Weight issues and bathing suits/bikinis?

[LuluLovesDisney]

I've seen a lot of posts recently about overweight women (and men) in bikinis (or speedos).

I was recently shopping for a bathing suit and I found that in my size (14 or 16) there were string bikinis, regular bikinis, tankinis, as well as bathing suits with skirts or longer attached shorts - there's all different styles available in my size.

So, I'm wondering at what weight/size is it okay to wear a bikini? At what weight/size is it okay to wear a regular one piece? At what weight/size do people only wear the kind with the attached cover up?

I'm bringing two bathing suits - a tankini (the kind that doesn's show any skin between the two pieces) and a regular one piece as well as a pair of shorts for a cover up. I'll keep my shorts on at the water parks, but I wasn't going to at my resort pool? Will I feel uncomfortable? I wouldn't want anyone posting on the DIS about me.

Just curious where you guys feel the "line" is drawn.

Thanks!

 

[Sparx]

I vary in sizes depending on brand. But I'd have no problems with someone 14/16 in a bikini. Actually, I'm just a live and let live kind of person. if youre comfortable, thats all that matters.

 

[CEDmom]

I don't think it's simply a matter on weight/size. It's more a matter of how toned someone is. I've seen size 14 women look great in a 2 piece and size 4 women look horrible.

 

[Mom21]

I went to the beach today. There was a young girl there that was about a 18/20 in a bikini. Did I look and think what in the world was she thinking? Yes. But when it comes down to it, it is a problem with me and my body image and the fact that even if I were a size 8 (haven't seen that in many years and hate myself for it) I wouldn't be comfortable in a bikini or even a 1 piece for that matter. The whole thing comes back to me. If you are comfortable go for it. It isn't anyone else's business. Oh yeah and she had a hottie young man with her that acted as if she were the best thing in the world. Maybe confidence has its advantages...........

 

[ducklite]

I think a lot depends on how you carry the weight.

A woman who is 5'10" is probably going to wear an eight or ten, unless she's basically anorexic, simply because at 5'10" the entire bone structure is proprotionately larger. A 4'11" woman who needs a size eight or ten is probably carrying some extra weight.

IMHO there are VERY few women over 25 who should be in a bikini, let alone a string bikini.

I would rather see an overweight woman in a well fitting, attractive full coverage tankini or one piece suit than a skinny 60 year old in a bikini.

Anne

 

[JVL1018]

It depends on the way you look, not your size. I wear a size 6 and would look awful in a bikini. I wear a tankini and make sure that I have shorts to throw on when I am out of the pool.
There are people who are a size 10 or 12 I am sure that have a much more bikini ready body than me!
Darn kids ruined my stomach.

 

[BeckWhy]

Honey if you are comfortable with your body you wear a bikini if you want! I, myself, am not comfortable in a bikini, but I like tankinies.

 

[Disneyrsh]

.

 

[helenabear]

I say wear what you are comfortable in! I disagree with those who say that you need to be under 25, a certain weight or a certain size. I'm 29 and granted on the small size, but I will be wearing my bikini. The top is halter and the bottom is string style... that's all that is out there and with my body type there is no such thing as a good fitting tankini or one piece

If you are happy, wear it! Seing an overweight woman in a string bikini is the same thing to me, as seeing one in a one piece. There is nothing that the bathing suit hides more than a bikini... seriously there might be a wee bit of difference, but not enough to make a difference. And IMO, a string seems to cause less "roll over" than a lot of bikinis/tankinis I've seen.

Wear what you feel comfortable in

 

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

I don't think it's simply a matter on weight/size. It's more a matter of how toned someone is. I've seen size 14 women look great in a 2 piece and size 4 women look horrible.

I agree. You'd never see me in a bikini!

 

[minniecarousel]

ugh! bikinis!! I say - just because it comes in your size, doesn't mean you should wear it! Very few women actually look good in bikinis. A nice one piece or tankini is fine for most women.

You'll be fine in your tankini or your one-piece. Anyway, why should you care what I think even if you wear a bikini. If you want to wear it & are comfortable - go for it.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I live on the beach and i see all shapes and sizes in all types of suits. As others have mentioned I see some size 14's who look great in their bikinis and some 6's who don't. I hate to say it but being tan helps tremendously here.

