https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 11:50:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990838 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 03:15:51 +0000 Mia 990838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to add that the good ones can last a long time with tlc. Friends came to the cottage for the weekend and my friend pointed out how long I had had mine my referencing a previous vacation we had shared. I was kind of shocked but it is still in pristine shape and fits great. I guess eventually the Lycra will disintegrate as happened to my bike shorts.</p> <p>I suspect the cost has something to do with more limited production runs? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990738 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 01:00:08 +0000 Caro in Oz 990738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing to add except my grrrs - but yes they are "worth" it for the confidence.<br />I've been lucky enough to find a style I had previously&nbsp;bought in store, new&nbsp;on ebay for half the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990690 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:14:54 +0000 pil 990690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Swimsuits - one of those necessary evils. If you get another six years out of this one it will be money well spent! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990551 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 21:14:02 +0000 missvee 990551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree 100% with the posters who say that confidence is key with a swimsuit and whatever you have to pay to get the fit and comfort you need is money well spent. As another option, have you ever looked at the Lands End site for suits? They have larger cup sizes and also long torso suits. I ordered one last year when I couldn't find anything locally ( I'm in Canada too and shipping/ returns were no problem). The quality is amazing for the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990549 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 21:12:06 +0000 abc 990549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL Krista, I think you should take a pic! &nbsp;If not of the suit ON you, at least one of the suit itself &nbsp;Or find it online so we can have a peek of your great find! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990520 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 20:26:33 +0000 Krista 990520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much wisdom and insight! Thanks, everyone :). It's also nice to know I'm not alone in this!</p> <p>I think LBD said it best when she pointed out that very little else can be substituted for a swimsuit (same as a bra!). The options, as they say, are limited. Hence perhaps the pressure to ensure its worth its price AND it delivers the clincher: self-confidence.</p> <p>Now, if I was feeling super confident, I would post a picture of myself wearing the suit! Ha! No. I think I'll go lie down until that feeling passes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990513 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 20:18:19 +0000 abc 990513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I'm on the hunt for a swimsuit, too, I had to check out this thread.</p> <p>I think everyone stated the points here eloquently. &nbsp;It's about self confidence, to me, more than anything. &nbsp;Gaylene had it right when she said our clothes are our armour. &nbsp;In a bathing suit it's a different story!</p> <p>Funny, I just came back from a local department store. &nbsp;Had I found a suit that made me feel as good as you described, I would have snatched it up. &nbsp;Instead I just spent about 30 min trying on various suits that were either too small,&nbsp;too flimsy or too dowdy. &nbsp;It just confirmed how hard swimsuit shopping really is. &nbsp;So if you found "the one" I think it is reason to celebrate.</p> <p>Enjoy your vacation!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990132 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:33:44 +0000 Gaylene 990132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our clothes are often our armour, letting us use drape, cut, design, volume, and distraction to manipulate how we want to be seen by the world. A bathing suit is akin to walking outside in our skivvies; it might be OK for those few goddesses who have great body confidence, but, for most of us mortals, it's intimidating enough to make us want to grab something--anything--to cover up. Even Angie, in her bathing suit post a few years back, admitted to feeling hesitant over the exposure despite how gorgeous she looked in her choices.</p> <p>A bathing suit that makes you "locked and loaded" in a great color which flatters your shape is a rare and wonderful creature--priceless, in other words! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990127 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:31:27 +0000 lyn* 990127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is a manufacturer's issue - there is not much demand, so it's hard to keep up with the supply in terms of storage space and displays - while the trends change very quickly, they may never sell that $300 bikini.</p> <p>I found it hard to find a swimsuit with appropriate coverage as well - I ended up buying a string bikini which is FINE but it is definitely settling and made me grumpy. I hope yours doesn't make you grumps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990122 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:28:57 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 990122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a really good question - and I think the answer is not about why it's a <u>more</u> worthwhile full-price investment - it's simply supply and demand.