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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

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catgirl

Veteran

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Shopping

52 replies

Latest reply was from sarah

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

ok, I am being complete honest-you look good in this suit and I swear to God that I can't see anything wrong whatsoever. This color is really good on you, too bad you have to return this. I honestly wish that I looked this good. I think you can try something simular-boy shorts and tank top type of deal if you feel uncomfortable in revealing any more skin otherwise I would suggest one piece. I think this style is great on you. Can't say which maker is best because its been a loong time since I even bought one

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh Una honey, I understand how distressing swimsuit woes can be.

But I swear, I cannot see anything disproportionate about you in these photos. I think you look awesome.

I'm wondering if a swimsuit with more substantial straps and sized with bra sizing might help you feel better. I found that helped me a lot.

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks, Janet. This is bra-sized. It''s the twistini tankini from Athleta. I don't know why it has to be cut so low - I think it's for a longer torso than mine (add that to the woe list!). And I don't want to look frumpy in some granny top. If you've seen anything that you think would work, please let me know!

Vix

Veteran

You fit thing you! Hate the suit -- especially since the cups are too small -- not the bod.

Right game, wrong ballpark.

Don't recall your band/cup size but check out Lands End for lower-priced and figleaves etc for the pricier Freya, Panache, Fantasie etc. Read reviews as some run smaller than typical bra size.

You have got to have support + you will probably desire more coverage up top given your preferences and your activity level!

[I can do slightly skimpier, always underwired tops because I slap a rashguard on top. ;)]

Also keep in mind you may want to tone in with the low-slung boy shorts vs having such a stark color contrast. It will keep the eye moving.

x post -- see you say the purple suit is bra-sized...but is it the RIGHT size for you? Cups look smallll.

rae

(website)

Veteran

This suit looks *great* on you! Honestly, I think you may have been looking at it for too long so that your critical eye is in overdrive, because it's super cute. The halter and V-neck really do draw attention away from the shoulders, and the bright, high-contrast bottoms balance you out perfectly. It's too bad that the top is poorly made, but I'm sure you can find another brand that makes a dark-colored halter with a plunging neckline.

http://www.6pm.com/tommy-baham.....ntrol-teal

http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....038;sku_0=::RPU&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-DEEPLINK-_-TXT-_-xxxx&af_id=linkshare

http://www.eddiebauer.com/cata.....581k108283

http://www.eddiebauer.com/cata.....581k108283

merwoman

Veteran

I'm joining the chorus - feel your pain, but can't see the source. I think the colour is wonderful on you - and all I see is a beautiful healthy woman with a suit that matches her vibrant personality.

catgirl

Veteran

Vix, this is the right cup size - I sized up one frrom my normal bra size, and they are actually baggy on the sides. Whether they are the right shape is a different matter. I wish they would just make bras in swimsuit material. I have tried Freya and Fantasie but haven't found anything made to be active and actually swim/surf/paddle as opposed to sitting in a lounge chair. It's like they assume women with boobs are not active enough or something.

I try to do the opposite of what is recommended to minimize hips - I wear brights on the bottom and dark on top. But you could be right about minimizing contrast.

Will check out your other links! This is not really a halter - I can't stand having something tied around the back of my neck pulling. So I need either regular or crossed straps. Off to check Title 9 also...

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well FWIW, I think you look STUNNING! I really don't notice any shoulder or boob disproportion here at all. I think Rae has some fab suggestions/links.

Mochi

Veteran

Oh, Una. Body dysmorphia is so embedded in our culture. But you knew that. I feel that you have a very proportionate, slim, youthful, athletic body, and not only that, you are toned and healthy, with glowing skin and killer legs. This isn't helpful (unlike the above suggestions--do not go to me for helpfulness). But. I sort of figure that liking oneself in a swimsuit is almost a lost cause, and if I can allow myself to not expect to look good, I can get out and not let it get to me TOO much. And you are 1000% fitter than me, and probably scads of women out there. I hope you continue to get good feedback and suggestions here, and find a way out of feeling down.

Vix

Veteran

Uh-oh...sorry to say I don't see how "baggy at the sides" is going to improve when wet. You are a small band/larger cup woman, and you KNOW that's a PITA.

