Swimsuits

[spotty_dog]

I haven't bought a suit that wasn't "the closest thing to acceptable that I could grab at a dead run in Walmart"...well, ever. We're heading to Maui in a month and darnit, I want a swimsuit that fits and flatters!

So what do I look for? I swear I'd heard Land's End ones fit great but I'm not feeling inspired by what I see on the site. And $100+ for a suit is scary. I might could swallow $60-ish for a one-piece or a smidge more for both pieces of a two-piece.

Me: I've got a bit of a rack, about a 36D or 34DD (haven't had a decent fitting bra in a while either). I'm at an average weight and not terribly self-conscious about my figure except that I do have some mummy tummy unexpected *squish* going on in the stomach area. My skin is very, VERY white (so large expanses of it are probably unflattering).

So where do I look and what do I look for? Any tips? Thanks!!

[MAPPLEBUM]

I bought an awesome Spanx suit at Ross (or TJ Maxx or something) last year. Only downside is it made my hip section look extra.....extra...

[spotty_dog]

Hm, Zappos has the Spanx swimwear. Worth considering, thanks! (Wait, no, they lied...but still, will look around!)

[niener]

I agree $100+ for swimwear is scary, but I finally bit the bullet two years ago and bought my first $100+ two-piece and I actually get complimented on it all the time. That's *never* happened in any other suit. It's the first one I've had that actually flatters and fits properly so I actually feel pretty cute in it and that to me was worth the money. I believe I got mine at a department store (Macy's probably).

[Thirteen]

Try TYR - they seem to last longer than Speedo, and have more accurate fit/measurements than Nike. I have a reversible racerback suit, and am also big chested: it's a great suit for active movement (lap swimming, surfing, toddlers and small children pulling on it), and flattering IMO.
I'm long in the torso, so a good one piece is hard to find - I love this brand, because it contains the girls and isn't hiked up in the rear.
I bought mine for $50, marked down from $75.

[Pollyanna]

Lands End latest swimsuit line is lacking but there are some nice pieces. This tankini top is great, will highlight and cover the girls and hide any tummy issues at the same time. Plus it's on sale for $39.99. Pair it with a simple bottom or cute skirt. I will say that their swim products last and last.

Forgot to add the link....here it is:

https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-shape-enhance-dot-halter-tankini-top/id_248774

[peggyfromwastate]

If you want a lap suit or just a durable basic suit then go for a Tyr. My dd12 is probably a D size (poor kid) and she wears those Tyr or sporti suits every day for practice. They are durable-- I get mine through swim outlet.com. They have lots of sales and grab bag suits. Swimsuits use different sizing-/ I think a 34 is an "8" or something. These suits will flatten out your chest and make your legs look longer. But they aren't cute go to the beach suits. More like practical gonna do laps suits. Or chasing after kids without worrying about the straps falling off.

[spotty_dog]

If you want a lap suit or just a durable basic suit then go for a Tyr. My dd12 is probably a D size (poor kid) and she wears those Tyr or sporti suits every day for practice. They are durable-- I get mine through swim outlet.com. They have lots of sales and grab bag suits. Swimsuits use different sizing-/ I think a 34 is an "8" or something. These suits will flatten out your chest and make your legs look longer. But they aren't cute go to the beach suits. More like practical gonna do laps suits. Or chasing after kids without worrying about the straps falling off.

Yeah, I'm trying to decide how practical I really want. There will be some kid-chasing and surf-splashing, but there will also be some pool-sitting with my SIL (who looks great in a bikini) at the posh Westin resort.

[Phoebe]

Lands End or Athleta

[OrionGrad]

I haven't looked lately, but JCrew usually has some cute suits that aren't too risqué.

[Pollyanna]

Yeah, I'm trying to decide how practical I really want. There will be some kid-chasing and surf-splashing, but there will also be some pool-sitting with my SIL (who looks great in a bikini) at the posh Westin resort.

I don't know, TYR suits are great but like Peggy said, practical. A suit for your trip to Hawaii should be somewhat practical but also fun and just a bit sexy

[Sheherezade]

Yeah. Skip practical. Your initial post sounded like you were ready for a bit of fun. Ruffles, I say! Or...polka dots.

Pick something cute or sexy and get ready to chill with an umbrella in your drink.


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[Sheherezade]

And to your initial post...I have had my best luck buying at surf stores or beach shops. That's probably not at all helpful, but if I was stuck shopping away from sand, I'd go to a department store. A good suit really does make a difference. Cheap suits are unforgiving, thin fabrics and cut for one size fits all usually flattering no one.


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[spotty_dog]

Itsy-bitsy? And yellow?

Guess I should have mentioned, I think I'm looking at online or nothin'. There's a tiny chance I'll be within striking distance this month of something that resembles a department store, but I don't want to count on it.

[houseelf]

I agree, I hate spending that kind of cash, BUT...a swim suit. I mean just seeing this thread title made me wince a little. I love my Lands' End suits AND they can be returned to any Sears store, so I often buy two different sizes. I like the more full coverage of their bikinis. I'll do a bikini top and either a skirt of short to make sure I can actually swim in my swim suit.

I *adore* Athleta, but: 1) Whoo Boy , the are EXPENSIVE; and 2) their sizing is kind of all over the place. Their swim suit tops are made to ...well... be athletic, so be prepared for a snug fit. I am not sure I'd purchase a suit from Athleta unless I had an actual physical store nearby.

Good luck!