Avoiding the camel

[emilysquest]

I have lost quite a lot of weight and instead of the baggy boardshorts I usually wear all the time on holiday, this year I would love to wear some more close fitting swimwear for actual swimming. I don't wear one-pieces, and don't want to wear bikini bottoms, but want the lycra-looking boyleg or swim shorts. (I am old, no-one needs to see the tops of my inner thighs!).

I have bought several and sent them back. The problem is the camel toe. There is no chance I would ever let anyone see me in those shorts. I would just be self-conscious and covering up all the time. Has anyone got any suggestions? (The ones that I have tried so far all had a central seam down the front, which I assume makes it worse, but I can't find any without the seam).

When I asked this question on a different forum the suggestions were that I just rock the camel toe look! I am NOT going to be doing that! (Again, I am old!). Any other suggestions gratefully accepted!

Congratulations on your weight loss. (Assuming the cause was positive?)

What clothing size are you now? (So people will know which brands to suggest.)

While I understand your reluctance to wear more exposing swimwear, I wonder if it’s time for a re-think? In the absence of religious restrictions there’s surely no real reason why you can’t just wear what everyone else wears. I say this as someone undoubtedly older than you are - not a single sane person is going to be examining your inner thighs. The only passing thought they might have is She looks like she’s having fun. Truthfully you will draw more attention to yourself if your swimwear is noticeably different to everyone else’s …

Alpkit do good swimwear - I have quite a few bits of their swimwear. The Nefyn bottoms might do you. I haven't noticed any camels when I wear them! They do have stitching in the centre - but they are lined. It might depend how tight the fit is too.

Thanks, yes I was very happy to lose weight, I am back to the weight I was 25 years ago but with lots more wrinkles and sagging!

Lots of people where I holiday wear all types of swimming shorts, I won't look different!(we are part of a boating and waterskiing community and many women will be wearing those types of shorts, you don't want to be waterskiing in a skimpy bikini, believe me! I don't ski any more, but a boyleg/swimshorts look will be very normal).

I am a size 12.

Ah, ok - I was definitely thinking of swimming rather than other sports.

(I particularly like https://prismlondon.com/ for everyday swimwear.)

What about looser fitting boardshorts instead of Lycra?

instead of the baggy boardshorts I usually wear all the time on holiday, this year I would love to wear some more close fitting swimwear

I have been wearing the loose fitting boardshorts for many years. I just wanted to change it up a bit now that I don't need to hide my tummy, hip size, thigh size etc. With a tankini top the sleeker bottom would look more like a swimsuit and less like the beach bar look I have been wearing even when swimming or skiing. I would also love to swim without the fabric flapping round me (I am a good and fast swimmer and it would be great to wear a streamlined outfit!).

This is the kind of thing I have been trying on but they have all given me such an obvious camel toe!

@mrsrobin Those Nefyn shorts look great, but I have just looked and can't find any in my size sadly!

I came to recommend these! I also normally avoid a seam but not an issue with these shorts, they are really well made. I sized up as I find their bottoms a bit narrow on my hips. The top is also surprisingly supportive and easy for changing compared to most sporty styles which you have to get over your head (while soaking wet!)

They also stock in decathlon and (sorry) Debenhams, or if you sign up (for free) to alpkit you can access their outlet which may have more sizes

It could be that the middle seam is essentially on the boy short style? I’m no seamstress but it looks like most are made in two halves (left and right rather than front and back). Have you had a look at the modesty styles on the Arena and Speedo websites? They may supply lower cut legs that you might feel comfortable in.

Period under wear has a built in pad and could be a solution

Next - Black Shorts Period Bikini Bottoms
https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU397731/E51553

There’s always these 😖
https://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appjump?link=lyKz8NZtDDP_8_1&localcountry=GB&shc=2_lyKz8NZtDDP&url_from=GM75921620059

I like glowmode on shein for non camel toe leggings. Have noticed they do swimwear like these for example X LOS FAVORITOS DE ANA GONZALEZ GLOWMODE Power Dip Quick Dry Chlorine Resistant Colorblock Trim Antibacterial Crotch Bikini Bottom Shorts Swim Beach Pool Vacation Resort Travel Summer Wear I discovered amazing products on www.shein.co.uk/?cdn_rsite=cf&ref=www&rep=dir&ret=uk, come check them out! api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appjump?link=RLxzsZPSYjN_8&localcountry=GB&shc=2_RLxzsZPSYjN&url_from=GM71179646499 Big swim pants/short shorts if they're not too short for you.