Do you have to wear a real bathing suit in the pool

[frannn]

Just wondering if I could get away with a pair of spandex shorts and a tshirt, so I could put DD1 in the pool with me at AS Mo. I am not very comfortable in a traditional bathing suit. I think I am even past the ones with the little skirt on the bottom to cover the trouble spots. It would be a shame if DD1 couldn't go in the pool for the first time 'cause her mommy gained a few pounds and doesn't want to put them on display at WDW!

 

[Kimberle]

I believe the policy is "no cut-off's allowed". But what does that really say for the female atire? *LOL* I think it steams more for the fact that often "cut-offs" may become transparent when wet (thought they look fine while dry.)

I think as long as you're not "see through" when wet, you'd be fine. I can't see a CM spoiling a Mommy & child's fun. (That is unless another not so nice, "guest" complains!)

 

[airhead]

....were because the strings that unravelled from the cut off part of the shorts were bad for the filter of the pool. That's what my friend told me 20 years ago when she life guarded at a pool.
Hey,it sounded like a reasonable thing to me!

airhead

 

[frannn]

I know some people consider that alone a crime, but I'm still more comfy in it instead of a bathing suit. I'm about a 12/14 and have not found a swimsuit style that really flatters me. Regardless, I'm more at home in baggy clothes. So, can I wear what I am saying, or would a tshirt over a bathing suit be more appropriate? And by the way, I do not even own a bathing suit that fits...Thanks!

 

[TwingleMum]

Frann - I hear ya!! I think thats a great idea - Don't let what anyone thinks spoil your time with your little one. I had twins 10 months ago and know your struggle. But I also have a 3 yr old and I am not going to miss out of one minute of fun worrying I'm not sports illustrated swimsuit addition material. LOL. Our kids are precious and only young for a blink. Don't worry about anyone else's opinion. A quick story I was putting makeup on to go to work and my 3 yr old DS asked me why I put makeup on. I told him I did it to look pretty for Daddy and my boys. He looked at me with big blue eyes and said "but Mommy you so bootiful " I'll tell you my mascara ran I was tearing so much. The unconditional love children give is humbling. It made me realize the pounds I need to lose aren't what defines me - its the love I give and recieve. Sooo Frann remember you too are bootiful.

 

[Figaro1]

Frannn - Go and have a great time! Do not even give it a second thought. What is important is the time with your children. I promise no one at Disney will think twice about a Mommy having fun in the pool with her darling children.

Your really better off in a swim suit, if you think you need something else try a swim suit cover-up or wrap when out of the pool. And, just for fun...are you ever going to see these folks again?!? Who cares if you are not a size 0, how many people are!

Enjoy the pool and the memory's with your children.

Figaro

 

[Janet2k]

Originally posted by Kimberle
I think as long as you're not "see through" when wet, you'd be fine. I can't see a CM spoiling a Mommy & child's fun. (That is unless another not so nice, "guest" complains!)

During one of our Disneyland Hotel vacations, my husband was hanging out in the hot tub one evening while I swan in the swimming pool with our son and daughter. I kept noticing him getting out of the hot tub and fetching various things for a couple of older women who were in the hot tub with him. I didn’t know why he was fetching their towels, their glasses, their books, but for some reason he was (he’s a nice guy that way). Then I took a closer look at my husband in the moonlight. Eeeeee Gads! His bathing suit was transparent! I yelled over to him and asked him to come over to me. Once he did, I asked him to look down. He did. And then HIS EYES GREW REAL BIG. Yep, it seems that the dirty old ladies in the hot tub had discovered during their little game of “fetch” that the Emperor had no clothes. So let that be a warning to anyone here on the Dis – make sure your bathing suit does not become transparent when wet. I wish I would have had a video of that night – it was priceless. Gotta love my man...

 

[HopperFan]

...where you are coming from. Here at home, with lots of folks swimming, I tend to show up at pool parties minus my swimwear.

But at Disney, it's my vacation, I don't know anyone and I want to be with the family.

I bought a couple nice fitting suits that kept my parts in their places. Then I purchased a couple pair of coordinating nylon shorts. I also bought a nice lightweight coverup dress. Depending on the crowd at the pool or my comfort level, I usually swim with the shorts on BUT have actually gone in with just the swimsuit.

