is this swimsuit frumpy?

[stylehelpneeded]

Am going on a sunny holiday break with some friends, many are size 6-10 aged 33-45. One is a size 12-14, I am size 16. They are lovely ladies and incredibly stylish London women. I've not managed to lose my (not so) recent baby weight and am feeling very frumpy.

Is this an awful swimsuit? www.debenhams.com/product/debenhams-skirted-suit_ddd06483

---

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 think it is , it's the skirt bit. Sorry

I don't think it's frumpy at all. Will you be going with the black? Is the blue a bit more 'summery' looking?

The skirt part is a no from me. Sainsburys have lovely swimwear that have a ruched design around the stomach area which is flattering.

Hmmm - not a fan of the skirt bit tbh. I like a swimming costume that gives a bit more coverage, but I go for tankinis or an all-in-ones with shorts legs rather than a skirted one. Or go for the surfer look with board-shorts type bottoms and a tankini top.

What's wrong with the skirt? It covers areas some of us feel self conscious about and looks feminine.

I am 59 and I think it looks frumpy. I am a size 16 and I like a nice ruched front swimsuit.

The skirt is unflattering and I think draws more attention to it being a bigger swimsuit than if you were just wearing a swimsuit.

Bravissimo has lovely ones that have control panels too. I’d get one of those and a sheer beach cover up

Much more stylish

I'm in the same boat as you in terms of the skinny stylish friends!

Agree with others - I think the skirt looks frumpy even on that gorgeous model so dread to think of it on me!!

I have this and find it flattering. Mine is the plain navy but I think the colour block can be slimming. The fabric is very thick so skims over the worst bumps and it has tummy control. I find the halter flattering for big boobs too.

Any skirt on a swimsuit is very frumpy i think. It won't really hide anything, it just gives the impression that you are embarrassed about your body and trying to cover it up - which unfortunately just draws attention IMO. I would choose a bright colour or pattern rather than black, and try to either order at least 10 different ones and return the ones you don't like or go shopping in person. They look totally different on and you need to see the shape on your own body I think.

It’s a swimming costume for people who don’t feel they should be wearing swimming costumes.
No criticism of your size by the way, I’m a size 16 and while I wouldn’t advocate a string bikini that costume is awful and draws attention to the fact that you feel uncomfortable with your figure

Actually I just looked at the blue version, which looks much better for some reason! I'd personally still go for a shorts style, but if you like it, go for it OP.

It doesn't look frumpy on the model but I think it has the capacity to look frumpy. Order it and see how you like it on yourself.

It doesn't look too frumpy on the model, but imagine a size 16, probably apple shaped, in it. I'm not being rude because I'm a size 16/18 so I do understand your problem. I think the ones that are ruched over your tummy with a bit of tummy control in the fabric are actually more flattering.

I don’t think the skirt would be very flattering on a 16. I say this as a 50 something size 16.

Have a look at Deakin and Blue. Not cheap, but they aim to flatter in all sizes.

The skirts are dreadful, as others have said.

Something like this would be better with a lovely sarong to tie around your waist when you’re walking about

ahh I was worried about the skirt, thanks all.

I do have a boden one that is ok, I hate my bum though and wanted to cover it. :(

I think you’d stand out far more in a frumpy costume than you would because you’re a couple of sizes bigger than your friends. If you want to cover up a bit more (and most of us do past 25) you can do it in a much more elegant way by wearing a wrap or a kaftan whenever you aren’t actually in the water. Pick costumes and wraps in lovely colours that suit you and make you happy- I always go for shades of aqua and blue because they’re beachy and summery, and just drape casually.

It's ok but I prefer either a tankini top or swimsuit (without the skirt) with board shorts. Basically a vest and shorts - comfy and flattering and hides lower tummy / upper thigh area easily.

I don't like it and I don't think it will be very flattering.
We all know how big/small we are compared to friends etc and I know I don't judge and pretty sure anyone who matters won't judge you either for your size.
I'm honestly more likely to judge you and your style for wearing the horrible suit.

I have about 6 different baskets on the go with summer dresses, swimwear etc :) Am just trying to not feel too awful with my lovely looking friends

No to a skirt cossie.Screams: I think I'm fat. You are not fat. Boden do some lovely swimsuits.

Agree with all the PP. skirts on swimsuits just make you look like someone who is trying to 'cover up a problem area' without actually covering anything up so effectively drawing the wrong kind of attention.

Absolutely agree with PP saying go for something with a much bolder pattern and ruching. Get a sarong if you want to cover up when not in the pool/sea. You'll look banging!

Have a look at seafolly. Great swimsuits, well made, they last a long time and keep their shape

Kylie, thanks you made me laugh! I agree, my friends won't judge my size

I always wear a long baggy t-shirt over my costume and if anyone looks, askance, I just say I burn easily. But honestly, no one cares. They're all far too concerned with their own imperfections.