How does anyone deal with shorts and swimwear?

jellybaby84
jellybaby84 Posts: 583 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm desperately trying to find something vaguely holiday-like that doesn't have me in tears in the dressing rooms (not literally but feel like it!)

Shorts and swimwear (and I'm already talking skirted, sleeved swimwear, not the skimpy stuff!) just show so much pasty, gross wobble. I can't deal with it.

But I don't really want to spend my entire holiday in long skirts. I can't anyway, I'll be doing a lot of jungle trekking and climbing, I HAVE to find shorts.. Eeek, hate my body so much.

Any trips on flattering styles etc?
«1

Replies

  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    Bermuda shorts are long.

    For hiking I like long sleeves thin and light colored shirts. I don't like it sometimes when the sun beats down on my arms too long. my arms are dark and the sun feels really hot on them sometimes so I like thin loose sleeves sometimes. sometimes I'll take it like as an overshirt in case my tank or something isn't protecting if I have to be in direct sun.

    swimwear just a modest style that covers a lot. actually i noticed some long sleeve "rash guard" styles lately that I thought of getting just cause they are cute and limit sun exposure since my shoulders sometimes hurt after a long day out.

    those are some ideas.
  • Magdaloonie
    Magdaloonie Posts: 146 Member
    Oh, lord, girl. I thought like you when I was as young and cute as you are too. I wish I had appreciated myself then. but I know we seldom see ourselves objectively and that's just how it is.
    So look for some lightweight capris length pants. Just below the knee. A tie or an edge trim is flattering because it draws the eye down. You'll be comfortable and hopefully feel as cute as you are!
  • granitendirt
    granitendirt Posts: 76
    Speaking from experience... I think from the age of 12 - 18, I hated my body so much that I would not be seen in shorts. Then, one day, I just bought some, put them on, and went outside. The feeling of comfort and freedom of movement was so much greater than my sense of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Maybe once you're out on your trip having fun, you won't mind as much because you'll be feeling so good.
  • jellybaby84
    jellybaby84 Posts: 583 Member
    MyChocolate - thank you, I am looking at Board shorts on ebay now - sometimes though I think that when something sits on the knee like that it makes the calves look even fatter somehow. But probably better than the thigh on show. Arghhh, I think I'm overthinking thise.

    Magdaloonie - thank you for your kind words. I don't think I'm either cute or especially young but it's sweet of you to say so.

    granitedirt - yes, I really hope I'll get over myself and get on with enjoying the trip.
  • futurestarz
    futurestarz Posts: 510
    This website has the most flattering swimwear! I bought a suit here, and keep getting tons of compliments on how nice it looks.

    http://www.modcloth.com/shop/onepiece-swimwear
  • aliceb39
    aliceb39 Posts: 84 Member
    blair.com usually has seersucker capris - very comfortable, cool, and inexpensive. Some have drawstring waists, some are just elastic.
  • quicklabs
    quicklabs Posts: 254 Member
    Reebok has some very nice swimsuits. They cover well, have nice control without making it feel like you are trapped in a corset. I bought one that zips up the front for easy in/easy out.
  • Lochlyn_D
    Lochlyn_D Posts: 492 Member
    Cargo shorts go almost to the knees and have a hiking sort of look to them.
  • jellybaby84
    jellybaby84 Posts: 583 Member
    Thank you for all the recommendations, I'll do some shopping around
  • elyelyse
    elyelyse Posts: 1,454 Member
    one thing you might consider if part of the problem is looking pasty, is some spray tan, or even a couple of sessions at a tanning salon if you aren't opposed to that kind of thing. Not long, just a couple of 15 minute sessions i think is the beginning time, not sure... I don't mean necessarily get "tan" but being less pale might make you feel a little better.

    No one is going to be looking at you and thinking omg eeeew pasty wobbly thighs, the horror!!!!! So you need to try to get to a place where you don't focus on that either. Jungle trekking and climbing sounds AWESOME, don't let your fear or embarrassment about your body take away from your enjoyment.