I think if you wear the shorts and t-shirt you will stick out like a sore thumb and likely to get more gawkers than if you just had on a nice swimsuit.

Besides, you have a little one, so of course you aren't back to yourself. My little one is 10 and I'm yet to get back to the old me!

ENJOY YOUR TRIP !

 

[Aisling]

Frannn,

I have worn spandex shorts and a tank top into the pool at Stormalong Bay. No one said peep or batted an eye. I've even gone in the pool with my cover-up on over my swimsuit. It's not like I went in with jeans or something!
So I know you'll be allowed and not get stared at in your shorts and t shirt!

 

[Starz723]

In the summer with the blazing sun, I put a t shirt over my bathing suit and swim so I dont get sunburned. So does my redheaded son.

I never think twice seeing anyone in a pool with a tshirt on. I wouldnt worry. Its the people who hardly wear anything that get the real looks, if you know what I mean.

This might make you feel better. When I sang on Broadway in Les Mis, part of my contract was that I could never have a suntan or show sun tan lines/marks.. So I had to cover up all the time, all the way down to my feet..but I went swimming anyway. Ballerinas must do the same, but that never stopped a few I knew. They went in with long sleeves. white gloves and spandex work out pants with socks on. I swear, Im not kidding!

If anyone says anything, you tell em your on vacation from your show on Broadway, and cant have any tan lines. The show hairspray has a few very pretty plus size ladies.

You go and have a blast!

 

[Sammie]

My SIL was very self concious about the birth of my nephew, she got her suit from Land's End. It looked like a tank top with boxer type shorts.

I would make sure if you go with the t-shirt, that you check it out before hand. Sometimes a "wet" t-shirt can be very revealing.

 

[zulaya]

Just wanted to pop in as a mom who had 2 babies back to back, 11 months apart. They are 6 and 7 now and I still am not back to where I want to be. I have a nice tank suit that fits me the way I am and I go and swim.

This is not meant to offend, but no one is going to know you from Adam at WDW and they are probably going to want to enjoy the pool just like you and your DD are.

I understand not being comfortable about having a few extra pounds. Don't let it rule your vacation. I second the suggestion to try on some swimsuits and find one that you can live with. And don't worry about anyone looking at you...we all know we are our own worst critics...seriously, people are going to be having to much fun just being at WDW to worry about what the other people inthe pool are going to look like.

 

[Otto's Doll]

I am a big woman (size 18 - 20) but I only wore a tshirt in the pool during the day (we stayed at the CR) because I burn terribly if I don't. At night in the hot tub, I didn't worry about what other people thought, heck it is my vacation. I do look forward to the day when I don't feel uncomfortable in my swimsuit, though!

Otto's Doll

 

[lmhall2000]

I am FINALLY a size 14!! I was a size 6/8 for 10 years- then came along 3 precious ones in 4 years and I BALLOONED!! Just since April I've lost over 50 pounds. I WAS thrilled to buy size 14 bathing suits and did find a really nice wrap around sports skirt that you can wear over your suit. I also agree Land's End has some really nice sports shorts swimsuits that give alot of coverage and camouflage.

I don't ever want my children to think I am uncomfortable or think less of my body image than I should- I got myself this way and I've worked pretty hard to get it back to where it should be- take the focus off of how you feel and how wonderful your child will feel having mommy in the pool- the more confidence you have wearing whatever you want will give your children a good self image of themselves. If you're concerned about how you look and don't feel like you measure up- you're setting the wrong tone for your child's self image. Be PROUD that you had a beautiful baby and commit yourself to staying healthy and fit- all the rest will come. Granted I know your sweet one is only one and won't remember this- but don't let this stop you from having a wonderful time and forget what anyone else thinks of you...I wish I could sit next to you in the pool- you'd feel much better- I've got stretch marks, loose skin, and more jiggles to my thighs than jello on a jackhammer.....but I'm walking out there with my head held high and enjoying my kids- my kids were thrilled when I gave up the long skirt swimsuit and found a nice Speedo that looked like theirs- they really do notice these things! And they don't notice my jiggly thighs! (Of course I beeline it to the pool pretty quickly! HA!) Hope you find a suit that ya like!
Tara

 

[Divamomto3]

I'm a 16/18 and not at all happy with it. I work on it the best I can after 3 babies. But I always wear a bathing suit and will walk from one end of Stormalong Bay to the other with it in on to get in and out of different areas with my kids. Sure, it's easier b/c I don't know anybody, but I'd still do it if friends and family were there. I truly think you call more attention to yourself when your wearing clothes in a swimming pool.

