Hi,

I am in Florida some these days and needed a new suit as I have gained weight over the past five years since the last one.   I thought I was fat then..

Anyway, Penny's and LandsEnds both have suits that have swim shorts that look less revealing of our chubby thighs. You can get either a two piece or one piece suit that has the shorts sewn  on.

I am so grateful to find a suit (of any kind that I am not embarrassed to wear) AND at Penny's half price yesterday (yeh!) ....thought I'd pass this on.

Georgia Dove~~

(Edited by NancyV at 7:17 am on April 5, 2003)

The Swim Suit has been dreaded by many us us even before we gained our midlife flesh!  We have to find suits that FIT!  That is the hard part!   What looked good years ago doesnt work anymore,  does it!

I missed the sale at Pennys, but I have to agree about Landsend.  First suit I ever bought that fit like a glove, I found at Landsend online.   You can create a model of yourself and the use it to "try on" some of the suits on screen.  

Body image is powerful stuff.  Swim Suits bring it all out in the open.   I try not to "look back" to much.  Take ten minutes to watch regular ordinary people walking by on the street or in the mall.  THEN go look in the mirror!  Well yes maybe we need to loose wieght- but mostly we need to loose the "image" that we are comparing ourselves to!  I remember my Grandma Lorna taking me to the beach to teach me how to swim.  It was am important day that she and I had both planned for.  I was about 7 years old?  As we prepared to go, she uttered her frustration with her swimwear.  She hated it.  It was to tight and it made her look fat, she said.   Well, yes, I thought to myself, you are fat I guess, but I want to swim I dont care what she thinks she looks like!  I do not remember what I said- I hope that I told her that it didnt matter- that I loved her just the way she is and that I just want to learn how to swim!   That is what I felt!  

God Bless my Grandma Lorna, she gave me so many little glimpses into her own struggle when I was a child!   I am thankful to have remembered so much!  

We are so much more than bodies!

I also always thought my mother was fat. She was plump. But now so am I.
How do you hide a "stomach" in any bathingsuit? That's the area that bothers me alot.

Nancy, where have you been hiding. I think I only saw your name in posts from two years ago???

Catch us up on your life. Any more motorcycle trips?

Hi Nancy,
What I was wondering is this...... Why can't us women wear bathing suits like men do? They get to wear those short type suits that hide not only rear end but stomach, hips and thighs....... whoever dictates womens fashions aught to be shot. This whole swimsuit issue seems as usual a sexist thing made up by men. Though when women are younger I suppose they like the string kind..... must be they think they will surely get a hubby from wearing one. umm ya right.

All joking aside...... sometimes I just do not want to get into a bathing contraption, i wish they had something less baring all and not sticking to my skin, and the elastic in them ugh.. I just wish to at times just go as is..... pair of shorts and maybe a half tank top or tank top....... i think that would be so comfy. Kind of like on those days you dont feel like dressing up.

I have a problem with both one piece suits and two piece suits.... the one piece suit is usually not long enough for my torso, and it squishes my boobs and actually hurts wearing one, because of the inadequate length. and i do not like how the material feels on my stomach when it gets wet. gives me the weeby jeebies...lollllllllllllll.
the two piece is a prob as well only because they dont make big enough size for the top part ( i can barely keep myself contained in them) and if you have to buy the bathing suit as a set it becomes an even bigger problem (nowadays they sell seperates for the top and bottoms) because i wear a size 5-6 and the bottoms will fit ok but then they make micro tops to go with them.... lollllllllllllll mucho problemo...... ok thats my take on bathing suits....... read it and weep....lollllllllllllllll

I live directly on the ocean, and have to CONSTANTLY look at the 'beauties' in swimsuits running around on a daily basis in the summer. However, I notice the majority of women MY age, all look just like me in a bathing suit: A little too much in the tummy area and thighs that show the signs of aging. If I focus on the younger generation with their rock hard stomachs and thighs, I suppose I'd go nuts. But I don't. I look at the girls MY age, and then I don't feel so bad. Then of course, I look at women that look MUCH worse than me, and it boosts my confidence. I miss the days when the boobs stood up instead of hung down, when the thighs didn't have cellulite, and the arms were firm and solid. But those were the days, and they are long gone. Now I just thank GOD for my health and the ability to wear a bathing suit at all!! It could be better, but Lord knows it could be MUCH worse!!! (have to look at it this way or else I'd be a basket case!) Short-shorts have been out with me for YEARS! I run around lots of the time in the summer in capri's - they cover to just above the knees and are VERY stylish these days! THANK YOU to whoever decided to bring them back into fashion!!!
I honestly think our 'looks' bother US more than anyone else!
Hang in there girls......WE are lookin' fine!

It's that darn spandex that does us in. That fabric sticks to the skin and shows every roll of fat. I hate that fabric. I prefer the older fabric that leaves room for fat and doesn't show every roll.

