Thursday, November 02, 2006

She wore an itsy bitsy teeny weenie big ol' black bathing suit

I am leaving for a 2 week cruise in a few weeks and I am really excited about the trip, but I have put off the bathing suit issue for as long as I can...and it's time I come to a decision and purchase a new bathing suit, or swim naked on the ship.

I enjoyed my old suit. It was black and a halter and totally nondescript. It didn't look great on me, but it didn't make things worse. Unfortunately I somehow spilled bleach on it, so I am on the hunt for a new one. I don't expect bathing suit miracles because my body isn't pretty, so I tend to stick to simple shapes, dark colors, and no frills. I am an hourglass shape with all of my weight in my boobs and belly, so the little skirted suits don't hide much for me.

I was thinking about purchasing my suit from this store, Swimsuitsforall. Have any of you purchased a suit from this site before? I have found that some of the other sites that sell plus size bathing suits have generally poor quality clothes, so I am going to trust that an estore which only sells bathing suits has better quality merchandise.

These are a few I am considering:



Any thoughts on these? Let me know which one you guys like of these six options, or go to Swimsuitsforall and pick out another one. This is like group shopping! Maybe I should stick with all black as usual...

73 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the top three are great. I would even be brave enough to try one of them, but my problems far out weigh yours. I have big arms and legs and I just don't think they make a swim suit for those problem areas. Well...maybe it's called a wet suit.
What ever one you do choose, please let us know the quality.
Thank you

Anonymous said...

Cruises are full of fat people, so I bet you'll look the best out of the fat bunch.

Anonymous said...

I like the one with the red stripes the best. It's simple but with a little flare!

Anonymous said...

I like the number 4 and number 6, leaning more towards number 6. These are actually pretty cute!

Anonymous said...

I like the style of the bottom right one, though I would get a solid color and foret the stripes. It will nicely drape over the rolls in front and on the sides while accenting your hour glass figure. That's what worked for me anyway. I went on a bathing suit expition this summer so I feel like an expert now!

Anonymous said...

I vote for the one with the red stripes, one of the plain black ones, or No. 6. IMO the patterned one (no. 4) is a bit matronly and the one with the pink stripes (No. 1) is unflattering.

Anonymous said...

Go for the cherries!

Did you see the suit on that site with the big red 'X' over the belly? Like, 'This location zoned for demolition', or 'server is busy, please refresh belly or try again later'.

Anonymous said...

I would buy one of the tankinis. The one with the cherries, while cute, would make your legs look shorter. I am not too fond of No 1. No 6's straps seem to be too flimsy for supporting bigger breasts.
My favorite is No 5, because I love pseudo-wrap tops.

Anonymous said...

Oooooo, I love the one with the cherries! ('Course, I'm a sucker for cherry prints...heh) Actually, out of the ones you picked, I'd say the only ones I'd forgo would be the first and third ones...I just think those bands of color would end up accentuating the wrong things...

Anonymous said...

I think number 1 could be really cute, but that the model is slouching and not making the suit look it's best.

So, get number one (it will show off your big boobs) and get a coverup as well!!!

Cover up's are awesome!!!

http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/Shop-read-3191.html

Cynthia said...

I like #6. I think it hids problem areas, yet it is still rather girly and sexy. Let's be honest, all fat girls still think we are a little sexy.

GoBetty said...

The ones you have picked all seemed ok. What size are you getting? I recommend Lands End - they go up to 26W (look in plus size). I have bought several of these swim suits in the past and can assure you they are excellent quality. They are not the most fun or cutest swimsuits in the world, but they will never creep up your ass.

Anonymous said...

Pictures of fat folks
http://www.freewebs.com/fadingbeauty/reversethinspo.htm

Anonymous said...

I love all the suits, but the last one (#6) is adorable! It looks cute and sexy at the same time, but also seems to be designed for a person with extra curves.
:0)
Have a wonderful trip!
Jennie

Unknown said...

1 looks weird, 3 seems to be trying to hard, 4 will make you look shorter and square, 2 drapes to much on the belly, 6 is nice but I think the same about the flimsy strips and big boobs so my vote goes to #5.
(gee! I have tons of opinions. Thanks for asking)

Buttercup Rocks said...

