s/o: Show me your bikini!

[Green_Tea]

I am so impressed that so many BBB mamas are rocking bikinis! I will wear a tankini, but after three kids am too scared to appear in public in an actual bikini - but I recently lost a bunch of weight, so perhaps I could be inspired to try one? So, for all you mamas who sport bikinis at the local pool or beach, what are you wearing? Post links, pics (you don't have to be *in* the bikini/pic, but you will win my undying respect if you are!) etc. and show me what makes you feel fab!

[new_mommy25]

I don't have any links because I usually hit up Ross (usually about 7.99 for 2 pieces) or the Old Navy $5 sale they do once a year. Here are some photos from our vacation last September. I think both swimsuits came from Ross. The pic quality is bad because it's a disposable underwater camera.

edited to remove pictures

[ilfaith]

I couldn't find any recent photos of me in bikinis (I usually try to stay out of camera range when wearing a bathing suit)...but this is me in Hawaii three years ago.

The suit was from Target.

[Twoboos]

Women's Swim Essential Stripe Bikini Bottom (Too chicken for string bikini bottom!)

http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/StripeBikiniBottom~210443_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BQ6&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-Swim&origin=index

And Bikini top
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/StylePage-392934_XA.html?amp;CM_MERCH=REC-_-CVPP-_-GGT-_-1-_-392934-_-392933

I also have the tankini top, for options!!
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/StylePage-392936_XA.html?amp;CM_MERCH=REC-_-CVPP-_-GGT-_-2-_-392936-_-392933

ETA: no pics b/c I haven't even had a chance to wear it yet!! Not the best New England summer so far.

PS-NewMommy you look FAB!!

[Green_Tea]

Wow!! You guys look AMAZING!!!

[elektra]

Here is me two days ago! The suit is a few years old from Old Navy.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5879119959_82c2020c3d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53833566@N04/5879119959/)
Hanalei (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53833566@N04/5879119959/) by ELEKTRA_09 (http://www.flickr.com/people/53833566@N04/), on Flickr

[Green_Tea]

Here is me two days ago! The suit is a few years old from Old Navy.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5879119959_82c2020c3d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53833566@N04/5879119959/)
Hanalei (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53833566@N04/5879119959/) by ELEKTRA_09 (http://www.flickr.com/people/53833566@N04/), on Flickr

Oh my goodness - FABULOUS! (You - and the setting too :))

[elektra]

Oh my goodness - FABULOUS! (You - and the setting too :))

Thanks. ;) I. Am in paradise. :)

[twowhat?]

Wow. You guys look great. So jealous!

[LarsMal]

You ladies look fabulous! I don't have links because mine are pretty old, but in good shape. I haven't worn one out yet. I keep putting one on and chickening out. My sweet L keeps telling me it "looks really good, Mom" but I always change. I can't link from my Nook, but I really want the purple "bolsa chica" or the "sayulita" from Athleta. I have a broen swim mini I could wear with the sayulita one.

[♥ms.pacman♥]

WOW, y'all look AMAZING. i am waiting for the day i can be a bikini-wearing mom!

[LarsMal]

Thanks. ;) I. Am in paradise. :)

Is your avatar from your room? So jealous!! (And it kind of looks familiar- but don't tell me where it is on here ;)

[Green_Tea]

Seriously, you guys are encouraging me to take the ab work at tomorrow's AM yoga class VERY seriously ;).

[ashleybama24]

Thanks. ;) I. Am in paradise. :)

Seriously where are you? That is beautiful!

[elektra]

You ladies look fabulous! I don't have links because mine are pretty old, but in good shape. I haven't worn one out yet. I keep putting one on and chickening out. My sweet L keeps telling me it "looks really good, Mom" but I always change. I can't link from my Nook, but I really want the purple "bolsa chica" or the "sayulita" from Athleta. I have a broen swim mini I could wear with the sayulita one.

Just do it! With all the running and yoga I bet you look fabulous! I don't have an awesome body but I feel comfortable and young ;) in bikinis so I just go for it.

[LarsMal]

Just do it! With all the running and yoga I bet you look fabulous! I don't have an awesome body but I feel comfortable and young ;) in bikinis so I just go for it.

I feel comfortable when I'm standing up. It's the three kids, two c/s skin roll when I sit down that bothers me. All the exercise I do and I just can't get rid of it! Of course, I'm my worst critic.

