Squishy Saggy Belly and Bikini?

Updated on April 27, 2012
J.G. asks from Minneapolis, MN
29 answers

ok ladies, my husband is no help on this. Before I had kids I was a size 4, with both kiddos I gained 75 lbs and it all went to my belly. I lost all the weight, run, work out and have a pretty toned body except my belly. IT IS SO SAGGY! I'm not one of those moms who looks great and thinks her belly is saggy but its really saggy....so saggy that I can't decide if I gross other people out when I wear a 2 piece! My husband says I look fine but I haven't ever seen another mom with a body type like mine so I can't compare and to see how I feel about watching someone else with a saggy belly wear a 2 piece. At this point I personally don't care what other people think but I want to know if other mommas wear 2 pieces when they feel a little self concious too!

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So What Happened?

*thanks for the honest answers...my skin doesn't hang over my belly, its just really stretched out!

*I do feel comfortable! I just want to know what other people think. I worked my booty off to lose 75 lbs 2 different times and I feel that even though I don't have a 17 year olds body I should be able to wear a 2 piece too. I really dislike having a white belly and it makes my stretch marks fade too. I was hoping I could be an encouragement for other momm as to say "Why not!" and wear swimsuits that they are proud of.

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R.Y.

answers from New York on

I have not been a size 4...well maybe for a few weeks in 7th grade. But there are so many 2 piece options now. Why not find a place that carries a bunch and see what looks best on you. Before kids I had a 2 piece with a bikini top and a skirt bottom and it was really cute. Now I am a plus size and have opted for the tankini top. I have also seen shorts style bottoms.

4 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Wear what YOU feel best in! I only wear what's comfortable to me. Mostly, that translates to a tankini. If you're comfy in a bikini, then GO for it!
(But I haven't worn a size 4 since 3rd grade! LOL)

4 moms found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

If you're comfortable, it really doesn't matter what other people think. If they don't like what they see, there are 359 other directions they can point their eyes.

3 moms found this helpful

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C.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'll be honest...I think you need to care a little more of what others think. Seriously...I know this happens after having kids and there's nothing we women can do about saggy skin except plastic surgery (which of course isn't an option for most of us) but saggy belly's and two pieces are just WRONG!!! If you want to do that in the privacy of your own home...fine, otherwise wear a tankini with regular bottoms (meaning no skirt).

I'm 40, had twins, when standing my stomach is pretty much flat except for a "pooch" (as I call it) when I sit...it's not so flat but I don't wear a bikini.

7 moms found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Eeeks, I cringed just reading your title!

There are so many cute suits that are flattering and fun (not to mention comfortable) - why press the bikini issue?

I don't think it matters what size you are, wearing clothes (and swimsuits) well is the important thing. Dress to flatter what you have now!

6 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Boston on

No I don't wear a two-piece and wouldn't unless I had rock hard abs. I think that if your belly is saggy, there are flattering bottoms that cover most of the belly and pull things in. Honestly I can't stand when women wear skimpy string bikinis with their flab and rolls and cellulite hanging out, especially when there are so many flattering styles available. Call me critical but I want to just tap those women on the shoulder, hand them a mirror and say "you're not 17 find something that fits you."

5 moms found this helpful
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S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

Saggy belly....keep it covered with a one piece.

and for all those moms out there who wear real tiny swim bottoms when your bottom is big, it's time to size up and add a little swim skirt to big thighs and rump.

See LandsEnd.com for their "perfect swim suit finder." It shows lots of bodies and gives great ideas on how to look stunning---but ladies, you got to pick the right suit.

If you go to the beach, the community pool, a neighbor's pool party,... I would encourage everyone to be sensible and dress modestly. You really do look better when you make good decisions instead of just flaunting your body. I disagree with the poster who said flaunt it.

My opinion: if you wear your suit in your own back yard and that's it, then go for whatever you want. If anyone other than immediate family sees you, then make a good decision. The right clothes give you self confidence and that shows to everyone you meet!

4 moms found this helpful
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D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

Just me, but if i were self-concious of my tummy I would wear a tankini and feel much better. That way you get the freedom of a 2 piece but cover what is concerning to you.

I'm a little self-concious of my booty and i'm working my butt off (thanks jillian micheals lol) but I do feel somewhat comfortable in my 2 piece and wouldn't wear one of those skirt type bottoms.

