Ladies - Some Bathing Suit Help, PLEASE!

[ireland_nicole]

THis company caters for only D-KK cup sizes. They're in England, but ship to the US, and it's not just plus sizes, either. Here's the link:

http://www.bravissimo.com/products/swimwear

 

[mousemom11]

Might I also suggest a rashguard to wear over your suit? It's better than a t-shirt because it's made of swimsuit fabric so it dries quickly, and it gives you SPF protection. Lands End has them and I'm sure you can find them other places if you google "rashguard".

This will give you secondary coverage in case of a swimsuit malfunction. I wear one at our local waterpark on all the slides, except the body slides (like Summit Plummit). You'll end up with it around your neck and over your face. But on the body slides, just cross your arms over your chest and keep those girls locked and loaded in the suit.

 

[jamstew]

Add me to the list of happy Land's End customers. I also lost a lot of weight and hadn't owned a suit in several years. I'm a 32G, but the Land's End DDD fit extremely well. I order bras from The Pink Bra: http://www.thepinkbra.com/specialy-lingerie--large-cup-bras.html

 

[darlak]

Withacy...I came to your thread hoping I could offer some helpful suggestions. I can assure you it's not a problem that I have (B cup here), but one my daugher has an ongoing struggle with. My suggestions were already mentioned by others, but I just wanted to let you know how great it is that you've lost the weight.

Also wanted to add that just reading all you replies makes me wish I was going to be there at the same time as you! Wear a t-shirt if need be, but just have a great time and don't worry about how you'll look.

 

[torsie24]

Could you wear a bra in a quick drying material, and then wear a tankini or rash vest over the top?

It may be a bit unconventional, but I for one would feel a lot more comfortable doing that than feeling unsupported.

 

[Withacy]

I chatted with Land's End last night, but didn't think to ask for a "fit specialist" (I wish I'd read Rhonna's note first!). I gave her my measurements (I'd taken them all - I'd done enough research by that point to know I needed the Torso measurement), and she straight out told me "we only go up to a DDD". She didn't say anything about them running large (and now I'm wondering if I might try one of their DDD, since H is only one up from G).

Because of all my curves, it makes that torso measurement kind of high, but the actual length of my torso isn't that great (especially the top part). I've ALWAYS had trouble with bras (especially sports bras) and swim suits being too long on the shoulder strap. Which doesn't help with support.

But torsie24 is right - the most important thing (especially if you're going to a water park) is SUPPORT! Goodness knows there's been enough trouble at the waterparks lately - I don't need to be contributing to it with any impromtu anatomy lessons.

 

[jamstew]

You can't go wrong trying a Land's End suit. Returns are free & super easy. I think I ordered every style they had available in the DDD and settled on the one that fit best and was most flattering. All the tops available in DDD have x-back straps and are very supportive, and the one I bought, http://www.landsend.com/pp/BeachLiv...H&CM_MERCH=IDX_00006__0000000650&origin=index, is a modest cut with more coverage.

 

[loritemp]

I like the idea of a rashgaurd top...just in case! Plus, they look cute! AS for Land's End suits, I am not plus size, just got the "girls" to worry about and found a suit that fits well! Also, someone mentioned the tops weren't long enough. I am 5'10" and I actually found the Lands End tops to be the longest I had tried! I think it all depends on the style suit you buy. Another good thing about Lands End, you can mix and match. I bought a plain bottom and a patterned top. Then got another top on clearance that matched my plain bottom!

I am banking some of these ideas for future suit purchases though, thanks ladies!!!

 

[Rhonna]

I chatted with Land's End last night, but didn't think to ask for a "fit specialist" (I wish I'd read Rhonna's note first!). I gave her my measurements (I'd taken them all - I'd done enough research by that point to know I needed the Torso measurement), and she straight out told me "we only go up to a DDD". She didn't say anything about them running large (and now I'm wondering if I might try one of their DDD, since H is only one up from G).

Because of all my curves, it makes that torso measurement kind of high, but the actual length of my torso isn't that great (especially the top part). I've ALWAYS had trouble with bras (especially sports bras) and swim suits being too long on the shoulder strap. Which doesn't help with support.

But torsie24 is right - the most important thing (especially if you're going to a water park) is SUPPORT! Goodness knows there's been enough trouble at the waterparks lately - I don't need to be contributing to it with any impromtu anatomy lessons.

I'd call them back and tell them you absolutely HAVE to talk to a SWIM Fit Expert (there may be other fit experts - be sure it's a SWIM fit expert). She may have better advice than the girl you talked to. At least the expert will be able to tell you for positive whether they can accommodate your bust (and any other) needs.

 

[melliemelo]

Hi, I haven't read through the replies but I belong to the YMCA and I see lots of well endowed women wearing a sports bra with a swimsuit. I'm guessing they have similar support issues!! Usually the sports bra is the same or similar color as the suit and it really isn't that noticeable. Good luck, hope you find something that works for you!

