Farrar Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I feel like this has probably been asked before, but I'm lazy. Where do y'all like to buy a good swimsuit? Purpose is swimming and lounging by water. Not athletic. Modest but cute. Though not like, modest modest, just like, compared to skimpy swimsuits modest. I'm like a size 14, so nothing meant for the skinny peoples. For the last several years, I've been just wearing these little swim bottoms and a rashie, but the rashie fell apart. I bought another one and then another, but none of them fit right. And really, I need new bottoms too, so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I like Lands End ones. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 Lands End here too. Many of their styles/fabric patterns are down right tacky, but you can find some classier stuff in the mix. Always fits well and lasts a long time too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 Reminds me I need to go to Lands End and get another swimsuit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 6, 2022 Author Share Posted March 6, 2022 I did look at Land's End. They're okay. I wasn't sure if there was anything better these days? I had a not great experience with a Land's End swimsuit years ago and I've never really gone back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dianthus Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I have bought lands end suits for close to 20 years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamonlyone Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I like Nike swim tanks and swim board shorts. I'm not seeing them on the Nike site, but I do see some on academy.com and dickssportinggoods.com. I like Land's End too, but some of their suits aren't very comfortable on me. I like a sporty look and the Nike set was really comfortable and no fuss when we went to the beach last summer. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Sue Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I like ordering from Swimsuits For All. I bought two tankinis and love them. Their prices, selection, and quality of suits seemed a bit better than Lands End but similar. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I just bought something last month off of SwimSuitsforall.com I have bought from them before and have been happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TiffVP Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I'm beyond pale, so I've switched to long sleeve rashguards and pants. I purchased mine on Amazon 3+ years ago and it's still going strong! Plus I've saved tons of money on sunscreen lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristin0713 Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I splurged on a Jessica Rey swimsuit a few years ago and have never regretted it. It was something that I looked at year after year until I finally decided to just treat myself. They are excellent quality and made in America. Highly recommend! https://www.jessicarey.com 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 6, 2022 Author Share Posted March 6, 2022 5 minutes ago, kristin0713 said: I splurged on a Jessica Rey swimsuit a few years ago and have never regretted it. It was something that I looked at year after year until I finally decided to just treat myself. They are excellent quality and made in America. Highly recommend! https://www.jessicarey.com Oh my gosh, this one has one that has specifically a smaller top and a bigger bottom! Okay, that might be worth the splurge. That's why I can't buy one pieces. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I used to love Lands End, but haven't found styles I really like in recent years. I've found some Ralph Lauren one piece swimsuits that I really like though. They're stylish but usually more modest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyMom5 Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I have to get a new one this year and planned to look at LandsEnd, but open to other options! I'm a twin mom, too. I have a horrible distinction, so prefer a tummy control panel. I know Kohls had some LE suits in their stores last year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 2 hours ago, Farrar said: I feel like this has probably been asked before, but I'm lazy. Where do y'all like to buy a good swimsuit? Purpose is swimming and lounging by water. Not athletic. Modest but cute. Though not like, modest modest, just like, compared to skimpy swimsuits modest. I'm like a size 14, so nothing meant for the skinny peoples. For the last several years, I've been just wearing these little swim bottoms and a rashie, but the rashie fell apart. I bought another one and then another, but none of them fit right. And really, I need new bottoms too, so. I wear swim capris that I bought on Amazon, and a shelf cami style, long swim top I found years ago at Lands End, and it still hasn't fallen apart. I do not need any kind of major built in bra thing because my books have atrophied from being small, collections of child poetry to mere pamphlets as I approach menopause. 😬 So I might not be much help.The top is similar to this one. https://www.amazon.com/Zando-Swimwear-Swimdress-Beachwear-Swimsuits/dp/B078JWT31H/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1AF9XADYRI9SE&keywords=Womens+long+swim+top&qid=1646542080&sprefix=womens+long+swim+to%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-3 I am very comfy in it. I do have a rash guard to put over top if I am at the beach a long time, and I have a gauzy, beach cover up. That last thing needs to be replaced because I have had it for ten years, and it is a rag. My Lands End swim top is a decade old and still going strong. BUT, most of my swimming is in the Great Lakes, not in a chlorinated pool. So that might be why. