Big Girls in Bathing Suits

I was never fond of wearing a bathing suit because I always felt I looked huge, but there's no way I'm swimming in clothes! Once I get in the water I feel better.

I just did it yesterday. Add to that the fact that I have no tan whatsoever and I'm sure you can imagine the sight I must be. However, as a couple other people have said....no one cares! Really! And there are lots of cute bathing suit styles out there to help minimize, if you want to go that route.

For me, the sunshine and relaxation of going to the pool is more important than my own self consciousness. I just pretend that no one's looking, because chances are, that is exactly what's happening. They're too busy with their kids or themselves to notice me. And even if they do, the chances something bad would come of that attention are next to nothing.

Get out there and enjoy yourself!

I too wear tankinis, but the tops got to be long enough that no belly hangs out, and since I'm tall it's a bit of a challenge to find! I was a 22 (3X) last year. This year I'll be wearing a size 16 (XL). I wear a sarong over my suit on the beach but take it off for swimming. That just leaves me feeling "exposed" for the walk from my spot on the beach to the water. I will probably always feel that way, even when I get to "skinny". LOL

I'm a size 7 with a baby pooch and stretch marks. But you know what?? I feel that I look darn good for having had 7 kids and will wear that bikini regardless.

I am a size 12 and I have two bathing suits. I have a solid black one piece that I wear around family and a two piece when I'm around friends. I do get stares when I wear my bikini because people look at my tattoos but when I catch them staring I feel like they are calling me fat and etc. But even with that going through my head, I still hold my head up high and show that I'm pround of my body, and you should do the same. Be proud of who you are and hell if you really want to, flaunt a bit, won't hurt

I especially agree with Kaathmandu. Go swim or do water aerobics. Wear a cover-up that conceals all jiggly parts and drop it on a chair near the pool's stairs/ladders. Then slip into the pool. That's what I do! I have a fav suit that I wear with a bra (sports or otherwise), and has ample behind coverage--love the way it holds me in. To help get over the shyness of exposure, see if you can join a water aerobics class. I did that (average age was well over 50!). This group is the least critical--really. The fact that you're in the water and moving around gives you lots of credit for doing something positive for YOU! If all fails, take a friend or family member along. There's courage in numbers.

I think it helps to have a good bathing suit. It's worth spending the money (in my opinion). I liked the idea of the ones that come in bra sizes, but it never worked for me because of having a small band size (the rest of the swimsuit seems to be made in proportion to the band size rather than the cup size). I bought my current one by accident when I wanted to go swimming on holiday and there was only one swimsuit in my size! It was one made by a company that makes professional swimwear, and I love it: good coverage and minimal jiggle!

I would hope you can get past it cause swimming is really good for you and fun too. I am a size 16 and love the water. When you are larger it is imperative that you get a good quality bra and you have to go to the higher end stores to get it. It is the same with a swim suit. A good quality suit will hold you in in all the right places. Get one with a little skirt it helps. In my experience people who go swimming are having to much fun to pay attention to anyone else. Also get a light cover up for when you are walking around. It will make you feel a little less uncomfortable.

I meant to add, I'm not a big fan of swimming, but it can be a revelation if you're very overweight. You've build up the strength to carry all that extra weight around from day to day. Once you get in the water the weight is supported but you still have that strength! I was amazed to find when I went swimming around a time that I seemed to get breathless doing anything, I could easily swim a breadth underwater. I don't like actual swimming, but playing around in the water feels great! I like the feeling of not having to carry the weight or worry about my knees hurting, and just be able to do somersaults and acrobatics in the water.

Another thing if you're very overweight - and I'm serious - is that you seem to float better in the water. I can lie on my back in water now and almost go to sleep, as my face is held out of the water in a way that it wasn't when I was slimmer. It's very calming and relaxing.

I wear a racing style suit (black with pink stripes) and wear a pair of spandex capri-pants with it. I'm not ashamed, and no one points and laughs. Most people don't pay any attention at all...just enjoy yourself.