Do swimsuits have any advantages over bikinis?!

[strawberriessugarcream]

Obviously if a person feels swimsuits are more flattering to them, that would be a reason to buy one. Are there any other reasons?!

I wear bikinis because I prefer the look of them and find them more comfortable under clothes, but I don't use them for actual swimming in the sea - just lazing on beaches and paddling. I'm thinking of taking up sea swimming and wondering whether to get a swimsuit (I've seen a nice one). I'm wondering:

• Do swimsuits stay on better when swimming in the sea?
• Do they keep you a bit warmer in chilly water?

Thanks for any thoughts on this!

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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

Maybe I have a disproportionately long body!?
I don't normally shop in Next so will look there, thank you.

I'd like to know this too. I'm shorter than you, 5'8 and a size 8/10, and I always feel like swimsuits are cutting down into my shoulders and up the bum. I end up with a neck ache.

I'm in the minority who thinks bikinis usually look better than one pieces. I think swimsuits can make even thin people look like they have a tummy (which there's nothing wrong with but nonetheless). They're also not as comfortable for people with long bodies.

My choice is a bikini, mostly with short board shorts and sometimes with a tankini top. I find it very comfortable but, hands up, coming out of the top isn't really an issue with my little fried eggs.

What I can't get my head round is the current bikini bottoms favoured by younger ladies which look like they've pulled them halfway up their bottom. They look really uncomfortable to me.

I use a swimsuit for proper swimming as it's easier to put on and covers more - I cold water swim in the marine lake

It may not be something you are considering, but if you are, it's simpler and quicker to go topless if you choose to.

For tall women's swimsuits, check out landsend - they are expensive full price but there's always a code for up to 40% off, plus they have good sales. They are great quality too - or at least they used to be. I bought mine 5+ years ago and it's still going strong so haven't bought one since,

Since this thread is in Style & Beauty: bikinis don't flatter me, show off the pudge too much, make my legs look huge, etc.

I’ve only brought bikinis with us on holiday and am cross with myself because I can’t swim in the pool without rendering myself naked. I had this problem with supermarket swimsuits too (I call them bathing suits in my head because you can’t swim in lots of them) so have a Speedo suit for actual swimming which I’m regretting not bringing!

Quick question about board shorts - are they all suitable for swimming? i've googled and lots of them don't mention being swimwear/waterproof.

Also I'm happy to show off all of my legs, but want to cover up my belly after several pregnancies - any recommendations for relatively high waisted board shorts?

Yep swimsuit all the way. Bikini’s are way to precarious and risk overexposure. Wires and cleavage do not make a comfortable swim.

a decent sports costume designed for actually swimming is best- Speedo, adidas etc. The lycra is elastic enough that the hold the boobs in place better than a bikini.

They're also not as comfortable for people with long bodies

get a proper designed for swimming costume.

have you seen elite swimmers? Tall and long bodied. So anything from a competition brand will fit fine,

Quick question about board shorts - are they all suitable for swimming? i've googled and lots of them don't mention being swimwear/waterproof.

Yes, I've worn mine for about 5 years and they're still as good as new. They're Adidas but I've seen similar in Quiksilver/Roxy etc. I've also got some cheapish ones from a shop in Majorca which I must have bought over a decade ago. They're pretty indestructible.

Re swimsuits being uncomfortable with long bodies, I'm not looking for something for hardcore swimming. Provided I can do twenty odd lengths and it looks ok on the beach, I'm happy.

I also find it more comfortable putting shorts and a T-shirt over a bikini as there's less sweaty Lycra if you're going for lunch or whatever.

Thank you @lot123

For the pool (l usually swim 2-3 days per week) l usually (but not always) tend to go for a one piece cossie.

For the beach, wet swimwear is not comfy when l come out of the sea, so bikini. I wear half a bikini (topless in other words) when/where l can. I think it's bonkers in this day and age that we are expected to cover our nipples. Especially as many bikini tops cover little more than their nips anyway! Before l get shot down in flames, I’m not suggesting anyone goes topless who doesn’t wish to.

On the subject of swimwear generally, why is it so difficult to find a decent deep scooped backless one piece? Have our backs suddenly become immodest?

I like a bikini but seems like I am in the minority. Mine is quite sporty with cross over straps at the back with very good cover - think sports bra look. The bottoms fit really well and don't fall down whatever I do. The only advantage for a swimsuit if if you want to be more covered as far as I can see.

Swimsuits are better if the sea is extremely rough, like a red flag! But you don't strike me as someone who would be in that kind of sea 🤷🏻‍♀️

If the fitting is good on the bikini, it shouldn't fall off anyways. Now I buy my bikinis from Bravissimo with actual bra
cups and have no issues at all.
Hummm.... actually sometimes it's the bottom that can slip off.......

The biggest problem with swimsuits is that they will make your tummy very cold!! Bikinis are much better for that because your skin will dry quick.

@Syeknom have you looked at Lands End Clothing? I've had some lovely swimwear from there - I'm 5ft 9" and use their tall range.

If sea swimming I’d go for a wetsuit! Unless you are wanting cold water swimming!

You really don't need a wetsuit at the moment - depending on where you live. The temperature of the sea where I live (East coast of England) is very nice - I would be too hot in a wetsuit!

You really don't need a wetsuit at the moment

I’m on a popular beach in North Wales. I can’t see many people in the water wearing wet suits. Adults or children.

I have never been able to wear bikinis because of my shape, I have prominent hip bones so as soon as I lie down in a bikini anyone passing can see right down the front of my pants.

For swimming in the sea a costume is definitely better, especially in the wanes. I've separately lost both my bottoms and my tops in the waves. You'd think I'd have learned the first time!

@FairyBatman - Don't worry, I'm looking out for them for you! 😂

For swimming in the sea a costume is definitely better

If it is isn’t a busy beach, I usually wear bikini bottoms, or nothing.

I’ve never come out with less than I went in with.

I’ve always worn a costume, as never had confidence to wear a bikini. One disadvantage is needing the toilet, and you need to strip of completely (never got the hang of pulling it to one side).

Just discovered Pour Moi website. They have a good range of products. Considering getting a Tankini from there. Does anyone know what their quality is like? Are they fashion swimwear, or ok for bobbing about in the sea?

@Syeknom Pour moi have some Tankini with very high waisted bottoms. Would these suit you?

pour moi