZdDaAwgWjCfloBoCpMUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@1frenchfoodie

This was surprisingly flattering when I needed to quickly lay my hands on a costume recently ]] I was worried it would be a bit old fashioned but the colour seems to lift it (I got purple) and the ruching isnt too much.

I was just about to post a link to the same one. I got it last week! It is the most comfortable swimsuit I have ever worn. I have very narrow shoulders and most straps fall off and I find halter necks uncomfortable. The cross over straps are great. Really impressed with the quality. I am about to order another one in a different colour.

I should also have said that I am very self-conscious when at the pool with similar concerns to the OPs. I was very comfortable to walk around the poolside.

Perfect! I'm going to try the Amazon one, the decathlon zip up and the boden tankini. I'm too small chested for the fig leaves ones.

Thanks again.

[quote FoxgloveSummers]I'd say you have two options: totally anonymous navy blue/black cossie from Speedo or similar (they probably have them on sale at the pool), OR go for something so bright and amazing that you'll get loads of compliments on the print and no one will even notice your body (which is doubtless fine anyway) like this: www.batoko.com/collections/swimsuits[/quote]
I love those, especially the seal one. I'll remember that for next year once I've built my confidence (and fitness) up a bit.

@TameDucksAtChatsworth

You could always try Budgy Smugglers... they featured on the Apprentice Australia, and when I went to have a nosy at their site there was something about design your own.

Years ago while waiting for friends I sat at the cafe window in Centre Parcs (I don't swim) watching the crowds going down the rapids and into the pool.
So loads of people of all shapes and sizes passed me by as I watched.
The main thing I took away from my observations was that the colour should be anything but black! The black ones are the ones that stood out in a sea of bright cheerful colours.
Chose a colour that you would normally go for when buying a nice summer top.
And tankinis are ace if you need to wee often ! You can also mix and match which gives you even more options.

I recently bought a swim dress one from Amazon - it's actually separate bottoms and top but you can't tell. Love it! It replaced my previous swim dress from Asda but couldn't find any this time around. I'm pregnant but fat anyway and so it is my preferred style.

For proper fitness swimming I really like Speedo shorts tankinis. The boy leg means you don’t have to stress about the state of your bikini line, and I find two pieces far more comfortable than one because I’m long in the body. It’s also two layers of material to suppress balloon belly.

Not useful for you right now but I get mine from Tesco, sizing is true, they have tummy control options and a variety of styles I’ve got a great leopard print one and a navy one with a rose gold foil print. The cuts aren’t too low in the top or high in the leg and they cover your bum without being frumpy.

@CatsLikeBoxes

I may appear in the swimsuit of my dreams yet!