Bathing Suit Roundup: Conservative & Self-Conscious Mom Edition

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A bathing suit is my worst enemy.

They have always been for me. When I was younger, I was very underdeveloped compared to my friends so I was embarrassed to wear a bathing suit. Today, I love that I’m still underdeveloped but now I’m battling spreading hips from having two children.

While many mothers brought their children to pools and the ocean, I made sure whatever I did with mine didn’t involve a body of water (outside of fishing). There is a reason why my children are just learning to swim now at 7 and 9. They are late to the game because of my insecurities in a bathing suit.

It’s now bathing suit season. I know I’m a little late this summer but the heat is getting to me and I can no longer avoid swimming and splashing to stay cool.

Seriously, something about the older I get, the less I can handle the heat. I always wanted to move down south, but now I know Vermont is where it’s at! So while bathing suit season is in full force, I’m struggling with what to wear and how to be comfortable wearing it.

When it comes to bathing suits, I want both physical comfort, and emotional comfort.

I want to feel comfortable when it comes to my self-confidence because that’s truly my weakest area.

These last couple years, I’ve spent a great deal of time researching which bathing suits will fit my body type (I’m more of a pear for reference, though I do have broader shoulders). I’ve been able to narrow my sources down to two budget-friendly options, and two not so budget-friendly but must check out options.

Budget-Friendly Sites:

Cupshe

I own several of their bikinis (why, I don’t know since I won’t wear a bikini, but probably because they were dirt cheap), and one one-piece. The brand considers itself fashion-forward, and all suits are at a really affordable price point.

affordable swim suit

Grabbing a bathing suit by Cupshe is perfect for wanting to stay on trend each season without breaking the bank.

Pros: the price point and they are on-trend.

Cons: if you have a long torso like me, the one piece may make you feel like you should be hunched over.

Old Navy

I have one suit from Old Navy and I’ll admit that it is my backup (but my daughter will only wear Old Navy swimsuits). I don’t love it, I don’t hate it, it just does the job.

old navy swim

Pros: price point and there are some fun prints and patterns if you are looking to have fun with your suit.

Cons: lacking quality and durability, in my opinion, but you can’t beat the price.

Not Budget-Friendly Sites:

Summersalt

Did I really spend $95 on a swimsuit? Yes, I did and I don’t regret it for a moment.

I feel like a rockstar in this swimsuit!

It sucks in my mommy pooch and the one-piece suit doesn’t make me feel hunched over. They are considered a designer brand without the designer price point and I strongly suggest you check them out!

summersalt black bathing suit

Pros: a great variety of styles and they offer a long torso in a few styles which is excellent for long torsoed people like me.

Cons: the price point is high, but the fit is completely worth it. Wish there were more color options for people with long torsos.

summersault bathing suit
photo edited to remove other swimmers out of respect for their privacy

Albion Fit

I watched this brand on social media for close to two years before deciding to grab a suit. I like it a lot, but it is coming in at the highest price point of the bunch (around $120+).

The one-piece suits are beautiful, but I really adore their take on the bikini with the on-trend tops and the high waisted bottoms.

Pros: a beautiful variety of styles.

Cons: the price point is high.

What I’ve come to realize is I’m still that self-conscious high school girl, just in an adult body.

If I had to narrow it down to one bathing suit for the rest of my life, it would be the one from Summersalt. But that’s for my body type, and for my self-confidence.

Bathing suits aren’t a one size fits all clothing item, and rightfully so they SHOULDN’T BE! What everyone wants in a bathing suit is a variety of options that will make every single woman of every age feel comfortable and confident.

I avoided swimming with my kids for 9 years because I didn’t like being in a bathing suit. Worried that someone was going to judge me for how I looked. And while I’m not over those silly fears, I’ve been able to find bathing suits that make me feel a bit more confident and allow me to be myself. And most importantly, these suits allow me to have fun with my kids in the pool, and to cool off when it’s a million degrees out.

What criteria do you look for in a bathing suit? And what brands would you recommend to all our readers?

Bathing Suit Roundup: Conservative & Self Conscious Mom Edition

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