Lagniappe USA; 2&thru! Esprit Next; H&M doesn’t Flatter; Reprise/updated with pix; bikinis - YouLookFab Forum

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Lagniappe USA; 2&thru! Esprit Next; H&M doesn’t Flatter; Reprise/updated with pix; bikinis

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

It’s almost safe to go back in the water. I am so excited! I’m shopping for swimsuits now. I’ve got workout suits for serious swimming, of course. Now I’m looking for something to wear while lounging around with a drink, tossing a football or hitting a volleyball, maybe going in the waves or hot tub.

I admire the way women in Germany—and I think all of Europe (correct me if I’m wrong) wear bikinis. That isn’t done where I’m from. I’m even more behind, because I didn’t wear them as a teen, although I did have a few 2-piece suits where the top was basically a sports bra when I was in my 20s. Women I see at pools and beaches here aren’t wearing the stolid numbers I’m accustomed to from home, with high-waisted girdles, straight-across legs, and skirted bottoms. They have legit bikinis on, and seem very knowledgeable about the cuts that fit their figures. I don’t just mean perfect physical specimens either. Women who are a bit overweight (I gave up looking for an appropriate “cute” descriptor because I don’t want to offend) also wear bikinis here—and they look great in them!

Where does an Yankee abroad begin to find a bikini that will work well for me? I have a little bit of a tummy, my butt is flatter than I’d like, but otherwise I’m in decent shape. What are the “figure flattery” rules for bikinis, and what sites can help me find one(s) I like on me?

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Shopping

132 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

rachylou

Veteran

You don’t want to get a suit in Florida? I mean, that’s gotta be the world center for bathing suits. That’s what me and my friend did many years ago... did a girls trip to Florida and waited to buy suits there. One of the best I ever owned, I might add.

I don’t like bikinis, I look far superior in a one-piece, but my best two-piece look is traditional bikini cut with my short waist. I really wanted boy shorts, but they look so bad on me.

Joy

Veteran

Find a good SA and put the challenge out there. She has probably dressed all sorts of figures in bikinis and should know the merchandise and be able to help you find something that looks good. Just don’t expect to look like a 16 year old.

Helena

Veteran

I agree with Joy that good sales assistant will be able to help best. For myself with any bathing suit I just try to make sure it doesn't cut in anywhere ... I'm ok with my lumps and bumps but I don't need to add more

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Rachylou, omg do boy shorts look awful on me! You can say what you want about the modesty, but they are simply horrid. Underpants in that cut are very very bad on me too. I don’t know where I’d go in Florida to get the bikini-for-adults expertise that SAs around here apparently have.

Joy, these women look their age, not like teens, and not like they wandered into the juniors dept by mistake. And they look damn good.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Helena, “don’t need to add more” lol.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Right now, German stores are opening by appointment only. That started today. I don’t think they’ll have many bikinis in stock. Florida stores will have bikinis and every other kind of swimsuit, but then I don’t get this knowledge about what works on what body.

Did I already post this here? It has been cracking my sister and me up. The key pocket is in the hair tie, because it’s the only piece with enough fabric. My sister’s comment was “oh, the waxing!!” To say it’s not what I want is to use understatement on overdrive.

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cat2

Veteran

FI, will you be in Miami Beach? There are resortwear stores there that are for adults, not teens.

N

What perfect timing, I watched this video last week. I really like this lady, she is a designer.

https://youtu.be/2C2fI5baPm8?l.....XaLTYk44lU

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Cat2, we will be in Tampa. I could go to Everything But Water, but then expect I’d get the standard American steering

cat2

Veteran

Yeah, not what I had in mind!

anchie

Veteran

I don’t have a high expectations for getting the help from SA. It is just a question of lot of trials and errors until you get it right.

LaPed

Veteran

I think it’s a lot easier to get a good fit with a two-piece because you don’t have to buy the same size top and bottom, and you can mix and match styles to suit your shape. Thinking about what styles of lingerie look best in terms of rise, leg cut, coverage, etc. can be a good place to start.

