# Why is it so hard to find a swimsuit!!!!!? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 30, 2009, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477 "2009-06-30T14:41:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/21 "2009-06-30T20:44:24Z")
I’m going to have to find one that fits me in August, when I’ll be in my 7th month of pregnancy. I can’t WAIT for that experience. Generally, I get separates: a top that fits like a sport bra, and board shorts. Yes, my midriff is exposed, but overall it’s pretty comfortable. Maybe that’s the route the OP should go, unless having your abdomen out is a non-starter. If so, a tankini top with board shorts is a possibility. Maximum coverage and you look like a surfer, not a middle aged woman in a granny bathing suit. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/22 "2009-06-30T20:50:11Z")
Here’s some more: [http://www.venus.com/products.aspx?BRANCH=24~91~&dept=Tankini+Tops](http://www.venus.com/products.aspx?BRANCH=24~91~&dept=Tankini+Tops) I haven’t worn a bathing suit since about 1978. It’s just not happening. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/23 "2009-06-30T21:17:30Z")
Hrm. I’m a man, but anticipate having to hear this rant a few times this weekend… let’s see if I can back-translate: > [@Shirley\_Ujest](#): > > I bought a pint of ice cream, potato chips and went home to console myself. So. You decided to go back for those size 16s that were available, then? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/24 "2009-06-30T22:46:16Z")
> [@Rubystreak](#): > > I’m going to have to find one that fits me in August, when I’ll be in my 7th month of pregnancy. I can’t WAIT for that experience. > > Generally, I get separates: a top that fits like a sport bra, and board shorts. Yes, my midriff is exposed, but overall it’s pretty comfortable. Maybe that’s the route the OP should go, unless having your abdomen out is a non-starter. If so, a tankini top with board shorts is a possibility. Maximum coverage and you look like a surfer, not a middle aged woman in a granny bathing suit. I don’t know what size you are normally, but my friend who was a size 8ish prepregnancy, just picked up an XL tankini from Target when she was what I called epically pregnant. I mean, she was freakin’ huge. She could buy the bottoms small enough, then had a nice tankini. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/25 "2009-06-30T23:14:12Z")
Here in NE, the stores are already moving the fall clothes in! Stuff like wool sweaters, coats, and leather are pushing the beachwear aside. Which is weird, because this has been one of the cldest, cloudiest Junes on record. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/26 "2009-06-30T23:24:59Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > I don’t know what size you are normally, but my friend who was a size 8ish prepregnancy, just picked up an XL tankini from Target when she was what I called epically pregnant. I mean, she was freakin’ huge. She could buy the bottoms small enough, then had a nice tankini. I was an 8ish, so maybe that would work. I tend to wear the board short bottoms, not bikinis, so I’d have to go into men’s sizes for that, probably. It’ll be an adventure. Bathing suit shopping is depressing no matter what shape you are. It was depressing when I was a size 2, and it’ll probably be depressing when I’m pregnant and not supposed to be looking svelte. Sigh. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/27 "2009-06-30T23:39:04Z")
> [@Rubystreak](#): > > I was an 8ish, so maybe that would work. I tend to wear the board short bottoms, not bikinis, so I’d have to go into men’s sizes for that, probably. It’ll be an adventure. Bathing suit shopping is depressing no matter what shape you are. It was depressing when I was a size 2, and it’ll probably be depressing when I’m pregnant and not supposed to be looking svelte. Sigh. She just wore the bikini bottoms below her tummy. They sell all kinds of little shorts and stuff that could do the job like that- though I’d probably look into buying them now. Her top was long enough that it covered her whole belly, which- like I said- was freakin’ massive at the end there. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/28 "2009-07-01T00:32:10Z")
> [@Shirley\_Ujest](#): > > Why is it so hard to find a swimsuit? Because you should be looking for togs instead:p ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/29 "2009-07-01T02:02:56Z")
Hey, I’m officially middle-aged and I am now allowed to wear a swimsuit with a nice skirt attached! Which is odd because my teenage daughter gets catalogs selling this same ‘retro’ look, along with the dental-floss thongs and such. … Anyway, Lands End and/or L.L. Bean are always recommended when this topic comes up, they are supposed to have a flattering swimsuit for every figure. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/30 "2009-07-01T03:10:43Z")
[Subnormality feels your pain](http://www.viruscomix.com/subnormality.html) ---
**Author:** ![mariposalabrown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@mariposalabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mariposalabrown)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/31 "2009-07-01T03:27:09Z")
One thing about Target bikinis, if anyone is buying them. They are cheap for a reason. My top straight up broke, and I am small breasted, it was just cheap. Fun insued, and I don’t think I am buying another suit for them. Why bikinis are now around 80-140, I will never know, other than the fact that they CAN be. Either way, I’m sticking with string bikinis, because I don’t need another plastic clip thingie holding it together in the back. That was a kids birthday party when it broke. I’m a thin person, and it freaking sucks for me to buy bathing suits as well. If you go to a “Just Add Water” store, they dim the lights and charge extra. Smart business move. ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/32 "2009-07-01T04:32:06Z")
> [@Taters](#): > > You know what I friggin’ hate about swimsuits? The fact that it is near impossible to find one that has underwire support. I’d mail you the ones I pulled out of the Land’s End tank I got, but I’m using them to hold up tomato plants. [Tankini w/underwire on sale](http://www.landsend.com/pp/XbackSolidSkirtiniSwimsuit~193250_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BAP&CM_MERCH=BNR_00008_00002_0026162&INT_CAMP=00008_00002_0026162). Only 3 sizes though ---
