Big Girls in Bathing Suits

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.

I used to be bigger but I neve stopped wearing bathers or going to the beach.

My theory is that if someone else doesn't like the sight of me enjoying myself and getting fitter at the pool or the beach - then that is their issue and I'm not going to make it mine.

I STARTED wearing a bikini when I was a size 16 (Aussie) and have bought many size 16 and 18 bikinis over the years.
I suggest that you do what the European women do - get out and enjoy the sun regardless of size. Just make sure you don't forget your shirt, sunscreen and a hat - slip, slop, slap as we would say in Australia.

Having said all that - if you want to cover up a little more you could get a swimsuit with a skirt or a pair of knee length board shorts and a rash vest - you'd still look beachy but might feel more relaxed.

Mine isn't really about feeling embarrassed about myself. It's me thinking no one needs to see all this!

I've come to the conclusion that most people are really quite self-absorbed and don't actually pay very much attention to what anyone else is wearing or doing!

I say rock whatever you're comfortable wearing. I've seen bigger girls in bikini's and think it's just as sexy as some scrawny girl in one. At the very least you fill it out better!

I'm a lap swimmer who wears a size 22 suit! I LOVE the water and have been a swimmer all my life. I don't necessarily like how I look in a swimsuit but I'm never, ever going to give it up because of what other people might think or say! It's great exercise! I have found that Longitude suits (available at many stores and on-line) fit me best and do a great job of optimizing my assets and minimizing my "flaws". I go fo the ones with cross-back straps but that's just me. When I go to the beach I wear a pair of shorts or capris that match the color of my suit well. Until I get in the water I wear the shorts. Once I'm in the water, I just don't care! )

Is this related to lap dancing ? Am I missing out on something?? ;-)

Seriously all, from the male perspective - sod them all. I often see bigger women in bathing costumes and I don't look twice or give it a second thought (unless thy are fit of course, but that goes for all women!). In this world where there is a lot of overweight people and obesity it is becoming more common place to see this. I am overweight and men get self conscious too (I know it's worse for a woman), but I wouldn't go so far as to let it rule my life. Go for it, with pride.


PS. I wear a Mankini and a Niqab - perfect combo

I wore one when I was skinny fat too. I was basically a skeleton with a belly and had saggy back. But I was out there anyway. Oh well.

Thats so me..lol.

I teach swimming and water aerobics - even when I wore a size 24. You think people judge? Check out the reactions when the instructor is overweight! (And the subsequent reaction when they can't keep up with me!) But I love the water, and am good at my jobs, so I do it. What I wear depends on what I'm doing. For water aerobics, I wore bike shorts, a sports bra and a 'rashie'. Now, still got the sports bra (gotta strap 'em up and in for jumping up and down) and a neck to knee sunsuit that has a small amount of cellulite-smoothing quality. For the beach, I wear a tankini and board shorts, or flattering swimsuit and a sarong. For laps, it has to be something sleeveless. I have thigh issues, so a tankini top and bike shorts for me. And, believe me, there are lots of shapes and sizes at the pool. Be one of them! :-)

This lady has it figured out! The way I look at it is, get out there and enjoy the water. Swimming burns calories!

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I was always aware that I was probably the biggest one in the pool and at the beach at a size 26W but my love of water made me go anyways!

In October 2011 w Then I started this journey, I walked into the YMCA and signed up to take acquatic classes. I saw a few looks, my immediate thought was, get a good look now, because in a couple of years you are going to be looking at me for a different reason. From October to May I went from a size 26W to a size 16W. Now I'm a size 14. Actually got a new one delivered yesterday. And hopefully by next year I'll be a size 8/10 which is sorta the range I want to be in.

I have always ordered my plus size suits and now my regular size suits from http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/. My favorite brand is Longitude by Robby Len.

And as my Gramma would say, if they are talking about you, at least they are leaving someone else alone for the moment. Do put that suit on, enjoy TODAY and EVERY day with your children. And stick with your journey and watch the rewards you reap!

try not to let it bother you!! Its a great way to lose weight and just keep thinking there is always some1 bigger out there that can do it so go for it !! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

I agree with this. I used to hate going swimming and showing off my beer gut but swimming is great exercise and you need to weigh up the pros v cons. Don't go because of what you look like or go because of what you CAN acheive?!

I hear ya, it can be hard but you know what.... everyone is worried about how THEY look they really don't pay much attention to everyone else around them. Think about it. Be confident and rock that bathing suit like it was made for your gorgeous bod!