Ladies swimsuits - again

Okay, I went to Kohls just to try on a few swim suits. I was a little uneasy about ordering online and now I have a gripe. Okay, now I have a small butt and legs (relatively speaking) but what's up with the bra/cup size? Does everyone have an A cup? I was trying on 12s and 14s - now most ladies with a size 12/14 butt, don't have a size A cup size, KWIM? The swim suits look great right up to my bosom and then I was squishing all of it into those little cups. The "full figure" suits were those loose flowy tube tops with straps looking things and skirts with a mile of fabric. Hello, I don't need those anymore!?! I don't mind showing my bosom but I was it contained and not escaping! So, all these mail order swim suits - do they have bigger cup sizes? I guess I'm ready to order one of those.

Not sure about the cut sizes on swim suits. What I found works best for me is I buy swim shorts and a seperate top... they sell tops that look almost like tank tops and cover the belly so they work well I even have a bikini top I will wear depending on where I am (dont want to scare the small children).

I have not had a good experience ordering a suit from a catalog. Yes they finally were able to send one that fit, but it took 3 sends and returns before the right one arrived. (about 4 weeks total) Yesterday, I went to Ross and found one that fit me much better than the catalog one and cost me 1/4 of the price. They have a big selection right now cause it is still early. Why don't you try Ross?

I'm in a 14/16. I ordered a swimsuit from Spiegel for my upcoming trip to Cancun. It had a cute skirt without being a "fat woman's" swimwuit.. which I liked. It also had the FX Shaper in it for control.. well, I ordered a 16W, figuring it would give me a little room...boy was I wrong!!!!! WOW! I can get it on, but it's a process!!! That sucker is like a spandex glove! SHEESH! at first I didn't think it would fit...but I worked my way into it.. It is really cute, but I better make sure I go to the potty before hitting the beach/pool.. I can't imagine putting that thing on wet!! I'm hoping it will give a little once I wear it. I have tried some on in the stores and have had no problem with a 14 - 16 misses, (except some of the cup sizes..you're right!!), so I really don't have any advice other than be careful when ordering a suit with the body shaper in it... It definately sucks you in for sure!!!!

Hi Karen- I went and tried on some suits yesterday at lunch. My thighs look so gross I wanted to cry right there in the dressing room. I tried on one that was one piece but hooked in the back like a bra would. OMG! The flab was drooping over everywhere. Not a good look. I did find a tank top one that looked decent on top but then I didn't like the bottoms because they looked just like a one piece suit. I want more of the boy short bottoms or something with a bit more coverage. I went to Walmart today and picked out a couple with the tank top top and boy short bottom. I will try them on tonight and return them tomorrow if I don't like them. I couldn't bring myself to face the changing room mirrors again. You are totally right about the cup sizes being too small. We are talking massive boob overflow. Sheesh!!! Michelle

I have to say, though they are expensive, I find Lands End bathing suits the best quality and the most true to size. I wore their plus sizes at my highest weight (with a LARGE chest) and I just ordered a tankini with a skirted bottom in a 6 top and 4 bottom and it fits just as well at the lower sizes. Sears tends to have mid-range sizes (12 - 18) in stock so you can try them on and size-wise the brand stays true across the styles so you can order the style you want online. Carolyn

Thanks, Carolyn. Someone at work just told me yesterday about Sears carrying Land's End so it's on my list to do in the next few days. I appreciate your response!

HI Karen, I have the same problem with the one piece suits. I decided to look for short board shorts. Something sporty looking that will hide the very upper part of my thighs. I am not so into the skirted look. I have ordered online before, but it really is a crapshoot. Keep us posted about what works for you, I might then have to search out a similar brand name. Lori