Bathing suits

ashandstuff

Ok, so I'm sure there has been topics like this in the past but I'm a newbie so here it goes.

Next weekend is the annual beach trip I go on with the ladies in my family. It's two days of sunshine and surf (not to mention drinks, rich food, and various other unhealthy things.) The thing is that I have never had a "beach body" so I just despise the beach in general.

But I try and be a good sport about it and go each year.
However, this year I peaked at my heaviest weight in years. Even though I've lost some (10 lbs!) but that is still not really close to being thin enough so I don't feel embarrassed walking around in a bikini. All my swimsuits give me major side boob and it's not attractive it just doesn't look like it fits. :[

Anyway, just wondering what other people do to try and make themselves feel more comfortable at the beach through their weight loss?

Just wear a tee shirt?
Cover ups?

seliinac

Cover-ups. But if you want to swim, you've got to take it off eventually. Then I take it off at the last minute and run to the water.

Unless you are around a lot of really fit people, they are probably worrying more about what their own bodies look like than what you look like. And some may be even thinking they wish they had a body like yours.

1976LR

Go to modcloth.comand find a great vintage swimsuit. Actual women even send in their pictures along with the reviews. Whenever I wear mine, I actually get women coming up to me to compliment me--in a bikini, stretch marks, baby pouch, and all!

Kittiegirl06

I think a cover up would be a good choice. Or even a new swimsuit. Like, one that covers problem areas or whatever. I think fuller swimsuits can still be cute. Personally, because I love the beach but am not confident with my body, I wear a skirted 2 piece tankini. I like the fit and the print, so it works for me.

desert_mom

I bought the Land's End "sweetheart" one-piece and it covers back fat, side boob, the squishy fat by your armpits and it's really cute. I always wear board shorts, because I'm not comfortable with my rear end yet. It comes in black, red and paisley (black and white).
http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-sweetheart-one-piece-slender-suit/id_231662

Junie2013

I wear a sport skort and sports bra with a racer back tank top over it. I walk on the beach a lot, so I prefer to dress in exercise gear. If I want to go in the water, it's usually only wading a bit, so the sport skort is fine.

I also agree with seliinacoe - I don't think most people are paying much attention. The only time I notice is when someone is wearing a suit that is way too small for them. Wear something that fits, and you will be fine. If you're not ready to replace your current suit, a cute beach coverup will still fit on the way down. No on the T-shirt. I don't think that helps anyone.

milaxx

By the prettiest suit you can find THAT FITS. Then kick all the imaginary judgers out of your mind and enjoy yourself. I refuse to cover up and feel miserable at the beach. Relax, enjoy the sun & your friend/family.

Ok, so I'm sure there has been topics like this in the past but I'm a newbie so here it goes.

Next weekend is the annual beach trip I go on with the ladies in my family. It's two days of sunshine and surf (not to mention drinks, rich food, and various other unhealthy things.) The thing is that I have never had a "beach body" so I just despise the beach in general.

But I try and be a good sport about it and go each year.
However, this year I peaked at my heaviest weight in years. Even though I've lost some (10 lbs!) but that is still not really close to being thin enough so I don't feel embarrassed walking around in a bikini. All my swimsuits give me major side boob and it's not attractive it just doesn't look like it fits. :[

Anyway, just wondering what other people do to try and make themselves feel more comfortable at the beach through their weight loss?

Just wear a tee shirt?
Cover ups?

VannaLa

Vintage high waisted swimming suits are always a good choice. I love my vintage swimsuit. I got it on clearance at Macy's for only 15 dollars. Its a one piece and it is one shoulder. Its like a fitted mini dress. The slip inside covers everything I don't want anyone to see.

Also, just have fun! People can tell when you are self conscious and worried. Have all the confidence you would have if you were your goal weight and people will look at your gorgeous smile instead of whatever you are trying to hide. Hope this helps a little.

rachseby

I have a swim jacket which I bought partly b/c of being chubby but also b/c I am a redhead and burn really easily, and always miss spots with my suntan lotion as I go to the pool alone w/ my kids and have to put it on myself...I actually think that I will still wear a lot more coverage even when I get to my goal weight b/c I have had bad burns throughout my life and want to avoid any in the future...

JoRocka

Go buy a new swim suit that fits.

Side boob means your suit doesn't fit. You'll be a billion times happier with it once you get one that fits.

MoreBean13

Agree with everyone, go buy a suit that fits well. Now is a great time, as a lot of the stores are dumping their summer stock for back-to-school/fall clothes.

Otterluv

Agree with everyone, go buy a suit that fits well. Now is a great time, as a lot of the stores are dumping their summer stock for back-to-school/fall clothes.

Yep. Don't let feeling self-conscious keep you from enjoying yourself. There are lots of options in swimwear now.

acpgee

A look I like is a combination of men's swim trunks with a bikini top.

Also check out the speedo suits. Several of their training suits have strategically placed panels and contour lines that are flattering on heavier bodies.

Prettymisssparkles

Go to modcloth.comand find a great vintage swimsuit. Actual women even send in their pictures along with the reviews. Whenever I wear mine, I actually get women coming up to me to compliment me--in a bikini, stretch marks, baby pouch, and all!

^this! modcloth.com has the cutest vintage swimsuits! I want them all... Good luck on your swimsuit hunt.

shano25

I buy one piece swimsuits that have rushing around the stomach to hide the extra weight that I carry there (those abs in my picture are my motivation, not mine!) I also love a tunic coverup or a sarong for when I'm not in the water.

SmallMimi

Go to modcloth.comand find a great vintage swimsuit. Actual women even send in their pictures along with the reviews. Whenever I wear mine, I actually get women coming up to me to compliment me--in a bikini, stretch marks, baby pouch, and all!

