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Original poster

Is a bikini out at a size 16 with big tummy ?

27 replies

Pattydale · 05/04/2023 20:47

I'm wobbly and large of tummy but get so hot in a tankini or costume. Is there anything vaguely flattering or is it ok to wear if I get a cover up (for me to feel better I mean- I'm not seeking any reassurance about my size )
I'm not a nice balanced 16. I'm all middle but do have a bit of a waist and haven't got the skinny legs of an apple shape or the killer curves of an hourglass.
I was wondering if high waisted style would be any good. 50s style even though they're likely old hat now. I want to feel comfortable looking in the mirror that's all

OP posts:
Avacadoandtoast · 05/04/2023 20:49

But a couple of different styles and try them on - then wear whatever you feel comfortable in! Send back the ones you don’t - easy!

Original poster
Pattydale · 05/04/2023 20:52

Thanks. I know. I just wondered if you ladies had any advice on what you've found more flattering? I learned about shorter shorts being better on here. I ordered some much shorter than I'd have thought would work and bingo, I wore them again and again after previously despairing at my knee length ones I expected to be flattering

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 05/04/2023 20:55

I buy separates and wear a 20 in a bikini bottom and a 36GG in a top. I wear bottoms that come up just under my belly button for tummy coverage

QueueEtwo · 05/04/2023 23:48

I think bikinis are actually more flattering as your eye is always drawn to the fabric rather than the skin!
To be honest I have put weight on, I spent a couple of days on a sun lounger in Greece, absolutely boiling & sweating in a one piece & I'm never doing that again!

I'm wearing a bikini & if people don't like it they don't have to look!

QueueEtwo · 05/04/2023 23:51

I do tend to wear high waisted bikini bottoms & either a crop top style or bra shape style top!

The last time I wore a halter-neck the weight of my boobs was awful on the back of my neck!

Pointblank2 · 06/04/2023 00:01

Get an under wired bra sized bikini top and high waisted bottoms. I buy multi coloured tops with black in the print and plain black bottoms. I’m an 18 so not slim. Once I’m laid flat I roll the bottoms down for maximum tanning, I feel better about my stomach once it’s brown, pull back up to get in pool etc. Cover up sarong or shorts/vest when moving around

DesperateHousewife2018 · 06/04/2023 01:58

I bought a few of these for my last holiday. Convenience of a bikini, coverage of a swimsuit. Not tight so not hot. They were true to size and I love them.

FLYILY Two Pieces Swimsuit for Women Double Level Ruffled Flounce Top with High Waisted Bottom Bikini Set Tummy Control Swimwear Bathing Suits amzn.eu/d/6ayP7eL

AnaisB · 06/04/2023 07:13

I find bikinis are more flattering than swimsuits on almost everyone. It sounds like you don't like the shape of your stomach and covering it in lycra won't change or hide its shape. Buy a few bikinis and I'm sure one will look good.

WordtoYoMumma · 06/04/2023 07:18

I have a big tummy and I have a lovely bikini I feel great in - it is a high waisted one from Tu (Sainsbury's) ! And a crop top rather than bra type on the top. I've worn it with friends to beach, spa and swimming and I always get compliments on it. I never ever thought I could wear a bikini with my tummy (it's very big, and saggy and covered in stretch marks!) But I love this one. I'm beach body ready baby!!

Original poster
Pattydale · 06/04/2023 20:00

AnaisB · 06/04/2023 07:13

I find bikinis are more flattering than swimsuits on almost everyone. It sounds like you don't like the shape of your stomach and covering it in lycra won't change or hide its shape. Buy a few bikinis and I'm sure one will look good.

This plus wanting to be cooler was my thinking - tankini rides up too.
I'll order a bunch from next to try !

OP posts:
FullaSpjäll · 06/04/2023 20:06

Please wear a bikini if that it what feels more comfortable. I'm so over women policing themselves and ruling out items of clothing based on whether or not they feel they weigh too much.
Be your absolutely charming self in a lovely bikini, OP. You will also be empowering other women who may be feeling insecure.

