Swimming costume for the overweight

[ShitHair]

Hi all,

I'm going on holiday soon and I need something to wear... I'm overweight, flabby, white as hell. Lots of cellulite, thread veins...you get the message!

Is there anything I could wear which will cover me up? But doesn't look toooo bad...?

Pear shape, size 14/16.

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 think the best thing to wear is total confidence!
Easier said than done though I admit. There are some fab larger ladies on TikTok showing off new their new swimwear purchases, the thing that strikes me most is how comfortable they look because they aren’t apologising for their size.

anyhow, how about something bold but with a bit more coverage like these?

swimdress

tankini

swimsuit

Not that 14/16 is actually large btw, I just mean the ladies on TT were saying ‘I’m larger than I’d like but I’m going to be wearing this’

@Trialsandtribulationsoflife Thank you! I think I just look massive because I'm 5ft 2 and obviously I'd look much nicer if I was toned.

I think those swimming costumes are gorgeous, but I just think I'd look stupid in them?! I don't know...

Also have two toddlers to run around after x

Tankini and swim shorts / swim leggings? I'm mahoosive of boob and have given up on finding a swimming costume that will ever fit, last holiday got a high necked tankini with a loose-ish non-wire bra on underneath with swim shorts. Was the most relaxed I've been by the pool in years!

www.curvissa.co.uk/products/lascana-tankini-top/_/A-750032_10?searchResults=true&PFM_rsn=search&PFM_ref=false&PFM_psp=own&PFM_pge=1&PFM_lpn=35&PFM_trm=tankini

But honestly just wear whatever's comfortable, no one cares when you're on holiday.

@ToffeeForEveryone There are swim leggings?!
Thanks for the link, they look nice 👍🏻

Yes there are! www.marksandspencer.com/swim-leggings/p/clp60526736

I wii wore this to a UK water park. Felt really comfortable and a few other women in something similar or longer swim tops / longer swim leggings so all good 👍

Tankinis are gorgeous. No one will be judging you by the pool, or if they are they're very sad. Have a fab time

I went on holiday with swim suits one year & it was absolutely boiling sunbathing while having my body encased in nylon!

So while I think some of these would be really good in a swim park if you're actually just going to be on a sun lounger I would wear a bikini! You can put a dress or cover up on if you go to toilet bsr etc!

I don't like being fat & am determined to be slimmer next time I go away but honestly if other people don't like it they don't have to look to they!

M&S do nice tummy control swimsuits. As a generous size 14 I like them as they give me a vague shape.
I'm always a bit wary of things like swim dresses or swim leggings. When you're on holiday or swimming absolutely nobody is going to look at a middle aged slightly tubby lady ( talking about myself here) but wearing things like swim shorts means people are more likely to notice you.

Loads of fake tan, especially legs. Marvellous!

I hate swim dresses and leggings etc. think they just make you look bigger. I'm much larger than you OP and go for a nice one piece or tankini.

How about this one?

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/white-dalmatian-print-bow-swimsuit-p

@thinkfast I’m with you on that. I’d go for a really nice well cut swimsuit with a sarong casually knotted over it. Tankinis swim skirts and leggings just scream ‘I hate my body and want to hide it’. A nice costume with a sarong of billowy khaftan is much more stylish!

Tummy control options here

uk.cupshe.com/collections/tummy-control?icn=tummycontrol&ici=navbar02menu02

I got this www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-swimming-one-piece-tankini-swimsuit-heva-ond/_/R-p-160951?mc=8546321

might be too warm in a hot country maybe.

Just to say that Decathlon one is a swimming costume that looks like a Tankini so holds you in

Thanks for all the help everyone! Some good suggestions on this thread :)

Bravissimo does really nice swimwear, including one-piece swimsuits with tummy and bust support for a smoother silhouette

Mirclesuit

Im a 14 with a big stomach and I find a bikini far more flattering than anything else- somehow having my stomach out creates more of a shape whereas swimsuits, tankinis etc seem to emphasise the bits I hate the most. And then just chuck on a dress / sarong if you are going to the loo etc.
I go for a bikini that has bottoms that have really good coverage and maybe a bit of ruching or flounce to try and camouflage my flabby tummy 😂 I rate simply be - they have lots of options such as the below.