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BakersDozen Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 2 hours ago, Faith-manor said: I do not need any kind of major built in bra thing because my books have atrophied from being small, collections of child poetry to mere pamphlets as I approach menopause. I just woke up some family members from laughing so loud. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I just made a 1940s 2 piece swimsuit. I think it very cute. I also made a cute little wrap around matching skirt and bolero... https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/387034010/1940s-pin-up-swimsuit-skirt-and-bolero 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 4 hours ago, BakersDozen said: I just woke up some family members from laughing so loud. 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasc Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I’ve been wearing Free Country tankinis and swim shorts for years and they hold up well. I’ve bought them at Sam’s Club for around $30 for the SET, so a much better price than online. However, I have bought them online when I really wanted a certain one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabercro Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 These swim rompers from target were a game changer for me last summer. Look good for lounging, comfy for swimming, and they have POCKETS. I bought a lightweight kimono cover up and a uv-material drapy cardigan that I wear over them poolside. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 (edited) 10 hours ago, TiffVP said: I'm beyond pale, so I've switched to long sleeve rashguards and pants. I purchased mine on Amazon 3+ years ago and it's still going strong! Plus I've saved tons of money on sunscreen lol I keep trying to find a rashguard that works for big b00ks. I know some people wear a swim bra under the shirt but I haven't seen one that looks comfortable. Is really like to switch to a shirt and shorts if only I can find the perfect combo. Edited March 6, 2022 by Lady Florida. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 (edited) I used to always do lands end but their fabric is really thick now and a bit too warm for me. I prefer llbean now- swim shorts and tank style top. You order tops and bottoms separately for 2 pieces for the right fit top/bottom I also have some Free Country tankini tops I like Edited March 6, 2022 by Hilltopmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I used to do Lands End, but switched to Miracle Suit a few years ago (you can buy separate size tops and bottoms there, too). They have held up really well. I also like some of the suits at Mod Cloth, but they did not hold up as well. Now I’m off to check out Jessica Rey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 12 hours ago, kristin0713 said: I splurged on a Jessica Rey swimsuit a few years ago and have never regretted it. It was something that I looked at year after year until I finally decided to just treat myself. They are excellent quality and made in America. Highly recommend! https://www.jessicarey.com Which one did you get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 Can I just say that swimsuit shopping is an affront to human dignity, and is in fact, a scourge against womankind? 5 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristin0713 Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 3 hours ago, Scarlett said: Which one did you get? I have Ann in Vintage Floral! It’s an older style and on sale now but limited stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristin0713 Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 I should not be looking at these. I really like the Marie swim dress! But I really don’t need another swimsuit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 7 hours ago, cabercro said: These swim rompers from target were a game changer for me last summer. Look good for lounging, comfy for swimming, and they have POCKETS. I bought a lightweight kimono cover up and a uv-material drapy cardigan that I wear over them poolside. Those are cute but I’m wondering about the bottoms. Do they have a hidden, built-in panty? Cause they seem awfully fluttery and loose around the bottom/leg, which seems they’d be floaty in the water or flappy in a breeze…? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 Listening... I've looked at all the sites posted so far, lots of pretty ones but none quite right for me. I'm looking for a more athletic swimsuit- not that I'm super active in the water or a big-time swimmer but I want to be able to move and play around without worrying that the swimsuit is going to be moving around. I got some fashion swimsuits for cheap from Shein year before last and they are cute but not so much practical. I'm ridiculously picky though- I want a 2 piece Top raceback or crossed straps highneck- support for the bOOks top not flowing or blouse type- if it is flowy it will come up in the water- blouse type even if a elastic bottom I find unflattering for my body and uncomfortable bottoms high-waisted- not sure on type- always did boy short type before but did some regular ones last year and felt fine in them- I do not want any type of flowy/skirt bottoms- I am curvy leaning towards apple - I don't want bottoms that widen my hips/butt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 18 minutes ago, Soror said: Listening... I've looked at all the sites posted so far, lots of pretty ones but none quite right for me. I'm looking for a more athletic swimsuit- not that I'm super active in the water or a big-time swimmer but I want to be able to move and play around without worrying that the swimsuit is going to be moving around. I got some fashion swimsuits for cheap from Shein year before last and they are cute but not so much practical. I'm ridiculously picky though- I want a 2 piece Top raceback or crossed straps highneck- support for the bOOks top not flowing or blouse type- if it is flowy it will come up in the water- blouse