True we probably look like the average 50 year old out there on the beach. But I also have a hard time not noticing gals who look svelt, along with my husband.

I have notice alot more of the 30 year olds looking pretty overweight these days. I don't like to poke fun. But it's true. And still they wear the bikinis and thongs. Ugh.

Elegantly removing the wedgie as you emerge from the sea just adds to the glamour, especially as you walk up the beach, trying to hold in your stomach and not let the top of the legs wobble as you stomp up the beach (that's where Shrek 2 got it from...they saw me! )

ALICE YOU'RE KILLING ME HERE! LMBO! I'll think of you EVERY time I watch Shrek 2 now, my dear! You are a riot!

I have 2 words for you ladies:

BOARD SHORTS

You can wear them with a bikini top, or a one piece. No wedgies, and if you go into the ocean, or dive in a pool, they stay on, and they stay where they are suppose to be!!

No wads stuck in this crack!! LOL

I'm with you leanne! I've been doing the shorts & bikini top for a long time .... well since my butt went south & thighs moved beyond orange peel! My gut & boobs (or lack of) are holding up pretty well. When they go too, I guess I'll dump the top for a turtle neck or something!!

Leeanne! (Now that I've stopped LAUGHING at your post!!!)
What the heck are board shorts? Whatever they are, I WANT SOME!

Boyzmom, ORANGE PEEL! I KNEW there was a name for my thighs!

HUGS!

Kleeo-

They are the greatest thing for women! They are short shorts, that are made from the material that men's trunks are made from.

Google "Board Shorts"- you'll find online stores that sell them.

Try a pair, and I promise your butt will stay where it's suppose to stay LOL We gotta protect those cheeks!!! LMAO!!

Oh Leanne you are my NEW bestest friend! LMBO! I am about to embark on a google shopping spree!!!!!!!!! Wish me luck! My butt will love you for this!!

HUGS!

Kleeo... LOL Once you get them, you can do a 2 1/2 gainer off a cliff on some exotic island, and nobody will see your A$$!! Unless of course you SHOW it to them LOL

Happy shopping!!

((((HUGZZZ))))

Honey? The only human being in this world that gets to look at THIS tired old butt these days is my doctor! AND I have to wonder what HE thinks when he sees it! LMBO!!
I found and ordered two pair through JC Penney. Shoot, these are CUTE! I NEVER thought I'd find something CUTE that did my butt a favor! Figured they'd be ugly and 'old poop' looking! I'm so excited I could just pop! Thanks again for the tip! Can't WAIT for them to arrive!
HUGS!

(((LEANNE)))

I'm with Kleeo! I was wondering what the heck to do for a swimsuit this year, and was thinking of just wearing shorts.

Thanks for the info - I'm goin' e-shopping!



Jacquie

Have a blast, Jacquie! I found some cute shorts at JC Penney during my e-shopping extravaganza! And looks like we're gonna be needing them soon! HEAT wave today girl! Supposed to be in the 40's here for us Maine-uh's! I'm headin to the beach!!!
HUGS!

DANG!! 40!!! You girls be careful in that heat! Don't stroke out!!!

40's!!! SUCH BLISS!! ABSOLUTE HEAVEN!!!

Boyzmom, don't poke fun! I have gone SUNTANNING at the beach when it's 50!


Let's enjoy it Kleeo!!!!

After surfing the waves for a while, one must finally take themselves out of the water. (you can't stay in there forever) But how to do it is the question.

Ride a wave in; jump up and pull up the bra top of the swim suit while pulling down the arse part; then hold in your tummy as hard as you can; walk with your head up high, (so as not to make eye contact with all those who are smirking), and quickly jog back to where your blanket is. Concentrate on only getting to your blanket in the quickest amount of time. Throw yourself onto the blanket and now you can exhale. Sheesh!

A friend of mine use to place her wrap-around towel on the sand just before the water line, and then throw it on as soon as she came out of the water. With my luck it would get pulled out into the sea.

We're so vain!!!!!

Umm. I have a question? What do you wear as a top with the Board Shorts?
A slim type tee shirt.

Hi Ashlynn- The shorts serve as a bathing suit BOTTOM, they are designed for the water. They were first designed for surfers, so they could get up on their boards without embarrassing, or exposing themselves, thus BOARD shorts. Men have had board shorts for years, and then someone got smart and thought to make them cuter and shorter, and offer them to the girls.

You can wear the shorts and a bikini-type top ( the top of a two-piece), or wear them over a one-piece bathing suit.

I have several pair, and I just buy bathing suit tops to wear with them. If you are an avid water person, you might want to wear them with a one piece, that way if your doing something like skiing or surfing, when you fall, you're top doesn't end up on your head LOL Which has happened to me on more than one occasion! LOL I was boogey borading years ago with my kids, and my then 5 year old son said, "Mommy... your breasteses are out!" LOL Oy Vey!

Too cute!!

