This suit is from J.Crew. It's the Antibes tank and Antibes bikini.
For many of us, buying a bathing suit as we get older is akin to those dreams you have where you're somehow walking the halls of your high school naked—it makes us feel vulnerable and gross and anxious and brings up all sorts of anger-inducing body image issues. These days, when I look for a bikini, I'll often turn around, look down, and think, "Really, Ass? This is what you've decided to do? What about those 5 squats I gave you that one time in March? BETRAYER!"
Anyway, much like my problem with purchasing jeans, I am really over the whole bathing-suit-as-enemy quandary. I like the water. I like the beach. No matter how big my thighs, I deserve a tankini.
Do you feel the same? Below, 10 decent, not-too-exposed suits to assuage your fears, cover up your flab and, hopefully, make you feel better than OK.
(Also, check out Are you afraid of your bathing suit? over on Jessica's blog, Healthy Living)
If you have...
The Big Three: Butt/Back/Gut Issues
Old Navy belted halter, $29.50
If you have...
Big boobs and a Tummy
It doesn't look like it, but this tankini from J.Crew is specially made to fit double D breasts.
D-cup solid halter tank and solid bikini, $95
If you have a...
Flat Butt/Flat chest/Not-so-proud-of-it Stomach
Patagonia Obi Tank and Bottom, $85
Short legs
Red Carter Ruched, Twist-front suit, $110
If you have...
Small Boobs but Want to feel Covered Up
Gotex Circle Halter Suit, $77
For Thick-Waisted Ladies
Gap Ruched One-Piece, $29.99
For those with...
Some Boobs and Wide Hips
Martin & Osa, Tie Neck top and Swim Bottom, $92
If you....
Really, Truly Hate Your Butt and Don't Want a Granny Skirt
I know this bikini is expensive, but it's so cute and the bottoms roll down into the most adorable little skirt.
Syla by Sylvie Cachay "Federica" skirt bikini, $171
For the woman who...
Wants to Hide her Stomach and Butt, Still Look Like an Old-School Sex Goddess
La Blanca "Going Greek" One-piece, $117
