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Original poster

Why do women wear tankinis?

189 replies

Vivace · 17/05/2008 22:15

They make everyone look bad, yet half the women at the pool were wearing them today. One woman, slim, tall, great legs, good arms, would be amazing in a swimsuit...but had a pot belly, flat chest and some livid stretchmarks, all framed, exaggerated and highlighted by her tankini. Horrible, unflattering garment. Obviously people can wear what they like, but they aren't more comfy than a swimsuit and who over 22 really thinks the slice of their belly above their pants is really the best part of their body?

OP posts:
cmotdibbler · 18/05/2008 20:57

Yep. Two in fact - both from Lands End in long fit, so no danger of tummy revealing - one is lingerie strap with low leg (but not actual shorts), and the other is what they call a sports tankini, in that it has a slightly more robust fabric top and sort of sports shorts (this one in black/white). Not the most stylish or sexy of outfits (unlike the other one), but when you have a 2 year old that likes to jump in and out of the pool, so you spend a lot of time in and out too, tis v v practical, and is the only swimwear that I am prepared to appear in front of colleagues in.

Washersaurus · 18/05/2008 21:02

They do indeed sell them in the US - and I purchased mine 2 years ago! I was too fat to get in it again until recently though after being pregnant with DS2.

I don't get the 'british' thing about them on here

I maybe wouldn't wear a tankini if I were a snobbish, woman of a certain age, more worried about parading my body than splashing about with my kids

Washersaurus · 18/05/2008 21:03

,,,,, and I'll throw in a few more rogue commas

expatinscotland · 18/05/2008 21:06

They are much easier to get out of it if you need to visit the ladiesroom.

And I find the top stays better on my knobby shoulders.

I have a racerback one from LL Bean that's still going strong after years.

Can't get into it just now as am pregnant, but am going to start aquasize for preggos next Wednesday so am going to look for another one tomorrow.

Thankfully, the class will be in a pool full of British women so hopefully I won't look too out of place.

southeastastra · 18/05/2008 21:07

this thread is nuts

AitchTwoCiao · 18/05/2008 21:18

actually, i've just looked at the bravissimo ones and they're all horreeeed.

andiem · 18/05/2008 21:24

have just bought this one in navy and I thnk it looks very nice

Washersaurus · 18/05/2008 21:26

Mine is similar to this one only with red straps instead of white.

A bit more sporty looking than those other ones linked to.

Carmenere · 18/05/2008 21:27

The thing is that body-confidence is sexy no matter what size you are. So basically the confidence to wear a bikini, a tankini or even a g-string is what makes you sexy. And being comfortable makes you confident so if you want to wear a tankini go right ahead just make sure it is a nice one (not the Bravissimo ones they are rank).

Washersaurus · 18/05/2008 21:30

They are rank, and if I had boobs big enough to shop at bravissimo I wouldn't be wearing a Nike tankini (I haven't got it on at this very second IYSWIM)

Original poster
Vivace · 18/05/2008 21:32

Um, re the wee problem, you just move the gusset to one side. Easy peesy. (sic) !

OP posts:
DontCallMeBaby · 18/05/2008 21:35

That IS an awful selection from Bravissimo at the moment - the patterned ones are foul, the last one the top and bottom don't even go, and while the Panache Grace one is fine (I would say that, I used to have that top) the picture just proves my point that tankini tops and teeny pants look bizarre together.

I can't quite stop looking at that halterneck one, it's like a carcrash.

MINE is much nicer and I'm not going to wear it on any sodding beaches anyway.

suedonim · 18/05/2008 22:30

That doesn't cut the mustard, Vivace, when you live abroad and seem to permanently have 'tummy palaver'. Sorry if TMI.

AitchTwoCiao · 18/05/2008 22:32

ach, she's a pool pisser, sue. no question about it.

cheesesarnie · 18/05/2008 22:40

i saw 2 ladies in pool today wearing odd swimming dress things?whats that about?they were short like just bum skimming.

nappyaddict · 18/05/2008 23:12

i wear a one piece and don't wee in the pool thankyou very much. i just pull it to one side when i go to the toilet - simple!

AitchTwoCiao · 18/05/2008 23:13

again, you women with normal-length bodies. there just isnt' the extra fabric for me...

suedonim · 18/05/2008 23:32

Yeah, yeah, nappyaddict - Aitch and I know the truth.

advice · 18/05/2008 23:46

They are great for those of us with long bodies as swimsuits never fit !!!!!

AitchTwoCiao · 18/05/2008 23:47

right, find me one ladies. i like the panache illusion, but it's outta stock.

Tortington · 18/05/2008 23:49

fat people dont look great in any swim costume. usually a tankini is the lesser of the rest of the evils.

high leg ....erm no

ohhhh T bar back....erm....i think not

ooh oooh

ADIDAS sports costume- .....irony....ermm...nope.

something that looks vaguely like a t-shirtand shorts ad is socially acceptable to go swimming in...tick

nappyaddict · 18/05/2008 23:59

oooh i love high legs. make my dumpy legs look longish.

Walnutshell · 19/05/2008 00:00

for goodness sake, it's all lycra crap that shows off your worst (best if 'lucky') bits. the 'slice of ... belly' is sometimes the best bit, or draws attention from a less-favoured aspect

Walnutshell · 19/05/2008 00:00

yes, custardo

MintChocAddict · 19/05/2008 00:01

I wore my tankini for the first time today and it's waaaaaay more flattering on me than a one piece. It has a long top so no unsightly gap to show off my flabby tum. I'm also diff sizes top and bottom so able to mix and match the sizes. The best bit of all though is a fully functioning bra built into the top (not one of those rubbish secret support soft cups which offers no support to those with huge mamas) , but a proper hold you in bra. Hurrah!!!! Got it in Debenhams Gorgeous range for bigger breasted ladies . Also got 20% off too as part of their 3 day spectacular (or whatever they call it.) All hail the tankini!!!!