Over the last 29 years, I’ve never had as much trouble as I’m having this summer finding a bathing suit. Up until I was about 13, my Mom picked out my suits, and I really didn’t care what I looked like on the beach. During my teen years, the struggle was real – how could I make my undeveloped body look like Ali Larter’s in the whipped cream bikini in Varsity Blues? In college, I felt like Phoebe Cates in Fast Times at Ridgemont High because I went to the gym three times a day. Then… I graduated, got married, and still felt great thanks to my Zumba classes and daily weight routine. Even while I was pregnant, I could find a swimsuit to cover my ginormous chest and expanding hips. My go-to bikini shop has always been Victoria’s Secret since they have so many different styles and sizes. Once in awhile I could find a goodie at Target or Macy’s too. Honestly – the bathing suit hunt, for the most part, has always been an exciting and enjoyable experience! Bathing suit shopping mean vacation and sun and tanning! Hooray!
Until now.
Bathing suit shopping SUCKS when you’re a Mom.
My go-to VS is failing me this year. Has anyone seen the new Itsy Bikini Bottom? I wouldn’t wear this if you paid me.
I went into the store to try on some suits and could not believe what they are selling – push up bra tops and thong bottoms. Despite the fact that my body is on the smaller side (since I’ve breastfed for over 18months now), nothing looked remotely nice. I felt like an imposter floozy in everything I put on and was embarrassed at the girl in the mirror. I walked away from VS very sad and headed to Target.
Another swimsuit FAIL. Their tops have no support and the bottoms just don’t fit right. Old Navy = FAIL. Belk = FAIL. T.J. Maxx = Sorta fail. I found two inexpensive suits that look OK, but I don’t feel comfortable and confident in either.
So I headed to Everything But Water where everything but water costs an arm and a leg. I tried on a zillion bathing suits and found TWO that I loved. Unfortunately one was going to cost me over $200, so I settled for the suit that was half the cost. Maaji’s True Blue Rivers is probably one of my most favorite suits I have ever bought (and not just because it should be based on the price tag). The unique top masks my ill-proportion breasts and the bottom is stretchy, comfortable, and makes my flat butt look shapely.
One bathing suit isn’t going to cut it for the two vacations we have lined up… so I am headed back out today to find atleast one more Mom-Approved Non-Slutty two piece…because in a few years I am going to be too old for the bikini and on the hunt for one pieces!
Where do you shop for swimsuits?
I’m not a mom, but I go through the same thing and have felt the same way about bathing suits for the past 3 years or so! And just like you, VS used to be my go to bathing suit store until they started making the bottoms and butts smaller and more padded tops. I mean really? lol I don’t even wear any padded or own for that matter padded bras! I used to try to find cute suits at Target and Old Navy…they are so hit and miss. The Maaj one you found the tone it up girls wear a lot but I am not a fan of the bottoms because almost all of them show to much butt cheeks for my liking! The struggle is real!
The suit is adorable and I feel you on the struggles! Besides a little smush here and there, I’m back to my pre-preggo body, but swimsuit shopping has been a chore. My rib cage is still a tic wider which makes previous bikini tops look too tight.
So, right now I’m stuck in this small boobs, wide rib cage hell where smalls look tight and mediums are calling for a wardrobe malfunction.
Plus, I’ve been on the hunt for a modest, sporty looking top so I can wrangle a toddler without exposing myself.
If I spent more time in a suit, I’d probably invest in something nicer, but this summer, Target will do.
I am struggling with this right now! I’m in the midst of breastfeeding and all of my current tops no longer fit. Target has failed me. I need support! And Coverage!! And not 10 pounds of padding…..
I’m not a mom and I feel the same way. I’m not super confident in my body, but that is getting better due to diet and exercise. But still….the VS suits are SO TINY. I’ve always had a curvy butt….I bought a large in one of their bottoms and still feel like my butt hangs out.
I’ve always hated bathing suit shopping but it’s worse when your body has changed! I haven’t looked yet, but I’m hoping something I already own fits again. I’m at pre-pregnancy weight but definitely not the same shape. The struggle is real.
I’m in your boat, too. I have all boobs and no butt so finding a suit is so hard! I used to go to VS, but nowadays I have a toddler yanking and pulling! My sister shops at Athleta a lot, but their suits don’t really fit my big boobies well. I found a Body Glove suit at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago and it just happened to be a L top and an XS bottom. It got me through my summer of breastfeeding. I lived in that thing. I found a one piece at Target for when I’m around a bunch of people I’m not extremely comfortable around.
That suit is super cute!! I feel you on the struggle. Since I’m a SAHM right now, our budget is really tight and I can’t afford a new suit at the moment. I have a one-piece from Target that still works; and I have a ton of old bikinis and figured at least ONE would still fit. Nope. Even though I’m under my pre pregnancy weight, nothing seems to fit the same–everything spills out in the most unflattering places, ugh. I’ve resorted to mixing and matching tops and bottoms haha.
Totally agree! My biggest problem is the top. I have been thinking about biting the bullet and going to Everything But Water. I don’t mind paying good money for something that I feel like its worth it, since bathing suits are made for toddlers everywhere else, it is probably worth it.
I agree! I exercise all the time and still would never where those suits! VS what have you done?! I go to Nordstrom now. 😉
I feel your pain! I found two cute one-piece swimsuits at J Crew… but for two pieces I am at a loss. I found one at Macys but I definitely don’t LOVE it.
So, I am jealous of how easy it was for you growing up! It’s ALWAYS been difficult for me because I’m plus-sized and very well endowed. I finally found the trick was to go online and buy swimsuits in bra sizes in the same places I buy bras! One of my favorites is bare necessities!
Try Athleta! I’ve had really good luck with their suits since having Ella. Tons of options & great quality!
the best suit I’ve bought since having kids is the catalina suddenly slim 2 piece from walmart. it was like 30 bucks and looks amazing. it’s retro styled.
I understand the struggle! Nothing contains my massive nursing boobs and I want to show off my chest even less now that I’m a mom.
I found two tops in target that I got because I have to have one. They aren’t flattering and show way more than I’d like to be showing. Guess I’m going to have to shell out the big bucks for a decent one 🙁
I definitely hear ya! Bathing suit shopping especially after having my little one was always a horrible situation. I didn’t feel confident in anything I found. Until I found my beloved swimsuit at the Naval Exchange. I know not everyone can shop there, but I was finally relieved to find a swimsuit that kind of showed off the parts I liked and covered the parts I hated. It was the most expensive swimsuit I have ever bought at $60 but definitely worth it and has lasted me for two years so far so I can’t complain!
It’s even worse for me. As a Mormon, we hold modesty high, even with swimsuits. We wear one piece suits. There are some that I feel super good in and are adorable, but it’s so hard to find a one-piece that the neck doesn’t drop between your breasts and actually covers more than just the backside of your butt!
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I agreed! I exercise all the time and still would never wear those suits! what have you done?