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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: * https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 06:57:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php sarah on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667344 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:21:08 +0000 sarah 667344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just another 32DD *waving* at you, Ana, and Christie! I think you look terrific in that suit, but I know how hard it is to look at oneself in a suit and feel good. I don't know if you're interested at all, but I bought a couple of the Garnet Hill basic maillots in size 4, and they work pretty well (and are on sale). I can swim (as in really swim) in them, and they're not that bad looking either. <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/garnet-hill-signature-maillot-swimsuit/womens-fashion/swimwear-collection/one-piece-swimsuits/121429?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.garnethill.com/garn.....istIndex=1</a> Good luck! christy on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667330 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:01:02 +0000 christy 667330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another 32DD chiming in... #1: you look AMAZING. You are so fit and have such a strong, healthy, beautiful body!!! #2: I'm so sorry you're having so much trouble. Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions because I bought the same style Athleta tankini top as well as the bikini top, bottoms and swim skirt. It was the one suit that worked best for me when I wanted to be out in the water swimming and snorkeling. It actually stayed in place. Maybe this particular top is defective and worth trying a different one? I've found the Athleta pieces I've purchased have mostly been good quality. #3: I had a swimsuit revelation a while back. I'm an apple with a poochy tummy that did NOT improve with having a baby. I was convinced that I should cover up my tummy by wearing high waisted swimsuits. One day, on a lark, I tried on a much skimpier suit bottom than I would normally have tried on. And realized that a lower cut actually drew the eye DOWN rather than RIGHT AT the tummy I was trying to cover. Much more flattering. I'm not saying buy a skimpy suit, but what was the "ah-ha" for me was realizing that I shouldn't get caught up in covering up my "trouble spots" which freed me up to try on all kinds of styles I wouldn't normally have tried until I started to figure out what *does* work. In any case, I think it's obvious that most of us (if not all!) feel your pain with the dreaded swimsuit. I wish you the best in your endeavor and, most of all, want you to remember that it's not your amazing, strong, fabulous body that's the problem. Good luck!!! Aida on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667284 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 01:58:09 +0000 Aida 667284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What IK said! I needed to buy a swimsuit (or two) at the end of last summer. I have still not done this, and here we have summer again. With boat and camping trips planned. Sending my commiserations -_- (But also what IK said ) catgirl on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667067 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:36:52 +0000 catgirl 667067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rae, thanks! That cut (with the cut-in shoulders and high neck) is actually generally good for me too. It makes it hard to put in support, but I could do a bikini top underneath. It's too late for this trip (I leave Tuesday) but I am bookmarking away! rae on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667065 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:33:39 +0000 rae 667065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The closest I could find. <a href="http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/36588.htm?color=35254" rel="nofollow">http://www.swimoutlet.com/prod.....olor=35254</a> Clearly, our UWP line must have a swimwear collection. Anonymous on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667020 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:56:58 +0000 Anonymous 667020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, I wore a sports bra under a tank top, and swim trunks when I spent a summer doing fieldwork on an island in Greece. I swam every day in the ocean, and it held up just fine. catgirl on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667016 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:54:28 +0000 catgirl 667016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rae, I would love that. I can't tell you how many times I've considered designing swimsuits. I can't believe I'm the only one looking for what I want in a swimsuit. And the triathlete suits like Speedo all assume you just want to be squished flat (which I guess I would for a triathalon) or have nothing to squish. I wonder if I could just get away with a sports bra? Or would it disintegrate? rae on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-667013 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:52:08 +0000 rae 667013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You had me reading up on swim suit theory, and one thing that stood out for ITs was to keep the bottoms bigger and brighter than the top - so the boy shorts/board shorts sound great to me. I wonder if they make rash guards with cutaway sleeves and a racerback? catgirl on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666996 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:40:58 +0000 catgirl 666996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You all are way too kind. I am nearly in tears (and as you know, UWPs don't cry easily). I am thinking board shorts and a rash guard is the way to go, or a sports bra style of top. I am not entirely committed to tankinis but I do prefer to cover my belly; These swim shorts actually do a great job of that and I wore them with a bikini top in Hawai'i, but it did not work for body-surfing when I would have to retuck the girls after every wave. I really appreciate all the kind words and the links. I am not giving up. I spend so little time in a swimsuit too - that's another factor. I'm just not used to having to be so exposed! Meredith1953 on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666934 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:35:05 +0000 Meredith1953 666934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AG, You