Lollypop701 · 06/04/2023 20:12

I’m a size 12 boyish figure… no boobs or hips and not in love with my figure. We all want what we dont have! I think curvy women are gorgeous… so please don’t think you’re not beautiful because you are bigger. Wear the bikini, because in reality no one is looking (we’re looking at our phones)

Levithecat · 06/04/2023 20:54

I have just bought this for my holiday
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/siena-ruffle-bardot-bikini-top-lemon-fizz-peony-bloom/sty-s0235-yel
it’s very flattering, really looking forward to wearing it

criminallyvulgar · 07/04/2023 12:04

I buy Freya bra size tops and high-waisted bottoms on Ebay. You can get last seasons designs at a good discount and the quality is great. XL bottoms are perfect for me at size 16/18 and the underwired tops give very good support. Fantasie and Elomi are similar good quality brands. You can often get matching beach cover ups as well

Mylittlesandwich · 07/04/2023 12:07

I'm a 24 and wear a bikini on holiday. Wear what you want to and what makes you comfortable.

RosesAndHellebores · 07/04/2023 12:10

Going against the grain, yes I do think a bikini would be unwise. I'm no hotter in a swimming costume than a bikini. I cover up if I have to move/get up. I only wear a one piece in the privacy of our own garden.

Felixss · 07/04/2023 12:13

High waisted is fine, it is a bit grim when people walk about with their belly hanging out nothing wrong with doing it on the sun lounger though.

pumpkinpink · 07/04/2023 12:15

Last year I wore high waist black bikini bottoms from MandS and had a couple of different tops. I've seen recently that Joanie has got some new bikinis out that look really good, that nice 50s style that cover the tum and suit a more curvaceous shape. But 100% wear the bikinis!!!!

Whu · 07/04/2023 12:35

RosesAndHellebores · 07/04/2023 12:10

Going against the grain, yes I do think a bikini would be unwise. I'm no hotter in a swimming costume than a bikini. I cover up if I have to move/get up. I only wear a one piece in the privacy of our own garden.

Why on earth would it be unwise?

Parker231 · 07/04/2023 12:57

High waisted bikini bottoms in a dark plain colour and a pretty coloured pattern for the top in a halter neck are flattering - but definitely wear a bikini.

uggmum · 07/04/2023 13:02

Tesco have some really nice bikinis.
Various styles but a few with high waisted bottoms.

I have my eye on one that I'm going to get.

All the tops are sized in bras sizing too.

scarecrow22 · 07/04/2023 13:11

Why not? As long as you are healthy, celebrate your body for what it is - even if you are not entirely happy with it, you are what you are and you might be surprised how liberating it is. I hope you find something you love. And don't forget you will very definitely not be the only size 16 out there!!

Elvira2000 · 07/04/2023 13:19

I don't have a defined waist and look ridiculous in a swimming costume. Like a square egg on legs - it is possible!

I actually really like swim dresses and have had this pin up style for years. https://www.amazon.com/COCOSHIP-Striped-Swimsuit-Skirtini-Beachwear/dp/B01D2HPMB4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=swim+dress&qid=1680869737&sr=8-5

Regarding a bikinis: i do wear them when it's too hot (not often) or i can't be arsed dragging around the swimdress, which gets pretty heavy when wet. I like bikinis with tie up sides as i find them to be more flattering than the tummy huggers
https://www.next.us/en/g88543s3/c31138#c31138

So I go between two extremes!

Buy Abstract Print Triangle Bikini Top from Next USA

Shop for Abstract Print Triangle Bikini Top at Next USA. International shipping and returns available. Buy now!

https://www.next.us/en/g88543s3/c31138#c31138

maddy68 · 07/04/2023 13:20

I live in a med country. Honestly we have all shapes and sizes on our beaches. No gives a flying fuck.

Get your bikini on and enjoy your hols