[LeilaJey]

If there was ever a word to make me nervous that's it!

I'm very pear shaped with small boobs and I'm heavy. Any idea what type of swimwear would suit my shape? I dread wearing swimwear and try to cover up as much as possible. I'm not against padding either

Also a few times when looking at things online about pear shapes it seems to be thought of as a flaw. I don't get it.. that seems pretty unfair. It's a shape and regardless of weight I'll always be pear shaped.

[Riddy]

I'm a big fan of tankini tops with a skirted bottom. They're usually called skirtinis over here. The skirt on bottom camouflages the hips, and you can get a top that draws attention to the girls.

Here's a pretty good example - http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/produ...-Skirtini#back

I think Land's End sells in the UK - if they also ship to Ireland, they have lots of swimsuit separates. That way you can order a different size on the bottom if you need too.

Good luck! I can honestly say I never felt so pretty in a swimsuit until I discovered skirtinis.

[runningfromfat]

Two brands that have a large range and might work well for you are Elomi and Curvy Kate. At my highest I was more pear shaped (but I have large breasts) and one thing that I always liked to elongate my legs was to buy higher cut briefs/high waisted briefs.

For your breasts, just really make sure they have enough support even if they are small. I definitely suggest buying a bikini top in your bra size (realize that the most supportive top is going to be taking your underbust measurement tight and using that as your band size, don't add inches). If you don't believe me see here. I have a post on my blog about buying bras/sports bras/swimwear while losing weight also, if you're interested. One thing that I found (and I discussed there) that sometimes it's easier and cheaper to buy two bottoms and sew them together because it's hard to find decently fitting swim bottoms for me.

ETA: For some reason I thought your weight was higher, but if you're in the mid-170's then also check out Freya, Fantasie, Panache, and Curvy Kate too for suits. My apologies!

[LeilaJey]

Riddy Oooh thank you.. I like the skirt thing, a much more flattering shape than anything else I've ever had. Thanks for the links

runningfromfat Thanks I'll definitely take a look at your blog.. I'ma little lost in all of this to be honest!

[lovemydoggiesx2]

I vote the skirt is a awesome idea, and don´t go with padding.....having bigger boobs just make you look....well, bigger. I´m an apple girl and totally wish I were a pear!!! I personally would flaunt my large bottom!

[LeilaJey]

lovemydoggiesx2 - I guess we all want what we don't have! I've always been super miserable and self conscious about my small bust. Especially since it didn't change when I gained weight.. I guess people just assume that if you're big you'll have big boobs. Oh well.

[DiabeticDiva]

Pear shape is also triangle shape I found this page. Accentuate your top. http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/produ...-sizes-18w-24w

[LeilaJey]

thanks Diabetic Diva Much appreciated. I didn't know it was also called triangle body shape.

[mahtha]

I'll second swimsuitsforall! I'm a pear and I just bought this: http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/produ...Front-Skirtini and http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/produ...andeau-Tankini

Both are really flattering and the bottoms are interchangable while the tops tie at the neck so you can adjust for a larger/smaller bust.

Skirts will work well for you as long as they're not too full...too much fabric can make them look frumpy.

[WebWoman]

I'm older and have found that Sarong style swimsuits are very flattering, especially if they have a diagonal line to them such as this.

[ddc]

For the last two years, I have worn men's swim shorts with a women's tankini top. I'm also a pear and self conscious about my thighs.

I really like wearing the men's shorts cause I don't have to worry about shaving my bikini line !

[LeilaJey]

I actually went with this in the end http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...t_category_rn=

I just ordered it so I'll let you know how it is.. it might be a little loose in the chest department but I have a sewing machine and I'm not afraid to use it! I'm considering looking for a little swim skirt to wear with it but I'll look locally for that.

Thanks for all of your help ladies, you're all amazing!

ddc I was considering that too but I think I'd feel even more uncomfortable for some reason.. I've worn baggy things swimming before and it just wasn't that practical.

mahta Ah really cute swimwear! I'm sure it'll look great!

WebWoman I hadn't seen that before, it's a bit more subtle than the skirt ones.. I like it.


I chose the one I chose because the back view looked quite flattering and I thought it was really cute over all

[Riddy]

I like it, LeilaJey! Hope you love it!

[loofa]

I like ruching on the belly. I think it can be very flattering regardless of style.

[LeilaJey]

Thanks very much Riddy & Loofa!

It arrived and I really like it.. the only thing is that it's sort of tight around my bum/legs. I guess because I carry a lot of weight there I don't have much definition so it's not the most flattering thing but it's still better than what other swimsuits do.. I'm considering getting some little shorts/skirtini to go with it. It's inspiring me to work harder on problem areas though!