Bikinis-thinking of Boden

[Wallabyone]

I am 42, three children, 2 c-sections.
I had separation of my stomach muscles in pregnancy 2 and it got a bit worse with number three.

I’m a size 10, fat evenly distributed, small boobs (not pert due to aforementioned children).

For the last 6 years, I’ve worn swimming costumes, to cover my tummy-it’s a bit wrinkled and sad looking. Last year, I bought a highwaisted bikini and I loved not having damp fabric on my tummy.l, and the fact I could pull them down a bit when lying on the sun lounger.

So, I’m going to invest in a decent bikini, not high waisted, just a regular bottom with some support for small boobs. I suddenly don’t care if other people don’t like my wrinkly tummy 😂 I’m looking at Boden-Porto looks lovely and I like the colours and prints. Are they worth the money? And is sizing accurate? I’m thinking of trying the 10 and 12 in the bottoms.
Are there any other decent brands to look at?

Thank you for reading!

Most of my bikinis are Boden. They are fab. I usually size up for the bottoms and I like the ones you can fold over. I only buy them when it’s sale time though. You can usually get a decent bargin.

I also have a few from Pour Moi which are also good.

I’m a very similar size and shape to you OP, even down to the split stomach muscles.

I’ve just bought the Ios V panel bikini from Boden. I really like it.

Boden do vanity sizing, so if you’re a 10 at Topshop or H&M for example, you’ll be an 8 at Boden.

All my bikinis are Boden.I like the Levanzo halter top as it's flattering for my small boobs, and the fold over bikini bottoms. I've also just invested in a bargain Levanzo tankini from Vinted - brand new with tags for £20.
As someone else said, I've sized up the bottoms, I'm usually a 10 but get a 12. Returns are fast and free though so worth trying a couple of sizes. They are great quality and the best I've found to flatter my shape.

Thanks so much-this is really helpful. I’m going to look up these designs too. I have a £50 voucher from John Lewis and I know they stock some of the Boden swimwear x

I have a plain navy Boden high waisted bikini and I love it. High waisted covers all the parts I wanted covered and doesn’t show off too much bum which is really good for me, my arse eats most bikinis and it looks like I’m wearing a thong 🤦‍♀️. Also the high waisted one is a wider cut at the front so you can be lazy with shaving and not have to worry about stray hairs. Definitely worth it in my opinion

I found the exact opposite for the bikini bottoms. I know the cut is smaller but just the circumference is tiny.

I too buy Boden bikini’s as they just seem to suit me. I like the fold over bottoms as I can either have them up for walking around or folded when sitting etc. I am ten years older than you and a size or two bigger.

I've have successfully with swimwear from " pour moi", available online from Next...well made and reasonably priced.

If you have a JL voucher it's worth looking at their swimwear too. I used to love Boden swimwear but in the past 10-ish years I've found the bikini top sizing a bit off, and instead am now loyal to JL, specifically what they call their "sling" bikini style:

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-bali-palm-sling-halterneck-bikini-top-navy/p112160425

I've had it in plain black and blue and white stripes, and it's been pretty indestructible, and very flattering.

Having said all that I also have the Boden Corsica swimsuit and it's great quality, so I still think it's worth a punt.

Thanks all, I got the Porto and I had to size up to a 12 in both the top and the bottoms. I wore it on holiday, and felt good in it. Nobody laughed, or pointed at my wrinkly tummy and it felt great to get some sun and warmth on it. I think I’ve been a bit horrible to myself over the last few years…I wish I hadn’t felt so self conscious.

Anyway, I shall definitely be looking at other styles and colours!