Why do I look OK in underwear but terrible in a bikini?

[Cososom]

I've recently lost a bit of weight, started lifting weights etc and am fairly happy with how I look in me pants these days. Not perfect by any means, but not too bad. But, I'm going away next week and every single bikini I've tried (or have) just looks shocking.

I don't understand! And thinking about it, it's always been the case - regardless of my weight / shape etc, I always look weird in bikinis even if I look 'fine' in underwear. Even if my bikini is basically underwear-shaped (ie wired cups, straps not string etc) I just look...wrong.

I want to wear a bikini by the pool (going to southern France, everyone else will be!) but I'd like to feel confident, not crap.

Anyone else?

You're judging yourself differently.
Underwear - private
Swimwear - public

Maybe it’s just that you aren’t used to it in terms of seeing yourself in it. Maybe try it on every day to get used to seeing yourself in it.

Same here - bikinis always look a bit rubbish! For me it’s usually the tightness of the elastic on the edges of the bottoms if that makes sense, like they just don’t sit right. I’m a fairly average size 10 but slightly squishy skin with me being in my 40s and given birth twice despite regularly working out. That said - this year I got a bikini from Primark and it’s absolutely perfect. I feel your pain!

I have the same actually. I think it's because bikinis tend to be cut a bit tighter but sizing up usually just makes them too big (for me anyway).

I’m the other way. I look way better in bikinis. I think it’s cos I discovered pour moi do these halter neck style tops that just make my tits look banging (they have an attraction to my armpits but the halter kinda pulls them in where a bra doesn’t).
maybe they do do halter bras - I’ve never thought about it tbh or cared.

I love the Pour Moi ones! Also, I think because they make underwear and also do bikinis, it’s different to a company that makes bikinis but doesn’t understand lingerie fitting.

I know what you mean OP. I find underwear shaped bikinis can look weird: like you are wearing your lingerie to the pool! Also they can be too tight, which isn’t flattering, so I tend to size up a bit.

I like a halter neck bikini, and I can’t do string as I’m an E cup and need support. As said above Pour Moi do nice ones.

I dont know your body type, but Im not sure it matters. For me Pour Moi bikinis - the halter style - are amazing. Im hour glass- massive boobs (32 gg). I buy the halter underwired tops and the tie side small bottoms cos then they fit exactly as you want them, and the top kinda lifts and pull in the girls. Way better than a bra does. I go swimming three times a week and they last and last too. They are quite exy though - although they do have sales.

I'm fairly rectangular, I guess, not much up top, sadly but broadish shoulders and hips. Long torso which is why I prefer bikinis to one-piece as getting something to fit lengthwise is a whole other nightmare! Would love bigger boobs but hey ho.

Might give Pour Moi a look, and perhaps size up a bit. Glad to know it's not just me, though!

Ive never worn a bikini in my life.....just feels too much like wearing my underwear in public to me.
Its def the difference between public and private perception that makes them weird at times I think.
Im sure this is why people wear stuff on holiday abroad that they would never wear at home. You can be the same shape and size, it can be just as hot and sunny and yet Barnsley and Rome feel very different!