 

[WonderfulDreamer2]

I'm overweight (as a very sweet poster here was eager to point out once when I posted a picture Hugs sweetie!!!! ) and don't feel comfortable in bathing suits. But for my husbands and daughters sake, I donned one for the resort pool and went about my business. I honestly didn't see anyone gasping and fainting at the sight of me. I think I'm the one with the problem, not them. They were busy enjoying themselves and after realizing that no one cared, I had a good time too. Just go, wear what you want and have a blast.

 

[Blondy876]

I hate my body. When I see others in bathing suits, no matter what the size I usually think, boy I wish I was that comfortable in my own skin. For years I have let my disgust of my own body hold me back from doing things. I can remember posting a long time ago about how my body issues were keeping me from doing things with my kids. Well, I'm done with that. I bought myself 2 wonderful bathing suits that I am pretty comfortable in (I'll never be completely comfortable) and I live my life. I take my girls places and I get involved. Yes, I still have jiggly bits that I would like to hide from the world but I don't care as much. And being more active with my children makes me feel better about my body and my mothering. So you want to walk around in an itty bitty bikini more power to you.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I don't think most people even give it a thought what others are wearing. I certainly don't sit around at the pool or beach critiquing other women's bathing suit choices. Heck, I'm pregnant and wouldn't hesitate to slip on a bikini.....but that is a whole 'nother thread!

 

[momrek06]

But when it comes down to it, it is a problem with me and my body image and the fact that even if I were a size 8 (haven't seen that in many years and hate myself for it) I wouldn't be comfortable in a bikini or even a 1 piece for that matter. The whole thing comes back to me. If you are comfortable go for it. It isn't anyone else's business. Maybe confidence has its advantages...........

This is EXACTLY me!!! Even on our Disney cruise I never once put on my bathing suit. Walked up and down Serenity Bay with DH in shorts and a t-shirt BUT no bathing suit. My own issues!

 

[Kahana-ri]

I usually wear a tankini top and skirted bottom. I had the unpleasant duty of buying a maternity swim suit yesterday. I plan to swim at our town pool throughout my pregnancy and being in New England had to buy one now before the summer season is over.
All I know is that I WISH this suit had more to it. Where is the fabric in the dairyair? Sure, the top will fit snugly over my PG belly, but I still fear the shock that may ensue on the poor people at the pool. I am trying to envision how pleasant I may look in a bathing suit at 8-months pregnant. There will be a sight!

 

[Disfan3]

OMG~!



NO ONE OVER 25 IN A BIKINI???????????????????????????????????????


I soooooooooo wish I could post a picture of me, in mine. GOOD GRIEF!!!!

someone who would say that should probably just direct it to themselves...

I am sorry they feel so bad about themselves. thats what it boils down to.


Thats like saying no one over 30 should have a baby!!!









meanwhile, I will be at the Poly in one of my many bikinis next week....


cover your eyes everyone!! I am sooooo old!!

(29)

hahahahaha

 

[chager]

I think as long as you are comfortable and not falling out of the suit it's fine. I just recently encountered a relative that is a larger size wearing a bikini. That didn't bother me really. What did was every time she bent over she almost came out of her top!! Way more then I wanted to see. I think a larger size would have worked out much nicer. Or maybe more material on top. (I am a larger size but even when I was thin didn't care for bikinis. The tops always gave me issues when I jumped in the pool!!)

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Girl, you can wear a sparkly thong and be a size 22 and my only thought would be, you go, girl! Enough with the judging, already.

Word! Confidence is key!

Wear what you are comfortable in! What right do we have to judge other people's bodies and looks? Absolutely none! I suspect most judgement stems from dissatifaction with oneself; we tolerate the least in others what we tolerate the most in ourselves. Besides, you're not on display for other people; you are there to enjoy yourself. I am 5'10", size 4, former model (and am under the age of 25, for those who care). I work very hard to stay slim and toned but I still got dirty looks while wearing my bikini to the pool at AKL, but they were only from other women. I suspect these dirty looks stemmed from the looker's own lack of confidence but again, I wasn't there to be on display for them. I just ignored them and enjoyed myself.

I went to the beach while in Florida and saw many shapes and sizes, including one lady who told me she was 68 years old in a bikini! She looked great but her confidence was what stood out. She didn't have a perfect body but she didn't care what people thought. Good for her!

Wear what you want. If you love your body and are confident, it will show. I'd rather see a confident curvy woman than an insecure skeleton.