I like the bold simplicity of #3, which would also acentuate your curves a treat. #6 would certainly be great for belly cover but I too think the straps look a little flimsy.

'This location zoned for demolition', or 'server is busy, please refresh belly or try again later'.

Erin, that made me laugh and laugh!

Anonymous said...

Well I love cherries and halters so my automatic reaction is to go with that one and maybe buy one for myself, however practically speaking...if you're worried about bellys and have nice boobs to show off fo with 1 or 6. I don't love the color of 6 but it will give you good cleavage and the flare around the belly will hide stuff.

My one caveat though is that 6 looks to have the worst breast support with those little straps. And if your boobs are really big, they might be saggy which is NOT a good look.

Maybe get the basic 5 and then a fun other one. If the cruise is a week, you should definetely rock out with more than one bathing suit.

My biggest rec is to check out fatshionista where we discuss fashion for fat girls. Those ladies are the ones to ask. It's at
http://community.livejournal.com/fatshionista

Anonymous said...

YOU HAVE TO GET THE SEXY HALTER!!!

Have a good time!

Anonymous said...

I'd pick one, it looks like its the most flattering, the one with the pink stripe under the bust. Or you could go with the stripey red one... thats quite cool as well. The cherries would shorten your legs.... just as a matter of opinion, if you saw a pear-shaped size 12 (uk) wearing a suit like the cherry one, would you think it was nice or that she should have picked something else to hide the flesh? I still critique girls I know are thinner than me, whilst being envious of them, and I saw that costume on one such girl... does anyone else also do this? I feel like I haven't got the right, really, but I like to bitch anyway to feel better about myself.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the CHERRIES!!! Oh-so-cha-cha!!

But Honeychile - you can paint a barn black, but it's still a barn. We are going to look fat in a 1 piece or a bikini. Neither will make us less fat...sooooooo....be courageous and GO BIKINI.

loveyourpeaches.com (no, this isn't an advertisement) lets you purchase tops and bottoms separately. The marilyn top is sexy, provides good coverage AND support!

Covering yourself up doesn't make you look less fat, it just makes your fat have different colors and designs. hehe

Sigh...I want to go on a cruise now!!

Mary said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I would go with 1,3 or 5. I don't really see the point of dresslike swimsuits. How could you ever swim in a dress? Loose fabric would really slow you down if you ever wanted to swim laps at any speed. But if you just want to sunbathe or look pretty, they might be OK but you might really enjoy actual swimming.

Anonymous said...

I'd say #3 or #5. I love cherry prints, but #4 seems to have too many cherries, and it does make it look kinda matronly. I like this one too, less loud than #3.

PearShapedGirl said...

I like the bottom three, however, I agree with some of the other posters that the cherry one my make your legs look short and the tie-died one (so cute!) might have straps that are a little too flimsy. So, therefore, I vote for #5. It looks very flattering and comfortable, two qualities that are much, MUCH, needed and any bathing suit I look for...

Buttercup Rocks said...

Blimey, wonders will never cease. Cherree and I are in agreement! I too love the swimsuit she linked to.

Anonymous said...

These suits are cute... also check out the selection on cyberswim.com (they have women's sizes). The Miraclesuit brand is great, and this one is my all-time favorite.

Anonymous said...

Oh, p.s.: here is a link to all the cyberswim women's sized swimsuits. have fun on your cruise!

Anonymous said...

We are going to look fat in a 1 piece or a bikini. Neither will make us less fat...sooooooo....be courageous and GO BIKINI.

Are you SERIOUS????!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'd say 1 or 6. The ones with the straight lines across the thigh would make most people look like a block. Plus a v neck will draw attention to your face and neck and off of any wobbly-bits.

Just another 2 cents. Love the blog.

jo said...

I agree with Laurie, I was going to suggest the Miracle Suit too - and the one she suggested is also my favourite.
Wrap-style is very flattering for full hourglass figures.

From the one's you have posted, well I love halternecks (do you have good shoulders?) and the cherries are way cute so 4 is good, but I also love the babydoll, so number 6 is a ripper as well. I feel more comfortable in one pieces though, so I'd probably go for one of those.

Good luck, have fun!

Anonymous said...

NOT the cherry one. You will look sixty.

Either the all black ones, or possibly the pink sash one. That area--below boobs, above belly, is a skinny part you want to accentuate to give you hourglass look.