 

[owensamo]

I'm a 32F-G (depending on the brand) and can wear a 34DD. I see you're from GA - are you anywhere near Atlanta? There's a store called "My Intimacy" that does custom bra and bathing suit fittings. They carry European brands, and make sure they fit right before you leave the store. The owner of the original shop in Chicago has been on Opera and Today and other shows multiple times, and many other small lingerie boutiques are trained in her techniques. I *cannot* recommend this sort of fitting enough - I used to have horrible back problems wearing VS bras, but no problems with these! And they last! They're awesome!

I have one suit from My Intimacy, one from "Water Water Everywhere" - which is a bathing suit only store. This one is a Halter-style bikini that ties at the neck and the back and fits really well even though it's only a DD. Both of these fit very well, but they were both $100+ each! However, for the first 2 bathing suits I've ever had that fit and made me feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit, it was worth it!

I have 2 from Land's End - one DD-style tank suit, and one DD-style Tankini. I wear the Land's End suits more than the other two. And I got those on clearance after last summer, both plus a wrap for $100!

Amanda

 

[Withacy]

Well, I decided to go with the SMASH THEM IN. I'm just concerned that even if I get something that is theoretically large enough, it won't hold up (or maybe I should say "down") for the activity of a water park.

http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/5929.htm This seems to have serious hold in potential. And what I noticed from the sizing chart was that there was a 6 inch difference between the ribcage and bust. If this material is as sturdy as it looks, I'm hoping this will work out for me.

Though I'm thinking swim shorts to go over it...

And if all else fails, there's always the sports bra under & T-shirt over option.

You know, those Victorian bathingsuits were highly underrated!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Hi, I haven't read through the replies but I belong to the YMCA and I see lots of well endowed women wearing a sports bra with a swimsuit. I'm guessing they have similar support issues!! Usually the sports bra is the same or similar color as the suit and it really isn't that noticeable. Good luck, hope you find something that works for you!

I'm only a DD and I do this! It works beautifully for me. But OP said something about the fact that sports bras don't work for her - straps are too long, I think. I cut the shelf bra out and pop in a good moderate intensity bra. I will also purchase nice high intensity tanks out of wicking fabric with good sports bars built in and then buy black bottoms and wear this as my swim suit. (Looks cute, everything in place.)

 

[hpkalika]

Congrats on the weight loss.

I am a 16-18 with the same blissing/curse of the DD's. Even when I was thinner, they were there.
I have searched for suits and don't find myself generally happy. I got a Miracle suit this year. It is the best suit I have ever owned. Plenty of support without extra padded cups (as though we needed it!?!) and I got one that was skirted too. The straps stay up. You mention the extra skin that comes with weight loss, so I figured I would mention this suit as it covers all the major stuff without looking like a "Granny" suit. They are not cheap, but they have a lot of styles to choose from, and you should be able to find some post summer deals now.

 

[Withacy]

Well, one of the reasons I'm reluctant to spend a lot of money is that I'm still losing weight - and I have about 60 pounds to go to my goal (the idealistic "normal" BMI). Now, there's always the possibility that I'll take up swimming (I do belong to the YMCA, but their water aerobics classes are during the day, while I work, so mostly I do weights and machines). If not, it might end up being a bathing suit for just this trip - hopefully it won't fit by my NEXT Disney Trip (One year and One week from today! Reservations already made!).

And on THAT trip (with a adult friend), I've promised myself surf lessons at Typhoon Lagoon.

Like I said, I'm not objecting to possibly using the sports bra. If it looks like the Smash-them-in approach is creating a flat chest/beer belly look (oy), I may go that route. Finding sports bras (that don't cost a fortune) has also been a challenge, because the straps tend to be too long (though I suppose those can be taken in), and it's hard to find something that fits the fullest part, but is still fitted around my ribcage (ribcage is only 35", fullest is 44"). Any bra that isn't fitted around the rib cage, no matter how good it is otherwise, is not going to support you! (I worked my way through college at Victoria's Secret Catalog.)

Truthfully, I WISH I was a DD, instead of an H/I!

As for the loose skin - the worst is the chest (thus the desperate need for support), the thighs (we've talked about hiding that) - and the unhidable under the upper arm. And as pale as I am, I could truly signal ships at sea. It's really, really sad.

 

[Searching4Neverland]

I didn't look through the other posts, so sorry if someone already suggested this. My coworker needs lots of support as well and she orders her bathing suits online at Victoria's Secret. The bra people are good with swimsuits, as well! The online selection is more varied than what you see in the store.

Also I've found that bathing suits that are vintage reproductions tend to have good support and full coverage while still looking sassy! Try www.pinupgirlclothing.com and get a nice polka dot or leopard print one-piece. :]

 

[Wall-E1]

Well, here's a guy's perspective on this. Just throw a t-shirt over whatever swim suit you choose. You'll be better protecting your skin from the sun that way. You won't have to worry about malfunctions. You can enjoy the day, worry free. You can gaze at the men's swimsuit malfunctions (all middle aged, hairy men in speedos) which makes anyone feel better about themselves.

p.s. - Congrats on the weight loss. It's tough. I needed to drop twenty pounds. I'm only at fifteen right now. It's so hard. There is so much temptation. You losing 100 pounds - that's incredible! You are stronger than me.

p.p.s. - I would like to revise the men's swimsuit malfunction to include all men in speedos regardless of age or fur.