    Also, having just read your profile, you don't have to be "really thin" to be beautiful. Is your profile pic you currently? you are very pretty and I bet a whole lot less pastier and wobblier than I am lol. If I can dare to wear an above-the-knee skirt like I have on now, you can too!
  • jellybaby84
    jellybaby84 Posts: 583 Member
    elyelyse - I have been considering a spray tan but I'm a bit nervous of going orange or it going wrong. Maybe I'll brave it though, I definitely agree than a tan helps you feel slimmer. And yes, you're totally right about the trip and my attitude - totally self absorbed that's my problem! :p

    That picture is 2 years old but I haven't changed I don't think. Thank you for saying nice things. I've considered myself fat and ugly my whole life so I really need to work on changing my perception and accepting myself as I am.
  • Aviendha_RJ
    Aviendha_RJ Posts: 600 Member
    Well, I find Bermuda shorts cover up my cellulite. But so does a good tan! It's much harder to see when it's dark.
  • theoriginaljayne
    theoriginaljayne Posts: 559 Member
    A) Bermuda or cargo shorts are long, and everyone looks good in running shorts.
    B) Black or dark swimsuits are usually the most slimming. Tankinis are my favorite style; they're very comfortable and they don't look too bad, either. :-)
  • KenosFeoh
    KenosFeoh Posts: 1,837 Member
    You can look up information on what styles look better on what body types. For instance, for someone like me (endomorph/hourglass), I look best in high-wasted shorts (at natural waist) and swimsuits with shirring. I bought some, put them on, enjoy the fit and comfort, and don't waste time evaluating myself in the mirror. I'd never leave the house if I did that!

    I saw women on the beach in Cancun whose rolls practically covered their bikinis. Not for me, but I have to admire their confidence.
  • Nicolee_2014
    Nicolee_2014 Posts: 1,572 Member
    I feel your pain! I am as white as Caspar the ghost & my calves are MASSIVE, always have been so I never show off my legs.
    I hope you find something suitable :smile:
  • holly1283
    holly1283 Posts: 741 Member
    If that is you in the picture, you have a dysmorphic problem. if not, wear capris . Do your arms flap from excess skin? If not get real and wear short sleeves or sleeveless. If they do 3/4 length will help conceal. Swimsuits? There is a myriad of styles to accentuate your positive and cover your negative. Wear biking shorts till you get in the water.
  • SidsMom80
    SidsMom80 Posts: 97 Member
    a tankini top, and board short bottoms are super cute. Target has some cute ones on clearance.
  • sunshyncatra
    sunshyncatra Posts: 598 Member
    If you want a bikini body, put a bikini on your body! If you aren't comfortable in a bikini, men's swim trunks look really cute with a tank top. Oh, and google modest swimwear. There are tons of options if you have time to wait for it to be shipped to you :) Have fun!
  • elvensnow
    elvensnow Posts: 154 Member
    MyChocolate - thank you, I am looking at Board shorts on ebay now - sometimes though I think that when something sits on the knee like that it makes the calves look even fatter somehow. But probably better than the thigh on show. Arghhh, I think I'm overthinking thise.

    Magdaloonie - thank you for your kind words. I don't think I'm either cute or especially young but it's sweet of you to say so.

    granitedirt - yes, I really hope I'll get over myself and get on with enjoying the trip.

    People with no self respect make me sad.

    Honestly if you are as thin and young as you are and have to fish for complements and deprecate yourself, then nothing you buy will make you feel at all better.

    Just sayin.
  • ChristineinMA
    ChristineinMA Posts: 312 Member
    I saw women on the beach in Cancun whose rolls practically covered their bikinis. Not for me, but I have to admire their confidence.

    Love it!

