Teen bathing suit help

A

ally1966

Cathlete
Hello all! I'm wondering if anyone has any advice to help with my search for a bathing suit for my almost 16-year-old daughter. She's about 5' 6", wears a size 2-4, and has a very small chest -- not quite an A cup. So our trouble spot is her bust, and we're looking for "enhancing" details -- ruching, ruffles. She's also very modest, so she wants a suit with a skirt, and a long top (not a bikini).

We've tried Eddie Bauer and Land's End -- in fact, her Land's End tankini arrived today. The skirt is great, but the top -- a basic halter style cut straight across the top, with soft bra inside -- is too "gappy/large." They apparently only carry down to size 4, and many of the styles are sold out of the smaller sizes all together.

So I guess my bottom line question is: Does anyone have tips on finding a modest, youthful, skirted bathing suit with some kind of detailing that adds interest at the bustline? Any suggestions will be appreciated! (I can't be the only mom out there with this situation, can I?!)

Thanks!
Allison
 
Oh man--I WAS your daughter! Never grew those boobs, unfortunately. Shopping for swimsuits can just wreck you.

I stumbled across a tankini with the label Ocean Dream. It's a tie around the neck halter. Something about the cut, the foam, and the detailing (beaded) makes the top ACTUALLY FLATTERING on my chest. I'm also not quite A. I hope this tankini lasts forever, because it's truly a miracle. If you find a top that works, it shouldn't be as traumatic to find a skirted bottom that looks like it matches. Doesn't have to be a set. In fact, here is a webpage with some Ocean Dream skirted bottoms (skirtini bottoms) --they look cute: http://shopping.msn.com/results.aspx?text=ocean+dream&scId=1

and check out the ocean dream floral halterkini in black at this page: http://www.kohls.com/main/subcategory.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=427022669

comes with a skirtini. Surprisingly, I find this cut to be flattering for small chests. You'd think you'd need cleavage, but actually I think it shows off shoulders to such great advantage that it doesn't matter--especially with good pattern and detailing.

Edited to add: I might have passed up trying on a top with this cut, thinking "oh, that's for women with cleavage". But I tried it on anyway, maybe because it was the only option in my size that day. I'm sure glad I tried it! It might not hurt your daughter to try on styles that seem like they won't work. Maybe one of them WILL work! Also, if she has a color that really looks great on her, that's a big plus. I look great in dark brown, and the tankini I found is dark brown.


HTH--and I feel for her! :(

Gisela

"She's living in sin with a cowboy, and hell--he can hardly even walk!" --J.R. Ewing, "Dallas"
 
Oops

Only problem with Ocean Dream--I just checked out the links I gave you, and it seems that all of their swimwear starts at size 8.

Yikes...sorry...


BUT--here's something similar: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2939640...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6001975&P=1

They don't have junior size small, but they do have regular size small.

You've got me searching now, lol!

Gisela



"She's living in sin with a cowboy, and hell--he can hardly even walk!" --J.R. Ewing, "Dallas"
 
Kohl's has cute suits in a variety of styles. My 16 year old found a nice bikini there - she opted for a boyshort-style bottom.
 
Thanks for the good ideas, everyone -- I will check them out! Gisela, I think you feel "our" pain! Your advice to try on lots of suits is good...you never know what might turn out to be the right one. I wish I could give her a huge dose of body confidence, because she's beautiful! (Spoken like a true mom...)

Allison
 
How about Victorias Secret? They do have such a great range of sizes and have really small suits (modest) as well as the racier ones. Also, I order from ujena.com, you can order the tops in your actual bra size which works for me!:)
 
I was going to suggest Victoria's Secret as well. They have a variety of styles and you can mix and match the pieces. They have a big sale going right now too which always helps! :)
 
Yup, I feel your pain. Being a small-breasted teenager is no walk in the park. Feels like everybody's got spotlights on your boobs. It's ridiculous. I have no doubt that your daughter's beautiful. Her body confidence may come later than other girls, but with time, life experience, and personal accomplishments, it'll come. One thing I noticed in high school was that bigger boobs didn't necessarily make attractive girls. I saw girls with "racks" I envied who walked around with slumped shoulders. I always carried myself a lot better. A small comfort at the time, but hey, gotta use what you can!

Gisela


"She's living in sin with a cowboy, and hell--he can hardly even walk!" --J.R. Ewing, "Dallas"
 
Depending upon how much you want to spend, you could also check out Malia Mills. Her suits are separates - top and bottom sold separately and customized, so you have a lot of options. They may be too pricey, however. But check them out - I'm sure there is a web site.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top