type even if a elastic bottom I find unflattering for my body and uncomfortable bottoms high-waisted- not sure on type- always did boy short type before but did some regular ones last year and felt fine in them- I do not want any type of flowy/skirt bottoms- I am curvy leaning towards apple - I don't want bottoms that widen my hips/butt Well, I am no good at shopping at all, but would this work? It has a built in bookshelf, high neck, racerback, and seems kind of sporty. https://m.jcpenney.com/p/zeroxposur-striped-tankini-swimsuit-top/ppr5008193978?pTmplType=regular 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 2 hours ago, Faith-manor said: Well, I am no good at shopping at all, but would this work? It has a built in bookshelf, high neck, racerback, and seems kind of sporty. https://m.jcpenney.com/p/zeroxposur-striped-tankini-swimsuit-top/ppr5008193978?pTmplType=regular I love this. Just wish it was a 1 pc! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 7 hours ago, Faith-manor said: Can I just say that swimsuit shopping is an affront to human dignity, and is in fact, a scourge against womankind? I actually started to cry as I engaged in this activity. I remember going with my mother once when she was about my age or a little younger and how she was so traumatized and I was just like, omg, chill out. And now I get it. I TOTALLY GET IT. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 I just bought one from Lands End. I haven't used it yet, so I hope it works well. I am rather hard to fit, I was nervous about it, and it was expensive. But I will say that I am so pleased with this swim skirt: https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-chlorine-resistant-tummy-control-adjustable-swim-skirt-swim-bottoms/id_353002?attributes=8063,43307,43325,43394,44256,44409 It looks very nice with good coverage without looking dowdy. Then I got this top: https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-chlorine-resistant-high-neck-upf-50-sun-protection-modest-tankini-top-swimsuit/id_342536?attributes=43307,43325,43393,44093,44256,44407,44967,49812 I have a long torso, so I really like that I can get the long one and it covers my abundant belly. Unfortunately, they don't make me look 40 pounds smaller, but for what I look like, I'm pleased. I hope they work well for lap swimming. I have been very pleased with Lands End quality in the past, and with being able to work out options for long torso and large bust. I do often wish they had more varieties of fabric in the styles I want, though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 I ordered a couple of things from Land's End, by the way. And hopefully it'll all fit? I mean, who the heck knows. If not, I'll just send it all back. I purposefully ordered more than the free shipping amount because apparently that includes returns? I guess you can return Land's End stuff at Kohl's, but there isn't really a Kohl's anywhere near me. If it doesn't fit, I'm getting that Jessica Ley one. It wouldn't be so bad if I could try it all on. But it's not like local stores seem to have much that is worth trying on. And spending $100 on swimwear online when you have NO CLUE if it'll fit is super stressful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 3 minutes ago, Farrar said: It wouldn't be so bad if I could try it all on. But it's not like local stores seem to have much that is worth trying on. And spending $100 on swimwear online when you have NO CLUE if it'll fit is super stressful. Yes it is!! I was so thrilled my order fit. I might could have gotten by with a size smaller for the top, but I want to be able to take it off easily enough when it's wet. So I am really hoping it looks fine on when wet. (Some of the reviews complained about having trouble getting it off, but I suspect they might have ordered too small. It's iffy with swimsuits.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Farrar said: I ordered a couple of things from Land's End, by the way. And hopefully it'll all fit? I mean, who the heck knows. If not, I'll just send it all back. I purposefully ordered more than the free shipping amount because apparently that includes returns? I guess you can return Land's End stuff at Kohl's, but there isn't really a Kohl's anywhere near me. If it doesn't fit, I'm getting that Jessica Ley one. It wouldn't be so bad if I could try it all on. But it's not like local stores seem to have much that is worth trying on. And spending $100 on swimwear online when you have NO CLUE if it'll fit is super stressful. I have returned one swimsuit to Lands end and had no problems. (It took forever to dry and was too hard to get off when wet) Edited March 7, 2022 by vonfirmath 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 @Jaybee I have that high neck tankini in cup sizes and like it. I am using it for water aerobics several days a week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) I have not had luck with anything but bra manufacturers who size their products according to band/cup size. DDD is pathetically small for many women (most of whom are wearing the wrong size, but I digress). I look for panache and freya suits. They have rankings by model on many sites (figleaves dot com, bare necessities dot com, biggerbras dot com) and swim shorts in different sizes so you can fit both halves well. Edited March 7, 2022 by Sneezyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Miraclesuit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calizzy Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 My favorite site it Boden: https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-swimwear?fq_style=Swimsuits&page=1 if you’re looking for athletic Athleta is also a good place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 14 hours ago, Faith-manor said: Well, I am no good at shopping at all, but would this work? It has a built in bookshelf, high neck, racerback, and seems kind