[goldenpig]

Congrats GreenTea on the weight loss...that is awesome, you should definitely buy a bikini to celebrate! You will look great! Flaunt it!

I think it's sad if people never wear bikinis because they're worried about what other people will think. Who cares? Wear what makes you happy! Who said you have to have a perfect body to wear bikinis?

I always wear bikinis, mainly because they are easier to get off (I don't like having to peel off the whole swimsuit when I have to go to the bathroom). I did wear bikinis in public even when heavily pregnant--I didn't want to spend extra money on special maternity swimsuits and I don't think we should be ashamed of our bodies just because we're pregnant!

(Please don't quote my pics, I'll remove them soon). The first pic is of me in labor on my due date with DD--it's just at home, but I thought it would be fun to get a picture of my huge 40 week belly.

Even though my weight is similar now (it took me about a year both times to get back to pre-pregnancy weight), I definitely have more of a tummy compared to pre-kids--side and front pooching and rolls when I sit. The key is to find a bikini that fits well and is a more flattering style (maybe not a string bikini anymore!). The second pic is of me with DD in Maui, 12 weeks after having DS. I bought it in a swim shop there so I don't know what brand it is, but it's got a fuller cut on the bottom which is great for covering up the side and front rolls. (Trust me, all the other pics with me sitting on the beach were much less flattering!) The top is a size too small for my nursing boobs, but they didn't have the next size up so I just took out the padding. I still wear my old bikinis even though they're less flattering but I don't care (although maybe I'll look into those Athleta bikinis!). I'm more worried about having fun with the kids than what other people on the beach think of me--I doubt they even notice/care. And I don't really care what other people wear (even if they're huge), as long as it's tasteful (not a fan of thongs or banana hammocks, thank you!).

[LarsMal]

Goldenpig- love the belly pic...and 12 weeks pp?? :bowdown: You looked great!

[brgnmom]

you all look great! :bowdown: GP, your pregnant belly looks so cute and amazing in the bikini.

I've never worn a bikini, but my default has been wearing a tankini during pregnancy. And I don't have a picture of myself posing in one. Maybe if I ever do get pregnant again, then I'll have my Dh take a picture while I wear a swimsuit. I'm finally down to my pre-pregnancy weight at 7.5-months postpartum now. BUT I'm still around 10+ pounds over what I was in college, when I was the most fit and healthy.

[blue]

I always wear bikinis, mainly because they are easier to get off (I don't like having to peel off the whole swimsuit when I have to go to the bathroom).

On a none bikini swimsuit, you can pull the crotch of the swimsuit to the side of you leg, hold it there, do you your business on the toilet, with out taking the whole swimsuit off. It takes some practice, but can be done..... Just thought I'd mention it, because I was really excited when I figured out how to do that one day at the pool (sooo much easier then trying to peel off a wet swimsuit :))...... By the way all you ladies look great in your bikinis!

[goldenpig]

Goldenpig- love the belly pic...and 12 weeks pp?? :bowdown: You looked great!

Thanks, but a boy cut bikini does wonders! It hides a lot! :D


WOW, y'all look AMAZING. i am waiting for the day i can be a bikini-wearing mom!

That day is today! Why wait? I think you'd look cute in a bikini (loved your picture in the other thread!).


you all look great! :bowdown: GP, your pregnant belly looks so cute and amazing in the bikini.

I've never worn a bikini, but my default has been wearing a tankini during pregnancy. And I don't have a picture of myself posing in one. Maybe if I ever do get pregnant again, then I'll have my Dh take a picture while I wear a swimsuit. I'm finally down to my pre-pregnancy weight at 7.5-months postpartum now. BUT I'm still around 10+ pounds over what I was in college, when I was the most fit and healthy.

You too brgnmom! I've met you and you have no reason to avoid bikinis!

[brgnmom]

You too brgnmom! I've met you and you have no reason to avoid bikinis!

aww thanks. ;) you're sweet!

[citymama]

Here is me two days ago! The suit is a few years old from Old Navy.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5879119959_82c2020c3d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53833566@N04/5879119959/)
Hanalei (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53833566@N04/5879119959/) by ELEKTRA_09 (http://www.flickr.com/people/53833566@N04/), on Flickr

All the mamas are rockin their bikinis! Elektra, you look great and I know *exactly* where you are...in a magical land called Hanelei.

I love my Athleta bikinis - I usually buy a bikini top and bottom for the pool plus boy short bottoms which I prefer for the beach. They go on sale in August!