3 moms found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I still won't wear a two piece but I must say we are in a minority if you look at beaches. There are some scary folk out there.

It probably looks worse to you than anyone else. Having said that even though I look okay in a two piece I still won't wear one. When your kids become teens you will understand.

3 moms found this helpful

T.C.

answers from Dallas on

No, don't wear a 2 piece. I would wear something more like a tankini where the top isn't skin tight. I didn't have saggy skin with my first baby. She was only 7 lbs, and my belly went right back to normal. Then I had baby #2, he was almost 10 lbs 11 oz!! And, I carry all OUT. I had a HUGE belly. I have a small body. I was bigger than women with twins. Anyway, I don't know what your skin is like on your belly, but mine is definitely looser now. I definitely would not wear a 2 piece. I want to wear something that I feel flatters my figure and points to the right spots - such as my boobs and arms/legs, not my belly. So, I would not show mine. I like tankini's.

3 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

If you are self conscience find a suit, that you feel confident in!! It could be a bikini, or not. Whatever it is, just make sure you like the way you look. If you like the way you look, who cares what others think? Honestly, I'd rather look at a saggy belly (although, I don't really look.) then most of the people in bathing suits out there!!

2 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

My bikini years are over. I'm the same as you - my belly is the first place I gain weight and the last place I loose it. I'm quite self conscious about it, so I wear a tankini. Bottom line - wear what you are comfortable in. There will always be someone who looks better than you and someone who looks worse than you.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

I found a string bikini actually reduces the sag look. The more material, the more the fat gets squished over the top of the bikini bottom. We recently went to Clearwater Beach, FL and there were many, many women with loose bellies. I did not feel self conscious at all!!!! Go for it! My hubby just made fun of me worrying about it, then made more fun of me when I realized I looked better than I thought after seeing the other women in their bikinis :)

2 moms found this helpful
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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

If your are fine with your belly and your husband is fine with your belly, so what if other people (who by they way don't love you or pay your bills), may be grossed out. Heck with them!

Blessings.....

2 moms found this helpful

A.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

I've seen lots worse than a saggy belly wearing a bikini. I say, if you're comfortable, go for it. If you're going to be self-conscious the whole time, you won't have any fun. It really comes down to how YOU feel. I'm not one who subscribes to age (or body types really) when it comes to clothing.

2 moms found this helpful

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

I have a totally destroyed belly from 3 pregnancies; stretch marks, loose saggy skin, the grossness!... and I ROCK A BIKINI!! My kids don't care, my husband doesn't care, and quite honestly, I'm not trying to impress anybody else. I get so busy when we're swimming, making sure no one's drowning or wandering off, applying sunscreen, getting sand out of butt cracks, etc, that I forget to even be embarrassed about it. I say rock it! You may not feel the same way in 5 years, so rock it while you can ;) I'll be right there with you honey!!! :D

1 mom found this helpful
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T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Have someone take photos of you when you are wearing your bathing suit. Not posed, just candid. When you look at the photos, what do you see? Are you okay with it, or surprised? Personally, I don't wear bikinis because they are little more than glorified underwear. But, that's just me.

1 mom found this helpful

C.R.

answers from Dallas on

I don't have a saggy belly from giving birth (I adopted my sons :) but I do now have a bit of a belly and am more self conscious about it. I have two suits and wear them both. String bikini - at home or at a private pool with very close girlfriends (Can't stand having a white belly:). Tankini - is for public pools or a pool party with lots of people.
For me personally, I think nothing of it seeing a woman with some sag on her belly. She's given birth, I respect that! lol
C.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.H.