&nbsp; &nbsp; Sure, you can go into Target and find racks and racks of swimwear for younger girls or less busty girls, but there simply aren't a lot of quality swimwear manufacturers that offer more select sizing - at least, not without a lot of hunting.</p> <p>I kind of feel that, you can always make more money, but you can't get back lost time.&nbsp; &nbsp; So at some point in a hunt, it becomes worthwhile to pay more money when you have found the right swimsuit, rather than wait for sales and risk coming up empty-handed.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>And you can't substitute anything else for a swimsuit! &nbsp; You can always wear pumps, or sandals, or sneakers instead of boots.&nbsp; &nbsp; You can always wear a wool coat, or a blazer, or a heavy cardigan instead of a leather jacket.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your swimsuit substitute options are:&nbsp; wear underwear or go nekkid.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p>By the way, everything you point out here, about the money one pays for a full-price swimsuit... is exactly how I feel about bridesmaid dresses.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990121 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:28:01 +0000 Mochi 990121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on this because as Janet said, the same goes for bras. And I recently winced as I paid $120 for a bra--one that really did make a huge difference, and will influence the way my entire outfit looks.&nbsp;</p> <p>But it's painful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990113 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:25:21 +0000 Thistle 990113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo everything you have heard.&nbsp; I, myself, am shocked how much I paid for a swimsuit. And I went with a two piece because my pear shape makes it almost impossible to fit both, especially with the support i need.</p> <p>But, I will <b><i>wear </i></b>it and swim with my DD and not think about it again. </p> <p>And yeah, little snippits of spandex in bathing suits are about on pair with the little snippits of lace in bras. Amazing how expensive they can be, but you feel a whole lot better when they work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990107 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:19:16 +0000 Krista 990107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz and LBD, we cross-posted, but you both outlined my conclusions, I think!</p> <p>Suz, I lost track of abc's thread, but your explanation fits perfectly. Thanks!</p> <p>ETA: I think I also needed a little validation that spending that much money for a little extra confidence was okay. Hence my original comment about self-worth. </p> <p>Grumps have been addressed. Thanks </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990104 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:17:07 +0000 Krista 990104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the feedback, everyone!</p> <p>I just wanted to clarify that I'm okay with the investment on the bathing suit. I didn't share this in the original post, but I've purchased this brand before and I've had that swimsuit for almost 6 years. The brand is worth its weight in gold, as painful as it is to pay almost $300 for less than 2 metres of spandex!</p> <p>I think my initial question is wrong so I apologize for the confusion - I think I was trying to battle out why the bathing suit is a MORE worthwhile full-price investment than a pair of tall boots or a leather jacket (in my mind, at least). I think the "vulnerability" and "confidence" factor that some of you have alluded to is the key, I just couldn't put my finger on it. There is less at stake when one wears a leather jacket or tall boots - some confidence is required, but let's face it, not as much as running around half naked in public. </p> <p>Not that I plan on running around half-naked in public. Let's be clear about that. :)</p> <p>A - I purchased the suit at a local boutique here in Ottawa. Are you close by? It's worth a visit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990091 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:09:38 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 990091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is nothing I can say here, that everyone hasn't put more concisely and elegantly!&nbsp; But I agree with the consensus - nothing can make or break your self-esteem quite like a swimsuit.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; If you found one that makes you feel great, then I am thrilled for you!&nbsp; :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990081 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:59:39 +0000 Suz 990081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krista, I am glad you found a good suit. And I commiserate about the price. It does seem ridiculous, in a way. But Declawed makes a great point -- you are really investing in confidence, and in a suit you are vulnerable, so confidence matters. (I guess the manufacturers have us, there!)&nbsp;</p> <p>Someone in ABC's thread the other day spoke about it as analogous to "occasion wear." And that helped me make sense of it. Yes, we grumble about paying an arm and a leg for a dress that we will maybe wear twice a year (if that) but nonetheless, we do need the dress, and nothing else will do, and not having it causes enormous stress. The cost of the bathing suit was high, but the emotional cost of not having one or having a substandard one is a lot higher. And so is the cost of scrambling around trying to find one at the last minute next time you are invited to a swim occasion.