If you will be on a beach shortly

[traceybath]

Please get out the bikini/swimming costume you are planning to wear and try it on.

Just back from holiday and was surprised at what some women were wearing.

This isn't about how fat/thin they were just that the bikinis/costumes were often so so so unflattering and unsupportive.

My observations were that black/navy/chocolate brown looked very chic and flattered most women.

Lurid colours/patterns not such a good look. And if you can see the white threads of the lycra on your swimming costume you do really need to buy a new one.

HTH

good advice- we went to a German thermal bath two weeks ago and it was full of elderly germans - and my one piece of advice would be:

make sure your costume doesn't go see through when wet!

Camel toes, bum cracks and nipples are not what I want to see through an elderly german's costume.

oh no i think abroad black etc looks very very odd

This is very timely. I bought my first bikini for 12 years last week (haven't worn one since having DC2) as, thrillingly, roll-up knickers have at last come around again.

But I've always invested loads of time (and, compared to some, money) in searching for a decent costume, particularly one which supports my boobs adequately, as when you're on holiday you actually spend a significant amount of each day wearing it, especially when the DCs are little, so why wouldn't you want to present the best possible image of yourself - just as you would do if wearing normal clothes?

Am now on the hunt for a couple of decent one-pieces as have lost weight and last year's don't fit .

I disagree that dark colours look best. I much prefer bright colours or patterns. I agree that the cossie needs to fit properly though. Amazing how many women you see with breasts falling out from underneath teeny triangle bikinis.

NO ONE OVER 16 SHOULD WEAR TIE BRIEFS

Well, the colours that look best are the ones that suit you best, imho.

For eg, I look hideous in tropical bright clothes, so a cozzie in those colours ain't gonna look any good either.
Same goes for black.
But navy and chocolate brown - can wear head to foot any time of day or season of the year, so wouldn't think twice about it. Would also love a dark red number.
Am quite partial to polka dot on a cozzie if I can find one that fits.

I'm going to hit Bravissimo before my hols. No double boobs for me.

who cares

OurLady you are right - bright colours on very pale bodies just doesn't look great in my opinion.

However black looked very elegant on most of the women wearing it.

But most important thing was that they fitted and boobs weren't hanging down unsupported - just looked so uncomfortable.

Southeastastra - am I mistaken or is this not the style and beauty section? You know - we post about frivolous stuff here.

I did a lot of people watching as in shade with baby and toddler so couldn't do my usual reading.

i know, sorry, just hate to feel judged, especially on the beach

But I wasn't judging bodies - just wanted to hoik some boobs up in a Gok way .

Also I saw a school mum on the beach - lordy that was a reminder to make sure I was looking half presentable.

My favourite costume is Black - looks great with a white kaftan over the top for bar/lunch.

I must say, it is difficult to get the boobs properly hoiked up once you're over a certain size and age.

Even ££ costumes aren't upholstered in the same way bras are, so it's always a compromise. And certain styles seem to shorten the body, which doesn't help either.
It's a minefield!

I just got this one in navy from Wallis. It is fab, v supportive and flattering on my 34GG norks and good on tummy control too.

have stared thread on wallis discounts

Ooh might try that! It copes with your 34GGs you say?Hmm ... < ponders ancient 32Es >

i wear bikinis but my best costume ever was a very £££ oen from bravissimo
a BIT like this one www.bravissimo.com/products/swimwear/swimsuits/panache/swimsuits/ps61-details.aspx?colour=coral-pink &ck=S%2boPMv1zFqM%3d

What about the flat chested?
I like to wear bilkinis on holiday but I find that those with some padding and shape are too large in the cup, I can't fill a 36B.
On the othe hand two triangles on a bit of string is no good at my age ( they also tend to come with similarly skimpy bottoms).

One pieces are usually too short in the body for me but this one fits well and is flattering.

Saw very gorgeous woman with small boobs in bikini like this.

`

School mum on beach. Eek!

Oh yes indeedy Marsha - and she is a very attractive school mum too. Luckily I had got t-shirt dress thing on and my big sunglasses so didn't look too bad although insect bites on my face (yes face!) didn't really add to my beach-side glamour .

It is a very small world.

Good to know it can happen, best to be prepared. Well done on t-shirt dress and shades!

There are some very attractive women at the school here too, I'll make sure I'm not mucking around with straps (to avoid tan line) and slouching around with red face or something (even in deepest wilds).

*inthesticks) i am bra size AA and spent HOURS looking for a flattering bikini last summer. i ended up buying a fantastic white one by Jessika Allen (the label is JETS) which cost a ridiculous amount but i think was worth it as it looked so much better than anything else i tried on.(and i must have tried about 30)
JETS also does very nice one piece swimsuits with ruching that suits flat chested folk like us. i tried to see it as an 'investment' but didn't fess up to my DH - he'd have been horrified. at our age it's hard to get away with a £10 piece of string from topshop.

One day I will buy one from Eres.

(I know it's been linked before, I'm hoping that linking it will squash my wistful longing as can't afford one yet)

Me too Marsha - they are just so gorgeous. Am sure Bonsoir has one.