Question for the gals re: buying a "supportive" swimsuit

[Arugula Latte]

I can NEVER find a swimsuit that I feel comfortable in. I'm 41, in pretty good shape, not overweight, but I just like "the girls" to be hoisted, stabilized, and tucked away in a swim suit. I feel self conscious if I feel like they're sort of bouncing around. Mine are fairly ample, and I like to wear 'em high so I don't feel matronly, which can happen if you have boobs on the larger size.

I'm not crazy about underwire suits, however. I'd just like a one-piece or tankini that really holds me up and in.

I'm thinking about trying to buy something on-line because I haven't had luck in department stores or even in swimsuit-specific stores. Has anyone else been through this? ... Thanks!

P.S. First man who says "this thread is worthless without pictures" gets a :spank:

[skygazer]

1. Unfortunately that has never been an issue for me

I'd be happy if I could get a little more :bounce: out of 'em.

[Lyric]

2. This thread is worthless without pictures

(I'm a girl, so no spankins for me!) :P

[Arugula Latte]

3. Okay ... I'll let you off the hook just this once ...

:D

[matcom]

4. This thread is worthless without pictures

*gladly bending over* :P

[Arugula Latte]

6. Oooooh, I should have known YOU'D chime in!

:spank: :spank: :spank:







:rofl:

[matcom]

10. i have a rep to keep up with you know

:rofl:

[Mrs.Matcom]

14. And you should have know he would have been the first! n/t

[Arugula Latte]

16. I should have put some money on it!

(But, on second thought, nobody would take that bet) ... :hi:

[Skittles]

29. make Matcom pay you for a whipping, Oregonian

he pays me :7

[Rising Phoenix]

5. I have the same problem

I got one at Victoria's Secret....a tankini that seemed to do the job, however I have lost some weight since I bought it and now its a little big and baggy and less supportive

[Arugula Latte]

7. Thanks -- I'd never thought of trying V.S.'s for swimsuits.

I'll check 'em out. :hi:

[Left Is Write]

8. I can't help you - I like tops with underwires.

I'm small-busted, and I sometimes have trouble finding underwire suits in my size.

[redqueen]

9. look for the top that ties around your neck

those are great for adjusting the girls just how you like them :)

[NMDemDist2]

11. I highly recommend Land's End online

I was heading for Hawaii in November and had to get a new suit for the trip. the people on the phone had me measure my parts and the suits fit perfectly!!!!!

their customer service people are excellent and can make suggestions for your individual situation

www.landsend.com

here's one they recommend

http://www.landsend.com/pp/SolidTummyControlHineckKeyholeTankSwimsuit-73340_168955_593.html&cm_re=1-_-Product_Link-_-Row1_Col1&CM_MERCH=SF_ALL_SWIMWEAR&action=order_more&sku_0=::BLA

[Arugula Latte]

12. Thanks for the tip!

I think I will get out the ol' measuring tape and give them a call ...

That one pictured might do the trick. Thanks! :hi:

[NMDemDist2]

22. here's a whole lot of choices for "big girls"

http://www.landsend.com/cd/index/fp/0,,73285,00.html

[matcom]

13. according to that pic

you have a fantastic ass and a WONDERFUL 'come hither' look :D

:hide:

[trof]

15. OK, here's Oregonian in her new tankini.

I had to look up 'tankini'.
That's a new one on me.

[Arugula Latte]

17. Yes -- That's EXACTLY how I look.

:)

[applegrove]

18. I have had good luck with the online stores. Try Land's End. Other

than that try going to a store that also caters to plus size women. Their support systems are usually pretty good. They are used to "the girls" being ample and cut and design for that.

[mentalsolstice]

19. I'll add another vote for Lands End

I love tankinis, as my boobs aren't dependent on the rise in the bottom. And I love the ability to mix and match, which is easy @ Lands End. I got two tankinis last year, one also had a skirt (3 piece) and because all pieces matched, I got several combinations. We're going to the Dominican Republic for Christmas for 7 days, and I plan to buy two more suits to mix 'n match...

[BlackVelvet04]

20. I'm top heavy myself.....

which means I have to buy my pants 2 sizes smaller than my tops. I have always found Speedo's to work best for me. I had a one piece white high necked speedo that was cut low in the back and high on the hip that was very comfortable and actually quite sexy for a one piece. I loved that suit so much that when the elastic wore out I had my mom replace the elastic. Wish I could find that style again.

I highly recommend you check into Speedos.

[Nikia]

25. I prefer Speedos as well

They are usually available at athletic stores.

[rubberducky]

21. Land`s End can`t be beat!

[snacker]

26. I'll second that! n/t

[Rosemary2205]

23. I have the same problem

I dance between DD and EE. I have given up on a supportive swimsuit. I found a brand of seamless underwire bra at Walmart (I know I know but one has to do what one has to do). Come in 7 or 8 colors in sizes big enough for me. I just gave in and wear a coordinating bra under my swim top. I just have to make sure the swim top comes up high enough in the back to cover the strap - but the bra still shows a little. I am in the pool 3 times a week for water therapy and they have held up very well.

BTW, at first I felt uncomfortable with having a bra showing at all, but a couple of others in the pool have followed my example. They actually look SO much better without that matronly look that the bra showing is a total non issue.

[pink-o]

24. A little OT but related..

Why the hell do manufacturers make buying women's clothes like walking in Dante's 9th circle??? It's not just swimsuits! Check it out--I am 6'1" tall and weigh about 150, a size 8 or 10. Do you think I can ever find stuff that fits? Ans as for swimsuits, I even got a tankini "Long Torso" from Land's End, but the torso wasn't hardly long enough to not ride up. It pissed me off cuz I paid about 90 bucks for the "specialty" size.

Yes, I understand that I'm a pituitary freak of nature as compared to most other women, but everyone I know complains about off-the-rack clothes. I find the whole way clothes are marketed to us to be extremely sexist--men go into a shop, try on a suit and get free alterations so the clothes fit THEIR bodies. Women are supposed to starve and exercise so their bodies fit the clothes. And if we want anything custom or any alterations, it costs a kabillion dollars extra.

Even men's off-the-rack clothes are more individual. Their shirts have neck sizes, their pants have length and waist sizes. We're just size 2 to 28, with no regard to how we're shaped. And there's a subtle message that it's our own fault if we don't have the cookie cutter-bods to wear it all.

I would love to open up a woman's shop that caters to individual, custom sizes without making my sisters break the bank. But why do I doubt it would get any financial backing from anyone?

[BlackVelvet04]

27. I have the opposite problem

as I'm 5'1" tall. Most everything is too long. I can wear a petite size pants sometimes but not a petite size top. The buttons in shirts are always in the wrong place so there is a gap that shows everything. It's hard to find large cup bras in a size 34.

I wish there was money to be made in custom sizes for women but it doesn't seem to be. I think because in general men shop much less than women they have to make sizes easier for men. If men had to jump through the hoops women do to get something that fits they would all walk around in sweats all the time. ;-)

[yellowdogintexas]

28. go for one with an X back, or a strap that crosses your back

horizontally just below your shoulderblades. Helps with the underarm gap issue.