the perfect Swimsuit

Stop the presses - I have found the perfect swim suit;

·      If you’re Size 12 and Up 

·      If you’re Big on Top 

·      If You Have a Wide Waist 

·      If you’re Bottom Heavy 

·      If You Have a Long Torso 

·      If you’re Small on Top 

·      If You Want to Take Inches Off

 

Penningtons

The Tankini!   This two piece suit allows one flexibility and choice.  Want your top to be soft and floral, abstract and fierce or pared down?  Looking for support that is light, medium or firm – with or without underwire?  Straps – you can choose halter, criss cross, thick, spaghetti or none at all! Bottoms – available in skirt, boy leg, and brief leg and high cut.  What a variety of options.  For a swimmer I would recommend a close filling top with lots of spandex so it does not float up while you are swimming.

 

Additionelle
 

Serious lap swimmers will probably want to have at least one active Swim suit.  Speedo has long been the top brand however the largest size I can source is size 22.  Addition Elle has a suit perfect for swimming laps! Sporty 1-piece features flattering princess seams and athletic back with plastic closure. Inner bra with power mesh and molded foam cups, and zipper detail at front will keep the girls locked and loaded, $79.99

 



Penningtons
 

Plus Size Ombré twisted swimdress, Penningtons $80 Inner bra with power mesh and molded foam cups,Great looking straps can be crossed at back for extra support - good for active or passive activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

modcloth
 

Should you be a curvy girl with great firm legs blossoming from you trunk, there are fabulous retro suits.  In fact a black retro suit from Lane Bryant has already sold out!  I found a cute cherry print ($90) from http://www.modcloth.com.

 

My figure now resembles Ursula the Octopus in the Little Mermaid with all of my weight just jiggling there in front. Therefore I was thrilled when a number of years ago when  I discovered the swim dress.

 

Addition Elle 2012

For my needs a swimsuit must have a good underwire bra, wide supportive straps and a fuller skirt. However the skirt should reach no longer than my fingertips.  I find the ones with the long skirts very off putting; I am going to swim in the pool with my grandkids not go to church.  My 2012 suit was from Addition Elle, is still in good shape and works for me.

 

Moi in the Walmart suit

Then there is my daughter who believes “go cheap or go home” and never would pay $100 for a swim suit.  Wal-Mart has one basic black swim dress, $36.00 no description. However both of our Walmart suits have swam and wore well!

 

To close, here are a few suits I would never wear, what do you think?

Actually, she looks great!

Bad Colour blocking
 

Model loves this suit - sunshine colours!


Please leave a comment or a question and happy days in or around the water.

 

The Reg Grundys part 2

There is only one thing worse than an ill-fitting bra, ill-fitting panties.   I remember asking one of my student employees, who seemed to be having a particularly bad day, what was troubling her. She replied “I am wearing one dollar panties and 99 cents worth of them are right up the crack of my butt!”  Have we not all had days such as that?

 

boyshort briefs
Penningtons $14
 

I cannot really remember what I wore in times past, when I was younger and there was less of me.  At this point in time my choice in undies is simple, Penningtons for stretchy boycut and regular briefs; and Sears for Jockey.  The basic seamless boycut brief from Penningtons are always in the laundry ergo I wear those the most. They feature a low-riding waistline style with full-coverage. Fold over elastic around waist. No panty lines (as if that were a consideration with me).  I like them because you can tuck them up under a droopy tummy.    

The all over print briefs from Penningtons are pretty and wear well however I find they are often cut short in the rise.  Made from 100% cotton, they breathe well.
http://www.1-plus.com/Allover-print-full-brief-panty/718636,default,pd.html?dwvar_718636_color=Apricot&start=8&cgid=PE-Intimates-Lingerie-Full-Brief

 

Jockey has been making underwear for over a century, what you purchase once you can be assured will be what you will purchase again and again. I like their Elance (100% combed cotton) brief and having been wearing a size 9 but see myself edging up to a 10. At $12 for a single pair, or $30 they are not inexpensive however the Sears retail stores often have them 40% off.  Occasionally I have found the multipacks in great colours and prints.     http://www.sears.ca/product/jockey-3-pack-of-elance-briefs/618-000068262-7448_4_WHITE_4_100

Should you be able to find them, coordinating briefs to match a special bra are fun.  It is a scavenger hunt to find your size in top and bottom so I just colour match.   Infrequently,  Winners have Delta Burke undies in sizes 9 and 10 at a fraction of the original price.   I have scored several of these and they are lovely.  If you want to try exciting,  colourful undies browse the on line stores.  However I am too cheap to pay shipping and want to shop local.

Wonder Bra $14.99
 

That is it for covering the bottom, now how about shaping?  When I was younger, and much smaller, I did not leave home without my girdle!   The closest I would come to that in the last twenty years are the control panty; smooth’s, shapes and provides tummy control they are usually 90% Nylon/ 10% Lycra spandex.  No breathing here.  Women wanting more control chose a Firm support brief.  The Glamorise features” extra-wide waistband shaper with inner tummy panel for firm control, Innovative moisture control keeps you dry & comfortable all day”. That wide waist band would be rolled right down around my fat tummy!

 

When a young woman I know started to find that there was more of her than there was of her clothing she purchased a body shaper.   These suck one in and flatten you out and are available in a price range starting at $60 up to several hundred dollars.   Shape wear is sold by size and cup size and the range available in large cups has certainly improved.  Most plus size women will want to wear one for those times you want to look a wee bit trimmer, or the favorite garment that highlights every flaw.   http://www.1-plus.com/plus-size-Intimates-Shapewear/PE-Intimates-Shapewear,default,sc.html



Grenier $129.99
 

 

You can try these on at a retail store, again Sears is good. Do not expect this to be a fun experience!  My choice for a heavy duty garment is   Grenier’s Back-Support Briefelette at $ 129.99.  It features a zip up front which aids in dressing.  And I will not say anything about the joys of opening and closing the snaps at your crotch!   A word to the wise, do not let your crotch strap dangle down into the flush. http://www.sears.ca/stores/shop/search?Dx=mode%2bmatchall&Ntt=shape+wear

 

 

 

 

Always purchase the best under wear you can afford and find. When you learn what works for you be proactive and buy when it is on sale.  Treat your undies kindly

• wash on gentle or hand wash
• use cold or warm water and  mild soap
• use under wear bags (often available at the Dollar Store)
• always hand dry undies. 
•  And never wear a bra two days in a row.  

If you have questions, comments or want to pass on your opinions – please do.

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