    Confidence is very sexy! Sometimes you just have to fake it 'til you make it!
  • princesspea234
    princesspea234 Posts: 182 Member
    Swimsuits with lots of ruching...Spanks makes a good one. It camouflages problem areas if you feel the need to wear a one piece.... I wear a bikini top or tankini top and then I top it with booty yoga shorts from Victoria secret. They are comfortable and tight so they don't balloon up in the water. Plus, they cover my stretch marks on my thighs. Just enjoy the swimming cause it's great calorie burn to tread some water... plus lots of fun! No one is worried about what you look like. They're too worried about themselves.
  • sc10985
    sc10985 Posts: 347 Member
    I was going to suggest a spray tan as well. At the risk of sounding shallow (and like that dreadful Kardashian commercial), I always feel better in minimal clothing if I have a little color. Also, if you can find a bathing suit with a some ruching detail in the middle, it really helps create a nice shape. Above all, enjoy your vacation and to hell with everyone else :)
  • I_Will_End_You
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    Tiered/layered tops (as shown below) are great for covering stomach issues, not sure about the leg problems, though.


    http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=24~91~&ProductDisplayID=18633&dept=Shop+by+Style-Tankini+Tops&prod=layered+tankini+top,+scoop+moderate,+necklace


    V1403-TLL_V2552-TLL.016?layer=comp&qlt=80,0&op_sharpen=1&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0&iccEmbed=0&rgn=0,0,1600,2240&scl=4.409448818897638&fmt=jpeg
  • Katbaran
    Katbaran Posts: 605 Member
    Another thought for looking a little healthier than pasty white are the tanning moisturizers--Olay, Jergens and many more. You just put them on everyday for a week and you have a little glow. I buy the ones for Light to Medium--because I'm pasty white as well. They don't go orange or too dark for me.

    Btw, you ARE lovely! Get some shorts, buy a bathing suit, go and have fun! If anyone has a problem with your weight, you know which finger to suddenly get a cramp in. Mine usually just pops straight up when I get a cramp. Just can't get the darned thing to bend back into place with the rest of my fingers. :wink:
  • adorable_aly
    adorable_aly Posts: 398 Member
    Totally feel you. I'd wear some surf shorts, and I always found that linen trousers/ 3/4 lengths were good for the jungle as they covered you so you didn't get bit. But loose enough so you didn't feel like you were suffocating. I'd recommend a couple of sessions in a tanning salon, as it will help prepare your skin for the rays, not too many though. I'd focus on practicality for clothing rather than apperance as well, try to go for a capsule wardrobe type thing. For the beach I just wore an oversized t-shirt, as it was easy to shove on and not worry about getting burnt.

    Focus on having a great time.
  • ChristineinMA
    ChristineinMA Posts: 312 Member


    People with no self respect make me sad.

    Honestly if you are as thin and young as you are and have to fish for complements and deprecate yourself, then nothing you buy will make you feel at all better.

    Just sayin.

    Except that jellybaby is older than you, elvesnow, LOL

    I can relate to what jellybaby is saying because I felt terribly fat at 155, then worse at 172 and I used to wish the earth would open up and swallow me when I weighed 185. I would gladly take any of those weights now, so I am doing my best to accept myself as I am as I work my way down from my current weight. No amount of preaching or scolding is going to help anyone feel better about themselves.

    "Happiness is an inside job" :-)
  • jessjoye
    jessjoye Posts: 69 Member
    You have a lot of great clothing suggestions here... board shorts, TJMaxx is a great spot for shopping, suits with tummy ruffles, tanning, etc..

    I think you really need to focus on having fun. Remember that everyone else at the beach is there to have fun also and they are not staring at you. My daughter plays water polo and I see girls of all shapes and sizes walk PROUDLY around in swim suits... I wish more women were like that. I know it takes time to get that athletic confidence, but we all had it at one point in our lives. Maybe watch the kids you teach and copy their crazy confidence.... good luck!
  • cadaverousbones
    cadaverousbones Posts: 421 Member
    Girl you are not fat!!!
  • hopetobeslimsoon
    hopetobeslimsoon Posts: 3
    Personally, I would go with capri length lycra tights and a cute summery tunic...great with sandals, and super comfy. Also, they dry really fast if you need to wash them out at night.. Also, they give tummy and leg support so you do not feel so jiggley after a big weight loss.

    :love:
  • lostemt
    lostemt Posts: 152 Member
    Even though I go to a public pool that everyone know me. I still can't swim with out board shorts. There are some really nice places online that do sell board shorts. Best of luck to you

Categories