answers from Austin on

That's totally awesome you were able to lose all your baby weight! I'm still working on mine! lol but IMO, I think anyone who's not 'fit' should not wear a regular bikini. I think it's gross to see someone, men or women, who are even a little bit pudgy wearing a speedo or reg bikini. I think for now a tankini would be more appropriate til you can get the belly buldge to go away but ultimately it's up to you. It's really hard to give advice when we don't really see a photo of how you look in a bikini so I can't really give you a sound response unfortunately. I think that if you 'think' you look bad, you probably do & may find yourself spending your fun time feeling self conscience instead of just enjoying your pool time. I'm not trying to be mean or condescending at all so please don't think I am purposely trying to be mean, but I know I'd never wear one unless I looked good in one just b/c of the type of suit it is. If you feel comfortable in it, then wear it. Don't rely on what others tell you, if you feel okay, then go for it! If not, find something a bit more modest or one that covers a bit more for now. If you still have trouble getting rid of that extra last buldge, consider the lipotuck procedure or maybe laser liposculpture, it can really help!! Best wishes!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Daytona Beach on

i was in a size 4, also before i had my kids. now, i am a size 10. :( i mostly wear a tankini with a skirt bottom. somtimes i wear the skirt bottom with a bikini top because i also don't like my belly white. but the bottoms cover the bottom of my belly. i'm thinking about getting a different tankini because mine isn't so comfy, but i will just pull up my tankini top to tan my stomach.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from Springfield on

If you don't feel comfortable, it will be evident to those around you. Find a sexy one piece (yes, they exist, you just have to search) or tankini. The more confident you feel in the suit, the more sexy others will think you are and the more fun you will have!

Have fun suit shopping!

** - addition - if you feel comfortable - GO FOR IT! I hope my post didn't discourage that! I just want you to FEEL GOOD IN IT!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Redding on

I'm thin even after two kids, but I always wear a one piece. I have operation scars and things I just don't think other people really want to see.
They make two pieces that are cute and not so "bikini" cut. You might try one of those.
There are so many different cute suits. Find one that you are comfortable in so you can enjoy wearing it.

Best wishes.

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N.F.

answers from Seattle on

Strut your stuff girl... No adults really care especially when they see you have children. Be proud of your figure... AND the fact that you got back into shape is two high-fives from me :) I thought about those cool/sexy bathing suits that look like a bikini but the bottom connects to the top in the front. I'll put a link so you can see what I'm talking about. I'm not suggesting this particular one, it's just an example:
http://www.amazon.com/R111-Matte-Black-Hollywood-Hotel/dp...
Just wear what you are comfortable in. Hope this helps :D

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

:p

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D.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have the same problem. back to my prekid weight but a flabby belly. If I wore a 2 pc I would feel like I had to suck it in all the time so I wear 1 pc or tankini's. I did recently start the "6 pack abs in 6 weeks" by Jillian Michaels that I have heard great things about. I am only 4 days in so can't tell you anything for sure but I feel great!

C.S.

answers from Medford on

I have the same problem. I am slender and fit for the most part, but OH the saggy tummy. I hate it, I think its gross and if I had the money I would cut it off!

My friends are always saying, oh you look great, oh mine is worse than yours,,,blah blah blah, so then I started showing them (my closest friends), unfortunately I win the prize of being right, but now they all know how gross it is too!

So, the answer for me is NO, I won't wear a bikini, except in the hot tub with hubby (he doesn't care, its not my tummy he is staring at). :)

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M.P.

answers from Reno on

THERE IS HOPE :) I use It Works Body Wraps. After using them, I decided to sell them because they worked so well. I lost 10 inches from my belly with just three wraps. I promise it’s not some weird scam, because I thought the same thing. It’s a detox wrap that helps shrink fat cells. Anyway, they work great and yes, I do sell them, but I haven’t had a customer who tried a pack not buy more :) check out my facebook page www.facebook.com/itworksnevada or my website, itworksnevada.myitworks.com. I promise you, you will love this product! I’ve had two c-sections myself and found it harder to lose after the second one!

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A.M.

answers from San Francisco on

If you don't care, wear what you want. Otherwise, there does come a time in our lives when we can't wear certain things. It's just a natural part of aging.

A.C.

answers from Provo on

I would not think badly of you at all. My tummy is that way and I do wear a 2 piece even though I feel a bit self conscious at times. I had a good pal who showed up at the beach in a bikini and she had humongous stretch marks all over her belly. I thought she looked cute and was super inspired by her confidence. I saw a 9-months pregnant woman at the pool in a bikini today, and again, she looked great and it was awesome to see a woman who was not ashamed of her body.
Almost all the moms at the pool had cellulite and still looked fine. I don't see a difference between that and a squishy belly. Most of us have imperfect bodies, but I don't think that should hold us back from wearing what we like and what is comfortable.

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