Swim/beach wear

[Bruisername]

Hello. I am off on a beach holiday in the summer. Not really something I’ve ever done. Struggling with what swim suit style would suit and other clothes for the stay. Would like to look a bit more chic than usual!

I lack confidence in the swimwear department so any advice would be greatly appreciated

mid 40s, 5ft8, 65kg, long bodied, bit of a belly and thighs, reasonable bust. I guess I’m pear shaped! Not toned at all!

Hopeful bump

Where to, who with, for lounging by the pool or swimming lengths? Your outfits for a hen do in Ibiza will be different to a villa in Portugal. Would you wear a bikini? Tankinis can be good if you want a bit more coverage but to be able to go to the toilet easier than a swimsuit. I think you should go and try some things on, with the best will in the world nobody on here can tell you what suits you - we don't know what you look like

Just with my daughter. Caribbean style beach. Just want to look half decent as it’s my first holiday post separation.

I know no one can tell me but I get overwhelmed in swimsuit shops and then don’t buy anything! I’ve been wearing the same swimsuit I bought 20 years ago and I’ve had 2 kids since then!

Would be happy to have 2 - one for lounging and one for snorkelling.

I will have a look at tankinis

are there any online shops people could suggest?

Land's End do excellent quality swimwear, although not necessarily that fashionable. The plain colours are ok. They cossies all come in"tall" fit too.

Thank you!

Biden gave some nice ones this year, both costumes and bikinis. I think they would be good for your height and build. I would also get at least three, one will always be wet, and nice to have a choice of two others. I take four when we go. One swimsuit, and three bikinis, two of the bikinis being top and bottom interchangeable.

Boden have

Good tip - thank you!

what would you suggest for wearing over the swimsuit? I find a lot of things make my bum look huge

I'm just back from holiday and cover ups similar to this one were popular. I thought they looked quite chic.

www.sosandar.com/pink-orange-scarf-print-embellished-detail-kaftan

I’ve never heard of sosander - looks interesting

i like the lands end and boden bottoms

I bought some emergency swimsuits from M&S last year like these (different colours last year. Surprisingly flattering to be honest. I've also got ths in black and white to wear over them. With sun hat, flip flops and the biggest sunnies I own, these worked quite well for me. I'm not beachwear confident at all.

A pretty rash vest from Decathlon will be good for snorkeling, otherwise your back will get burnt. They're also good if you can't be arsed with suncream or holding your abs in ;) You can get matching bottoms, both shorts and briefs.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-uv-protective-short-sleeve-t-shirt-surf-top-500-black-and-floral-parrot/_/R-p-170635?mc=8756526&c=black

Tummy control sounds good. And the rash vest is a good idea

thanks. I’m feeling more positive I’ll find something!!

Another vote for tankinis (so much more comfy), and ruched bottoms.

Or one-pieces with a retro skirt layer. Very flattering.

Swim dresses are lovely too.

Sea Folly and Regatta are good.

Boden's Santorini swimsuit is great. I'm all lumpy flab, but it really held me in well and gave me a nice shape. I have it in black and I'll be buying a couple more for sure.

I think I'll also be trying a tankini top with some swimshorts I got off Amazon. I wasn't sure about them before, worrying they'd ride up but I saw them on some similar sized ladies last week and they looked great. Easier for going to the loo, too, as another poster said.

I’ve got those m and s beach cover up shirts that @WhatWouldTheDoctorDo linked to. They’re really good and if you need to wash them they dry quickly.

I have mix and match bikini tops and bottoms from different brands. My favourite bottoms are like a 1950s style.

Maybe choose a colourway and build from
that, eg navy or black then you can have navy/white stripes or polka dots, maybe a red top. That’s what I do anyway and it works for me.

also have board shorts and a rash vest that I use for snorkelling. I have a pair of cut off denim shorts too.

If you're a D or above i got some great ones from Bravissimo last month. Also 5'8" and long bodied.

Thanks for all tips. Lots to look at!

in terms of colours - if you are triangle shaped (big hips and narrow shoulders - not the other way!) is it better to have dark colours? Dark on bottom and brighter on top? Mix and match sounds good

what shape bikini top is better for narrow shoulders?

They're great aren't they @PortiaWithNoBreaks really lightweight, and brilliant for covering if you're wandering to the beach bar or similar.

I always buy from The White Company - they're not the cheapest, but amazing quality and really last. I usually buy a couple every two years:

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Clothing/c/swimwear

A halterneck might work well because it will give the illusion of wider shoulders to balance your hips. Try not to worry about it though (easier said than done!) Almost no one looks good in a bikini, but they let you lie in the sun and swim in the sea with freedom of movement so pick one that makes you feel happy. If it has parrots all over and makes you smile, great! (Try Funkita for that!) Trying to find the theoretically optimised one you'll probably just have doubts.

thanks - I will try some halternecks. I don’t really care what other people think - I just want to feel confident in myself

Good luck with the halternecks. I think they look great, but are so uncomfortable pushing on the back of my neck that I just can't wear them for more than 10 minutes, Maybe it depends on bra cup size.