I detest random tan lines,I won’t begin to rant as I could go on for days, but essentially I hate seeing obvious tan lines, like don’t wear that strapless top if you’ve got a racer back tan line, however, just to clarify – I don’t hate them enough to preach naturism!
Therefore when I got a lovely straight across tan line from my tankini I wasn’t too pleased. Gone were my lovely dresses that showed off my cleave. I was annoyed as I didn’t used to wear tankini’s until I got conscious about my stomach and it’s largeness and after that event I decided to stuff it and go back to wearing good old bikinis – might as well have a large tanned tum!
So I started looking for bikinis that were affordable for my impending holiday. What I quickly learned was that my bikini needs have changed as my body has. I used to be a tie side, triangle top, low support kind of girl when I was a size 12-14. I’d thought about it and knew a tie side would not be that great for me anymore, but equally I found out after lots of trying on, a high waisted pant looked more ridiculous. I also thought a more bra shaped top would be best, however I found that they didn’t look as good as a bandeau which were more supportive than I’d given them credit for. It really was trial and error, sorry to ASOS for all the returns!
I’ve eventually settled on these bikinis and I’m still taking a tankini for when I want to go proper swimming or play water sports, or if I happen to burn my tum.
First up is this River Island Pacha Leopard Print Bikini. I saw this hanging up in the RI sale and it had to be mine! It has black cross straps coming out of the cups at the top and has a split back fastening. Yes it is a tan line nightmare however the straps can be slipped off – phew!
The only downside to the Pacha Range is that they only go up to a 16, so with my size 40d chest I was pushing it, but it fits, (just) and it’s really comfy around the back too. The bonus is that I got the matching dress as a cover up too, which will look great with it. The matching briefs were high waisted and split sided ( giving me a muffin side would it be called? ) so I paired it with some black shorts from one of my banished tankinis which brings out the black strap detail.
My second bikini is another I’ve mixed and matched. The River Island Pacha Embellished Bikini Top Is also a size 16 and again fits well. I love the embellishment, and I like that the bandeau has shape which means I’ll be able to fill in my annoying tan line! I couldn’t get the matching briefs so I ordered these River Island Pineapple Print Zip Bottoms They are only £3 in the sale here they are a size 18 and fit perfectly. When they are on they bring out the pink in the embellishment and match in with the yellow of the top. They also have a feature zip at the side which ties in well with the centre zip of the top.
My third mix and match comes from Very and New Look via ASOS. I started with the bottoms on this one, they are classed as Stripe Skirted Bikini Bottoms I got them in a size 18 and although they look high waisted I find on my long body they aren’t. I love the little frill around them and the classic stripe so I went in search of a contrasting bikini top. I found this New Look Cut Work Frill Bandeau Bikini Top At ASOS in the sale for just £4.50. Again it’s a shaped bandeau allowing for maximum tannage and the cut work frill sits great with the frill on the bottoms.
The final one was a Stripe Bikini Set from George. I got a size 20 top which fits great and the deep cut v really flatters my boobs! And allows the cleave to get some tanning action- perfect! It’s still available here too. I got the matching bottoms in a size 18, they are quite deep sided and fit great.
Over all I think I should avoid any VTL’s this holiday and I’m looking forward to tanning my tum with confidence. What do you prefer to wear on holiday? Share your body confidence tips with me below!