I haven’t been able to make myself buy a bathing suit/swimsuit. When I go to the beach, I wear Champion shorts (from Target’s fitness wear section) with either a lycra camisole, or a top with little spaghetti straps and a sturdy strapless bra underneath.

Truth is, I have no idea where to find a bathing suit that will be flattering to my short, curvy figure, demure enough for my Amish sensibility, and supportive enough in the top and long enough to cover the thigh area. Outside of a Victorian costume shop, that is. Any suggestions as to brands, retailers, designs?

Ann,

Try looking at Lands End http://www.landsend.com.  They have many flattering suits.

Suzanne

To tell you the truth Ann I go for function over fashion in swim suits.  I got a polyester one over 5 years ago and it is still intact!  It has been used mostly for swimming lengths and I used to teach a Therapy class where the chlorine was very high.  But I may be forced to buy a new one soon - not because it is worn out but because it is too big!  Loose swim suits could be dangrous!!  I will get another polyester one!

Thanks to you both. The Lands End ones are nice, though I would love to try on in a store. The style I really liked didn’t come in the size or color I wanted. I’ll think it over. They also are a little pricier than I’d have thought. (Maybe I’m just a cheapskate.) I’ll try to make myself shop the local stores this weekend and try on a few.

Catherine, I don’t even remember the last time I owned a swimsuit. Probably very early 90s when I was still about this size before gaining more.

What about Lane Bryant? I just looked at their selection, and they are super cute! I saw a large woman at the pool wearing a swimdress that made her look amazing. I’ve been looking for one since, with no luck. If I find one, I’ll post the link!

Bree

Found one on JCPenney.com. The one I saw at the pool was black with white lining. And it didn’t have the seems across the bust that I can remember. Here’s a pic.

Bree

Ann,
They have a lot of Lands End stuff in the Sears stores.  You could try some on there.

Ooh, Bree, I do like that swimdress, stripe or no stripe. I hadn’t really thought about this, but Lane Bryant is size 14 and up, and I’m a 12 now. Some things might still fit though. My main problems are being short (and short-waisted) and wide in the hip area. I just got back from seeing “CATS” and watching all those long and lean dancers’ bodies bend so gracefully. Oh, well, we can’t all be cats.  That’d be boring.

And Eileen, didn’t know that about Lands End stuff. You can tell I’m not an avid shopper! I thought they were catalogue only. Good to know.

I like lands ends stuff...good quality....(but i havent tried on a sun suit! lol)

this is such a good community.... and all the info people give is great.... just amazing!

and your right about us all not being cats… my buddy i ride with is sooo different than me.... he’s a runner, skinning calves, and eats and eats and is as thin as a rail!..... my calves are huge (nothing i did, just born that way) and i actually think they slow me down running, as i have more mass to move with each stride. And i do have to watch what i eat, or, even with the exercise i do, i will gain weight....

There are several online sites that will custom make a swim suit for your body type. A bit more pricey but it will be custom made for what you are looking to do and what you want the suit to flatter.  They offer lots of pointers and suggestions for each body type too.  I am sure if you checked your area you could probably find a seamstress/tailor that specializes in custom made suits too especially if you are near an ocean/resort area.

Ann, have you considered wearing something like a sari over your bathing suit?  There are tons of ways to wear them, they’re breathable, and they cover up all those areas you’d rather not show.  (Heck, I’m a size 6, and I *still* hate revealing my upper legs.)

Cheers,
Julie