Plus Swimming Suit Problems- Help!

[StarFire]

So, even though its still winter here the stores are pulling out the swimsuits already and I need one this year.  I haven't bought a suit in about 10 years or so and I now remember why.  Basically, I am a big girl with a pretty small bust.  My size is around 26/28, but my bust is only a B cup (on a good day).  I've noticed to get swimwear in my size, the cups seem to START at a C size which looks crazy bad on me.  Last week I actually bought a suit which fit pretty well, except for the cups.  There was literally nothing in them, I could push them down flat to my chest.  Its totally embaressing.    Needless to say, I returned the suit.  It was a 2pc, halter style tank top with all this ruching (sp?) that really did seem to slim my belly area a lot.  

So, I guess, my question is, does anyone here know of any options for me?  Is there anyway I  could alter a suit?  I don't have a ton of sewing experience, but I would be willing to learn.  It really seems like my bust needs underwires to keep everything where it should be, but I know suits don't typically have those.  Anyone have any tips?   I really don't want to spend another summer avoiding swimming (I love it so much) or going the oversized tee and mens shorts route (I did that at a lake last summer).  

[charlieandwillow]

Ok, hear me out here. Have you looked at suits designed for post-surgery mastectomy patients? I've never seen one up close but I feel like they might be able to accommodate your proportions. I have no idea who realistic that idea is, but it may be worth considering. Because let's be honest, anything is better than an oversized shirt and shorts.... Good luck with your mission!

[StarFire]

I had never thought of that.   It is a consideration.   Thanks.   As long as its a swimsuit designed for a woman, I honestly don't mind.  Shirt and shorts just feels so mannish and considering I have been dealing with tons of hormonal issues most of my life, I want all the girlish I can get.

[StitchWench]

I've always had good luck with Land's End. The categories on the side make it easy to see the suits in my size & I read the reviews which I can also sort.

Best wishes for your search. It can be a very dispiriting hunt.

[PeaceBlessingsandJoy]

This is my first time posting in this portion of Craftster and as a big girl I am ashamed that I didn't find this most awesome forum sooner. That out of the way...I think there is a possible solution for your particular problem..provided you are a bit flexible.

This year's trend seems to be the plus size bikini -- i've been waiting for this day to come, hooray! I saw an awesome blogger off of skorchmag.com who created her own bikini by using separates in different sizes (and different companies) to achieve the look that she wanted.

--> http://skorchmagazine.com/2012/05/ootd-the-plus-size-bikini-my-way-garnerstyle/


This seems to be a great way to solve the problem of being one size on bottom and one size on top ( i think MANY women have this problem, so take heart).

If you want to make a custom suit, zenaswimwear.com is a great place to start. The one downfall about this company is the lack of updated prints-- to me a lot of them seemed circa 1992 but the solids are awesome and if you are super picky you can buy swimsuit material in a print of your choosing and send it to them so your suit is fully customized!

You can have a custom made swim top and buy the bottom from any plus size clothing company (lane bryant, ashley stewart, torrid, etc) Even ebay can be a great source of swim bottoms that won't break a modest budget.

If you are a bathing betty on a budget like many of us are I would consider combining options from different companies.
For this you will have to be on the lookout early in the season or even BEFORE the season begins because I personally think swim tops with a smaller bust will be in high demand but short supply.

Lane bryant has come out with a collection of tankini and bikini tops that have underwire in them. At the moment the colorblock plunge bikini top is available in a B cup

http://www.lanebryant.com/swimwear/separates/colorblock-plunge-bra-bikini-top/19239c19244p142323/index.pro

You could combine that with any number of swim bottoms.

The most important part is not to give up. Wishing you best of luck!

Angie

[StarFire]

Thanks for those suggestions!   I'm still looking.