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’m plus size and I totally understand the overwhelming need to cover up areas you don’t feel confident with, however I’ve always found the skirts just draw the eye to that area and when they’re wet they just cling and stick like a swimsuit anyway so when you get out of the water it’s pointless. And they never cover your bum!

A high waisted bikini was the thing I looked the best in (and I’m much bigger). Think 50s pin up style with a long line bikini top. Cover up with a kaftan / sarong while sitting / walking around.

I wear a rash vest and and board shorts (I'm a size 6/8) and I don't want to show off my bum to the world either. Or have too much skin exposed to the sun.

There are some really pretty rash vests out there, and they make you look sporty.

I think you want to think of yourself as the Marilyn Munroe to their Kate Mosses. Get a control one that hoiks you in in the middle, and shapes the rest into a lovely hourglass

Combine with a large brimmed hat, an excellent pair of sunglasses, a scarf for hat and hair, get your fake tan done by a pro, classic red mani pedi for a full mid century feel - Work. Your. Look. think Gina, Sophia as well as Marilyn.

Absolutely no need for a swimskirt at a size 16.

A friend of mine, who is much bigger than you, wears high waisted swim shorts and a sports top type bikini top and it’s really flattering.

Please don’t wear the skirt one.

M and s do some lovely ones with very strong control panels and flattering ruching and good bottom coverage

Oh and don't go for black. A patterned one is much more flattering. A solid black/ navy blue one just creates a single solid area.

Skirts on swimsuits are awful, and not flattering. It’d be fine without the skirt.

I swim in a pool with women of all ages and sizes: sporty or indeed swimsuits in the correct size look fine on everyone!

I think tankinis and shorts are much less flattering than a one piece or even bikini.

I have a fab high waist bikini with underwired top. Looked good at size 16.

Have a look at Batoko. They are really popular in the outdoor swimming community. Made from marine waste plastic and worn by women of all shapes and sizes. Order a little smaller that you think you need. They are wonderfully supportive and flattering costumes which are fun! I have far too many pairs!

@CorpusCallosum

https://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 💚

This is fab. Flattering top half coverage with a suggestion of gorgeous cleavage. Busy pattern across problem areas. Good quality brand so unlikely to cause hungry bum situation.

It is sorry, it's the skirted bit. It screams "don't look at me".

There are some lovely ones about with ruched fronts and a much lower cut leg that would look far more flattering.

This one reminds me of something my nana would order from the free catalogue you get in your Sunday paper.

Please whatever you do don’t wear board shorts or that hideous all in one with legs thing

Really serious piece of advice - throw money at the problem. I never understood why you could pay £15 or £150 for similar Swimwear but I learnt the other year. Some kind of magic goes into expensive specialist swimwear and the fit is on another level. Have a look on the Outnet and get something there. The decent brands hold you in and hoist you up in ways you never imagined possible

Look at Seafolly jets by Jessika Allen and if you can afford it, Melissa Odabash.

So I actually find that skirts are quite flattering, so would say this would be flattering and suit a curved figure. Being slim isn't always the most important point.

Minority here but I like it

My mum always wore outfits like this as a size 20-24. If anything I think it draws more attention to you when your going in the pool etc. it’s screams I’m insecure to me

I would opt for a normal swim suit and a good wrap or pool clothing.

I say this as someone with bits I’d like to cover up/hide… I think skirted swimsuits are a terrible idea, they draw attention to your body and problem areas rather than detract from it. They scream I AM HIDING! I don’t think anyone really looks at someone in an ordinary swimsuit.

I really like it. I love the skirt.

I’m sorry OP, I’m early 40s and l wouldn’t wear it. Not only do l think the skirt draws attention rather than doing the opposite, surely it would be a nightmare to swim in. Have you considered a scooped back one or a high waisted bikini?

@CookPassBabtridge

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

But why when it draws attention to the top of your thighs? It doesn't look more feminine than any other women's bathing costume.

Oh I have never seen style attic, I love this onethestyleattic.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/cressida-maxi-light-grey
I have similar colouring to the model (although bigger and bustier) and often do the tan/brown belted dress look with sandals.

thestyleattic.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/cressida-maxi-light-grey

I am now awaiting delivery of these:
www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/hot-spots-control-suit/?styleid=76610

www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/havana-breeze-underwired-halter-swimsuit/

www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/sea-breeze-control-swimsuit/?styleid=64440

Hopefully one will work :)

Thanks all.

I'm a size 16 and I have worn either high waisted 50s style bikini or last year I bought a Pour moi one and it looks great.
I have a sports swimming costume as well and I look better in the bikinis even though I'm less covered up.

One thing that always makes me look and feel better is body brushing pre kids I did it before every shower now I often forget but when I do it for a while my skin does look smoother. I also massage mouisturiser into my thighs after the shower. I'm lucky not to have much cellulite but the little I do have certainly improves when I do that.

Ive got this one from sainsburys. I'm more than a 16 and I really like it.

I disagree with almost everyone on this thread, op, I think it's fab and will buy one. I have a similar style that I got from Joe Brown a few years ago - navy with a cherry print - I sea swim in the warmer months and will often decide on a swim at the last minute, so I love the skirt, no need to worry about bikini line, etc!! I've been looking for a replacement as the pattern has faded badly and am going to order this now. Thanks!!