of sporty. https://m.jcpenney.com/p/zeroxposur-striped-tankini-swimsuit-top/ppr5008193978?pTmplType=regular Thanks for looking. When I say boy short bottoms I mean ones that are fitted and stretchy, same material as regular swimsuit. MOre like this-- https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=811745032&vid=1&tid=onpl000017&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=Cj0KCQiA95aRBhCsARIsAC2xvfwCrvR-xNm5o9dZQc4cBedVBX7d2RfhfDRCRhXaN1ACJlVWlJW4CdcaAvQcEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&modelSize=M#pdp-page-content But I might just go with the high-waisted bikini. It is hard to find a boy short version that I like where it hits on my thigh. I've always been hippy but have been working on building muscles and have grown my thighs even more. Many shorts that fit in the waist are too small in the thighs or make my legs look like sausages that are squeezed in too small casings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 I think part of the trauma of swimsuit trying on is the horrible lights. It is so hard to find anything that looks good in that lighting. I swear any imperfection it highlights. It finds all your stretchmarks and cellulite, every lump and bump. I'm sure it must be men that have designed them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 1 hour ago, Soror said: I think part of the trauma of swimsuit trying on is the horrible lights. It is so hard to find anything that looks good in that lighting. I swear any imperfection it highlights. It finds all your stretchmarks and cellulite, every lump and bump. I'm sure it must be men that have designed them. The lighting is designed to make you feel like you are in the funhouse, mirror, horror show at the carnival. 😡 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 19 hours ago, Farrar said: I actually started to cry as I engaged in this activity. I remember going with my mother once when she was about my age or a little younger and how she was so traumatized and I was just like, omg, chill out. And now I get it. I TOTALLY GET IT. I basically feel this way about all clothing shopping now. Being on the far side of 50, post-mastectomy flat-chested (and uninterested in wearing prosthetics), a good 20 pounds heavier than I really like to be, with health issues that make wearing any "cute" shoes impossible . . . it's honestly miserable. My default response when I am invited to any event that requires me to wear anything dressier than leggings and a t-shirt is to cry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 You know, it's not even that I'm that unhappy with how I look. I feel mostly fine about how I look. It's the horror of clothing being weird fitting and limited and difficult that starts to get traumatizing. A few years ago, I set out to buy some new bras and six months later, I had like 10 bras, many of which weren't really returnable and none of which were actually wearable. I had a particularly horrible interaction at Nordstrom where I was like, here's what I want and the woman brought me the one bra they've tried to sell me EVERY SINGLE EFFING TIME I've ever bra shopped at Nordstrom which met NONE of the characteristics that I asked for. I was like, go away. And then I tried taking things off the rack and just trying them on and she FOLLOWED ME AROUND telling me that none of them would work for me. So I left. I cried that day too. Finally I went to Target and tried on like 20 bras. Seriously. 20. And from that, I found one that I thought might work but they didn't have the size I needed. So I ordered it online. And it basically worked, but the material is cheap, so I have to reorder it a bunch. And it's like... WHY. Just. WHY. Why does it have to be like this?!? And it's not like there's one solution - because what works for one person won't work for others, but seriously. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Farrar said: You know, it's not even that I'm that unhappy with how I look. I feel mostly fine about how I look. It's the horror of clothing being weird fitting and limited and difficult that starts to get traumatizing. A few years ago, I set out to buy some new bras and six months later, I had like 10 bras, many of which weren't really returnable and none of which were actually wearable. I had a particularly horrible interaction at Nordstrom where I was like, here's what I want and the woman brought me the one bra they've tried to sell me EVERY SINGLE EFFING TIME I've ever bra shopped at Nordstrom which met NONE of the characteristics that I asked for. I was like, go away. And then I tried taking things off the rack and just trying them on and she FOLLOWED ME AROUND telling me that none of them would work for me. So I left. I cried that day too. Finally I went to Target and tried on like 20 bras. Seriously. 20. And from that, I found one that I thought might work but they didn't have the size I needed. So I ordered it online. And it basically worked, but the material is cheap, so I have to reorder it a bunch. And it's like... WHY. Just. WHY. Why does it have to be like this?!? And it's not like there's one solution - because what works for one person won't work for others, but seriously. I've started buying my preferred brands on Amazon. I find a style/fit that looks good and works well and buy it in every color on Amazon until it's discontinued. Panache-Clara is my jam! Edited March 7, 2022 by Sneezyone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 1 minute ago, Sneezyone said: I've started buying my preferred brands on Amazon. I find a style/fit that looks good and works well and buy it in every color on Amazon until it's discontinued. Yeah. I honestly still don't have a bra that's awesome, honestly. Certainly not one that's worth buying into the future. I really dislike buying clothes on Amazon. If I need "plain shirt for function" or "cheap item for casual wear" then it's sometimes fine. But I have found that the vast majority of stuff on Amazon is the worst sort of fast fashion. I'd love to avoid it for ethical reasons but also for practical ones - I haven't had great luck. I find this is one of the Catch-22's of buying clothes online. Unless you have a brand you know and love already, it's hard to find things and very hard to know if something is high quality or crap. So then we all get driven toward fast fashion and low quality because it's so much easier to think "well, this one seems better, but it's $150 and I have no idea if it'll work, but this one is $30 so even if it sort of works that will be worth it." The risk calculation is so different. