Swim wear for the larger lady

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

Sorry Baggs
They may claim to "fit every body"
... but their swimsuits don't fit mine!

A fake tan would make you look much slimmer

Good idea.

I haven't read the whole thread, bytheway, so apologies if someone has suggested Lands End already. They claim to "fit every body".

Good luck and enjoy your holiday!

bytheway your step-D and her children love you for who you are. Don’t judge yourself harshly is what I would say.
Most ladies are unhappy with their shape/size if you ask them, and I find putting on a sarong as soon as I have finished in the pool gives me confidence.
I like kaftans too.
Have a wonderful time 💐

I also recommend Yours.
They have a huge range of swimwear .

I wear Muslim swimwear as I'm so self conscious about my swollen legs - one side looks horrendous .
I bought them on Amazon .

I think that I'd probably look better with a nice swimdress instead of being embarrassed and ashamed !

A fake tan would make you look much slimmer
Compliment it with a nice mani pedi !
I'm thinking turquoise and hot pink or maybe green for the summer !
And don't forget a kaftan and a sarong .

You are beautiful as you are !
Enjoy the holiday .

bytheway has ordered a tankini type ensemble with long shorts, she says.

bytheway My daughter is your height and weighs several stone more than you, and swimming including wild swimming is her passion. She swims several miles, several times a week and wears the usual speedo type swimming costumes that all regular swimmers well.

If you asked her, she would say what Callistemon says, once you get to your destination, you will meet people of all shapes and sizes in all kinds of swim suits and no one will take any notice of anyone else - unless of course you act all embarressed.

In the early years of GN, I won a Mother and Daughter Spa visit. DD and I went, but with some trepidation, as I too was several stone overweight at the time and we expected to find the spa full of elegant 'ladies who lunch' and beach babes.

When we got there we found lots of other mothers and daughters shaped just like us, and we had a whale of a time - and still are regular spa visitors, even DH comes and loves it - and he is relatively a lot more overweight than you are

So head up high, buy a costume you like, regardless of style and just get into it and enjoy yourself.

I am a size 18 .... so a larger lady... and I have found that things that you try on in your bedroom and think 'Oh I can't be seen in that' you feel totally different about when you are at the pool surrounded by everyone else in their swimwear. As has already been said you will see all different shapes and sizes and all having fun .... and nobody cares what everyone else looks like!!
Have a Great Holiday x

Thanks all for your replies, I spent yesterday evening looking at options and have ordered a tankini type ensemble with long shorts which should arrive today. Should cover my worst bits and fingers crossed they fit well.

I am also a larger lady and this time of year I'm quite pale too.

I don’t buy plain colours as they show up my lumps by creating "shadows" and I don't buy black as think I look pasty-white in it. I look less lumpy in busy-patterned swimsuits and if they have a bit of detail so much the better.

I like something like this, ideally:
www.fantasie.com/uk/en/swimwear/swimsuits/adjustable-leg-swimsuits/aguada-beach-splash-aguada-beach-splash-uw-twist-front-swimsuit-with-adjustable-leg/p/fs502931sph/

I also don't like the ones with the additional bra-type fastening at the back as they are harder to put on and take off - and from choice I'd have one with a scoop back rather than a straight-cut one.

I now always buy a bra-sized one so I feel a better shape as I've a larger bust. If I buy one in my dress size they are too small at the top or don't pull me in at all over my (too generous) stomach!

I swim regularly and find I also look better in a costume that is not a dress as they tend to "chop me off" on the wrong bit. Better to brave the regular legs in my opinion.

I know it's a minefield- good luck! And have fun.

I wear a tankini and am the Same weight but as shorter so if I do it so can you. There will be all manner of shapes and sizes so enjoy yourself and the time you can spend with family.

Yes the "sweetheart" swim dresses I'd be buying for the beach these days tho I'm not "big" they do look nice.

Actually in the gym pool there ia a trend in the yoof to have little pretty sticky out skirty bits.

They're neat, Wyllow

Ones I've seen are too full and flappy.

What I feel self conscious with in the gym is totally different when people strip off on the beach, every one is doing it and all shapes sizes.

Or landend prettier

www.landsend.co.uk/s/LandsEndUK/Womens_Chlorine_Resistant_Sweetheart_Swim_Dress_Swimsuit_/pp/P_42640.html

There are some lovely swim dresses out there

here's one

www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Tummy_Control_Swim_Dress_/pp/P_43075.html?dwvar_P__43075_sizeVariation=59&dwvar_P__43075_color=K7E&cgid=11307

Expensive, but many others cheaper on usual websites. Just google "swim dresses" and a lot come up.

Or go for tankini top with swim skirt, which has pants built into pretty "cover the bits you want skirts". M n s has a black swim skirt for £17.50 which you team with tankini tops.

PS - landsend stuff is brilliant on swimwear - dont ike most of their stuff. I have a lovely tummy control swimsuit which I bought in long length as it tends to cover bum better.

I need to order some myself 😀

I agree with Callistemon - these are a life saver and will keep you looking good. 😎😎😎

bytheway if you go to a swimming pool or gym, or even look around in the street, people are not worried by their own or anyone else's shape or size it seems. There is no need to be self concious and as someone said to me once when I was having a flap 'Who's looking at you?' Find a nice swimming shorts ensemble or similar, and enjoy yourself!