Top like this: http://m.athleta.gap.com/product.html?dn=ap841166032&dv=0&shopid=4&pdn=ac46664

Boy shorts: http://m.athleta.gap.com/product.html?dn=ap841170032&dv=0&shopid=4&pdn=ac46666

Bikini bottom: http://m.athleta.gap.com/product.html?dn=ap841169022&dv=0&shopid=4&pdn=ac46666

Last year I bought all 3 pieces for $70 on sale - shipping over $50 is free!

[essnce629]

I tend to mix it up depending on my mood/bloatiness (is that a word!) I have a Land's End yellow polka dot bikini (had to get it!) along with the matching tankini top and swim mini bottoms. I'm taking a mommy and me swim class with DS2 right now and some days I wear the tankini top and swim skirt, other days the tankini top and bikini bottoms, and some days the full bikini. Most of the moms in the class wear bikinis regardless of their body shape. I can no longer wear a regular string bikini top-- it doesn't look right. It has to be a halter style top. And I have to wear bottoms with ties on the sides since I have like no hips and the ties make me look a little more proportioned on the bottom.

Here's a picture in the bikini from last year. Ignore the two-toned stomach-- it gets like that for a while after I've been pregnant! Oh, and I had to cut out DBF since he was looking kinda odd!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/essnce629/IMG_1499-1.jpg

Here's a better close up of the top.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/essnce629/IMG_1483.jpg

LE doesn't make the exact same style this year, but this is pretty similar to the tankini top and swim mini that I have in the yellow dot pattern: http://www.landsend.com/pp/BeachLivingDotVneckTankiniSwimsuitTop~216179_59.ht ml?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::JT7&CM_MERCH=IDX_Swimwear-_-Women-_-ShopbySilhouette-_-TopsTankinis&origin=index

These are my actual bikini bottoms (I guess I actually got them from LE Canvas)
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/HeritageMiniDotSidetieBikiniBottom~203339_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::GXJ&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-Swim-_-Tankinis&origin=index

[elektra]

I think everyone who posted a pic looks great! Maybe it's not a coincidence that all the picture posters were from either California, Florida or Hawaii though. It's the norm to wear bikinis here, even if you have a flabby tummy or side rolls. I even wore a bikini at 6 weeks pp in hawaii two years ago. I was NOT cute but I was so much more comfortable in the bikini over the support style LE one I bought.

[sunshine873]

Wow, you all look incredible!

I'd love to rock a bikini, but after losing over 100 pounds, I have so many stretch marks & so much extra skin - it's just not an option. I care a little bit what people think :bag but care even more about my comfort level & believe me - all these rolls of skin are beyond my comfort level. So - it's 1 pieces for me until I find the $$$ & the guts to have plastic surgery.

[Green_Tea]

I tend to mix it up depending on my mood/bloatiness (is that a word!) I have a Land's End yellow polka dot bikini (had to get it!) along with the matching tankini top and swim mini bottoms. I'm taking a mommy and me swim class with DS2 right now and some days I wear the tankini top and swim skirt, other days the tankini top and bikini bottoms, and some days the full bikini. Most of the moms in the class wear bikinis regardless of their body shape. I can no longer wear a regular string bikini top-- it doesn't look right. It has to be a halter style top. And I have to wear bottoms with ties on the sides since I have like no hips and the ties make me look a little more proportioned on the bottom.

Here's a picture in the bikini from last year. Ignore the two-toned stomach-- it gets like that for a while after I've been pregnant! Oh, and I had to cut out DBF since he was looking kinda odd!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/essnce629/IMG_1499-1.jpg

Here's a better close up of the top.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/essnce629/IMG_1483.jpg

LE doesn't make the exact same style this year, but this is pretty similar to the tankini top and swim mini that I have in the yellow dot pattern: http://www.landsend.com/pp/BeachLivingDotVneckTankiniSwimsuitTop~216179_59.ht ml?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::JT7&CM_MERCH=IDX_Swimwear-_-Women-_-ShopbySilhouette-_-TopsTankinis&origin=index

These are my actual bikini bottoms (I guess I actually got them from LE Canvas)
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/HeritageMiniDotSidetieBikiniBottom~203339_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::GXJ&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-Swim-_-Tankinis&origin=index

Latia, you looks so beautiful in yellow! Wish I could pull that color off - so pretty!!

ETA: Love the hollywood look the babe is rockin, too :).

[Ceepa]

Latia, you looks so beautiful in yellow! Wish I could pull that color off - so pretty!!

