Swimwear

TheresaTester
TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
in Motivation and Support
I didn't know where to post this, so my apologies right away if I've posted in the wrong thread.

Does anyone have any great suggestions for swimwear that is appropriate for women who are NOT Victoria's Secret models?

My peer group and I are looking for 2-piece suits. Here's what we agree would make the perfect swimsuit for our body type(s):

Bottoms:
Boy-cut, full butt coverage
Waist that hits right at the waistline

Tops:
High-cut back and front, with no-show front cleavage
Sewn-in compression sport-bra without underwires
No spaghetti shoulder-straps
Tank style

Price:
$25.00 (or less) per piece

We all live in the Omaha, Nebraska area, and prefer to try on items before buying, because everyone knows a swimsuit never looks the same once it transfers from the live model or store mannequin to the purchaser.

All suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you!
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Replies

  • emjean76
    emjean76 Posts: 116 Member
    I live in Nebraska too and I think this time of year you are going to have a hard time finding swimwear still in stores that you can try on. I would look at Catherine's or Avenue's online stores. They might be a little higher than what you want to spend but the Catherine's suits are especially flattering. Good luck!
  • emjean76
    emjean76 Posts: 116 Member
    I might also caution you against buying a 2 piece. 2 pieces are kind of tricky. You need to make sure you get the top that has lining throughout the waist area, otherwise when you get in the water it will float up. Not a big fan of 2 pieces especially if you are looking for a bit of tummy control.
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    I live in Nebraska too and I think this time of year you are going to have a hard time finding swimwear still in stores that you can try on. I would look at Catherine's or Avenue's online stores. They might be a little higher than what you want to spend but the Catherine's suits are especially flattering. Good luck!

    Yes, that's what we're finding--everyone has Fall & Winter things out, but no swimsuits! We'll definitely be checking the 2 online stores you suggested. Thank you!
  • dcglobalgirl
    dcglobalgirl Posts: 207 Member
    I like Lands End for a wide selection of bathing suits with pretty good coverage. A little expensive though.
  • Tessyloowhoo
    Tessyloowhoo Posts: 504
    What about a vintage inspired look... those high waisted little sailor suits
    This site has cheap ones
    http://www.babygirlboutique.com/retro-swimwear.html
    anchor-print-high-waist-bikini-swimsuit.jpg
  • climbing_trees
    climbing_trees Posts: 726 Member
    Land's End has a great selection of cute and modest swimwear. They aren't cheap but they are high quality pieces that will last you many years. If you can find an outlet store near you, prices tend to be much lower.
  • FitCanuckChick
    FitCanuckChick Posts: 240 Member
    Honestly, Victoria's Secret has some of the best bikini's out there for modesty (online anyhow) and you can mix and match tops and bottoms to suit your fit. I have great boy bottoms from there and also a fuller coverage bikini (think a bit more retro 50s style). When we vacay at an all inclusive for the week I have 3 victoria secret suits I always save for the end of the week becasue of their coverage (you know - to account for the "I ate and drank a bit more than I usually do and now I am bloated so I need a bottom that holds everything where it should be") - lol. I find that the models are actually not so super skinny - they are more curvy. So, hold your breath and look beyond the gorgeous models :)

    I wish I could send you some links (unfortunatly I am on my lunch break and it is a prohibited site -lol).
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    I like Lands End for a wide selection of bathing suits with pretty good coverage. A little expensive though.

    I think the Sears store has some floor space dedicated to Lands End--I'll have to go browse and see if they have what we're looking for. Thank you!
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    Not sure on prices, but LL Bean has plenty of selections that will be good for you.
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    What about a vintage inspired look... those high waisted little sailor suits
    This site has cheap ones
    http://www.babygirlboutique.com/retro-swimwear.html
    anchor-print-high-waist-bikini-swimsuit.jpg

    I LOVE this suit in your post. We'll check out this link, too... Thank you!
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    Land's End has a great selection of cute and modest swimwear. They aren't cheap but they are high quality pieces that will last you many years. If you can find an outlet store near you, prices tend to be much lower.


    We have a new outlet mall that should be opening in November; maybe we'll find something there that will work for the majority of us. Thank you!
  • climbamnt
    climbamnt Posts: 190 Member
    Walmart online - was surpirsed too much better selection online than in store. Most will in your price range too.

    Super easy to return if it doesn't work

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Catalina-Suddenly-Slim-Women-s-Shirred-Halter-Swimsuit/17804485 - This is for a one piece but it is so cute and kinda retro. I have it in two colors!
  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    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:
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Lands End has some great swimwear IMO.

    http://www.landsend.com/shop/womens-swimsuits/-/N-fxm
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Walmart online - was surpirsed too much better selection online than in store. Most will in your price range too.

    Super easy to return if it doesn't work

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Catalina-Suddenly-Slim-Women-s-Shirred-Halter-Swimsuit/17804485 - This is for a one piece but it is so cute and kinda retro. I have it in two colors!

    Oooh, that IS cute!!
  • etoiles_argentees
    etoiles_argentees Posts: 2,827 Member
    I really like the one shown above but one pieces can be sexy too.!
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    Honestly, Victoria's Secret has some of the best bikini's out there for modesty (online anyhow) and you can mix and match tops and bottoms to suit your fit. I have great boy bottoms from there and also a fuller coverage bikini (think a bit more retro 50s style). When we vacay at an all inclusive for the week I have 3 victoria secret suits I always save for the end of the week becasue of their coverage (you know - to account for the "I ate and drank a bit more than I usually do and now I am bloated so I need a bottom that holds everything where it should be") - lol. I find that the models are actually not so super skinny - they are more curvy. So, hold your breath and look beyond the gorgeous models :)

    I wish I could send you some links (unfortunatly I am on my lunch break and it is a prohibited site -lol).

    Yes--I buy all my lingerie and Yoga bras and pants there (at the store), but I always try the clothing on. I love the Yoga bras, but you can't really use them for swimming. I get the catalog, and have shared it with my swim group. Most have decided that the styles are not what they're looking for. The suits are really cute, but we're mainly looking for something that will take a lot of swimming and exercise. Thank you for the suggestion, though!
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    Walmart online - was surpirsed too much better selection online than in store. Most will in your price range too.

    Super easy to return if it doesn't work

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Catalina-Suddenly-Slim-Women-s-Shirred-Halter-Swimsuit/17804485 - This is for a one piece but it is so cute and kinda retro. I have it in two colors!

    I'll have to give this one a try. Thank you!
  • gina42801
    gina42801 Posts: 6
    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
  • Wenchiness
    Wenchiness Posts: 126 Member
    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.
  • TheresaTester
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    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
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    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
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    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
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    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
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    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
    toornstra05 Posts: 3 Member
    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
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    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
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    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
    TheresaTester Posts: 115 Member
    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
    emirror Posts: 842 Member
    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)

    AAAAAtm7lAIAAAAAANhWMw.jpg?v=1204432527000

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