I have to buy a swimsuit for this summer, and I have not appeared in a swimsuit since I was cringing with selfconsciousness at 135. So -- tell me, if any of you know, what are the most flattering and best swimsuits for plus sized women? Where should I post this, dear moderator?

What do you think about the Miracle suits?

Well, I'm at the age where I don't worry about it anymore, although I do feel better at this weight in a swimsuit.

Have you checked Lands End? While you don't have to buy their suits, they do have some information on what kinds of suits look good on certain figures. I believe they also have virtual models. Not sure what a Miracle suit is, but if it would miraculously make me look like Carmen Electra in a swimsuit, I'd buy it.

Checking out those sites that show the suit types with different figures and that have the virtual models are good. However, those "miracle suits" can get quite expensive. I was looking last year (after also not being seen in a suit in 10 years) and, since I only planned on wearing it less than a handful of times, I had a hard time paying $100+ for a miracle suit. After some pondering, I found that some regular department stores also sell (what I call) "smoosher" suits at much more reasonable prices. They're not official "miracle" suits but they get the job done. I got a good smoosher suit at Kohl's for less than $40 on sale. They're a little more expensive as some regualr dept. store suits but worth it for those who need some help. I know (or am 90% sure in remembering) that Lane Bryant has some smoosher ones, too. I would just look around on department store websites and see if they carry them, then hit the stores that do.

Good luck!

I paid almost $100 for a suit from Land's End - but it was all worth it. You can mix/match top and bottom, they have CUTE and stylish swim skirt type things and cover-ups. I bought a two-piece tankini a couple of years ago and it was amazing. Well, at least, it made me FEEL like I looked great. The tanks cover your belly and some have side vents so they lay well, and they have bottoms that help flatten your tummy. I felt like it was a quality suit and that it was well worth how I felt when I was in public with it on!

If you call them, they are SO helpful. They will send you color/material swatches of the suits in the mail and answer questions about fit and sizing - they'll get the garment right there and tell you about it.

I heard on my coupon boards that Lands End was purchased by Sears and the quality of some items changed. Are the suits still great?

I haven't purchased anything in say, 2 years...but I did request fabric swatches and they seemed okay.

My thought is that the Land's End for Sears collection is probably different than the Land's End that you can only order online or through the catalogue. That's just how it seems to be when you find a major designer putting out a small "division" in lower-end stores.

I'm thinking about buying another suit (unfortunately, in a larger size) and I'll let you know how it is. I just have to decide which to get. I just got their catalogue in the mail last night and there's so much to choose from.

if you dont mind investing in a good suit, the surplus spice 1 piece suit by speedo is very slimming and it has a bra on the inside

try torrid! Lots of cute suits.. they have a website online as well!