UPDATE in #2 JCPenney.com has good prices on swimsuits

[american_mama]

For anyone looking for a suit, jcpenney.com has good prices on swimsuits and great selection. I was looking for a one-piece, which were very scarce IRL (including at my local JC Penney), but it occurred to me to look at their online site. Lots of choices, many priced at $30 for all of July, and the full priced ones generally topping out at $50 or less. Use jcpship for free shipping over $50. I will update when I get my order regarding fit, etc.

To compare JCP to Lands Ends, I been very happy with Lands End suits and was planning to purchase there, but couldn't find a coupon code and was gritting my teeth at paying $50-80 for a suit. My experience with trying on many suits and owning one from Jc Penney is that their suits are cut for real women, much like Lands End, and the quality is good (although not quite as good as Lands End). But much better than Target or OldNavy suits.

If you're looking for a suit, give it a try.

[american_mama]

Updating now that I have received my order. I was happy with a lot of the suits. I ordered a lot of suits, maybe nine, just to find one I liked. To make generalizations, their one piece suits seem to fit true to size or just a little big. Many of them have one little thing that is a bit off about it, but that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make for an otherwise nice $30 suit.

My favorite: http://tinyurl.com/bn7v5z2
Note: This suit (Empire One Piece comes in probably 5 or 6 patterns and colors, so poke around the site to find your favorite)

Another good one: http://tinyurl.com/cv9y5mh
Both are tight on the back and create some back fat, but I think it's tolerable. There is a suit in black that looks identical, but has a different name.

Just to highlight some others for various reasons:
Very modest suit that shows no cleavage, good if you really want coverage.
http://tinyurl.com/bnj7la6
The black and white paisley reminded me of an old lady suit whereas the black and pink was better. It also comes in a couple patterns.

Ggood for the big-busted; comes in underwire, runs big in the cup, and has adjustable straps
http://tinyurl.com/c945mb2
The purple one was flattering and true to size except for big in the cup. The black and white paisley was a full size too big everywhere, especially the cups. It comes in couple patterns and solids. The material is stretchy, so size down for length if the cup size will otherwise fit. DH thought this looked too old, but I thought it was a flattering curvy suit.

[Simon]

Thanks for the update and your reviews. I think I'll check out our store for a few of those.

I also liked the look of this one (http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/a.n.a%C2%AE%20Shirred%20One-Piece%20Swimsuit/prod.jump?ppId=1d21fea&cmvc=JCP|dept20000013|cat100250101|RICHREL&grView=&eventRootCatId=&currentTabCatId=&regId=) but I'm not sure it will be large enough in the bust.

[american_mama]

I bought that one too, the a.n.a. shirred one. I'm a 34D or 36C, and it was plenty big for me. It has a lot of shirring in the bust and I think would be big enough for most people, plus the straps offer both coverage down low and taper to a flattering narrow look on the shoulder. The material is very silky and smooth, feels great. Might stretch out over time, though. I'd size down as the material is stretchy and it's pretty low cut in the bust.

The big negative with that suit is there is a seam across the lower stomach separating the shirred section from the smooth section. This seam was bunchy and unflattering on me. Not sure if it hit me wrong or if the shirring is supposed to hide the seam in some way I didn't get. None of the other reviewers mention it except me.

It is otherwise a nice suit and I think might look especially good on a person looking to create some curves or someone with a very flat tummy.