That being said, if you are totally more comfortable that way, then wear what you want, I can't believe there's a rule against it. Try to have fun....I'd kill to be a size 12 or a 14. If I ever see a size 12 again, I'll be in a 2 piece tankini! <<crossing my fingers that's the case for my February trip to the world!>>

 

[ear_poppin]

Frann

I never leave home without my Sarong....I wear it round the lazy river when swimming etc. The only time I would take it off is if I went down one of those tall water shoot rides...but I don't go on them anyway!!!

I also have a T shirt on over my swimming cossie and no one ever has said anything...this is because I burn so easily.

Wear what you like...as long as its not dangerous etc its up to you whatever makes you feel comfortable!!

Denise

 

[mbb]

Frann...I can't tell you anything different than what all the other posters have...but I will tell you than your beautiful baby girl will WANT to get in that pool, and she will NEED her mommy with her, because having mommy makes her world right, and FUN! Because mommy will smile, laugh and play fun water games with her, make motorboat noises, and show her how wonderful being together is...

t-shirts take a LOOONG time to dry hanging up on the shower curtain rod...a bathing suit and matching cover up, hot sunglasses(the minnie ones!) a cute hat (for both of you) cute sandals and a pedicure...you go , girlfriend!

Love from your size 24 friend!

 

[LSchrow]

my $.02:
if you're more comfy in spandex, wear it! i always wear shorts (low-waisted, sweatsuit material, with a one-piece bathing suit) in the water, and norm a sarong if staying out.
i'm just not comfortable with my "other body parts" hanging out , nor the whole pulling/pushing adjustments that are needed everytime one moves in a suit .
btw, i'm "average" size (norm about an 8) ~ i just do what is comfy for me, and don't give much thought to what anyone else might think of my attire. mho is that i agree, spend that time having fun with your child, without having to stop to do the pull-up, pull-out, pull-down..........

 

[disneyatl]

Someone I think already mentioned this but Lands End carries a nice line of swimsuits that basically are tank top shirts with "running" shorts. Lands End is now available at Sears and they have been having a tremendous clearance sale. You might get lucky and find something there.

Also, keep in mind, someone will ALWAYS look worse than you do in a swimsuit!!!

 

[GeekChic]

I would think that the swimsuit wearing has to do with the hygiene issues (having to draw a line between street clothes and swimwear) I'm certain that you personally, Frannn, would have your seperate 'swim wear' from your regular clothes that you wear to the parks and such, but can you imagine if people wanted to just get into the pools in their grungy underthings, shorts, and shirts that they wore all day in the parks? YIKES!

I sympathize with your not wanting to feel 'on display'.

I would ask you, though, please think past your insecurities, and think of nothing but your child. The impression they form of you, even so young is very important. Don't be ashamed of your body!!! It's beautiful and strong and was able to produce a miracle, live in it proudly, lady!!!

I gained weight after having to take prednisone for awhile and was leery of buying the largest suit I'd ever worn, but when I did, my dd, who was six at the time, said "Mommy, you look so pretty in blue". No one said a word at the pool, nor would I have cared if they did, the only eyes I was interested in pleasing were smiling at me with total joy

So I say get a suit, put a t shirt over it if you're really uncomfortable, and then ignore every face around you but the little one that will be smiling back at you.

Believe it or not, it's very freeing finally getting out there in swimwear again. Don't be self concious, just be yourself And give yourself time, and lots of care, and you'll feel more like your (pre-baby) self again.

Have a wonderful time!!!

edited to add: Oh! I wanted to say too that you'll see families of all shapes and sizes at WDW, and you'll notice they have one thing in common, the smiles on their faces! You won't 'stand out' or anything, there will likely be bigger, and smaller, shapes than you at the pool. Just have a good time and don't worry!