I have no clue about Euro brands, but it does seem like there are lots of cute belted high-rise bikinis out there right now, sort of a vintage 50s/60s flavor. In the US, one-pieces have been trending for a while, even among the younger crowd (Baywatch throwback vibes?), but I find them so hard to fit I haven’t bothered trying one.

For tops, I’m pretty devoted to racerback and cross-back styles, whether skinny straps or wider, because they stay put during any activity.

cat2

Veteran

What about hopping on Farfetch, which pulls together high end brands? They have Ères, etc., so you can see which brands have the look you want.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

La Ped, I’ve been lusting after these for at least 2 years now, but really can’t justify the price.

N, yes! That’s exactly the kind of info I was hoping for. I haven’t started on the links she provides, but she is really good. She gives clear reasoning for every piece and detail. I don’t think I’m going to get exactly any of those suits, but i have a much better idea of what to look for/avoid. I might even be able parse options on far fetch.

Cat2, we will also be in Naples, which has plenty of places to throw your money, but by then I’d like to be done with chores, including shopping for a suit.

Anchie, how do you figure out which to try?

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unfrumped

Veteran

Well, I get that a problem shopping in FL might be that you don’t actually have time to do that right off the bat, or know the stores. Though your family might be the tourguides there. Also resort stores only have so much inventory. But if there’s no inventory at all where you are now( including difference in when swimsuit season starts) you may have limited options.
You can try looking for examples online, “ swimsuit body guidelines “ and such, ( like articles on “the perfect jeans for you!”). But usually those types of guides are dressing 3-4 very different, almost archetypal body types. In reality, the nuances of shape, styles of suits, and just personal preferences, to me make external guidelines tough. But, in a store full of suits, then yes, a good SA might be able to point you toward more likely items. Lately, my encounters with SAs here have not found as much knowledge of the merchandise.
If any stores at all have suits, then I’d try some on to get ideas- like you already know you don’t want boy shorts. Maybe figure out if you’ll do better with top- bottom separate sizing, or can get good fit in sets. Might discover types of tops you like/ hate, ties, etc. Things like higher waists seem to be in style but don’t have to be done as mom- panties, so keep an open mind. I have been surprised at how some feature I thought I liked or needed was all wrong or vice versa.
If you’re able to narrow it down some, can you order a couple of things online? Most allow swimsuit returns.
I think swimsuits are hard and so, have found it harder to get one right when I want one- kind of a HEWI. That’s not to discourage you, but to note that some of these other ladies may have hunted for awhile. If you can’t find a bikini that you like before your trip, then take your existing suit(s), fly over the pond and
do see what’s there. I would treat a good swimsuit as an investment- not $$- wise per se, but not get just anything-bikini to wear for a couple of days. Hope you will come across one that feels right.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks unfrumped. Those online guides are the kind of thing I’m looking for—but I only want the good ones. “Mom panties” made me lol; Are the Andrea Iyamah suits I posted are good examples of the newer high waists you’re talking about? We lived in Tampa for years, so I know the stores there & in Clearwater, just don’t want to take the time. I’d much rather order some online. But I really don’t know anything about them, so need good sites to learn from first before ordering.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m going to recommend a designer: take a look at Bleu by Rod Beattie. Everything But Water carries them. Definitely cuts that suit an adult woman, with enough coverage, etc. I have a favorite suit by them that has served me well for beach vacations for years. There are some styles that have a bit of a slightly sporty vibe, which I think you may enjoy. Tommy Bahama does some good ones too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I second Janet's suggestion of Bleu by Rod Beattie.

I'm going to suggest sustainable and ethical Boden. Their modern retro items are wearable, more covered, supportive, and flattering. You can purchase bikini tops and bottoms separately to get the match that suits you, AND the tops come in bra sizes (creates a better fit on my bust). I have this one - navy polka dots - and feel very good in it.

