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Am I the only one that hates women’s swimwear/beachwear options?

276 replies

Mudonstairs · 24/06/2024 11:32

A total first world problem…Just wanting a rant really. I have booked my first holiday since becoming a mum and am finding the bikini options quite depressing. I’ve never liked one piece swim suits so bikini/tankini is really my only option. I just find them all so revealing and I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing them. The tankini options tend to look so plain and unattractive and I find they are marketed at the plus size market so unavailable in my size sometimes. I am finding most styles are either too revealing or on the other end of the scale just frumpy 🤷🏻‍♀️ I just want something pretty that covers the bottom a bit better. I don’t want to have shave or wax while I’m away for two weeks so knickers are a bit too revealing. I feel annoyed that men don’t have to decide whether they want their pubes on show!!!

I am late thirties, a size 8 but I do go up a size or two on bottoms to get more coverage. Another rant: why do the bottoms only cover half a bum cheek?! 🤬 perhaps a lot of retailers believe that women want to bare as much flesh as possible, especially if they are of a smaller frame??? I don’t get it.

I have bought a skirted bottom from M&S online (can’t remember which brand) which is ok and still feminine without looking frumpy. But I can’t find anything else remotely pretty but still not too much flesh on the bottom area on show. People have suggested sarongs/cover ups but honestly I just want something I can go in and out of a pool without too much faffing. I will have a two year old to run after!

Sorry, rant over! Does anyone else feel my pain?

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EdithBond · 24/06/2024 21:34

Counterintuitive, I know, but you sound a similar size and shape to me and through trial and error I’ve found wide triangle string bikinis v flattering and comfy as they can be adjusted to the perfect fit via the tie strings.

I found knicker types, especially the larger pants or skirt types, really unflattering, especially if you have a bit of a tummy or bigger bum. They make me look matronly and much bigger. Whereas the string ones, though much lower cut, are actually a lot more flattering.

Recommend trying some out, from surf brands and in a plain, darker fabric. This sort of thing: https://uk.oneill.com/products/capri-bondey-essential-bikini-set-blueberry-carvico

Doesn’t help with the pube situation, though. Short loose shorts (in the style of 80s football shorts or shorter men’s trunks) are prob best for that and pair with a string top.

Capri - Bondey Bikini Set | Blueberry Carvico

Capri - Bondey Bikini Set | Blueberry Carvico

Enjoy any water activity in the Capri - Bondey Bikini Set. A classic triangle top with removable padding to fit your swimwear preferences comes with mid-waist and medium coverage at the rear bottoms. The set features no dig-in construction and quick-dr...

https://uk.oneill.com/products/capri-bondey-essential-bikini-set-blueberry-carvico

Nibblenose · 24/06/2024 21:41

@Mudonstairs would these work for you?snagtights.com/products/day-off-bikini-shorts-craic

Mudonstairs · 24/06/2024 21:59

StamppotAndGravy · 24/06/2024 12:44

Have you seen these? They have bikini tops and rash vests to match, so then it's a proper bikini set

decathlon

These are very pretty. I really like them. The UK decathlon site doesn’t seem to have them though.

OP posts:
Swimbikerunmummy · 24/06/2024 22:11

im tall and love these. They are a one piece but the cut is modest without being frumpy. If you have a look at their insta, you can see all shapes and sizes looking awesome in them.
https://www.batoko.com/
order slightly smaller than you think you need!

OFFICIAL BATOKO © | Recycled Plastic Swimwear | UK Label

WE'RE RUBBISH, LITERALLY. BATOKO is an environmentally conscious independent British swimwear brand shipping worldwide. All swimsuits are made from recycled plastic waste; keeping plastic out of landfill and our oceans.

https://www.batoko.com

ArseholeCatIsABlackAndWhiteCat · 24/06/2024 22:21

These are very pretty. I really like them. The UK decathlon site doesn’t seem to have them though.

