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

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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 really like it. I think it looks retro, plus no worries about anything being on show that shouldn't be. Will your skinny stylish friend be bothered what you wear? I'd just go for something you feel comfortable in and have a fab time

Aww bloody love Mumsnet at times. Thanks for the encouragement ladies (and the honesty)!

I'm a similar size and swim a lot so mainly have a speedo water polo type suit for the pool (to contain the norks). For holiday I like board shorts and a bikini top or rash vest. Boden had a pair of bikini shorts and a matching rash vest that I liked last year. Annoying to have to wear a bikini top under it, but it had the necessary coverage and looked OK I think.

I really like it - think it's more retro glamour than frumpy.

I don't wear one piece costumes personally but would wear this if I did and most of my bikinis have frills. I like them, they suit me and I'm not really bothered whether they're stylish or fasionable.

@Pugfostermum

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

Gosh no this is awful, it also says “I want to cover everything up!!!” you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Also no to the surfer shorts and oversized rash vests.

Honestly a normal swimsuit and a beach cover up would look lovely, like this

www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/havana-breeze-underwired-halter-swimsuit/?curr=gbp&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT66xgYbVM7d2-jH1yxXPpHoA30RZiG6ZxG8mwK1jPRtgHnlo5k5VL-4aAuCCEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm a 16 (plus a bit 😬) and if I wasn't so bloody pregnant I'd 100% be buying this for a summer hol. I think it would look amazing on some curves 💚

The swimsuit is lovely ..... but on a size 8 or thereabouts. Otherwise it just accentuates that which you are attempting to minimise.

I think it will make you look bigger, i would suggest a normal one piece, either halter or fitted depending on boob size, a lovely large brimmed straw hat, a fairly big beach bag (the bigger the bag the more it detracts from hip size) some low flatform gladiator sandals and some costume jewellery and possibly a spray tan if they suit you, then a smile and a cocktail and your good to go! have a lovely time

I think it's fine op, reminds me of vintage style swimwear. I'm not sure if it's still available over here, but Esther Williams swimwear always has lovely costumes.

Enjoy your break!

I'm a 14-16 and have a few recommendations, I'll have to put the links in different posts, the first is swim shorts if you can find a coordinating bikini top, I like these.

uk.dockandbay.com/pages/shop?shop=swim-shorts&product=swim-shorts-botanicals-palm

Definitely get a spray tan. Everyone looks better with a self tan. Covers lots of bits and bobs we’d rather hide. It will give you confidence too.

You don't have to take any notice of other people's comments, if you feel this swimsuit is one that you like..

I'm larger and I have these as I hate my thighs and always want them covered. I have swim dresses but found the skirt puffed up and made it heavy to swim and retrained water when I got out. These are super comfy and I just chill out all day in them.
amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CWC8TM6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_PQ85Z5BT8KKPPMJG3VC3?psc=1]]

It looks lovely and black is very slimming. The skirt looks great and they are good at disguising slightly wobbly upper thighs. Go for it!!

The one linked by @CorpusCallosum is lovely. And a kaftan or something if you like would be a more stylish way of covering your bum if you really want to. Hopefully you'll be too distracted by having a lovely time to even think about your bum tho.

I also have this, not very supportive for swimming, but worn with some white shorts it's fab for sunbathing.

Definitely don't get a black costume. They are for swimming at the local pool,not for a sunny holiday.

They'll probably be jealous of your juicy bum! I'd stick with a normal swimsuit, stomach shaping if it makes you feel better then Chuck on a beautiful kaftan or beach kimono, floppy hat, big glam sunnies, you'll look amazing - enjoy the hol !

And finally for swimming, this one.

www.mandco.com/colourblock-swimsuit-blue/2204339.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT65C1osfGt1IO2PoxXab2camHOdo_sxmh3E_idkZ0zdaUc7-mko-Z8IaAj94EALw_wcB

Summersalt is expensive but worth it!

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's frumpy but it isn't exactly the most stylish out there.

Would you go for a tankini perhaps? something like this one maybe:
www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mini-maxi-sweetheart-lightly-padded-u-or-w-tankini-top/?styleid=66559&source=findologic&curr=GBP

Gives you the opportunity to roll the top up a bit to get some sun on the belly but also be covered up.
Also, you could go for the high waisted shorts for the bottom half if you're not confident for the highleg versions:
www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mini-maxi-super-high-waist-control-brief/?styleid=66557
www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mini-maxi-fold-over-brief/?styleid=66555

Get a very wide brimmed black sun hat, some cats eye sunglasses and you won't look frumpy in it.

I like it

A few years ago I went on a similar holiday. I was the slimmest one in the group but I definitely didn’t look the best. Try not to worry about your size, your friends just want to hang out with you.