I spend a lot of time at the beach. That means a lot of time on the sand, a lot of time wading in and out of the water filling buckets for the kids, or wading just a foot or so into the water holding a toddler so they don't get swept into the ocean, and a little bit of time actually submerging myself in the water. While some people are completely comfortable doing all that in an itty bitty bikini, I am not. And while I love board shorts for how practical they are, I feel very "mommy" wearing them - they really aren't very stylish. So I wanted to find swimsuits that are cute and stylish, and that I would feel comfortable wearing without board shorts over. I'm not completely sure that's possible, but here are pics of my 3 best attempts. I have found that I use these suits a lot, and so far I've gotten compliments every time. I suspect that there are a lot of people who wish they could find modest, practical, but still cute or stylish suits.
The coral one with little polka dots is Old Navy from a couple of years ago. It actually has a control lining, a little like the Miracle Suits but a cheaper version. The ruched part can be pulled up or down - I pull it down enough to be skirt-like, but it can also be higher if one prefers. They had similar suits for several years, but I don't see one this year yet. If you're willing to spend a little more, Nordstroms has a few that I think will give a similar look too. These are my favorites: A boyshort version, swimdress, and another swimdress with a built-in D-cup bra (on sale now, so will probably sell out soon). Modcloth's Bathing Beauty suit is also similar, and comes in tons of colors and prints (I just *love* the skirt-like feature on mine, and the ruching on the back too, and Bathing Beauty doesn't have that. But Bathing Beauty's wider neck strap is sure to be more comfortable.)
The two tankinis are from Target. The shorts bottoms are the key, and are available again this year, in black, navy (what I'm wearing), and grey. Then you can find tops to match. The peplum top I'm wearing is available again in new fabrics. (Warning - it is hard to get on because it doesn't really stretch, but once on - wow!) For me, it's important to have a tie in the back along the bustline that allows me to tighten that area. I have such an unsually tiny band size (30) that most bikini or tankini tops will be too loose and not provide support unless I can tie them.
Another problem I've noticed with tankinis, on others or myself, is the top riding up. It's a horrible look. I took 2 approaches to addressing it: The peplum top is only tight to my waist and has wires on the sides between the waist and bust, and then it flares, so that will never ride up. The other tankini top is looser through the waist and hips, so it hangs rather than hugging. Again - won't ride up.
All 3 of these suits also have built in cups or foam lining. The peplum has underwire. I'd love if all 3 had underwire, but combined with the customizable band tightness, the foam lining and reinforced seams right below the bust (without wire) are enough support for my smaller DD cup. I'd rather feel cute and covered in a suit that is just a tad less supportive than I'd like, than frumpy or self conscious in a suit that is supportive enough. But of course I'm still on the lookout for one that makes me feel cute, covered, and supported! :)
NOW, I have lost more of my baby weight, and I am starting to consider bikinis for this summer. I probably will not post pictures of those on here though - head cut off or not. :) But if I do get bikinis, a good beach-friendly easy-on/off coverup is going to be super important. I'll let you know what I figure out for that.
(Swimsuits: Old Navy and Target, Flip-fops: Old Navy, only $2.50, and good for low-volume or slightly narrow feet!!)
loooooove the third style and I want those shorts right now
ReplyDeleteWait, are those shorts not swimshorts? Damn it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I understand - They are swim bottoms that you wear in the water.
Deletealso - just so you know, I am not as excited as you about swimsuits because I literally wear them once a year. I am sure that will change when my kids can actually swim and we go to my parents house to go swimming. So it's hard for me to invest more money. But I am willing to learn!
ReplyDeleteI wear mine a decent amount, but I still don't like to spend a lot on them. I mess them up fairly quickly. That's why I buy from places like Old Navy and Target - the suits are *so* much less expensive. All 3 of these together cost less than 1 suit from Nordstroms.
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