Lots of similar options on amazon or ebay and the decathlon website.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/olaian-decathlon-surfing-boardshorts-tini-hawaii-with-an-elasticated-waistband-and-drawstringp-f079b2f2-c4fb-445c-b14f-4b4d418fab7e?colour=Black&size=12&istCompanyId=76f7277d-6e78-4dc2-aaff-1eb77fae16b0&istFeedId=258a4886-8f3c-47ef-9369-d1eda8d84501&istItemId=mrrtqmltp&istBid=t&srsltid=AfmBOoqUghMhA9L9TCNf08VGbvOA2X5eLHwuHFrZCLWj-yOC6N3ww_DLBEiY

They are sold out in size 8 though.

Mudonstairs · 24/06/2024 22:25

Nibblenose · 24/06/2024 21:41

@Mudonstairs would these work for you?snagtights.com/products/day-off-bikini-shorts-craic

I’m not sure I’m a fan. I don’t think I’m fond of the cycling short/leggings kind of material. Im having a look at all the links people have posted and so far im liking the Fat face board shorts

MCS Shay Coral Board Short

Buy Multi MCS Shay Coral Board Short today from FatFace. FREE UK Delivery on all orders over £70.

https://www.fatface.com/women/clothing/swimwear/mcs--shay-coral-board-short/0002625.html?dwvar_0002625_color=MULTICOL&awc=5463_1719261566_6a7e401106d0bda28de32519c95fd412&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Awin&utm_source=Skimlinks&dtm_channel=aff&dtm_source=Skimlinks&dtm_campaign=HighSummer&dtm_content=Sub+Networks#search

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RamonaRamirez · 24/06/2024 22:37

OP what you want is “board shorts”

google them

Wear with bikini or tankini top

RamonaRamirez · 24/06/2024 22:38

Clearly you just figured that out 😁

Bowies · 24/06/2024 22:38

Yeah I know what you mean - ended up wearing some flowery men’s swim shorts one day and it was a revelation!

Really annoyed how comfortable and practical the sporty shorts are in comparison with what’s on offer for women, not feeling so exposed and even pockets for swimming goggles!

I quite like some of the Freya swimwear though, they have different styles with good coverage and you can mix and match separates.

BadSkiingMum · 24/06/2024 23:02

Amazon can be quite helpful in this respect as there is so much on there.

For several years I wore a rash vest and UV shorts over a bikini, for sea swimming. Not really due to being self conscious but because I am very prone to sunburn, so searching for ‘UV’ items might help.

Last year I bought a long sleeved swimsuit for pool use and that was also really nice and comfortable to wear. It had a pretty print and I felt less encumbered than I did wearing two layers.

Mudonstairs · 24/06/2024 23:38

RamonaRamirez · 24/06/2024 22:38

Clearly you just figured that out 😁

Thanks. I had no idea board shorts could be for normal women. I stupidly dismissed them as just what surfers wear but I’ve seen some really nice ones that people have posted. There is hope yet 😊

OP posts:
EdithBond · 24/06/2024 23:41

ArseholeCatIsABlackAndWhiteCat · 24/06/2024 22:21

They’re fab! This has been a really useful thread. Thanks OP. Have discovered the world of board shorts!

Mudonstairs · 24/06/2024 23:47

EdithBond · 24/06/2024 23:41

They’re fab! This has been a really useful thread. Thanks OP. Have discovered the world of board shorts!

Edited

Glad it has turned out to be quite a useful thread for us all. Who knew ranting could be so productive?!

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PostPopper · 25/06/2024 00:22

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?

PostPopper · 25/06/2024 00:23

Other colours and patterns available

www.joebrowns.co.uk/coconut-bay-swim-skirt-wp151?salesfire=sf-search#colour=460

Snippit · 25/06/2024 10:05

I’ve not read through all the replies but I’ve purchased some lovely Tankinis from Shein. They usually come with the bottoms which I can’t wear, I really don’t know who is the shape that these are made for. But for such a reasonable price I keep the set for the tops, they’re lovely.

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