Swim wear for a fat lass....

[bowtiesarecool]

To add, a fat lass who also has zero body confidence.

Basically, I used to be a UK 10/12, now a UK16. Putting on weight doesn't bother me, although if I bothered to put in some effort I could do something about it. I'm lazy and I like food (and wine!) though.

But we're going to Greece in August, and the whole swimwear thing is bothering me. I'm 5'6" so not desperately short but I am pear shaped with a bit of a pouch-y stomach. Can anyone recommend anywhere UK based for decent swimwear? I realise my confidence will affect how I feel wearing any, but if I can get some decent (and reasonably priced) stuff, that may help.

Thank you in advance

 

[ATV2021]

Personally I love either costumes with swim skirts (sainsburys had some lovely ones) or like a bandeau tankini top with a swim skirt. I won't wear normal costumes or bikini bottoms as I want to hide my legs a bit!

 

[BettyCrockerr]

At a size 16 you are NOT a “fat lass” - please stop putting yourself down like that.

Try going for a long tankini top that covers your tummy and a pair of high waisted bottoms - like a short or hot pant style to help pull you in at the tummy. Or go for a 1 piece swim suit and Chuck a sarong on or a nice cover up dress

 

[Snippysnips]

I usually like matalan for some swimwear, I prefer swim shorts an a top, shorts give so much room an for me hide a lot, I actually get guys ones, they do all colours an I have some really nice pink ones that you really wouldn't know they were guys tbh, I find the female ones just want to glue to your ass an are very short, I think online does the "guys shorts" but for females, the tops from matalan are nice too an even primark can have some really nice two piece in or I've noticed the one piece with the little skirts on them that's quite nice, marks an Spencer also usually do a lot but can be a bit more on the pricier side

 

[sassmaster3000]

Fat lass and daily swimmer here! Figleaves is my go-to brand for swimwear.

 

[Welshgal]

I get all my swimwear from asos and always go for a suit that has a really nice (low/sexy) neckline because I like to show off my boobs and I feel like it stops the focus from going to my stomach/thighs which I‘m not the biggest fan of.
I know it‘s not an option for everyone but perhaps you could also try to get pieces or even accessories like sunglasses or hats that draw the focus away from your „problem areas“ and in turn will make you feel more comfortable.

 

[Kim Mild]

Nobody on the beach is going to be as critical of your figure as you are yourself.

I second the idea of boy/ mens swimsuits ( I used to wear them when I lived by the seaside in the UK) with a swimsuit/ tankini top.
You may find you gain confidence while on holiday and choose smaller bottoms .

Molke make flattering swimwear, although I've not tried it myself.

A supportive top will always be more flattering so choose something that fits well .

 

[restingbtcface]

I got all mine from SHEIN! They have loads of choice and good quality.
I know it’s hard but I tried not to give a tit on my recent holiday. I spent too much money on it to be ruined by feeling self conscious.

 

[SingingMonkeyTunes]

I've got big boobs and recently splashed out on loads of new swimwear, with mixed results.

Shein - They look great on the models but be wary of weird proportions in real life. Its hit and miss but as its so cheap you can afford to buy a few different styles. I've had some brilliant swimwear from Shein. Keep an eye out for spaghetti straps, really high legs and very low busts - sometimes they arrive and you feel like your wearing very little and not supported

Primark - Their style atm tends to be plain swimsuits which I don't find particularly flattering.

Bravissimo - Expensive but so worth if you've got D cup+. These are my go to now.

Recommendations:

Amalfi Frill Swimsuit by Bravissimo | Plunge Swimsuit

Based on our Bravissimo girl favourite Amalfi swimsuit, we’ll hope you go wild for this animal print off shoulder one piece style! __Why it’s great for Bravissimo girls:__ • With underwired, non-padded plunge cups and smoothing tummy control, this animal print swimsuit keeps you secure in...

www.bravissimo.com

Ottawa Swimsuit by Fantasie | Balconette Swimsuit | Bravissimo

Could this swimsuit be the perfect partner to your next getaway?! • Non-padded, balconette cups have a hidden underwire to keep you feeling supported and uplifted • V-neckline gives slightly less coverage and the twist front across the neckline suits lots of different boob shapes • This...

www.bravissimo.com

 

[Sticky One]

I’m a size 14-16 and always tried to find swimming costumes and they were always short on my body and I use to feel so crappy after searching shops for ones that fitted so this year I thought oh duck it and got a bikinis from Monki and I swear I have never felt so comfortable - they have great high waisted bikini bottoms x

 

[margaretta]

My last 2 swimsuits came from Tu at Sainburys and F+F at Tesco.

