swimsuits « Back to Group Discussions

[maryamrose]

I thought I'd ask around for experiences for swimwear...

My pre-pregnancy one-piece is not working out anymore - my belly is pushing it down, the chest is way too small. So I ordered a two-piece TYR suit. The bottom is fantastic (great coverage) but the top is all wrong. I'm a 32G now and it the large is too big around and way too small in the cups, plus it has no support. So that's going back to Zappos.

So now I'm conflicted. I don't think I'll be able to find anything close to a supportive top in my size, and even though the bottoms were great on this suit, I'm not going to pay $50 just for bottoms and a top I can't use. One of the apprentice midwives suggested I wear a polyester/spandex sports bra as a swim top. Does anyone know if this is a good idea? I have this one in black, and it fits pretty well, and I thought I might pair it with this bottom.

Any other ideas for supportive fitness swimwear for my growing belly?

[KM84]

I've worn spandex/lycra sportsbras as swim tops on many occasions, and no one has ever been the wiser.

Herroom.com sells full support swimsuit tops in every size imaginable, including 32G. Unfortunately, they're pretty pricey. http://www.herroom.com/32g,swimwear,32g,032,14.html

[EmTheWife]

I have used a black spandex/lycra sports bra as a swim suit top, paired with cheap black swim suit bottoms - it works great, and no one has ever said anything or even given me an odd look, except for when I get out of the pool and they see my preggo belly :)

eta - just be aware that the chlorine in the pool will break down the fibers over time, so you may not want to use a very spendy sports bra!

[erratum]

You might find the same problem with sports bras. I don't know about you, but I'm a 34F and I have a really had time finding a sports bra that will fit right because they sell them in S,M,& L etc. So they expect your rib cage and breasts to be proportionally similar. Land's End sells cup sized swimsuits, but I think they only go up to DDD. 

[DoubleDouble]

just be aware that the chlorine in the pool will break down the fibers over time, so you may not want to use a very spendy sports bra!

There are special shampoos that remove chlorine - I wash my hair with such shampoo and rinse my swimsuit in it, too.

[EmTheWife]

Originally Posted by DoubleDouble 

There are special shampoos that remove chlorine - I wash my hair with such shampoo and rinse my swimsuit in it, too.

great idea to wash the suit in it too!

[maryamrose]

Thanks everyone! I'll give the sports bra a shot for now and see if it works (I've read that some fabrics can get very heavy in water). Washing it in chlorine-removal shampoo afterward is a great idea. 

erratum - have you looked into Enell or Moving Comfort? I'm still able to squeeze into my 32DD Moving Comfort bra, but just barely. Enell is great, with lots of sizes, but ugly. Both brands are pretty expensive, but the Enell bras have serious support.