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Fellow pears - any recommendations for bikini bottoms?

Astrid

Veteran

I really needed new swimwear and was searching for something off and on. I was successful two weeks ago, when I tried a bunch of tankinis in a local departement store. It really was a lucky find, because I grabbed that one accidentally with the other ones - the size is so removed from what I would have tried it isn't funny. But it fits and flatters and I feel secure in it. Only the top of course, the matching bottom was so skimpy it wasn't decent on me.

It isn't really urgent that I find new bottoms, because I still have some black shorties I can wear with the top, you can see them in the picture. But they don't look very flattering and I want different ones in the long run.

Do you have any recommendations for bikini bottoms with good coverage? I would also buy a set only for the bottoms, if necessary. Black would be alright, but it would be awesome if they were in a color that went with the top.

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Irene

Veteran

Wow wow wow! At first I was like 'why is she buying a tankini when she's so young and has a tiny waist?????!!!!', but that top is SO beautiful. I don't believe that the bottoms were that skimpy on you, come on, Astrid, you have a beautifulk body! But whatever, I get how you feel and it's extremely important that you comfortable in your own skin, especially if you are showing plenty of it.

I'm not of much help when it comes to bikini bottoms because my problem is in the boob department (weirdest size ever? that would be misstinybackhugeboobs me), but I think the idea of pairing the top with a black solid bottom is a smart one. It goes perfectly with the top, will be extremely easy to find -you'll see- and will sort of 'contrarrest' your pear shape. However, do not go too big either (no boyshorts). From what I've heard, more fabric only makes things appear larger!

PS: I would go for black. I think it will add an edge, providing black suits your skintone, which I don't know.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

You could go for a skirted bottom if you really want more coverage. Also I find there are some fuller coverage bottoms at places like Lands End and Athleta.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Lemonade! I love it too. I understand why you would think I should have bought a bikini instead, but I really feel better in a tankini. And this isn't loose or anything, so you still see my waist. The bottoms that went with it actually were that skimpy, because the top is such a small size. I usually differ at least one size between tops and bottoms. You're right that more fabric just makes things appear larger, that's the reason why the shorts above are so unflattering. I would like some normal bikini briefs to wear with it, but they have to be cut right. I agree that the black looks good with the top, although black isn't the best color on me, because I'm so pale. I don't tan at all.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Texstyle! I don't need as much coverage as a skirted bottom would provide, the problem is just that most normal bottoms aren't cut generous enough. Thanks for the tip to look at Lands End and Athleta, I'll have a look.

Astrid

Veteran

Okay, Lands End has two that I could try.

This one in black or purple:
http://www.landsend.de/Beach-L.....DE,pd.html

They also have this one, but the black, purple or turquoise aren't available at the moment in my size.

http://www.landsend.de/SwimMat.....DE,pd.html

ETA

One in turquoise at Athleta, on sale:
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....pid=818774

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I would try Athleta and Title 9 -- I think they sell tops and bottoms as separates, and offer various styles of top and bottom to mix and match. I've had good success with some brick-and-mortar stores that do the same (Swim'n'Sport, Just Add Water).I'm not sure if there might be one of those kind of stores near you, but they often have pretty good, knowledgable sales associates who can help find a great fit. I almost always need suits with bra sizing (like Lemonade, I have narrow back/big boob fit issues!), so I have the most success in specialty swim shops.

Personally, I don't often care for skirted styles on fuller hipped figures -- I think they sometimes call more attention to the area because of the additional fabric. My eye may be biased, though, because my issue is mainly the low hip/saddlebag area, which is really exaggerated by low leg openings and skirts -- I actually prefer a slightly higher cut leg.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

That turquoise one from Athleta looks like a great possibility...

Shu

I recently picked up some black bikini bottoms from Target that are cut similarly to some of the ones you linked to, Astrid.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Janet! I definitely prefer suits with bra sizing too, but they are almost nowhere available around here, and if they are than they don't have my size most of the time. I have the same problem with bras. The top I bought works surprisingly well, but that was a lucky strike. I agree about the skirted styles being not so flattering. My main problem with the shorts above is that they look like a big black horizontal band over my widest part. I think a slightly higher cut leg would work better, like you said.

Thanks Texstyle, I agree. I'm just not sure I want to chance international ordering. I could order the Lands End ones without paying so much shipping and taxes and even order several sizes because I don't have to pay in advance with Lands End.

Thanks Shu. Good to hear that they might work.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I'm a pear and I found some really cute bottoms in Target clearance for $6. They're the Mossimo black label, full coverage bottom, the sides are not string but are still a skinnier amount of fabric to give a more flattering "v" shape or upward angle on your leg (is this helping at all?! Lol).

I know they come in black but also really pretty jewel tones too (great for pale skin!). Mine are cranberry colored.

I know a link or picture would be more helpful but I'm on my phone currently. :-/

Diana

Veteran

I haven't bought a bikini in ages (mine is like 5 years old but still fits and I rarely have occasion to wear it anyway) so I can't suggest anything specific but one general suggestion is to look for a bottom that ties on the sides. It does not necessarily need to be string ties if you don't want something too skimpy but even a wider bit that ties on the side. I find that those are more adjustable along the sides so they can accomodate a larger bottom/hip. I think you are shaped like me with a bigger bottom/hips but fairly flat stomach so you might have the same fit issue I have, where a lot of underwear and bikini bottoms that are properly sized for the back side are too big in front, and being able to adjust the sides helps to some extent.
I have had luck in the past with Gap styles, possibly because my favorite underwear also comes from Gap so perhaps they are just shaped right for me.

Something like this:
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=736164002

Here is a hipster style which is similar to my favorite Gap underwear:
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=136447002

Happyschinken

I know they often only show skimpy bottoms in their ads, but I've had some luck at H+M when looking for bikini bottoms this year. They offer black bikini bottoms in styles that provide more coverage but still look cute.

You could take a look at their webshop and filter by colour. I took these:
http://www.hm.com/de/product/9.....le=98558-B

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Nicole! Unfortunately we don't have Target here...

Thanks for the tip, Diana. You're right, I have a bigger bottom/hips and a fairly flat stomach. I never thought about trying these bottoms, but they might just work.

Thanks Happyschinken. I was at H&M today, but I didn't found the hipster styles they have online.

Heather

Veteran

Astrid, check out jcrew.com

12E shipping to Germany.

J.Crew suits last and last and are suited for many body types.

Good Luck. Hope you have a fab holiday planned.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Heather, I'll have a look. My next real holiday is probably not until October, but we go often swimming here in the summer. A friend of mine has a garden plot outside the city that's near a big lake.