Recomendations for holiday clothes that are flattering

[ChatterMonkey]

Need help finding some holiday clothes (swimsuits, bikinis, shorts, dresses etc) for a package holiday to gran canaria, where we plan to spend a lot of time either by the pool or on the beach, drinking cocktails and reading.

Last time i went on holiday i was a toned size 8, im now a wobbly size 12 so after trying my old holiday stuff im a little traumatised by how awful it looks... My previous styles were tie halter bikini tops and bottoms, the bottoms are ok ish as the tie sides mean i can stop them from digging in. But the tops now look awful as my boobs need a lot more support. But because im fat rather than big boobed i cant evem get away with the skimpy look showing some boob. I need the support to stop them from looking awful.

But i have no idea where to start for what sort of style I need. I still want something fun and stylish, im still young (ish... Early 30s) so want to be trendy but struggling to reconcile that with my current body shape.

Other issue is it needs to be pretty low budget, i dont want to spend a fortune on holiday clothes that I'll possibly never wear again (its been over 3 years since my last holiday so might be that long again before the next one)

I ordered a few things from shein and got a couple of nice-ish bikinis, and a few nice cover-ups, but the rest of the stuff was either completely unflattering or not very good quality.

Can anyone recommend somewhere i an get a swinsuit that will make me look lile a supermodel?? Or failing that, make me look ok enough that i am confident enough to walk around the pool or on the beach?

Im 5 foot 5, pear shaped, but verging on hourglass shape because of my fat boobs. Have decent waist but still with a bit of extra padding... Am a size 10/12 in shops, but biggest issue is how untoned and wobbly i am. Any bikini bottoms still dig in because of the material, if i sized up enough for it not to dig in, they would be too loose. So i guess i need to make the best of a bad situation to not look awful.

Any tips on where to look?

I've been an hourglass/pear shaped size 12 for most of my life & the Bermuda shorts that fit at the waist, then have pleats over the hips & length that reaches just above the knees are flattering. I'm racking my brains to think where I saw some online this week, in linen, which would be nice & cool. It was either Gap, Boden or possible M&S. So possibly not cheap, but if you bought a neutral colour that you suit & several patterned tops, you could get away with wearing them almost every day (or buy 2 pairs) and people wouldn't notice, as they're eyes will be drawn more to the tops. You could also sell them afterwards, on eBay, Vinted etc, if they're better quality and not worn much. Off to look at my browsing history for you...

It was Gap: "High rise pleated shorts khaki with washwell". They do various colours and look shorter than just above the knee length. That might be because the models are very tall & long-legged though! Here's hoping!

Thank you, I'll have a look at gap! I got a similar style from shein and they were nice on and comfy, but material was a bit too synthetic which I didnt think would be very comfortable in the heat, so a decent quality pair in good material would probably be worth it!

Recommended high waisted bikini bottoms, I've got a black pair from Monki that cover my untoned stomach and high waists are fashionable. Also try cupshe for bikini tops

Also try swim shorts if you want more coverage, I think speedo do some good ones

I never really got on well with swin shorts style bottoms, always found that they dug in on my hips to create impressive love handles, and then also dug on on my thighs to create a stuffed sausage look. Found the same but to a slightly lesser extent with high waisted bottoms, at least with slightly skimpier bottoms (ie tie sides or similar) theres only one point where it digs in and exentuates the flab. But dont know if this is just me having a slightly skewed perception of how I look.

I’ve had quite a bit of luck with Matalan for swimwear and cheap holiday bits. My weight fluctuates so I don’t like to spend too much.

I find if in doubt go up a size with holiday clothes, any digging or tightness feels worse if you have a bit of sunburn, heat swelling or buffet bloat.

I went abroad last week and dreaded wearing a swimming costume or bikini. It wasn't cheap but selected styles were half price. I bought a Boden swimsuit and it is VERY flattering. I'd really recommend it. I was happy to pay a little more for it and bought some other bits off Vinted which was barganous!

These are the most flattering shorts ever - I don't wear shorts ever but I love these

https://www.next.co.uk/g641015s3/293403#293403

How about dresses like these from Next?
jersey dress
linen dress

Most places have started summer stock now, so you might get a few basics like jersey / linen blend shift type dresses.

Ooo those shorts are really nice, will defo be getting them to try! Also forgot about matalan, had some good luck there a while ago but forgot about them, love their pyjamas so will have a look at holiday stuff!

OP have a look at sites where you can buy bikini tops and bottoms separately - I have to disagree with pps about shorts / trunks / high waisted - on me anyway, they just draw attention to the problem. I think the traditional bikini "pant" is the most flattering (not tie sides), you know, just ordinary knicker shape, and size up. I always buy 1 size bigger in the bottoms and my usual bra size for the top.

I like halter neck or full cup style - I don't like any padding because I think it's not flattering to make boobs look bigger but also because it takes forever to dry and you just end up damp. Look at Pour Moi or Next as options.

@ChatterMonkey

Ooo those shorts are really nice, will defo be getting them to try! Also forgot about matalan, had some good luck there a while ago but forgot about them, love their pyjamas so will have a look at holiday stuff!

They're pretty true to size, pull on, no digging in as the waistband is stretchy too I immediately bought another colour!

I've always sized up with swin wear. I remember my mum telling to do the same too. Otherwise it will just dig.

I've always preferred swim suits or long tops. I've never been one for getting my belly out on holiday. It's probably not fashionable but most places like Next or M&S do ones with hold you in panels and good support for your boobs.

I'm a size 14 and still wear a bikini, I buy mine in the sale from Figleaves on Simply Be.

The trick is to get an underwired halter top in your bra size, then I actually find that matching bottoms which aren't that big are more flattering than the shorts type which actually make my bum look huger.