ISO: Sturdy 2-piece bathing suits

[BarbaraL]

Any suggestions about where to buy a two-piece bathing suit that will actually stay where it's supposed to stay while swimming, playing in waves, boogie boarding, etc? DD (19 years old) is looking for such a suit, but since it's been years since I bought a two-piece, I have no idea. I thought I'd ask the ever-knowledgeable people on the BB! Thanks in advance.

[zippy478]

I haven't been swimsuit shopping in a long time but maybe you can try Lands End? I think they are the ones that have a "virtual" model online. And, some Sears stores carry their stuff now, too.

Hopefully others have some suggestions, too.

Good luck!

[blazedog]

Lands End is supposed to be THE place for bathings suits that are functional and flattering. Evidently you can call their CSR who will make specific recommendations -- There has been a slew of articles about them as being the "hidden secret" of women who have actual bodies. :p

[funniegrrl]

Yes, Land's End, and also look at suits made for athletes -- competitive swimmers, etc. Try www.titlenine.com.

[sillybeans]

For a 19-year-old, I think Land's End might be a bit matronly... I totally recommend an athletic type 2-piece suit--they often have a more sports-bra style of top that stays put!

Title Nine is a good rec--but I might also look at my local Sports Authority store, or a store that has triathlon gear, if you don't want to do the mail order thing.

HTH,
Tracy

[Gracie]

Land's End have a zillion styles of mix and match tops and bottoms for tankinis as well as bikinis (mostly tankinis) and very cute one-pieces in racer and tank styles.

I honestly don't think they're matronly at all and with all the colors and prints and styles to choose from, there's bound to be something she likes!

The bathing suit catalog is about an inch thick!!! But they also have everything online.

Loren

[aggie94]

Yeah, I have to agree that Land's End would be kinda matronly for a teenager. I don't even think their suits look young enough for me, and I'm 32. :o

Title Nine has some cute ones. I would also check with sporting good stores and other places that sell "racing" suits, like World Wide Aquatics. Nike, Speedo, and TYR all make two-piece suits that are not necessarily for competitive racing but are still more functional for doing stuff than a bikini yet still look beachy and casual/fun. Avoid an actual triathlon suit, since the bottoms will be padded.

[Judy K.]

I would try Lands End as others have suggested. I am tall and hard to fit. Their two piece suits work wonderfully. They also have long torso one-piece suits. I disagree that they are matronly. I haven't looked at Title Nine lately, but that could be another option.

[BarbaraL]

Thanks, everyone! These are great suggestions. I've heard great things about Lands End suits. DD and I usually like to try things on (vs catalog shopping), but I understand that Lands End customer service reps are very helpful, and they can accommodate hard to fit (although DD is petite, so we don't need extra length). The Title Nine site looks interesting too. We also have a Sports Authority and some other sports-oriented stores around that DD can check out.

[newtricks]

Hi Barbara -

There's a really good bathing suit store in Milburn (of course the name escapes me right this second!) It's a woman's name I do know that much. :rolleyes: If you're interested, I'll find out the name.

I agree that Land's End (which I love for me) would be a little "Mom" for your daughter. Athleta is another good catalog for sports clothes.

[Valerie226]

I agree Land's End has some matronly suits, but they have plenty that aren't. LL Bean has nice ones too but not as many. I got a nice suit from victoria's Secret and was impressed with their selection, and believe me I don't have a Victoria's Secret shape. They have a large selection of different tops and bottoms( in a particularprint or color) that can be pout together in lots of combinations. you could mix sizes too. I find most of their clothes too weird but the swim suits, which really are about as close to underwear as you can get, well, I was impressed. Prices were competitive.

[BarbaraL]

Hi Barbara -

There's a really good bathing suit store in Milburn (of course the name escapes me right this second!) It's a woman's name I do know that much. :rolleyes: If you're interested, I'll find out the name.

I agree that Land's End (which I love for me) would be a little "Mom" for your daughter. Athleta is another good catalog for sports clothes.

Hi, Barbara! That would be great if you could find out the store's name. Millburn is close by, and easy to get to. I could also use a new suit, although my needs in a suit are much different than DD's!

[breadmama]

We have had great luck with ordering from Lands End, trying on at home, and returning things that aren't the right size to Sears. I LOVE being able to do that, rather than going to the PO. We have never had an issue with Sears taking the returns - just use the return part of the packing slip.

:)

[mlynn]

Along the lines of Title 9, Athleta (www.athleta.com) has some nice things, too. They have some cute suits in the sales area.

[badunnin]

Can we add "busty" to the search criteria? I'm looking for something along the lines of a Speedo suit, but that offers support. The girls like support....

[GingerPow]

Barbara, do you have any surf shops nearby? Roxy has a line of swimsuit separates made for girls who surf - that is really their forte' and my DD's love them.

Your DD could find a bikini halter top, with a boy short bottom, and board shorts to go over that.

Also, check out Ron Jon's online surf shop - this could get your DD started anyway.
http://www.ronjons.com/ProductList.aspx?Category=Womens%20Swimwear&MenuGroup=3&SelectedItem=26&Page=1
See you at the beach! :D