have an utterly awesome figure! Such strong shoulders and enviable cleavage with long strong athletic legs! AND you have a gorgeous tan! I really think you can wear any suit you want! You may not love this swimsuit as much as another you will find but I think it is beautiful on you! that color of top on you is spectacular. Believe me, people would kill to have such a buff fab body as yours! Heather on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666924 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:11:57 +0000 Heather 666924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Send the POS suit back. *YOU*, friend, are GORGEOUS and AMAZING. Mochi on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666872 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:08:12 +0000 Mochi 666872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, a sporty, athletic one-piece. Those Olympic swimmers show off their defined shoulders so well in this type of suit. Una, you have the athlete's body to rock this look! Kate on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666871 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:03:15 +0000 Kate 666871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, chiming back in to say that I agree with CocoLion about looking for a regular suit bottom. You need to flaunt your best assets, not hide them, and your legs are one of your assets. You really don't need shorts and a tankini; I think you'd look spectacular in a one-piece suit. JR on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666843 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:29:48 +0000 JR 666843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly, you look great. Just find a better quality top. You don't look disproportionate at all. ironkurtin on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666799 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:50:52 +0000 ironkurtin 666799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AG, I didn't even read the rest of the comments. I'm talking to you as a GF, OK? STFU! You look HOT, girl! Damn! Check those shoulders and awesome cleavage! Don't make me beat you. You look amazing. Aziraphale on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666785 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:35:30 +0000 Aziraphale 666785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FWIW I think you look gorgeous and athletic in your bathing suit. It's true your cleavage is glowing, but I think that's just because of the camera flash on your lovely lustrous skin! ;-) Your breasts are not a big as you think, by the way. You are well-proportioned. As you know I have similar fit issues to you (I'm 5'1", 32D bra, short waist, athletic-looking legs, square shoulders -- we're nearly body twins!) and I have had much bathing suit success with an Australian brand called SeaFolly. I have two bikinis and a tankini made by them, and they all have good bust support. The bikinis tie up with thick stretchy ribbons rather than strings, which makes them very comfortable. rae on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666758 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:58:34 +0000 rae 666758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good luck with the Land's End stuff! I haven't tried them out but read some of the reviews. I would want them shipped to NY, too - my friend there grouses about the heat daily. Vix on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666742 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:42:34 +0000 Vix 666742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming back in to wish you luck with the Lands End order. I hear you on the "color/pattern -- after a certain point, who cares?" but I hope you get one that has the function + form you want! Lucky you to look so good in brights as it's a season full of them. ps When I suggested playing around with lower-contrast suit-to-shorts colors, I wasn't thinking about your hips, more overall torso/leg proportions. I think part of that is due to the tankini top being over the shorts vs tucked and the camera angle. Though you have shapely legs at any angle.... Suz on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666736 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:28:35 +0000 Suz 666736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, no advice - just chiming in to say you look fantastic. Banish that body dysmorphia because it lies, lies, lies!! Jonesy on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666735 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:25:20 +0000 Jonesy 666735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you truly, absolutely look fabulous. Love this color combination, love the boyshorts, love the cut of the top on you. I'm sorry about the cleavage and the quality issues with the top. I have struggled, too, with finding a decent top to go with my boyshorts :). What about a basic tank style, so you get a bit wider strap and less cleavage? Others have offered great links and advice--hope you find something perfect. texstyle on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666734 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:25:18 +0000 texstyle 666734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have to chime in to agree with everyone else - you look so fabulous, the cut of this top is very flattering on you and I love the color. But, if it doesn't feel right, it won't work. I know that feeling too. I've been buying Athleta swimsuits for a while now with pretty good success. Have you tried everythingbutwater? cinnamon fern on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666724 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:18:28 +0000 cinnamon fern 666724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AG, you look fantastic in a bathing suit! Really. But as someone with big full-back-like shoulders - much bigger than yours, young lady - I do understand shoulder obsession. Now for the suit. Are you wedded to the tankini? I think bikinis are a lot more comfortable and easier to buy. Plus more fabric does not always equal more flattering. I have this bikini top, which I absolutely love: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/body-glove-smoothies-solo-top-d-dd-e-cup-lady-bug" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/body-glo.....p-lady-bug</a> The design of the straps in back is great. I'm a 32D and I've worn it with board shorts rafting and to play beach volleyball without fear of wardrobe malfunction. teeandcee