After having two kids via c-section, an extra abdominal surgery, and being a consistent size 16, I never thought I’d wear another bikini. I spent the last several years in tankinis. If you’ve worn a tankini, you know how annoying it can be when you hop in the pool (or ocean) and the tankini top flies up to your chest.
I wanted at least one new swimsuit to take to Jamaica and didn’t love any of my current ones stashed away in my bedroom.
My stomach (see c-sections above) is my biggest problem area and the reason I’d rather be all covered up. I decided to take the plunge and try one of those high waisted bikinis I’ve been seeing. The high waist bikini bottoms cover that! HELLO! Winner!
I ended up ordering one from Amazon after I saw a friend share her Amazon finds on her YouTube channel. When that first one arrived, I was super nervous to try it on. I mean… a swimsuit where my stomach is not completely covered?!? After I realized how much I loved this on, I ordered a few more!
When ordering from Amazon, make sure you pay attention to their sizing suggestions. In the two suits I have from Amazon, I ended up ordering the 5xl. That seems crazy, but it’s not a true 5xl by our US sizing. I normally wear something along the lines of a 14/16 with most brands.
1. UniSweet High Waisted Bikini Set
I love the solid top here and the bright, fun bottoms. The top is a bit snug and doesn’t quite fit my 38DD correctly, but it fit good enough and it’s not uncomfortable.
2. Boutique High Waist Swimsuit Bottoms + Liz Claiborne Bra Top
The bottoms are part of the new plus size line at JCPenney, Boutique. The are perfect to mix and match with and top that fits your body style in a pattern you love.
Okay, so I tried several different swimsuit tops from JCP, but only found one that I liked. The top I ended up finding is this .
Jana and I tried water skiing on our recent Sandals trip, so here’s our “after” pic.
3. Liz Claiborne Nautical Stripe Halter Top + High Waist Bottoms
I picked this and the up on a whim while at the store returning several tops that didn’t make the cut. I didn’t try it on in-store because I didn’t have the time or energy. This set is probably my favorite for a go-to bikini that I can wear to the pool, beach or amusement park with the kids. I feel comfortable enough in this to chase the kids AND lounge at the beach. I don’t think I had to worry about my chest popping out on this one as much as some of the others.
4. Aixy Vintage Bikini Set
I really struggled with whether or not to order this one, but I absolutely love the pattern on the bottom. I was a little worried about the white top and thought it may blend in with my skin (it doesn’t see much sun in the winter). The price was cheap enough and I actually paid the $3.99 to have it overnighted to make sure I got it in time to take to Jamaica. I got a ton of compliments on this suit and it’s nice to feel pretty in a bikini!
You guys… I cannot tell you how happy it made me to wear a bikini again! For the last year or so, I’ve been working on being myself more and that means being more confident in my own skin. Why should I miss out on fun things just because I’m not comfortable in a swimsuit in public? I found a bunch of swimsuits that fit my plus-size body, while still being confident and comfortable.
Rachel says
Cute! I love the first one! Although it looks like you forgot the sunscreen!!
Christina Shirley says
I definitely went through some sunscreen while there. That Caribbean sun is no joke. For some reason though, the first pic is just super dark. My sunburn looked much worse in pictures than it really was.
Lani Derrick says
Love them all but the floral bottom one is my favorite. You look amazing and the trip looks so fun!
Shirley Cheng says
Hi Christina, love your blog! The floral bottom looks so pretty. I will refer your blog to my mom she will definitely like it. Thank you so much for sharing!