Can I get away with a bikini and if so, which style would be flattering?

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I fluctuate between a 14/16 and have lost a tiny bit of weight recently, so probably more 14. My biggest flaw is my tummy, so for years I've avoided bikinis and yet every holiday I find myself surrounded by women of a similar size and larger in bikinis. So I'd like to give it a go, but I still have the tummy issue.

What shape or style would be best to go for? I have standard 36C boobs. We are on holiday at half term, hence the concern.

I have just ventured into tankinis which I now think are more flattering than one-pieces.

anyone else?

I'm a 12/14 and would wear a bikini on a desert island but not in view of the unsuspecting public!! I have bought tankinis for this holiday but once I'm there (in the land of "super-size me") I may feel like the Slimcea girl and buy a bikini!

Try to find a bikini with generous bottoms. I hate tiny little briefs.

Agree about tankinis. You can roll the top up and the bottoms down to get your middle lovely and brown.

Tankinis are NOT the way to go imho as the flab inbetween top and bottom squelches out!

Make sure you get underwired bikini top so at least you know your boobs will stay where they should!

I wear bikini shorts which are more flattering and flatten the tummy!

Try M&S. And go for it!

this one from Bravissmo looks nice it's reduced too! keep a floaty kaftan or shirt handy if u feel self-conscious. steer away from halterneck or string bikinis as not enough support. loads of fake tan, a big straw hat et voila.

Ah yes, Collision that's exactly what I wondered about the tankini. I do have - though I say it myself - a fab bottom and find the short's style knickers look good, so yep maybe the same in a bikini.

Absolutely love the Bravissimo one, but the colour isn't me.

I think you're ok with a tankini if you remain standing (which is what any self-respecting woman that has had children should always do, never sit, stand and breathe in obv!).

that bravissimo one available in black too.

these freya ones could also be nice??
pin-up girl look ursula andress-esque

Agree with Collision - try M&S. I got a whole load of new bikinis there last year and you can mix and match the sizes for bottoms and tops.

yes yes deffo M&S! I got my bikini there, their shorts bottoms are fab. They do nice underwired tops too.

I agree wtih collision - tankinis are tres unflattering imo as they just show off the ONE bit you are trying to hide! It's actually better, imo, to wear a normal bikini top and high leg bottoms. Lots of women are narrowest/slimest under the bust so showing that part off is more flattering adn detracts from the flabby tummy bit.

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I agree with underwired bikini top and high waisted bottoms.

Go for it!

If you're OK with wearing a bikini then go for it and to hell with what people think. A quick glance around our local park this weekend was ample proof that you don't need to worry as however bad you think you look there will laways be loads who are far far worse

I love tankinis - got a lovely one from John lewis last year. I think they look beter than bikinis unless you have a fab body.

Of course you can wear a bikini.

Like you I have avoided the bikini for my whole adult life. DD said to me about 3 years ago... FGS mum, look around you.. women who have way worse bodies who wear one and don't care.

So I bought two bravissimo ones and I like them and feel happy in them. I do have sarongs to tie around my hips if I have to walk anywhere - like to the ice cream stall. This is because I have the bottoms that tie at the sides rather than shorts.

Now I know people on here will try to steer you away from these types of bottoms, but, I find that shorts style just push the muffin top up and out, whereas the string fastening type can be just loose enough to have no tight, digging in bits. IYSWIM

I have this one

I heart brastop and they are cheap

I'm a fat munter and I look ok in it - nobody loooks away in repulsion anyway. (I have the big pants)

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Blilmey, I had a hysterectomy last week and my stomach is blowing in and out like a bagpipe and I'm still wearing a bikini. Just wear it.

Fantasie and Freya do really good bikinis, in proper cup sizes. Imo, forget about generic size 12, 14 as they rarely fit well on both the top and bottom half, but a bikini properly fitted like a bra look fab.

I honestly look better in a bikini than a swimsuit since it emphasises norks and waist, which distract from the less erm taut bits, whilst a swimsuit just draws the eye to chunky thighs and bulges I didn't know I had until I put the damn thing on.

I always make the mistake of thinking that I will be too embarrassed about my stomach to get it out in public, but when it comes down to it, on a sunny beach with other bikini wearers around me, I feel ridiculous in my all encompassing swimsuit and wish I had gone for it. I'm a size 20/22 btw.

MrsC is hardcore

Think unless you are super skinny tankinis just make you look worse - cue the 4 I have that I have never worn!

Got a beautiful kini from White Company that even DH says looks lovely!

of course you can 'get away with' a bikini. What could happen?

If you feel self conscious take something to wear when upright and walking about. I generally wrap a tasteful cotton indian sarong thing round my chest so that it covers boobs, stomach and upper thighs, every tie i go for a wander along the beach. Bikinis are fine when you are lying down anyway, as your tum goes falt.

And there will be 15 million people with MORE than you have in any given body zone - judging by my stroll along Brighton beach yesterday, anyway.