Anonymous said...

Here's the thing. If you have an apple shape (broad shoulders, big arms, small hips, small thighs) a halter is your best bet, because it will give the illusion of an hourglass shape. If you have a big bottom, well, enjoy cause you are so lucky. Seriously. Whatever you choose DO NOT get that 80's MTV music video michael jackson cum land of the rising sun suit. Horrendiosus.

*Rae* said...

I love the last two especially the blue navy blue(I think that's what color it is) and white..I am sure you will look great in anyone you choose cant wait to see which one you pick

Anonymous said...

I love the miricle suit! (Laurie's suggestion). Of yours, my fave is #1 cuz it does the boobies well. I luuuurve the cherries -- but maybe if it was 1950. I HATE the all black one??? I think it's SO unflattering. I like the rest okay.

Unknown said...

I would stay away from a solid color or one with minimal designs.

I too carry most of my weight in my boobs and belly (more so in my belly), and I found a swimsuit in a store that makes me look not as big because it has a pattern all over it. (A kind of hawaiian flower print but without the cheese). It does a pretty good job of making the bigger parts seem not as big.

I like this one:
http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/Shop-read-3908.html.
It may have more design than you are used to, but in my experience it will help to camoflauge, and the style around the boobs will accent those and draw the attention away. It also comes with a cover up, so bonus.

Anyway, just my suggestion. I think the sixth one you picked is really, really cute, but it looks like one of those that looks really cute on the rack but not so much on the bod. And I agree, flimsy little straps.

Anonymous said...

I like the style of #6. If you're hourglass, I think #2 would look really nice, too. But I might be swayed because the model is a hottie.

The one thing I don't like about swimsuits is their shelf bras have no support at all. My DDs need armor plating. Looks like #2 has got a decent support system in there, and I'd be worried that #6 didn't. It's hard to tell without a model.

Anonymous said...

WOOOH!!!!! I wish i could be there to see you in them swimsuits on that cruise!I looove me a big boned woman! Especially one that has all their weight in their boobs (Droool!!) and in in their belly (OMG!!!)!!! Only drawback is that you dont mention having a nice big juicy ass! If you do have an ass PLEASE get a swimsuit that makes it POP!!! OOOOWEEE!!!

I'll be jaking it to a mental image that i have of you in those swimsuits!
Have a great cruise! Have fun!! ;)

Anonymous said...

Baby, you know red stripes are what HOT girls wear.

Rock on!

Anonymous said...

I really like the red striped one, or the one with cherries. Especially the one with the cherries because the bottoms of them come off like a bathing suit from the 50's. I'm sure any of them would look great though!

Anonymous said...

Of these choices, I prefer 1, 3, or 6 (especially six, if they make them with real cup sizes.) However, I'm with whomever mentioned that even plus-sized swimsuits never have enough support for serious breasts. This summer I went looking online, and Aerin Rose did right by me--separates in solids and patterns with different sizing, bra sizing, and WIRES! Wires rule (I know some people find them uncomfortable, but I never have, if they're well covered.)

I went off the deep end and wore my first bikini since I was twelve, and you'd be astonished how good it looked in kind of breaking up the expanse-of-one-piece followed by the expanse-of-thighs look--my best beach pics in years. But I'm also a fan of stomach support when it adds to comfort and coverage, and some of the Aerin Rose suits have that as well. Not cheap, alas, but great quality, great sizing, and very pleasant small-business service. You can talk to them online or by phone and get clearer guidelines on which size to order. They do exchanges for size, but no refunds.

Anonymous said...

All depends on your problem areas and what you want to emphasize.

I like 1, 2,5. I tend to wear black, plain bathing suits.

Anonymous said...

4 or 6. No. 1 is unflattering in my opinion, 4 and 6 probably the most flattering and cute/stylish to boot.

Anonymous said...

I bought a halter bathing suit once - I'm a C cup and it was a mess. There's just no support at all. So for that reason I'd vote against #1. I like #6 myself (it looks like it would float over my worst part - my midsection). Have fun! :)

Anonymous said...

Not shown here, but they do a halterneck tankini with a cherry-print top which I would buy. But of the ones shown, #5 looks well-designed and flattering.

K said...