HEY GIRLS! I went to the beach today with my lunch bag in tow, and GOT A SUNBURN ON MY FACE! REAL COLOR! Us Maine-uhs KNOW how to make the best of....well, let's say......WARMER? weather!! RIGHT JACQUIE!??

JC Penny's is already out of them. Where else can I find them in a Ladies size?

Ashlyn, go to google, and type in GIRLS BOARD SHORTS. They also sell them in most dept. stores, and clothing stores.

AMEN, Sister Kleeo!!!!

It was a beautiful day today! Makes us want to put our faces up to the sun, like little flowers, huh? No wonder you got a sunburn!


Oh, Happy Day.....



Jacquie

Jacquie & Kleeo,

It's more awe than poking fun. I'm whining here in the 40's b/c I'm freezing!

Oh Boyzmom I'm sorry your freezing your kaboodle off! I guess we've had SO much below freezing weather and snow here in Maine this year, we are tickled to death to have air that doesn't freeze your tears to your face! LOL!! I think if you were born and raised in this State like me, you tend to get VERY excited at the first signs of Spring and convince yourself that sunshine and ANYTHING over 36 degrees is a HEAT WAVE!
Hoping you warm up REAL soon!
HUGS! from Kleeo who is LOVING THIS SUNSHINE!!

It's bright her today too and my daffodils are coming out...without their swimsuits - sorry , just sticking to the thread!

But Alice, does the sun have his hat on???

Let me explain: a friend of mine married a British boy, and he would sing this little childhood
song to her:

"The sun has got his hat on, oh hip-hip-hip hoo-ray!!!"

Very cute, but what the heck does it MEAN??!!!

(We can pretend the sun is wearing a swimsuit, too).

SWIMSUIT


I need a shoehorn and babyoil to get into my pants.

Who wants to see a 49 year old fat woman in a swimsuit?

I'm even afraid of the boardshorts.




Donna

This is the best board I've been on! What a bunch of comedians
I live 3 blocks from the beach so I don't worry about a swimsuit. I put on my shorts (any kind I want to) and jump in when-ever I want. You can't do that at a public pool they make ya wear a swimsuit. I stay away from that.

I'm 49 and the young tight bodes don't bother me anymore and if my husband wants to run off with one of um, good luck, I guess he hasn't looked in the mirror lately Maybe he could find a tight young blind bode.

All joking aside though.

"If you compare yourself to other people you will grow vain and bitter, because always there will be greater and lesser persons then yourself." Francis of Assisi

Dee

Dee- Great post!! I say that all the time "there will always be someone prettier, smarter, and thinner, so get over it!!"

I was on the beach last summer, and I noticed a very beautiful young woman walking along. She couldn't have been older than 25, she was a beautiful girl, with the perfect body. Then on my other side was a woman that appeared to be about 70, she was wearing shorts, and a tank top, and she had short spikey gray hair. She was playing frisbee with what I think was her grandson. They were laughing and having the best time.

I had one of those "AH HA" moments that Oprah talks about, and realized that both these women were beautiful- equally.

Special note to Donna: I would. I would want to see my friend, old or fat, 49 or 29 in a swimsuit out living their life, having JOY- nothing would be more beautiful than that.

Thanks Dee; Thanks Leann:

I'm just having a bash Donna Day!!!!!
I somehow feel that I should be able to control my weight.

I was just joking when I said who wants to see a 49 year old fat woman in a swimsuit!!!!! What I should have said was "No one would want to see THIS 49 YEAR OLD FAT WOMAN in th swimsuits that she wore in the past!!! HA HA!!!!!
I know that you are both right .....and I will be back in the pool with my 5 grandsons as soon as it get warm enough!

I don't want to be vain - but I do miss my Former Body as much as I miss my former mind.

Huggs

Donna

And it's not just former mind it's FORMER PERSONALITY for me. We used to always say in our family 'who knows how to have fun?' Now my kids look at me like a ball and chain

Doing my workout today in my undies while bending over I noticed the dried out skin on my thighs just hanging like a turkey neck down to my saggy knees. WHAT IS THAT AND WHY! I'm thin but won't be caught dead exposing that flapping wrinkled skin on the beach. Although maybe it won't look so bad if I lotion it up real good and tan it ever so dark - ya right - dreamer.........

You mean I'm not the only one with turkey thighs?


gobblegobble

I want to know when my butt dropped. I mean one day it was where it's suppose to be, and the next it was down an inch or two! I wonder if that's nature's way of evening out the droopy breasts???

Turkey thighs, droopy butt, sagging breasts... boy, aren't we attractive?? LMAO!!

Love all of ya

No offense, but who cares what anyone wants to see? Screw 'em.

Leanne~

I know what you mean about the southbound butt! It's like one day you get outta the shower & think, "What's that tickling the back of my knees? OOOOhhhh! It's my A$$!!!"

And what's that tickling the fronts of my knees?

OOH, it's my boobs!!