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) 24 minutes ago, Farrar said: You know, it's not even that I'm that unhappy with how I look. I feel mostly fine about how I look. It's the horror of clothing being weird fitting and limited and difficult that starts to get traumatizing. A few years ago, I set out to buy some new bras and six months later, I had like 10 bras, many of which weren't really returnable and none of which were actually wearable. I had a particularly horrible interaction at Nordstrom where I was like, here's what I want and the woman brought me the one bra they've tried to sell me EVERY SINGLE EFFING TIME I've ever bra shopped at Nordstrom which met NONE of the characteristics that I asked for. I was like, go away. And then I tried taking things off the rack and just trying them on and she FOLLOWED ME AROUND telling me that none of them would work for me. So I left. I cried that day too. Finally I went to Target and tried on like 20 bras. Seriously. 20. And from that, I found one that I thought might work but they didn't have the size I needed. So I ordered it online. And it basically worked, but the material is cheap, so I have to reorder it a bunch. And it's like... WHY. Just. WHY. Why does it have to be like this?!? And it's not like there's one solution - because what works for one person won't work for others, but seriously. It's actually mostly about comfort for me. My goal in life when it comes to clothing is to look "presentable." I don't want to look or feel slobby or out of place; I really just want to look and feel pulled together and draw as little attention to my clothing as possible. The problem I have is that the combination of my body shape and health issues means clothing just isn't built for me. After the mastectomy, I tried for close to a year to find something "bra-like" that was reasonably comfortable and created any impression of shape above my waist. I went first to the euphemistically-named "spa" at the cancer center, where a professional fitter helped me select a couple of options that I ended up hating once I had worn them for a while. Adding insult to injury was the fact that, although I had been assured my insurance would cover these items as medically necessary, my after-insurance contribution was over $200. Then I tried a variety of other mastectomy-specific products ordered online, a bunch of different sports bras, a couple of "training bras," some camisoles with built-in shelves . . . I even -- and anyone who knows me knows how much this took out of me to do -- spent money and asked for help. Eventually, I decided that a basic sleeveless undershirt worked better for me than anything. They do nothing to create any shape at all, but I've gotten accustomed to being flat. They are comfortable and easy to find and inexpensive and provide a kind of "security blanket" extra layer because decades of wearing bras makes me feel weird and exposed without something between skin and shirt. (I've since transitioned to wearing a style intended for girls, because they are slightly prettier and come in more colors.) But after all of that exploration and experimentation and seeking of help from experts, I ended up out a lot of dollars and with a drawer full of items I would never, ever wear. (To circle back around to the original topic: I also have a drawer full of swimsuits I ordered last year when we moved into a house with a neighborhood pool. Try finding a suit that fits -- let alone flatters -- a post-mastectomy, flat-chested body without prosthetics and with a belly.) Edited March 7, 2022 by Jenny in Florida 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Lands End is running 40% off right now on their swimsuits. They hold up very well to regular chlorine exposure. We have a bromine system in our hot tub but chlorine is part of the sanitizer mix. Most of our suits only last a year or so, but the Lands End ones are still looking great four years on.... I totally hear you about bra trauma. I recently tried on 40 bras and not a single dang one fit well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 12 minutes ago, Farrar said: Yeah. I honestly still don't have a bra that's awesome, honestly. Certainly not one that's worth buying into the future. I really dislike buying clothes on Amazon. If I need "plain shirt for function" or "cheap item for casual wear" then it's sometimes fine. But I have found that the vast majority of stuff on Amazon is the worst sort of fast fashion. I'd love to avoid it for ethical reasons but also for practical ones - I haven't had great luck. I find this is one of the Catch-22's of buying clothes online. Unless you have a brand you know and love already, it's hard to find things and very hard to know if something is high quality or crap. So then we all get driven toward fast fashion and low quality because it's so much easier to think "well, this one seems better, but it's $150 and I have no idea if it'll work, but this one is $30 so even if it sort of works that will be worth it." The risk calculation is so different. I used to have very good luck with White House black market but then I grew. Not bergdorfs but not steinmart either. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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