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Swimsuit woes

Astrid

Veteran

I have an indoor swimming pool practically on my doorstep and I want to take up swimming as an exercise again. I don't have an appropriate swimsuit since I last used to swim five years ago, I was a lot thinner then. My problem is that my search for a swimsuit has been very frustrating so far. I'm a pear and all swimsuits I've tried didn't have enough rear coverage for me to feel comfortable in them when they did fit on top. Sizing up generally results in no support on top because I have small breasts. Normally I'd just wear a bikini or tankini to work around that problem, but I feel like I need a one-piece (sports) swimsuit for exercising.

It would be great if you had some recommendations for brands or even better specific models. Or do I just have to compromise on the look?

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Have you looked at Athleta or Title Nine? I've never tried their suits, but they offer separate sizing for tankini tops and bottoms, and their suits are cute and appear to be made for activity, not just lounging poolside.

Glory

Veteran

I agree on the one pc for working out in the pool. Sports stores here sell a multitude of these types but of course they must be tried on. I am posting a few pics to show you what I was thinking. This type of suit is what you would see here for training. Some excellent brands include: Speedo, Nike but my fave is TYR for fit and longevity since that brand doesn't disintegrate as quickly.
Also, there is a store locally that makes custom bathing suits. I am not sure if you have access to a store like that but it is a super option.

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Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Janet. I haven't looked at either of those yet. I'm not sure about Title Nine, but I think Athleta might be available here.

Thanks Glory. I agree, I really want a one piece. I did have a Nike one the last time, one of those racerback ones. Speedo is definitely available here too. I don't know TYR, I'm going to look it up. I've already tried some similar to the ones you linked to in a departement store, but they didn't work out. The biggest problem is that the legs are cut too high and there isn't enough fabric to cover my rear. Also sizing up often results in the suit being too loose on the bottom without getting more rear coverage.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think you might have to go with two pieces, Astrid -- or with a one piece and added swim shorts or skirt? It will drag, of course, which would compromise speed, but at least it would offer you the coverage you want. Sympathies. Swimsuit shopping is awful at the best of times and even worse when you have actual sport requirements!

Fruitful

Veteran

I've only ever had success with 2 pieces. And I've religiously stuck to generous boy-leg shorts for the bottom half. Good luck!

Diana

Veteran

I don't swim for exercise (wish I had access to a pool so I could though!) but if I did I would go for, as Suz suggests, a two piece athletic suit, the kind that's built like a sports bra on top. I have the same problem as you with bathing suits so I almost always go with two pieces.

Like this maybe:
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=224337002

Anonymous

Astrid, I completely hear you. I have the same challenges. In my experience, a one-piece is not essential for lap swimming. I wear tankinis for sport swimming. As long as the top is long enough, it's fine. More comfortable, and you essentially get the same effect as a one-piece. My sister, also a pear, wears a sporty bikini by Athena and likes that even better than a tankini.

My favorite sources for sporty swimwear are Athleta and Title 9. The brand Athena (look for it on Zappos) also has a few styles that may work.

I like Athleta's Dragonfly series for lap swimming. The racerback doesn't slip and you can mix and match patterns and solids to your heart's content. I wish I could remember which style of bottoms I ended up with.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....?cid=91702

The space dye looks fun, too.

Athleta's Dive In collection is specifically for lap swimming, but I've never tried it. I bet the Ready to Run tops would work well, too, and those come in solids and prints.

If you order anything from Athleta, don't be afraid to try tons of sizes and return what doesn't work. Their sizing seems to change a bit from year to year. This year, I've had to size up more than usual.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm with those who have suggested looking at a two piece with a swim short bottom. It will give you the coverage you seek, be comfortable for a lot of movement and there are a lot of cute ones available these days.

Diana

Veteran

Stacey, I love so many of those Athleta bikinis you linked! I am not in the market for a new bikini (the one I have is fine, and doesn't get used much these days, sadly) but now I really want one of these!

Neelie

Veteran

I swim for exercise 3 times per week. It is hard to find a good fitting one piece! 2 pieces don't work for laps, esp. tankinis, as the top flaps up when you go fast.

I have had luck with brands that come in a "long" size. I am also small on top, the long fit gives me coverage at the bottom without riding up. TYR and Speedo both make Longs, as does Roots, but the Roots suits don't last as long in the chlorine.

Remember to rinse out the suit after each swim on cold water,, it'll last longer.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Suz. I don't have a problem if it compromises speed a bit, I just swim for myself after all. But I want something that fits and doesn't shift. I want to stop thinking about it after I've put it on. You're probably right that going for two pieces might be the only solution after all. Although tankinis aren't that easy either because they often ride up on me.

Thanks Fruitful. The tankini I was wearing on recent vacations has boy- leg shorts too. Not very flattering, but at least I feel covered.

Thanks Diana. I do like the look of the one you linked to. I'd definitely want the sports bra build on top and crossing straps.

Thanks Stacey. I don't think I want to wear a bikini, so I'd need to find a sport tankini that is long enough and fits right. I looked up Athleta and they do ship internationally, but I don't think I want to bother with all that for swimwear. Too bad!

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Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Shannon!

Thanks Neelie! That's why I thought about getting a one piece initially. Thanks for the tip about the long sizes. I've looked up TYR and three are available on Amazon, but not in long sizes. Speedo has their own German online shop, I'm going to look there now.

ETA
Seems like they don't carry the long sizes... Sometimes I hate the limited range that's available here.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I buy Athleta suits pretty often. Sometimes I have to order a couple of sizes to see what works best but overall I find they have a decent selection with fuller bottom coverage. Bareneccessities might be another option. I saw a swimsuit that was optionally worn as a swim dress that would give a lot of coverage, but I haven't tried it.

Athleta has mix/match options if you choose to go with tankini style you can go with the swim short bottom or just a full coverage bottom.

Barenecessities has an intriguing swim dress option:
http://www.barenecessities.com.....m?pf_id=Ma

Anonymous

How about a swim unitard, Astrid? Something like these. If you do an internet search you can probably find one in your country.

http://www.swimoutlet.com/Wome....._s/219.htm

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Texstyle. I do like the look of the one you linked to, it looks fun - but it's much to fussy for my needs. It would be a nice option for the beach though!

Thanks Alicat. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable wearing one of those. I don't think I've ever seen anyone wear them here outside of competitive athletes.

I think I'm going to go to another departement store tomorrow after work and have a look before I try ordering something online.