I'd get the cherries, but that's because I've been trying to find a cherry-print top in a cut that suits me for AGES. How are they matronly? In my book, they're kind of rockabilly. (This is good.) I agree that tankini shorts aren't always flattering, true. Your mileage may vary.

I think number 2 is a little boring, but any of the others seem OK.

T. Comfyshoes said...

I have one like #6, but plain black. I have most of my weight in boobs & belly, and it looks pretty good on me. The straps are skinny, but mine, at least, seems to hold the girls up pretty well.

Anonymous said...

I remember seeing a segment on Oprah called how not to look fat in a swim suit. And they included at truly fat women unlike other shows where they only show people who are ten pounds over weight.

This is what they suggested:
http://www.oprah.com/health/beauty/beauty_200606_swim_350_104.jhtml

Please note that this woman had zero cellulite on her legs, so going for the short skirts did wonders for her. And she didn't seem to have stretchmarks on her arms so she was looking pretty good. But not all of us are that lucky.

Good luck in your hunt for a bathing suit. You're a brave one. I couldn't imagine doing the same, and according to your previous self descriptions, we have the about same body type and size.

Manda said...

I'm in love with the cherry one :) I think it looks cute, the shape is great, and I think the pattern will help keep things from looking out of proportion.

Shit, now i want one.

Anonymous said...

i love #4 & #6. you will look fabulous, and very trendy.

i'm jealous. i have enormous arms with lots of stretch marks on them. i never show my upper arms. if it's not 3/4 arm length or full sleeves, then i am not comfortable.

i'd love to try to pull off a swim suit.

let us know which one you purchased and how wonderful you looked in it, and how fantastic you felt.

oxo.

Anonymous said...

i like the cherry one too! its totally cute. but number 6 is also quite good.

have you gone to junonia.com

Amber said...

I like the first one and the last one the best!!!

Have fun on your cruise; I'm ridiculously jealous here. It's 18 degrees outside with several inches of snow, lol.

Anonymous said...

I think you should consider wearing a circus tarp. It might be more your size, and colorful, too!

Oh, and make sure you don't fall overboard - somebody might try to harpoon you.

Anonymous said...

I know the policy on this site is to ignore trolls, but how PATHETIC is the circus tarp / whale poster?

I mean, trolling sites about weight and are and anonymously leaving "insults"? It doesn't eve as an insult even, because it's so sad and pathetic! I mean, really! You've never even SEEN the bloggers on this site, and they have never SEEN you, so attempting to make fun of them is like, a sign of social retardation. For all we know, you're 800 lbs and full of self-hate.

It's like walking up to a Lane Bryant advertisement and scrawling YOUR FAT!! on it and running away. It serves no purpose, and only makes the author look deranged.

Anonymous said...

anon at 1:07pm: You're missing the point completely. If anything shows the power of free speech, it's this blog. Everyone can post whatever, and yes some people are just stirring up shit, but 95% are calmly ignoring them (you being the exception) and carrying on a civilized discussion on swimsuits. Yes, I'm part of the "anti-FA" crowd on here but not a troll, and this discussion doesn't concern me, so I happily sit it out.

Compare that to BFB or other cloistered sites where if you marginally offend anyone you are banned for life. How weak does your position have to be where you can't afford to take criticism? Leaving comments open for this long on a high volume blog shows incredible insight and courage on part of the authors.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 1:07, there is no point in trying to argue with bitter, angry, pathetic trolls. NO POINT. Yes, please let's ignore them and not give in to what they desperately want: Attention. :-)

Fatty, I like the #2 It reminds me of a boxing outfit for some reason, but a cute boxing outfit.

Anonymous said...

The cherry suit is cute in a retro way, but I'm wondering if it's a good idea for an overweight woman to wear anythng with pictures of *food* on it?

Autonoma said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

isn't the whole point to eat the food? aren't the buffets what everyone raves about?

Um yeah... OK. Does the bathing suit come with a coordinating bib?

Anonymous said...

Autonoma - Just looked at your blog. Chewy Molasses-Spice Cookies... Cream Cheese Frosting for Red Velvet Cake... Montclair Martha's Red Velvet Cake... Caramel Buttercream... Chocolate Cake... Fruit Danish... Perfect White Cake... and so on, ad nauseum

Yeah, got the mental picture. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

autonoma - Out of a morbid sense of curiousity, I checked out your other blog. My arteries are clogged just from reading the Alfredo Pasta recipe. You clearly have a death wish.

