Swim wear for the larger lady

I had the same problem a couple of years ago.

I am around the same height as the OP but about two stones heavier. I carry my weight around my middle (apple rather than pear) so the fitted swim dresses aren't great on me.

I ended up buying a regular swimdress from Bon Marche and a pair of swim shorts which I wore at the same time. I wanted to cover up my flabby inner thighs as well. I suppose it is similar to a tankini

I also bought a big shirt to go over the whole lot for when I was walking to and from

Having said all of that, I haven't worn it yet as I am too self conscious. I get the usual comments such as nobody is looking at you, you can always see someone bigger than you etc.

I agree that a fake tan would make you look slimmer and that a pattern is better than a plain colour.

bytheway as some of you, know I go cold water winter swimming with quite a large group of ladies (a few men) but mostly ladies and they come in ALL shapes and sizes and no one cares a fig, we are all there enjoying the water and no one will be wondering what others think there are tall, short, skinny, large and very large and IT DOESNT MATTER tuppence
enjoy your holiday as you are, embrace it I bet anything you like your perfect figured daughter in law finds something to not like too we are all too quick to judge ourselves
Just go and enjoy

I agree with BlueBelle , re wild swimming . I also swim and there are all shapes and sizes , mostly women and no one cares , because no one’s really looking . We’re enjoying the water and the wildlife around the lake where we swim . The swimming club regularly has women’s moon circle sessions in the evenings , which finishes with a night time dip and most of us go commando . Again all shapes and sizes

I wish I was 12.5 Stone, I`d feel skinny!

Not if you were 4’10” Hellogirl. [ grin]

I'm thin - but still don't like exposing much to strangers. I have very sensitive skin, too (can't do chlorine, burn in the sun, chafe in the sand) so I like wearing rashguard tops (rash vests), long 'shorts' and the surf suits with shorter legs - all zip up and easy to wear over a bikini top. If it's really hot, though, a swim shirt is lighter weight and looser. They have good UV protection, so help you avoid sunburn.