Alacati Cup-Size Bikini Top

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Mix & Match Bikini Shorts

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am looking at these for a second option:

Kythira Cupsize Bikini Top

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Kythira Belted Bikini Bottoms

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Kythira Belted Bikini Bottoms

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Kythira Belted Bikini Bottoms

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Kythira Cupsize Bikini Top

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annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Honestly I’d either order online, I like Angie’s choices or make an appointment for a local store visit
Be prepared to comprise, supply chains are still disrupted & I think retailers in general aren’t ordering much stock due to market uncertainties

Anonymous

I'd definitely suggest shopping B&M for bikinis, but comparing them to shapes you like in underwear is good too.

If you can't shop in person, getting several mix and match pieces is a good idea to try different shape combos. Athleta has some, not sure if you can get from there though.

DonnaF

Veteran

I need plenty of support and am a weird size so I would probably order from a bra maker like Panache since Biden bands are probably too big for me — but I would still try. I haven’t bought a swimsuit in probably 40 years btw.

Runcarla

Veteran

Try Lands’ End. US based. Mix and match for custom capsule. Get a matching swim T for sun protection.

https://www.landsend.com/shop/.....hd-y9h-xec

You can order and have delivered to your family’s address.

Sloper

Veteran

I'm sorry that I don't have a specific how-to article or video to point you to.

In addition to Runcarla's recommendation, I'd suggest Athleta for "grown-up" mix and match styles. Athleta is part of The Gap group of brands.

Joy

Veteran

Maybe the ladies you see who look so good bought their suits on the French Riviera.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Angie, when you got that suit, my thought was that you’ve got that European knack. Any additional coverage it has is added very precisely to the spots where it is needed, so it doesn’t wind up looking like a “mom suit”.

Joy, maybe some of them did. But I don’t think that many people go to the Riviera. Think it’s more of the general European sizing thing. Things are often smaller, but don’t feel too small because they must be measured more carefully to a human body. Not talking clothes now—that’s just our general observation about cars, doctors’ offices, whatever. Very different from my Wisconsin roots where the impulse is always to be a bit more “generous”.

Carla, im familiar with Lands End and where they are based. In my original post, I was trying to articulate that I’d like to move away from that US approach. But thanks anyway.

Janet, so you think I should give that store another try, eh? I’ll admit I haven’t paid much attention to it. My comments here are just general observations about US vs German beaches & pools.

Thanks, everyone, for the comments and advice. Most of my swimsuits when my son was growing were Title 9, Patagonia, that sort of things. Very good for moving around in, didn’t look half bad. Tbh, I’m a little apprehensive that going to fashion swimsuits will have the same result as my recent experiment going from athletic shoes to fashion sneakers. I just remembered that I did try one once before, in my early 30s. While playing catch with his sons and me, my brother in law came up with a hand signal that meant “stick your nipple back in your triangle top”. I do want to play catch with my son, but want the attention to be on my spiral, not my failing fashion.

anchie

Veteran

Try Esprit, I always had good luck with their bikinis, good quality for the price and variety of cuts. There is still plenty of stock from last year on sale, and currently there is 30% off everything, kode here is tulip not sure if it works in Germany.
I am tempted myself, havent bought new bikini in years and all of mine are too big now.

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Sal

Veteran

I know what you mean about European bikini. I think that it is a body positive movement and maybe because of that, the designs are a bit more realistically cut?

But sorry I don't know how to recommend shopping for one.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Sal, thank you so much for the confirmation of what I’m seeing.

Cat2, I wish I’d have time to get to Miami! I think the Latin approach to bodies there is closer to what I’m after than anything in Tampa, which is really very Mkdwestern or Bonita, which is Midwestern with money.

Anchie, I’ll have to check them out. I’m hearing some of the ideas from N’s video as I look at your examples—thanks for showing so many—so I’ll parse them a bit more carefully with the links she gives.

I might look for a bandeau top, because the horizontal line can make my top look bigger—surely a positive as my cup size is too small for some of the makers that do bra sizing. RN I’m trying to figure out the difference that various attachment points for a (removable) strap make. I’m seriously considering giving the star-spangled suit above a try.

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