Swimsuit Shopping - UGH!

Updated on June 29, 2013
K.F. asks from Hillsboro, OR
20 answers

I need a new swimsuit. Now that I have 3 kids, I would like to have a one piece for the occasions where I feel I should be a little more modest, but I am 6 feet tall, very thin and flat chested and cannot find a suit anywhere! The past few 2 pieces that I've bought from Old Navy and Target have lasted a year before the top becomes unwearable due to bunchy lining that looks ridiculous and lumpy. I have looked at several stores and can't find anything that seems age appropriate (mid 30's), flattering and not outrageously expensive.

Where do you shop for swimsuits?

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E.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Lands End has some great suits. I bought my "post baby" bathing suit there; it's a strapless tankini top and is adjustable so that it can be shorter or longer. I'm short, so I cinch the sides up, but when I tried it out the long way it totally covered my butt :)

4 moms found this helpful
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M.F.

answers from Houston on

Lands end! And while I wear a one piece because of stretch marks so even though I wear a size 0/2 I feel uncomfortable in a two piece, I feel there are modest two piece suits so even with 3 kiddos there is no reason why you should feel the need for a one piece unless you want/like a one piece if that makes sense. Good luck!

3 moms found this helpful

More Answers

L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Lands End.
And, they are having a sale...

4 moms found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

I love Lands End. The quality is amazing. I also have a Speedo brand one piece that has tummy control that is very cute. I got it at a big outdoors/sports store. Go check out Lands End...they have a lot of choices and so many are really cute and perfect for someone in their 30s.

3 moms found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Birmingham on

Costco usually has speedo 1-piece suits this time of year, if they have anything left. Nothing particularly sexy, but straightforward, sturdy, typically long-enough. I have several tall swimmer friends, and I always thought basic speedo swimsuits (that look like ones that pros wear) look great on that particular build (which sounds like yours). It may not be for you, but it was my first thought. :) Hope you find what you're looking for!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Houston on

Lands End! Love their bathing suits. Order online and if doesn't fit, you can return it at a Sears store.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

Another vote for Lands' End. They're having a big swimsuit sale right now. If you have a Sears nearby, you can even try some on, since they carry Lands' End. However, I've ordered online and have had good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Boston on

I heard lands end is good.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

try going to a sporting goods store where swimwear for athletes is sold-the lines tend to be cut much leaner!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

Another vote for lands end.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

Try Speedo. They make suits for slender, athletic people and then some.. You will have to pay more, but I think the suits last longer than the mainstream ones purchased at retail stores. If you look online, there are all kinds of styles.. I think they are good for smaller chested women because they don't have a lot of bulk to the suits in that they are actually made for swimming and not just lounging by the pool. In other words, the suits are made to be worn and used.
Again, you may pay more, but you 'll save in the long run..
I've purchase suits from Target and although they were less expensive, the fabric wasn't too great... Also, I have had luck with Macy's... they seem to offer a wide array.. AND most recently, I happened to walk by the swimming suit area in Nordstroms and I did notice they had some cute ones.. With it being end of June, you might even begin to find a swimsuit sale... you know many stores are already looking to Autumn... and want to move merchandize..

good luck

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N.W.

answers from Eugene on

I have a one piece Speedo that I got from Big 5 several years ago. It was the same type my kids were buying for swim team. The fabric is thicker than a recreational suit and it's held up really well.

Last year I found a great 2 piece tankini from Kohls. I love that I can use the restroom without trying to wrestle off and on a wet suit.

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J.K.

answers from Kansas City on

I get mine at JC Penney. You can buy the tops and bottoms separately, and they can be a little expensive, but it's nice to get exactly what you want. They have tons of suits online.

K.A.

answers from San Diego on

I got my suit from Target. It is 2 pieces that you buy separately. The top is a tankini style so it covers my torso and goes to around my hips or so, I'm 5'9". I am large breasted so I needed some coverage and support so buying separates really helped with that. Then I got the bottoms that come up a little higher to almost my waist instead of sitting on my hips to get enough coverage. When I was buying mine I needed one I could lift up and nurse in without flashing the entire world and this one works very well. I also don't like wrestling one pieces when I need to go to the bathroom and have 3 kids to take care of at the same time.

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G.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Land's End, and they're having a whopping huge sale on bathing suits right now. They have a wide range of sizes and styles. Many of theirs come in long torso sizes which my taller friends find really helpful, and I've worn their suits for years because they are one of the few companies that make DD suits that don't look like granny suits. It is true that you'll pay more than you will for a suit from Old Navy or Target, but the suits last a lot longer than those. I bought my last one 5 years ago, and it's finally showing its age a bit.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I got a suit this year at Kohl's. Mine is a two piece, tankini style - doesn't show any belly at all (but I'm only 5'3") and is definitely modest enough to go swimming with my two little kids. Kohl's had plenty of one piece suits also.

You might need to try one of the dedicated bathing suit stores like Anything But Water. They are more expensive, but you'll have a lot more options.

From Old Navy, I like these and think they could work with your body type:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=52005&vi...
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=52005&vi...

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Don't shop Target and Old Navy for good clothes.!

I like the specialty swimsuit stores at the mall... Everything but Water, etc. They sell by the piece (yes they can get pricey) but they are good quality suits that last a long time.

Good luck!

K.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

If I were you, with your build, I would hit up the sporting good stores (big 5, Sports Authority) whatever you have near you and look at the 'Tankini' tops with the shorter tops (that DO show some stomach) with the razor backs. I know Speedo makes them, & like other have said: Speedo is heavy duty fabric that is sturdy and meant for swimmers. I bet you'd look amazing in one of those. You usually can buy the tops & bottoms desperately, so you can go high cut bottom or just plain bottom (what I would choose) or boy shorts bottoms (not as flattering on the straight up & down figured, IMO.

Besides that, I've had great luck with all things LL Bean!

~I have more curves than you & I just buy my swimsuits at Target from the mix & match section...putting together whatever too I like with whatever bottom works for me! Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to go back to my cute tie on the sides bikini bottoms & teeny tiny triangle tops...but those days are Looong gone!

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S.J.

answers from Des Moines on

I bought my last two swimsuits at Burlington coat Factory. They are nice and they are very low priced, especially if you can find them on clearance (probably on sale in July). Also try TJ Maxx and Ross if they are in your area. Look for the larger sizes, I am short and usually wear a size 4-6, but in swimsuits I wear a 10. I can't figure out how they size these things! You also might look for a two piece where the top has material all the way down to the bottom piece so only a small part of your belly is exposed.

M.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

Athleta has some cute ones. I got mine at Garnet Hill this year and really like the fit of it. Everyone seems to like Lands End but they do nothing for me for some reason.

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