Both were one piece and had special material to hold a stomach in.

 

[bowtiesarecool]

Finally coming back to reply...

Firstly, thank you all. I realise the only person my size is an issue for is me. I've never been the most confident of people but gaining weight has flattened any self worth I had. I told my husband about this thread, and your replies, and his response was "I told you so, but you never listen to me.". (He's right )

Anyhow, I've obviously been this size longer than I remembered, because going through my old drawer I found a swimwear costume with a swim skirt that still had its tags on - and more importantly, fits now. Probably bought for a lockdown holiday that didn't happen before covid. And I'm making do - I'm not the biggest pool person (probably because I can't swim but that's a different story!), So if I find a cheap sarong I'll be content.

Thank you all. I've only ever been on the celeb moan threads, but you're all so lovely x

 

[moomin456]

I got a lovely swimsuit from simply be, very flattering and not at all frumpy!

 

[LennyBriscoe]

I agree with Betty, both in the recommendation and not putting yourself down! I got tankini tops and high briefs from Simply Be just last week

 

[L.S]

I have a lovely swimsuit from George at Asda (size 18) and it's so nice and it was like £12!

 

[noseybirdxo]

M&S do absolutely amazing swimswear! and it has tummy control i feel amazing in their swimsuits!

 

[FenellaTheWitch]

I've got big boobs and recently splashed out on loads of new swimwear, with mixed results.

Shein - They look great on the models but be wary of weird proportions in real life. Its hit and miss but as its so cheap you can afford to buy a few different styles. I've had some brilliant swimwear from Shein. Keep an eye out for spaghetti straps, really high legs and very low busts - sometimes they arrive and you feel like your wearing very little and not supported

Primark - Their style atm tends to be plain swimsuits which I don't find particularly flattering.

Bravissimo - Expensive but so worth if you've got D cup+. These are my go to now.

Recommendations:

Amalfi Frill Swimsuit by Bravissimo | Plunge Swimsuit

Based on our Bravissimo girl favourite Amalfi swimsuit, we’ll hope you go wild for this animal print off shoulder one piece style! __Why it’s great for Bravissimo girls:__ • With underwired, non-padded plunge cups and smoothing tummy control, this animal print swimsuit keeps you secure in...

www.bravissimo.com

Ottawa Swimsuit by Fantasie | Balconette Swimsuit | Bravissimo

Could this swimsuit be the perfect partner to your next getaway?! • Non-padded, balconette cups have a hidden underwire to keep you feeling supported and uplifted • V-neckline gives slightly less coverage and the twist front across the neckline suits lots of different boob shapes • This...

www.bravissimo.com

I've got my eye on a Fantasie swimming costume but it's £84. I've never spent that mucho in a swimming costume but it actually does my exact bra size which I've not come across before.

Is is worth spending so much extra on a swimming costume?

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I've got my eye on a Fantasie swimming costume but it's £84. I've never spent that mucho in a swimming costume but it actually does my exact bra size which I've not come across before.

Is is worth spending so much extra on a swimming costume?

In a word, no.

 

[Kim Mild]

I've got my eye on a Fantasie swimming costume but it's £84. I've never spent that mucho in a swimming costume but it actually does my exact bra size which I've not come across before.

Is is worth spending so much extra on a swimming costume?

I suppose it depends on your clothing budget and how much wear you will get out of it whether it is worth it . If you wear it every holiday for a decade , cost-per-wear, it will likely be more cost efficient than buying cheap swimwear every year

Does it look better to have boobs supported in a correctly fitted bra? Yes.

The swimsuit may be cheaper out of season or it might be available on outlets or ebay.

 

[FenellaTheWitch]

I suppose it depends on your clothing budget and how much wear you will get out of it whether it is worth it . If you wear it every holiday for a decade , cost-per-wear, it will likely be more cost efficient than buying cheap swimwear every year

Does it look better to have boobs supported in a correctly fitted bra? Yes.

The swimsuit may be cheaper out of season or it might be available on outlets or ebay.

I do tend to keep them for a while but I'm not sure I can justify the extra compared to my M&S ones.