Figleaves' house line has some performance tankinis (nonunderwire) -- this one seems rather you and has a few reviews (all good):

http://www.figleaves.com/us/pr.....lour=Black

This one may induce print hatred (I like it) but if you're open to underwire it looks to cut across fairly high + straps adjust:

http://www.figleaves.com/us/pr.....olour=Reds

I have to say my Freya and Panache tops and their contents seem to stay in place when I'm swimming etc, but they are often under that rash guard and I'm not bending over much. My Lands End straight-across number is the one I pull out for that and/or more modesty-desiring occasions.

FWIW I have never had luck with any Title 9 suit or even top (bras, yes). To me they do the opposite of what you've experienced with Freya -- they assume active women have smaller bosoms....

Frustrating, I know.

Anonymous

You have a lovely strong looking body, and I feel you on the frustration of finding a suit that allows one to be active and feel comfortable that one isn't going to have a massive wardrobe malfunction.

I hear you on the evilness of halter straps around the neck. I have had success with Nike tankinis, but I am a scant A-cup so I am out of my depth as it were on judging the structural integrity of swim tops.

How about something like this? (I have no idea what your cup size is but there are other sizes on the site)

http://www.cyberswim.com/produ.....upSwimwear

Parsley

Veteran

Una,
Even if you don't feel perfect in this suit you *look* like a million dollars!
Truly, you look absolutely GORGEOUS.
I don't think it looks too low cut at all, but if you feel too exposed then you need to find one you feel more comfortable in. Maybe thicker straps would help you feel more supported and covered. I think something athletic-looking will help avoid the frump factor.

But Jeez Louise, you look way too fantastic to possibly want to indulge in body-bashing. You look fit and bronze and absolutely stunning!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I love your shoulders in this style, Una! The halter really makes them look strong and shapely. I think you look great! But the quality issue is SO annoying. I definitely feel you there. Send it back and see if you can find something else. I really love a halter swim top style on you.

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks, ladies. I just need a few deep breaths. I don't know what it is about swimsuits - maybe it's that they are inherently so much like lingerie and I feel awkward enough in them already. KWIM? For cripes sake, I'm FORTY-SIX - I don't want to flaunt it all everywhere!

Vix, your links are really helpful. Frankly I don't even care about color and pattern at this point - I just want to feel like I can do what I want.

Rae, I went to Land's End and ordered 4 swimsuits with their sale codes. If they don't get here in time, I'm having DH ship them to NY. Because that's the kind of crazy wife I am.

Anyone else with suggestions or success stories, please chime in! 32DD can't be THAT unusual of a size!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Una, I'm a 32DD too! And I have broad shoulders. We might be "top half" body twins.

catgirl

Veteran

Ana, are you really? You look so lovely and delicate compared to me. I will have to go back and check out your outfit pix.

Yay for having a gorgeous twin!

AJ

Veteran

Una, each year I have bathing suit woes. This year for an amusement park day that also has a waterpark, I decided on this:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-park-gear

I think this tankini top is cute and it would go with your yellow shorts:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/se.....sultback=0

Read the reviews about sizing.

Anonymous

Wow, I think you look great!!!

Hmmm, these aren't the cutest suits in the world, but the Freya Active line might work:

http://www.freyalingerie.com/active/swim.aspx

Sylvie

Veteran

1) You are gorgeous and have an enviable figure.
2) Are you opposed to a 1 piece swimsuit? I have a one piece by Speedo, meant for recreational swimming. If I were going to be doing something active, I'd wear it alone or with a pair of mesh/lightweight shorts on top.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Una, I'm 32DD too and have broadish shoulders, but I'm nowhere near as toned as you. Flabby me would kill to have your bod! You look great in the swimsuit! I honestly don't see anything wrong with it. Maybe something with thicker straps might feel more proportionate to your shoulders?

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Aww, thank you Una! Don't sell yourself short, though. I am lucky to be your twin!

Diana

Veteran

Una, I have no suggestions for suits but I just wanted to say that you look AMAZING, lady!

ManidipaM

Veteran

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).

Kate

Veteran

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):

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la.....sultback=0

cciele

Veteran

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

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

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.

Jjsloane

Veteran

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.

transition

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!

marianna

Veteran

You have a gorgeous figure and look fabulous in that suit! Honestly.

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