ETA: Love the hollywood look the babe is rockin, too :).

:yeahthat:

[Jo..]

WOW we have some seriously gorgeous and fit mamas! I am blown away and inspired. You all look amazing.

I have never in my life worn a bikini, not even as a teen, because I was always shy and self-conscious.

My new goal is to get a bikini body for next year and rock out my first bikini pic at age 41. :ROTFLMAO: When I reach that goal, you all will be the first to see pictures!

[Babymakes3]

I don't have a pic of me wearing it but this is my current fave

http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Juniors-Floral-Bikini-Swimsuit/dp/B004515QQS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=list&keywords=floral%20print%20ruffle%20&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-2&qid=1309269315&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Xhilaration%20Juniors%20Floral%20Bikini%20Swims uit&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

I kinda want this one too!

http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Juniors-2-Piece-Bikini-Swimsuit/dp/B004VSII56/ref=br_1_21?ie=UTF8&id=Xhilaration%20Juniors%202-Piece%20Bikini%20Swimsuit&node=16002571&searchSize=30&searchView=list&searchPage=1&sr=1-21&qid=1309269194&rh=&searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin%2Cstyle_name%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice&searchRank=pmrank&frombrowse=1

[g-mama]

[QUOTE=Babymakes3;3182658]I don't have a pic of me wearing it but this is my current fave

http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Juniors-Floral-Bikini-Swimsuit/dp/B004515QQS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=list&keywords=floral%20print%20ruffle%20&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-2&qid=1309269315&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Xhilaration%20Juniors%20Floral%20Bikini%20Swims uit&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

What?!? You can fit into a JUNIORS string bikini after having a baby? You truly defy the odds. Is it good genes or hard work? Or both? Amazing!

[ang79]

OK, I'll admit that I was coming here to post a Q about a good exercise DVD, then happened upon this thread! I did wear a bikini on our beach trip to Cape May, NJ a few weeks ago, and it was the first time I'd worn a bikini since my honeymoon (almost 8 yrs. ago!). I tried on a ton of suits (Lands End Canvas, Kohls, Target) and eventually found a cute plaid bikini from ON that I got for $12 when they had 60% off swim suits. I also had matching board shorts that I wore with it. Here is the pattern (pink plaid) but my suit was just the regular knotted halter bikini and regular bikini bottoms:

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=45262&vid=1&pid=810729&scid=810729072

I really thought I'd be more self-conscious wearing it in public (I've been doing Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred but still have a wrinkly tummy and stretched out belly button). But I was paying more attention to the kids on the beach than worrying about what I looked like, and DH appreciated that I bought a bikini this year. I also got a black one-piece suit from ON with a plunge neckline so I alternated between the two suits the week we were at the beach. I figured bikini is fine for the beach and hot tub time with DH but a one-piece is better for family and church pool parties!

[kboyle]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/rainbowbrite812/ac7c7b78.png

Me and my dad in the Philippines this past Xmas. The suit is from Athleta last yr, they still have the same style (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=739761&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.athleta.com%2Fproducts% 2Fbikini-swimwear.jsp). It's a very modest cut. Sorry the pic is huge! Doing this from iPad and can't resize.

I also currently wear
http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1306231748674&c=Page&cid=1265504143187&pagename=vsdWrapper
And
http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265498915615&c=Page&cid=1305797418494&pagename=vsdWrapper

All three purchased on sale :)

[citymama]

kboyle, this is after 3 kids? wow!

[AnnieW625]

The current tankini I wear the most is similar to this one from Leilani Swimwear (http://www.backcountry.com/leilani-forever-maui-glam-halterkini-womens?CMP_SKU=LEI0085&MER=0406&CMP_ID=SH_NXT001&mv_pc=r147&mr:referralID=52e4f89e-a1a0-11e0-be22-001b2166becc) (although it's from 2006, and the flowers are lavender, and the background is eggplant). I will try and post a photo of it tonight when I get home.

I want to buy another one this summer, but honestly I am trying to keep that as my goal for next year.

[kboyle]

kboyle, this is after 3 kids? wow!

Yes. I do admit htough, that I am VERY petite, as is my mama :)

[goldenpig]

kboyle, this is after 3 kids? wow!
:yeahthat:

And I love that you posted a pic with your dad--cute!
Where in the Philippines were you?
I have relatives that live there although I haven't been back in ages. DH and I would love to go diving there someday.

