Size 16-18, really bad stretchmarks (think lion attack) - shall I get a bikini for summer holiday?

[LadyOfWaffle]

I haven't worn one in years, not even a swim suit on the beach but I don't want to be splashing around in board shorts and a top all summer! I have seen underwired at simplybe , and when not swimming /sunbathing I'd be wearing a kaftan... or should I keep it hidden?

Wear a bikini with good coverage pants? I would and do wear a bikini and i was a 16-18 too. Go for it!!!

Go to Speedo and buy one of their fab swimming costumes - they make you look like the special K girl!

I have a great swimsuit that holds in the rolls, and I have seen underwired strapless at simplebe (to fill in horrible strap marks ) but I am sick of pastie belly aswell The bottoms of the ones I've seen are slightly short like...

I have worn a bikini since having my DCs when I have varied between a size 18 and a size 8, together with "lion attack" stretchmarks (love that description btw ).

Wear what you want to wear. I wear a bikini on the beach/poolside on holiday and also when tanned at the outdoor pool at our gym. For splashing around in pool rest of year with DCs then I resort to a one-piece.

I have just returned from a lovely holiday in Greece. The most significant observation I can offer on this topic is that very few women have the "perfect beach body". In an entire week, I only saw 1 woman who had that stretchmark-free/cellulite-free/ultra-toned body. Everyone else varied from petite to curvacious with a myriad of imperfections. I am sure there are women who spend their time on the beach being Ms Judgey Knickers about everyone else and their attire/body but frankly they need a life!

Purchase a bikini you feel fab in (great colour and supportive but please don't go for humungous pants - they will make your ar*se look the size of Australasia). Take a deep breath and focus on having fun with DCs and DP/DH

Rant over!!

If you feel happy in a bikini - go for it.

I haven't got stretchmarks, but I have got a slightly tragic 'mummy' belly (think Julia Roberts in recent bikini shot) and I still wear a bikini.

I'm a size 14 with stretchmarks and there is no way I would ever wear a bikini. A well cut one piece swim suit will look far more flattering.

Buy a bikini

Seriously. I had two weeks in Greece (We went to Parga and loved it MrsJohnSimm, so thanks for the recommendation).

I had chucked out all my bikinis after DS's birth so I only had swimsuits with me. I really regretted it - imo wearing a one piece doesn't make you look any slimmer and there were women with all sorts of body shapes in bikinis. No one gives a monkeys and a tan will make you feel much better about your stretchmarks too (mine are dreadful too btw)

THanks I have lost weight too so it's all wrinkly Oh well, I'll get a nice bikini and some kaftans

im with JOHN SIMM
if they are so bad then bung a vest on top for when you are playing frisbee or whenever

then youll forget nad not givvvadam

I have these lion marks - love the expression, and the wrinkly skin (does this disappear or does it stay forever and ever?). Have a lovely 1 piece from bravissimo with hold it all in panels and hoiks norks up to chin. Deffp recommended. I don't bikini personally but don't see why not, as long as you won'#t spend the whole time being paranoid that people are staring!

glad you had a good time Tattycoram . Tis a beautiful part of the world and am planning to return there myself next year . Just back from Skiathos and heading off to Halkidiki in 3 weeks....I have retsina withdrawal already

Lady of Waffle - my tum is wrinkly too. Agree with Simples, sling on your kaftan or vest/t-shirt for running around after DCs but don't let the idea of beach-based body fascists pressure you into hiding your gorgeous bod . Be confident and that is what people will notice - not how perfect your skin is or isnt I promise you, when your tummy is tanned you will feel more confident anyway.