Anonymous said...

ANONs responding to Autonoma: thanks for pointing out the recipes on the profile! If it hadn't been for your nasty comments, I would never have discovered them, but I'm so glad I have.

Death wish...bwahhh ahhh hahh...oh, puh-leez...

Anonymous said...

anon @ 7:50 - hope you enjoy your red velvet cake. And your angiogram. :-)

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Anon 1028! THat's so sweet of you. Thanks to you, I'll savor that cake even more. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, and also, Anon 1028, should I actually require an angioplasty, how could I not enjoy it when I know that people like you will be paying the bill? Thanks!

Big fat smooches dripping with Alfredo sauce! :)

Anonymous said...

definitely number 6. The others look like fat girl suits, but six is very fashionable, cute and sexy at the same time. and it also covers up the tummy, which you mentioned was your sore spot. also the stripes naturally draw your eyes up to the breast area and face. the cherries are cute but it screams- "ignore the fact that I am fat, i am so cute in my 50's cherry suit." no one buys that. there usually thinking look at the fat girl in the cherry suit.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and also, Anon 1028, should I actually require an angioplasty, how could I not enjoy it when I know that people like you will be paying the bill? Thanks!

Big fat smooches dripping with Alfredo sauce! :)


Shudder! I'm so glad I don't live in the US.

Anonymous said...

I purchased 2 swimsuits from them this past summer -- both of them were really, really nice. I bought a Carol Weir, and yeah, no Miracle Suit is going to really work a miracle on my fat ass, but this one was cut right -- my -apron- was hidden comfortably; that's my problem area.

Just leave yourself time to return and exchange!

Anonymous said...

One swimsuit is never enough anyway, so have fun and buy two or three. 4,5 and 6 would get my vote: I love the cut of #1, but that band of pink makes it look from a distance like a badly-designed bikini.

And Donna, it's any day now isn't it? Every good wish.

Anonymous said...

Number 5 also comes in bright pink. I'd buy that one as well.

anji said...

Ohhhhhhh, I love the black ones, I like the bottom black one a lot... and - number 6 is okay too though I'm not a fan of bow-ties on my bathing suits :D

Buy two if you can! One that can be worn while another is drying (no one likes to sit around in a wet bathing suit, which is so not fun!)

Number 1, I think would just accent your width though, it does make the boobs look like boobs (hehe) but - it can make your bottom half (under the breast area) seem really really long and awkwardly proportioned.

Regardless of what you choose, have a faaaaaaaantastic trip!!

anji

Anonymous said...

I just returned from a 9 day Carribean cruise. The weather was great so there was a lot of time in the chairs on the sun deck.

There were quite a few big gals aboard, and suits like 1, 4, and 6 were very popular.

It's more about tanning than swimming, so a lot of girls wore tankinis, and yes, quite a few bikinis (with pareo/wraps & coverups for when the weren't stretched out on a deck chair), so you'll want to give consideration the sun and the tan line you prefer.

Also, think comfort. If you haven't done a cruise before, be advised you eat and drink VERY well. (I put on nearly 15 pounds in 9 days - so there's some truth in the old joke about boarding as a passenger and coming off as cargo!) Be sure to get something with a little give in it.

Anonymous said...

#1 I think I like it--it will show off your chest nicely if it has enough suport
#2 appears to be made that weird shiny material that makes even a skinny minnie look lumpy.
#3 these stripes are weird. I wish it was black fabric being drawn across the body instead.
#4 love it! pattern and cut reminds me of screen sirens of the past. Would look fab with a huge pair of retro sunglasses but this cut fits varies so greatly from person to person.
#5 a good solid choice. Will show off chest nicely and wide straps won't dig into shoulders and will support nicely.
#6 super cute if the straps can support your wonderful chest!
Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Also, think comfort. If you haven't done a cruise before, be advised you eat and drink VERY well. (I put on nearly 15 pounds in 9 days - so there's some truth in the old joke about boarding as a passenger and coming off as cargo!) Be sure to get something with a little give in it.

Good God! Is that meant to be helful advice? It's just gross!