**Author:** ![happiness](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e36b37/32.png) [@happiness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/happiness)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/33 "2009-07-01T06:08:56Z")
> [@Taters](#): > > You know what I friggin’ hate about swimsuits? The fact that it is near impossible to find one that has underwire support. I want a tankini that has underwire support like this; I haven’t found one. And…since no swimsuits seem to fit alike, I have to try them on, which means on-line shopping is not really an option. Yes, I’m lazy and don’t want to deal with the hassle of mailing something back. > Listen swimsuit manufacturers, not ALL of us women have perky boobs. Some of us are beginning to find that gravity is not our friend. I don’t want my boobies looking like smushed saggy fruit, m’kay? Can you perhaps make some swimsuits with underwire? It’s not that damn hard. Coco Reef does all of their sizing by bra size. The suit that I bought has underwire, although I don’t know if they all do. ETA: I don’t know what stores carry the brand, but I bought mine at Macy’s. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/34 "2009-07-01T08:18:15Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > Here in NE, the stores are already moving the fall clothes in! Stuff like wool sweaters, coats, and leather are pushing the beachwear aside. > Which is weird, because this has been one of the cldest, cloudiest Junes on record. We were in Barcelona this weekend: Chanel and Prada already had the furs on display! Walking by a store window displaying wool suits and angora jumpers when it’s a balmy (by comparison with my home town) 30ºC, but with 90%+ relative humidity, is more heat than I’m comfortable with. Most other stores haven’t even started the summer discounts yet. ---
**Author:** ![Idlewild](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8491ac/32.png) [@Idlewild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idlewild)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/35 "2009-07-01T11:04:36Z")
I hadn’t bought a swimsuit in years, when last year, I got a text message from a friend. “Found you a swimsuit.” She had, too. So that got that out of the way, and I have encouraged her to continue shopping for things that I don’t want to go crazy looking for. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/36 "2009-07-01T14:29:06Z")
That friend is a serious keeper, Idlewild. > [@mariposalabrown](#): > > One thing about Target bikinis, if anyone is buying them. They are cheap for a reason. My top straight up broke, and I am small breasted, it was just cheap. Fun insued, and I don’t think I am buying another suit for them. Why bikinis are now around 80-140, I will never know, other than the fact that they CAN be. Either way, I’m sticking with string bikinis, because I don’t need another plastic clip thingie holding it together in the back. That was a kids birthday party when it broke. Consider it an educational moment. 😉 Seriously though… one of the things I look for in a bathing suit is reinforced stitching and no plastic clips. Ties are best, since theyr’e so adjustable, and metal clips will do in a pinch, but no way am I trusting my modesty to a bit of plastic. And while I’ll certainly concede that Target’s suits aren’t to be appreciated for their fine workmanship, I’ve paid more for less. ---
**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/37 "2009-07-01T17:03:21Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > Check out Chadwicks. They sell the tops and bottoms separately, and they’re relatively cheap: [http://www.chadwicks.com/Womens-Mix-and-Match.aspx?DeptId=18479&Page=1&12PerPage=true](http://www.chadwicks.com/Womens-Mix-and-Match.aspx?DeptId=18479&Page=1&12PerPage=true) > > They’re not the cutest in the world, but maybe in a pinch they’ll do. On the other hand, and YMMV, and all that, I found a couple in the one piece section that I’m seriously considering, so thank you for that. The problem is, I have to guess on the size, since I’m in the process of losing weight and I don’t need it until October. I may just grit my teeth and go for it. ---
**Author:** ![shiftless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@shiftless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shiftless)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/38 "2009-07-01T18:48:03Z")
Male type person here. I needed a new suit a couple of years ago around August, thought it would be easy. Not so. They just don’t have bathing suits that time of year. Now, if you want back-to-school clothes or even a early start on your halloween costume then August is right for you. Bathing suits are either all gone or completely picked over buy June. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/39 "2009-07-01T19:18:40Z")
I totally feel your pain. Even worse, though, try shopping for a one-piece maternity suit. I can’t find one without a fucking skirt. Sadly, the most “popular” type of maternity suit is a freaking two piece! It’s basically a loose tankini, which is great, but only if you’re at least 7 months pregnant and have the belly to fill the damn thing out. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2009, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477/40 "2009-07-01T22:46:08Z")
> [@overlyverbose](#): > > I totally feel your pain. Even worse, though, try shopping for a one-piece maternity suit. I can’t find one without a fucking skirt. Sadly, the most “popular” type of maternity suit is a freaking two piece! It’s basically a loose tankini, which is great, but only if you’re at least 7 months pregnant and have the belly to fill the damn thing out. If you aren’t big enough to fill out a maternity suit. . . why not just buy a regular swim suit then? A little bigger in size than normal, but a regular swim suit none the less. You could find a one piece or do a regular sized tankini, like my friend did. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-swimsuit/501477.md?page=3)