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The dreaded swimsuit shop

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I've been swimming 3 times this week, and had 2 different wardrobe malfunctions, so I decided it was time to bite the bullet and do the dreaded swimsuit shop in order to replace the saggy baggy swimsuit I'm currently wearing. My current swimsuit is about 4 years old, and well past its prime, and the halter neck style is not designed for lap swimming.

This one isn't pretty, but its functional - has a built-in bra so that I can wear the top whilst jogging to the pool - which I'd love to try to do.

It's a 2 piece - all Speedo onepices feel too short in the body for me, even when sizing up. It's really weird but I had to buy the top 2 sizes bigger than the bottoms just to get a top that was long enough and didn't feel too tight.

I went for the boy leg shorts, although I could have got bikini briefs instead. I don't know which are more flattering but these feel more comfy and expose less leg which I am always self-concious about.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yublocka/4442292732/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yublocka/4441512941/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yublocka/4441512737/

What do you think? Is it too hideous? It definitely shows off all my appley lumps and bumps!!

It feels very weird to post swimsuit pics here, but I figure if I'm going to wear it in public I should be able to post it here. Be kind but honest please hehehe

tam

p.s. I got a swimming cap too (red!) which I'm a bit excited about trying and hoping it works to keep hair away from my face!

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

Queen Mum

Veteran

haha- I have a black speedo 2 piece very similar to that, and a red swim cap- we're swimming twins!

I think that looks fine- for a suit that you're wearing to swim in, you want functionality and comfort.

AJ

Veteran

Tam, you are one BRAVE gal posting a swimsuit pic! Since this is a suit for function rather than fashion, I think it's fine. Wow, you've set aside 3 days a week to get to do pool laps?! That's great! Plus, you want to jog to the pool...you won't have those lumps and bumps for long.
I don't like one piece suits and I have the same problem finding a top that is long enough.
It's funny because I just bought a suit and cover-up that I was thinking of taking a pic for you all, but I don't think I have your courage!

Maya

Veteran

I agree with Kim. I'd consider this swimsuit as gear. If you want a "pretty" swimsuit, Angie has one in the store that gets pretty good reviews (though it's spendy). I'm not wild about the way the back is cut, but it's not really relevant. I mean, I don't like how tracksuits fit most women, but I realize they are strictly function and not fashion (though some women seem to pretend otherwise...).

Dusty

(website)

I think it looks fine. Gear type suits aren't designed to maximize how flattering they are, they're designed to be comfortable, stay out of the way and keep everything covered up. I think it's a good choice for swimming laps.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Queenie, Maya and Dusty you're right, this is definitely a gear swimsuit. I'm pretty excited about the fact I can go running in it too (with shorts over the top as well). I'm not aiming to look good but as long as I don't make other people's eyes bleed ehehe.

In terms of a more stylish one-piece, I tried on this swimsuit and felt AMAZING in it. Seriously the best I have ever felt in a swimsuit.

http://www.compareclothes.com......Piece.html

I'll aim to get that before the next "beach" season I think. Can't go running in that swimsuit!!

And Queenie its nice to have a swimming twin! yay!!

Thanks for calling me brave AJ, foolish perhaps hehe. I'm up to 1km so far (with lots of stops)...aiming for 2 though!

Ok I'm going to cut the tags off now and get myself to the pool. WOohoo!

MNsara

Veteran

Tam - that is a great suit. You look like a real swimmer and you look good in the suit too!

I like idea of your pop of red with it How about some red haviania's too!!

My husband tries to swim 2 miles many times each week, whereas I only swim when I absolutely must and only do the side stroke -- so my hair doesn't get wet!!

Lee Hovey

I don't have anything new to add other than you have some fab gams, lady!! I am totally jealous of your long skinny legs... I walk around on 2 tree trunks...*sigh*

taylor

Veteran

You are the bravest soul Tam....gotta love that about you!!!

You look DARN good in that suit!!

marianna

Veteran

You are so brave and SO gorgeous. I envy you. You look great in that swimsuit. I agree that it's not necessarily a sexy beach swimsuit, but for exercise and the like, it is perfection.

cciele

Veteran

You look good in that suit, Tam, brave woman that you are posting the pics here! I like the boy-leg shorts. That's my choice for bottoms too -- less exposure and less worrying about shaving the bikini area.

Lena

Tam, I command your courage. You most definitely will not make anyone's eyes bleed! And your legs look awesome!

Your exercise routine sounds excellent. Go Tam!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Aww you guys are great. I feel way less self-conscious posting pics here for you than I do parading about at the pool - so no bravery at all!!!

It's taken a while but I am getting closer to be accepting of my appley body as is. I truly think ylf has been a great help with that, seeing other great examples and learning ways to flatter whats not so great and make the most of what is. My body might be big and solid, but its also strong, so I'm grateful for that. Mushy enough for you? hehe

So I've just come back from bike ride & swim and I'm in love with my new gear. All I had to do was pop on a pair of shorts, sneakers and a bike helmet and I was good to go. The swimmers kept everything in place - no more top and pants falling down - and the cap meant I could see. Amazing what a difference the right equipment makes! Now I just want to get a pair of quick-dry shorts for over the top of the swimsuit and I'm all set. Cotton shorts soak up the water and stay wet for ages and makes it look like you wet yourself!!!

Ele

(website)

Tam, I love your new suit and think you look fierce in it- if that is gear then sign me up! (Er, but not to the swimming thing. I don't like "putting my head under", lol.)

It's funny how we always see the thing we're most self-conscious of, whether or not others even notice it. You look at those pics and see "appley lumps and bumps" and I (like Kendra) see "OMG her legs are SO slim and toned!" *Jealous*

Lee Hovey

Good point Ele! It's very true... I also notice that when I look at others I look at the part of their body that corresponds to a part of mine that I am self-conscious of... like my legs. they are bane of my existance!! I think I will make a concerted effort to focus more on the good stuff than the bad when I look at my pictures... thanks for the reminder

Yublocka, you are an inspiration with your workouts!!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Very cute! I like the beach season one you linked to as well. Mrow!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

A fierce swimsuit hey Ele? Thats great! I like fierce I think! Maybe I should adopt that as one of my fashion persona words since I couldn't think of any for myself

That's such a good point that you and Kendra make about seeing our own imperfections that we wouldn't even notice in others. I guess recognising this is one of the first steps to self-acceptance though hey. I know it sounds weird but posting pics here and getting constructive feedback is also a great way to help see things objectively as well!

Thanks rae! Yes the beach one is great too. I'm pretty sure I'm going up to Queensland at the end of the year, so I'll definitely need to get another swimsuit before that!!

Anonymous

You look great in that swim suit, no appley bumps, or what ever you called it.
You jog to the swimming pool too? Good for you.
You have a killer bod and you have earned it! Keep up the good work. You're making me want to break my workout ban I'm on. When my Dad died in Oct I just quit working out. I don't know why.
I have to get going.
Do we have a workout challenge going here on the forum?

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Aww San you are too sweet. I am sorry to hear both about your Dad and thats its left you feeling not yourself. Why not try to ease yourself back into things? Start with a walk?

There's no excercise challenge on the forum that I know of, but there is always the WLS group who are going great guns. Whether or not this is the best way to go, I tend to focus more on exercise than diet. I have my own personal challenge going on 43things that I am being my usual sporadic self with.