on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk/page/2#post-666701 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:34:14 +0000 teeandcee 666701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Did you see my letter to swimsuit designers I posted earlier? Did you? Grrrr. Not much to add except...and I know you don't have time for this trip and probably aren't interested......to have a top custom made with a bra made into it. On other women (or you) a top like this doesn't look too exposed but I too would feel far too exposed in it. I totally understand your troubles. marianna on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666675 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:58:55 +0000 marianna 666675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a gorgeous figure and look fabulous in that suit! Honestly. transition on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666614 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:21:36 +0000 transition 666614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You do NOT look 46! You look awesome! I think strong shoulders are a wonderful thing to highlight for swimming, and I agree that the bright shorts do help balance your shoulders as you originally hoped. I would not have guessed you were a DD from the pictures, either. I don't have any advice, but I do hope you can find a top you can be comfortable in that lets you be active. Go, Una! Jjsloane on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666607 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:59:17 +0000 Jjsloane 666607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can mainly compliment and sympathize here. First off I think this looks great on you, but obviously out of your comfort zone for cleavage bearing. (I do not see shoulders, but have my own things only I see and magnify). I have the same problems with swimsuit tops in that I have a 34DDD and they all fit much like this on you and when I'm bending down to pick up my DC I do not want to have a slip and I do not want to bear this much cleavage. I have an older Landsend that is less so (not a vee and a one piece), 2 Athleta tops that are only slightly less plunging (a few years ago and I got the Long Torso for extra belly coverage) and an old J Crew tankini top that is basically a cami and thin fabric that shoes temperature variations. I'll be watching to see what you end up with as I have basically given up for this year (I've had my one beach vacation and will only swim a few more times so not a big deal, but it would be nice to have one go to suit) Have you considered wearing a rashguard over it for coverage? Sporty and cute with the shorts. You can wear a sports bra, bikini top under it. CocoLion on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666590 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:13:21 +0000 CocoLion 666590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know what you're talking about. You have a GREAT figure. Your shoulders and chest are your best feature, not the feature to hide. Really. And your legs. You don't need to wear shorts either. Just go with a regular bottom. cciele on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666575 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:49:43 +0000 cciele 666575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm also of the "you look fit" camp! Too bad that tankini top didn't work out for you -- it looks good. When I do active watersports, I tend to wear a rashguard and board shorts. Have you considered that option? Otherwise, I like the suggestion of a classic one-piece Speedo. And when I just hang out by the pool, I wear a bikini. I am older and less in space than you, but Angie's post about swimsuits and Europeans made me realize that women of all ages and sizes can wear bikinis Kate on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666573 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:26:41 +0000 Kate 666573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, you crack me up (cheaply made POS; glowing cleavage). First of all, you HAVE cleavage. Be very glad (and if It glows, so much the better). I don't have any to speak of, and bathing suits seem to demand it. They certainly look better with some. For once, just once in my life, I'd like to present a fulsome frontal aspect when I hit the beach. Then, you have absolutely killer arms and legs. Dear Lord, woman, you look great. So you have powerful, broad shoulders. Me too. I actually look forward to situations where I don't have to constrain my shoulders in clothes that threaten to give way at the shoulder seams at any moment. Oddly enough, I just bought a bathing suit last weekend at Nordstrom. I needed a suit that could withstand ocean waves, and I knew my cheapie Target suit could not. The first moderate wave action would have that suit down at my knees. Not a vision I could contemplate calmly. I took three suits into the dressing room and came out with a winner. Would this suit look better on a 25-year-old? Hell yes. On a 35- and 45-year-old as well. But it looks okay. And I'm okay with that. And you look way better than okay in yours, Una. BTW, here is the swimsuit I bought (I got the turquoise color--figured if I was going to haul my 56-year-old body onto a public beach I might as well do it in a poke-your-eye-out color): <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la-blanca-ruched-one-piece-swimsuit/3260633?origin=keywordsearch&fashionColor=Seafoam&resultback=0" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la.....sultback=0</a> ManidipaM on "*" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/swimsuit-misery-read-at-your-own-risk#post-666567 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:47:08 +0000 ManidipaM 666567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, oddly enough, the swimsuit actually shows you have a gorgeous, strong, slender body --- even if the darned suit is not quite right for it! Hang in there --- there has to be something out there. I wish I were more help, but my Triumphs and Adidas are one-piece suits --- they do work on my 34F bust and wide shoulders, have sufficient coverage and support for me, but I'm probably not as active as you in the water, since I basically just swim across in straight lines and nothing more :-( Is there such a thing as petite sizing in swimsuits? Una, I wonder if that might be better for you, if it exists --- because I think the cleavage/plunge issue is due to the assumption of a longer torso (this top for instance is a little lower on the hip than ideal probably).