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990075 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:50:52 +0000 donnat 990075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am exactly the same. A flattering swimsuit is worth its weight in gold. If you have to parade around half nekkid, any little bit of help you can get to raise the confidence level is totally worth the investment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990035 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:13:59 +0000 Anonymous 990035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>exactly what DJ said, worth the cost to be confident....another peeve of mine, despite the cost, they do not hold up well to the chlorine and sun</p> <p>and as a fellow Canadian who is busty, can I ask where you bought it? I am happy with my bottoms but the top of my suit bought last year at the Bay, for a fair bit too, is already losing its elasticity and is droopy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990028 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:02:14 +0000 amiable 990028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes - you hit my hot button too - so little fabric! &nbsp;Why must it cost an arm and a leg? &nbsp;You remind me that I want to invest in the right tools to make perfectly fitting&nbsp;swimsuits and bras for myself.</p> <p>Sorry I'm not any help - just commiserating - the price bugs me too. &nbsp;Of course the confidence is worth it. &nbsp;But still. &nbsp;I think you're right to be irked. &nbsp;Love the suggestion to rinse out the chlorine - I hadn't thought of that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990024 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:57:41 +0000 Glory 990024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree they are so overpriced. I am thrilled though that you found one that fits well and makes you feel great for your upcoming vacation. I think that is so key. And - rinse the chlorine after each use and the suit should last for several years. So it has great staying power! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990023 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:57:15 +0000 Anonymous 990023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is irksome, but I think it is a worthwhile investment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990011 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:37:48 +0000 Janet 990011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with DJ! She put it very well.</p> <p>I also find swimsuit prices ridiculous, but when I realized how much better the pricier bras are, I found it easier to accept that some of that engineering has gone into cup-sized swimsuits as well. </p> <p>I am more demanding of my swimwear since I swim nearly every day for at least three months out of the year (and I think I'm about to make it a more year-round practice, alternating with my running), but even when I'm buying a vacation bikini, I'm willing to pay a lot for the right suit because of the vulnerability factor DJ mentions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990009 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:29:22 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 990009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krista, as hard as it is to find&nbsp;the perfect&nbsp;boots or a leather jacket, finding the perfect swimsuit&nbsp;is so much harder! In my view, I feel rather vulnerable when I have to be in a swimsuit, so if I find one that flatters and helps me feel secure and confident, it's worth its weight in gold! How is that for a rationale? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-grumps-of-a-different-kind#post-990006 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:22:19 +0000 Krista 990006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yesterday I purchased a new swimsuit as we are going on vacation next week and I wanted to add to my swimsuit capsule. For context, I choose to buy my swim suits in a specialty store because I'm chesty and I cannot stand having my chest flopping all over the place in a bathing suit with no support. It's just too uncomfortable. So I knew, going in, that this was going to be a spendy purchase because I have to pay for the support I need.</p> <p>I ultimately found a great suit that gives good coverage of my apple tendencies that also locks and loads the girls (my husband will probably say too much coverage, but oh well). It's a great colour and I know I will feel as confident as one can feel in a bathing suit in a public place! The brand is Miraclesuit, so it kind of infers confidence right off the bat! :)</p> <p>What's making me grumpy is that the price I paid for the swimsuit, which I can afford despite its expense, is more than I paid for my Danier leather jacket back in the Spring. More than what I would consider paying for a pair of tall boots for the fall - as in, I would wait until the boots were on sale because I would have angst about paying full price for them. Yet I paid full price, no questions asked, for a great swimsuit. </p> <p>I don't think this is a CPW issue because I generally don't worry about that with swimsuits (I am Canadian after all and our swimsuit season is short!) I feel this is more of a self-worth issue, but I can't see what it is. If you've made it this far (thank you) - I would appreciate any insights you might have that might make me a little less grumpy. Thanks! </p>