Swimwear

TheresaTester

I got the perfect swim shorts this last spring at Target. They were cut like shorter running shorts with a tie waist but made out of swimming suit material with built-in underwear. They were black and I could wear them with any of my tankini tops (I look for ones with an underwire and a halter or tank style). I also wore them with a black bikini top (underwire, bra style top). The whole thing looked sporty and not matronly but functioned well. The shorts were about $23 and I already had several tops. Sorry you lost me at no underwire!:noway::laugh:

I-know-right!!
Everything I own has underwire--I'm sure I'd set off metal detectors if I got too close. Oh well, my list is just what the majority of the swimmers are looking for.

I saw some great things at Target, too--but now they're all gone!!! We will definitely be shopping the spring/summer sales asap next season when the new line comes out. Everything goes so fast, you really have to get to the store right when the ads come out to get the good pricing. Thanks for the tips!

TheresaTester

Not sure on prices, but LL Bean has plenty of selections that will be good for you.

Yes-I have their catalog (Free shipping for everything-always!), but it's dedicated to fall and winter things in this one. I'll search around on their website to see if I can find some swimwear, too. Thank you!

TheresaTester

Check out Hapari - I bought 2 of their suits this past summer and love them!! You can return them if you don't like the fit - I used my measurements and was able to order my exact size.
Love their high waisted bottoms

http://www.hapari.com/files/cache/4665061a1cf921cf41aa76bb88de5b4a.jpg

A little more $$ than you wanted to spend but worth it

I'd never heard of this store, but we'll definitely be checking them out. Thank you!

TheresaTester

I go here http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/ prices are close to what you are looking for and the Beach Belle line has good coverage on tops. Decent return policy.

Even the name of this store is enticing--we'll be checking this one for sure. Thank you!

I_Will_End_You

Freya swimsuits are amazing.....but they aren't cheap. They hold up a lot better than a $25 suit, though, that's for sure!

http://www.freyalingerie.com/swim/search.aspx

toornstra05

Lands End suits are great, if you call in and give your measurements the sales people are very helpful in suggesting the right type of material / style / size to look good on you. If you don't like it when you get it in the mail you can return it to any Sears store so you don't have to worry about return shipping hassle. They often have free shipping deals also. I held off getting one for years because of the price but now I wish I had purchased one sooner.

knittnponder

This site has some cute stuff but they are much more expensive than what you wanted: http://www.divinitasole.com/designer

I bought a tankini suit from Costco, a pair of boy shorts style swim shorts from Target and some swimsuit material from the fabric store. I ditched the Costco bottoms, left the boy shorts alone and added to the tankini top. I made a ruffle that I attached along the bottom to extend the length and I added a panel in cleavage area on the top. I get compliments all the time about how cute my suit is and I don't worry about my stuff falling out the top anymore! Best of all it didn't cost a whole lot and I have a suit I like. If you or someone you know sews it's an option.

TheresaTester

Freya swimsuits are amazing.....but they aren't cheap. They hold up a lot better than a $25 suit, though, that's for sure!

http://www.freyalingerie.com/swim/search.aspx

Most of us are on a very limited budget, but the added expense might be worth it if the suit lasts a l-o-n-g time! Thanks for the suggestion!

TheresaTester

This site has some cute stuff but they are much more expensive than what you wanted: http://www.divinitasole.com/designer

I bought a tankini suit from Costco, a pair of boy shorts style swim shorts from Target and some swimsuit material from the fabric store. I ditched the Costco bottoms, left the boy shorts alone and added to the tankini top. I made a ruffle that I attached along the bottom to extend the length and I added a panel in cleavage area on the top. I get compliments all the time about how cute my suit is and I don't worry about my stuff falling out the top anymore! Best of all it didn't cost a whole lot and I have a suit I like. If you or someone you know sews it's an option.

This is a great idea! One friend has a pair of board shorts she recreated into something very different that now has actually become a top & bottom. The extra fabric she removed from the shorts she put on a sport bra, and it looks like that how it ws meant to be. She's very creative that way and does this with her whole wardrobe. The rest of us don't really have an ounce of creativity, even though we wish we did...thanks for the suggestion!

emirror

I would go with a swimdress. They cover more, hold you in, and look better doing it.

I have quite a few of them, but this one is my favorite (mine is maroon, not brown)

sarah456s

Athleta.

I really like the shorts + tankini combo.

Of course, being fall now they don't have as big a selection as they do in summer, but this is the type of thing I am talking about:

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84161&vid=1&pid=426745002
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84161&pid=426725&vid=1

Edit: they're not under $25 a piece, unfortunately. And the top I linked to might be a bit lower cut than you want, but I also have a high cut top from their triathlon line.

I_Will_End_You

Most of us are on a very limited budget, but the added expense might be worth it if the suit lasts a l-o-n-g time! Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm on a limited budget, too, but I have to have a very supportive swim suit top, so I splurge for one every spring when I get my tax returns. I just haven't found any other tops that give support like Freya.

Sarahndipity30

If you like the Retro Vintage stuff, I highly suggest:

Modcloth.com.

All my suits and a lot of my wardrobe come from here
Their suits tend to run small, so size up. If its too big they have an awesome return policy. Ive had to return items twice and they were super fast and super nice about it.

TheresaTester

I would go with a swimdress. They cover more, hold you in, and look better doing it.

I have quite a few of them, but this one is my favorite (mine is maroon, not brown)

These are very nice, but seems like they would be more for lounging around the pool, rather than being in it, exercising and jogging around. They look very sophisticated. Thanks for the suggestion!

TheresaTester

Athleta.

I really like the shorts + tankini combo.

Of course, being fall now they don't have as big a selection as they do in summer, but this is the type of thing I am talking about:

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84161&vid=1&pid=426745002
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84161&pid=426725&vid=1

Edit: they're not under $25 a piece, unfortunately. And the top I linked to might be a bit lower cut than you want, but I also have a high cut top from their triathlon line.

This is another retailer we hadn't heard of, but we'll definitely be checking out all they have to offer. Thanks for posting the exact links!

TheresaTester

If you like the Retro Vintage stuff, I highly suggest:

Modcloth.com.

All my suits and a lot of my wardrobe come from here
Their suits tend to run small, so size up. If its too big they have an awesome return policy. Ive had to return items twice and they were super fast and super nice about it.

I love their swimwear, too. I really don't think it's too pricey--plus, it's just so pretty! I'm on their mailing list, so just waiting for a good discount special to come up...thanks for the suggestion!

emirror

I would go with a swimdress. They cover more, hold you in, and look better doing it.

I have quite a few of them, but this one is my favorite (mine is maroon, not brown)

These are very nice, but seems like they would be more for lounging around the pool, rather than being in it, exercising and jogging around. They look very sophisticated. Thanks for the suggestion!

I can see how they look that way, but I wear mine to actually swim in, with a baby and a 5-yr-old. We go down water slides, the rope and float obstacle course, and general climbing around and bending over a lot. :-)

gnat45

I love the look of vintage bikinis.