Why didn't I know about this site earlier?

amberchammock

I like to have an adult beverage or two. The ole' liquor sweater makes me feel like the hottest thing on the sand lol And while its not true, without my inhibitions about how fat my love handles look at this angle, i have a much better time...

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

When I was heavier, I liked to wear swim dresses. I think some of them are really cute. Even now, I'm happy with my bod and wear 2 pieces, I sometimes throw on one. I just think they can be pretty. For perspective: I live at the ocean in the summer.

Some can be frumpy, but some are really cute:









With these, you don't even need a cover up if you want to take a walk on the beach. Get thee a floppy hat, and you're gorgeous.

emuravyeva

I've always turned to my black Speedo competition swimsuit. It slims everything and doesn't create the unsightly side-boob (maybe a bit of uni-boob). I've had it for at least 6 years and it's held up great and adjusted well even as I gained and lost weight. Otherwise, get a cute wrap or beach cover up (Old Navy has really pretty colourful ones). When all else fails, decide that you don't give a damn about everyone else's opinion and enjoy your time with your friends and family!

lessthan60

Nobody cares about body issues in my country, plus there's plenty of different body types that can be found at the beach, chances are you're not going to be the only one who's self conscious about themselves.

dmpizza

Vintage high waisted swimming suits are always a good choice. I love my vintage swimsuit. I got it on clearance at Macy's for only 15 dollars. Its a one piece and it is one shoulder. Its like a fitted mini dress. The slip inside covers everything I don't want anyone to see.

Also, just have fun! People can tell when you are self conscious and worried. Have all the confidence you would have if you were your goal weight and people will look at your gorgeous smile instead of whatever you are trying to hide. Hope this helps a little.

High waisted suits are only good if you look like Taylor Swift. Wear a well-adjusted string bikini, with some sort of semi-see-through cover up.

Enjoy

polarfuchs

I have a tankini that covers up my belly and helps me feel more confident. And usually I forget about my body after half an hour because everyone has issues at the beach and I´m too busy having fun

etoiles_argentees

Wear one with a sexy back!

twinketta

From your profile you are around 144lbs...so you are not looking to bad in the height to weight ratio?

IMHO there will be lots of other people that are larger/taller/smaller/thinner/fatter than you.

Just wear a bathing suit/shorts n T/tankini....just go and enjoy...it is going to be a day out of your life that you can never replace x

Ely82010

When I was heavier, I liked to wear swim dresses. I think some of them are really cute. Even now, I'm happy with my bod and wear 2 pieces, I sometimes throw on one. I just think they can be pretty. For perspective: I live at the ocean in the summer.

Some can be frumpy, but some are really cute:









With these, you don't even need a cover up if you want to take a walk on the beach. Get thee a floppy hat, and you're gorgeous.

Agree! I have a M Khor swim dress in size 4, that is and fits great. I need to get me more of those.

hmjohnson25

I agree with the swimdress posts above. There are some really cute ones! I got mine from Amazon for a great price.
Maybe try on a few cover-up-type things at stores, too. Sounds like a fun trip ahead of you - find something you'll be comfortable playing in.

AlongCame_Molly

If your swimsuits are giving you "side boob", that's a clear indication that it's the wrong size. Get a professional fitting (Victoria's Secret does good fittings) and choose a good flattering cut. You'll be amazed at what a difference it can make.

DragonSquatter

I agree with others who say to find a suit that fits you and flatters your figure and forget the rest. You might be surprised to find that a well-fitting suit will make you look and FEEL better.

Camera_BagintheUK

I have always been terrified of the beach for the same reasons as you - and being rather busty I have the added difficulty of finding a swimsuit that fits, is supportive, and doesn't cost a year's salary!

However, this summer on holiday in Venice, we went to the Lido one day. I wore my ill fitting slazenger cozzie that is okay for doing lengths in the pool. I did feel a lot better having lost 2 stone! But it's not very flattering, this cozzie. Pigeon breasted isn't in it!

As I lay there, I looked around. Yes, there were the skinny girlies, firm flesh, and skimpy bikinis, looking fantastic. But then I'm not 18 anymore. So it's futile to compare myself to them.

But also, I looked around, and there was a woman with a belly that was bigger, wobblier, more stretch marked and hanging over further than mine, in a bikini, relaxing and enjoying herself. There was another woman who must have been in her 80s, all her flesh loose and wrinkled, wearing a neon yellow swimsuit with a slash down the middle all the way to her pelvic bone. She was relaxed and enjoying herself. There were hundreds of women much bigger than me wearing swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, some were tanned and brown, some were shiny white. But they ALL looked relaxed and happy, enjoying the sun.

And I thought - I'm no different to any of these women. I have the same right to relax and enjoy the sun. They look fantastic because they're relaxed and happy, not because they're skinny (they're not) or because they have firm gravity defying bodies (they didn't). They are comfortable and happy and enjoying their day on the beach. So in future, that's what I'll be doing too.

So like everyone says, treat yourself to a cozzie that really fits, and go and be the beach goddess which you surely are! I'm saving up for one for my next holiday and I'm planning to get one that's bright, sexy and skimpy and no use at all for swimming. And a floaty sarong to tie round if I feel the need. :flowerforyou:

AZKristi

Get a new suit that is more flattering... Land's End has tankinis with bra style tops that will give you lift and help you prevent side boob while covering your tummy. They also have several lengths of swim skirts

Camera_BagintheUK

Also, have a look at Gok Wan's guide to choosing the right cozzie for your body shape http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOMq0TiQfXQ