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Dieting & exercise

Swim wear

(53 Posts)
Quokka Wed 28-Aug-24 15:30:08

I’d like to get swimming again but what to wear? It’s not that I’m fat (just slightly overweight need to shift that last 7lbs but never will) but more that I’m an odd shape.

Think old lady (80) with tummy and love handles.

Been looking at swimming costumes and thinking, no, no, no. Not for me. Any suggestions please before I give up?

Noname Sun 01-Sept-24 11:28:01

Rosiebee Next have a selection of skirted swimsuits online which might be what you’re looking for?

Valleyview Sun 01-Sept-24 11:28:13

I decided that a skirted swimming costume was the best look, I'm 73. If you Google that there is loads of choice. I got mine from Debenhams, it's made by Bonpris. Good luck.

cookiemonster66 Sun 01-Sept-24 11:28:19

I love swimdresses now especially since getting bigger I feel they are more flattering

Jess20 Sun 01-Sept-24 11:32:42

Agree with Oopsidia, Lands End is excellent and sell a lot of tankini tops and bottoms separately (not bikini, they meet in the middle) I've also bought swim skirt/shorts type bottoms for canoeing which are also swimwear. The advantage is that you can mix and match, buy different sizes for tops and bottoms. They have a good returns policy too and watch out for end of season sales!

grannyro Sun 01-Sept-24 11:40:11

I have a real problem with swimsuits. I have a large bust so need a 16 swimsuit but am very small around the bottom so the swimsuits are always saggy and baggy around my bottom! I solved this by buying tankini's (a 16 top and 10 bottom) but these aren't great for "serious" swimming pool swimming. I solved this by buying a sporty swimsuit (ones in Sports Direct are great as they hold all your wobbly bits in) but I wear my size 10 tankini bottom underneath it so I am not hanging out in that area!

Omaoma57 Sun 01-Sept-24 11:59:53

Bonmarché have swimsuits with a dress and shorts plus larger bottoms…

essjay Sun 01-Sept-24 12:19:47

so glad this thread has opened, i have the same dilemma and will be in need of new costume for next year when going on cruise with my sister. Ladies you have provided plenty of options, thank you all

grandMattie Sun 01-Sept-24 12:29:57

Someone once recommended maternity bathers…. Might help. Otherwise, tankinis.
I don’t have the love handles but a capacious tum, so similar problems.

pregpaws3 Sun 01-Sept-24 13:34:51

I’m 78 and swim regularly.
ANd wear a costume from the good moves section of M&S .it has a zip front which makes getting in and out easy for £35 it’s good value and comfortable to swim in. Long lasting too

yogagran Sun 01-Sept-24 13:58:21

I eventually found one I liked from the M&S website, had to keep scrolling for ages but I found one in the end

amapo Sun 01-Sept-24 14:11:14

I have a couple of lovely costumes from Deakin & Blue. They are expensive but a great fit and with good support as well as being made quite sustainably. They also have a good variety of body sizes in the pictures on their website.
www.deakinandblue.com/collections/new-swimwear?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADPOOWt82fOr-ibaEC-ebk4oJs0JW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI96vY--ehiAMVsJJQBh09OAEhEAAYASAAEgLYCvD_BwE

Patsytaylor Sun 01-Sept-24 14:18:47

M&S tankini. Top and bottoms can be bought separately. Bottoms can be full sized, top covers 'big knicker' look

sparkynan Sun 01-Sept-24 15:18:43

I buy mine from Bonmarch, its online now although there are still shops around, but my closet one closed.

Poppyred Sun 01-Sept-24 15:37:38

Calypsa have lovely swim leggings in different lengths to match swim costumes or tanktinis.

Madmeg Sun 01-Sept-24 20:13:50

My problem is boobs. I am cup size J or K depending on the make. I can't wear underwired due to the bruising they cause on my ribcage. Bras have always been difficult with M&S doing just ONE design, and Triumph are so stiff they hurt. I recently lost 3 stones. I am now bra size 34 but the cup size has barely altered. An H would be no use at all.

But most swimwear doesn't come in cup sizes and certainly not mine! Any other ladies out there with the same issue, and some solutions?

Shelflife Sun 01-Sept-24 20:20:07

I am going in my mid 70s and have stopped worrying! I do like a low / medium leg and adequate bust support ( not too low cut) In my aqua class we have all shapes and sizes in both the young and not so young. My legs are not really fit for public display but at the pool I don't care - no one else does either? Get that swim suit on and enjoy the water !

NotSpaghetti Sun 01-Sept-24 20:21:49

I buy cup-sized swimwear.
I prefer underwired to be honest but have tried some that didn't have wires.
Have a look at amplebosom.com and
Also at Fantasie and Freya swimsuits (these have their own websites but are sold elsewhere).

All pricey I'm afraid but I swim 3 times a week in mine.

Good luck Madmeg

4allweknow Sun 01-Sept-24 21:41:45

Have you looked at Bon Marche. They had a great selection when I was in a store. The two piece suits ie bottom like shorts, bottom like a half sleeveless teeshirt with bra built in. Don't be put off, you've done well losing weight, keep going. Not as many people give a second look when swimming.

GreyKnitter Tue 03-Sept-24 23:15:42

For the last couple of years I’ve bought swimwear from Peacocks. Thought they’d not be great quality or fit, but was very pleasantly surprised. Before our holiday this year I ordered swimwear from M and S, including Fantasie to try on at home, but found the ones I bought in Peacocks for a fraction of the price to be a much better fit. They also have cup sizes which is great. Definitely worth having a look. Good luck.

Mt61 Tue 03-Sept-24 23:36:31

I like a tankini, with full pants, think they are more flattering for my stomach

Buddleja Thu 05-Sept-24 14:55:40

The standard Lands End costumes are good, they stand up to chlorine well and some colours come in different bra sizes.

Aveline Thu 05-Sept-24 17:20:34

Reported

NotSpaghetti Thu 05-Sept-24 18:17:05

Think I must have missed something Aveline

BellaT2 Thu 05-Sept-24 18:32:59

Could you please tell me where you bought your Burkini? Thank you

BellaT2 Thu 05-Sept-24 18:34:29

This question was for Annanan.