[citymama]

goldenpig, you look fab too - love the belly shot!

[essnce629]

I really like this bikini in blue and white after seeing it in their catalog.

http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/StripedRuffleBikiniTop~222878_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IU2&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-Swim&origin=index

[Green_Tea]

GoldenPig and kboyle, you guys look amazing!! I especially love the belly shot, GoldenPig!

You are all so inspiring and beautiful! I am considering ordering this top (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54481&vid=1&pid=819229&scid=819229002)from Athleta. I already have the same pattern in a tankini, and the matching swim shorts.

I hope my pale, pale belly doesn't blind anyone!!

[goldenpig]

Elektra, I'm jealous! Looks like you're having a lot of fun out there in Kauai! Nice figure too!

Latia, you look great--love your yellow polka dot bikini! Classic and sunny!


GoldenPig and kboyle, you guys look amazing!! I especially love the belly shot, GoldenPig!

You are all so inspiring and beautiful! I am considering ordering this top (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54481&vid=1&pid=819229&scid=819229002)from Athleta. I already have the same pattern in a tankini, and the matching swim shorts.

I hope my pale, pale belly doesn't blind anyone!!

That looks cute! OP, you need to celebrate your new body and come back and post pics of yourself rocking your new bikini! Fair's fair! ;)

And to everyone else who's thinks they can't wear bikinis, weight/shape is only a minor factor in your ability to look good. Self-confidence and the right swimsuit for your body type are what make the biggest difference. (I can show you pictures of my actual belly rolls if you want, if that will make you feel better! ;))
Here's an article I found that has some good before and after pics that show how picking a flattering swimsuit makes a difference:
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/guides/summer-beauty/bathing-suits-for-all-body-types/
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/guides/summer-beauty/best-swimsuits-for-your-body-type/

[ThreeofUs]

I don't have an awesome body


Elektra, you have the definition of an awesome body!

[LarsMal]

Okay, all you hot mamas inspired me! For the first time in 7 years I wore my bikini today!!!

The kids really wanted to go to the pool at the gym today. I figured I would be running 3 miles before swimming so I might as well go for it. And you know what? It felt great to finally do it!!

[Green_Tea]

Okay, all you hot mamas inspired me! For the first time in 7 years I wore my bikini today!!!

The kids really wanted to go to the pool at the gym today. I figured I would be running 3 miles before swimming so I might as well go for it. And you know what? It felt great to finally do it!!

:jammin::jammin::jammin:

That's awesome LarsMal!!

[g-mama]

LarsMal, that's fantastic!! :cheerleader1: I'm sure you looked and felt great!

[citymama]

Okay, all you hot mamas inspired me! For the first time in 7 years I wore my bikini today!!!

The kids really wanted to go to the pool at the gym today. I figured I would be running 3 miles before swimming so I might as well go for it. And you know what? It felt great to finally do it!!

Good for you - I'm sure you looked and felt great!

Eta I find it is liberating to wear a bikini - heck, any swimsuit - after giving birth, having kids, getting older. Sure, this is not an 18 yr old perfect body, but I've earned all these flaws the hard way and I'm proud of them! And even if I wish they'd disappear, I'm not going to let it stop me from wearing a bikini!

[elektra]

Okay, all you hot mamas inspired me! For the first time in 7 years I wore my bikini today!!!

The kids really wanted to go to the pool at the gym today. I figured I would be running 3 miles before swimming so I might as well go for it. And you know what? It felt great to finally do it!!

You go girl. I bet you looked great.

[TwinFoxes]

You go girl. I bet you looked great.

:yeahthat: :bighand:

[Melbel]

I'm so jealous of you bikini clad hot mamas! :bowdown: I modeled bikinis in my late teens, but have not worn one since DS was born 11 years ago. I am very short wasted and had large babies plus 3 C sections. Even though my weight is fine, I cannot stand the stretched skin and belly button. I may eventually have surgery to correct the separation and get a bonus tummy tuck, but will wait until I need another back surgery (probable).

For now I'm more comfy in a tankini, but would love to rock a bikini again some day.

[blondflava]

You're looking great Ladies! Here's me in a Target bikini (Mossino polka dot bottom and a clearanced top), DD is rocking a Target swimsuit as well :)

[TwinFoxes]

You're looking great Ladies! Here's me in a Target bikini (Mossino polka dot bottom and a clearanced top), DD is rocking a Target swimsuit as well :)

You look awesome! I love her skirted suit.