The Inevitable Doom of Having to Wear a Bathing Suit

FYI, there are some cute tankinis, I wouldn't categorize them as "frumpy".
IMO, I think even a sexy one piece looks good on any body type. You don't have to be in a bikini to look good or feel sexy.
A rouched black one- piece with some cut outs is my go to.
H&M or Forever 21.

Some things you can't change:
When the vacation starts
What your body will look like between now and then (not a large change)
What people will think of your body

One thing you can change:
How you view yourself.

Accept that you put on some weight, wish you hadn't, but now live in the reality of wearing a bathing suit. Guys won't really care if you're carrying a few extra pounds so long as you don't make a big deal about it. Seeing a confident woman with an extra 15 is more pleasing than an insecure woman carrying her ideal weight.

I've never worn a bikini so I would just go with a flattering one piece, maybe something vintage.

Hey ebarrett7, losing weight and becoming more fit is a journey, not something that changes overnight for ANYONE. If it happened that way, everyone would be losing weight effortlessly! That's what makes the challenge worth it.

Like most of the female population, when summer comes around, I too find myself stressing about being able to look 'good enough' to fit into my cute bikini, so that I do not have to cover myself up while on the beach. I know the feelings of discomfort, insecurity, you name it!! (basically insert any bad body image feeling here). You are good enough, body image doesn't define YOU as a person.

Just remember, gaining weight is something that is not permanent, and you will reach your goals eventually and maintain them. It sounds like you're doing everything right, from exercising and eating right. Coming to the realization that the Freshman 15 is pretty much inevitable (I gained it too) is good, because you are accepting that small changes can be made! One step at a time! Don't let anxiety about what others will think about you in a swim suit sabotage your efforts! Your family especially should not be there to judge you, because they love you. You keep going and doing what you're already doing, girl!

Tankini is the easy answer; you can get tops that are shorter and bottoms that are bikinis so you have a little coverage but not all are frumpy.

If you aren't comfy wearing a bikini, there is no rule that says you "have to".

Very very few people have "perfect" bodies (whatever that means anyway) yet we all want to enjoy our time at the beach. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Forget what anyone else thinks.

Wear what you feel comfortable in. I personally like bikinis and even though I have gained weight, I will still wear them, I just have some modest ones. Check out the more designer brands where they are more forgiving. Stay away from Target and H&M. Nothing tight or digging into you. Cheap bikinis will not be your friend. Check out www.herroom.com and don't underestimate the power of self tanner, bold lipstick, great shades and jewelry. If you don't want people looking at your stomach, wear a big colorful pair of earrings or a bright, big hat.

Bathing suit season has always been a struggle for me. This year, I finally lost a good amount of weight, but I'm still self-conscious too. What I love about this year is that high-waisted bottoms have gotten in style, and it has transferred to bathing suits too! I can hide enough tummy, but still feel fashionable.

Hmm. I kinda figured with the State of the Union, student loans, and other life things that your appearance in a bathing suit would be the least of your worries.

This added absolutely nothing to the conversation, not sure why you felt compelled to include it.

I prefer a tankini over a bikini any day XD I think they're cute + sexy
I've had a lot of guy friends tell me that a one piece is really sexy because it sticks to you (sure a bikini is revealing but sometimes a little left to the imagination is something to be desired too)

Believe it or not, you're probably not the only person a little self conscious at the beach. I'm sure a lot of people are too busy worrying about their own perceived flaws to notice yours.

Just go and enjoy yourself.

Thanks for that comment, I need to remember that too.:noway:

Very very few people have "perfect" bodies (whatever that means anyway) yet we all want to enjoy our time at the beach. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Forget what anyone else thinks.

ha ha ha brilliant!
op wear what you are most comfortable in. tankinis can be really nice too.

This has already been said, but I will say it again. Don't wear anything on anyone else's account. Just find something you are comfortable in. Regardless the reason, something you feel good in will always look best on you because it shows. Some days that may be a bikini, and some days it might by a tank top and shorts just sitting near the water. Neither is wrong, but don't feel pressured that you HAVE to ever wear anything. Just find something you feel good about.

As for the fitness element, just stick with it. If it's important to you just keep your head up. Progress happens at difference paces for everyone, but do what makes you feel good about yourself. The importance of that can never be overstated.