Advice
In the swim - finding swimwear to fit
Choosing Swim wear
Article published in Devon Link Spring 2003
Latest swim suit design and advances in fabric technology gives more people the chance to don a swimsuit and enjoy the benefits of swimming or relaxing in the water.
Lands End do a comprehensive range of swimwear, including larger sizes for men and women, tops with a choice of cup or secret support, long or regular length torso, a choice of high or low cut leg holes, full swimsuits or tankinis, and a mastectomy range. They aren't cheap, but they are made with good quality fabrics, and if you find a shape that fits you it should last a few seasons instead of shredding after a few trips to the pool.
If you have an ostomy bag, look at the designs by Ostomart. Their range of swimwear for men and women’s costumes are designed to give you the comfort and confidence to enjoy swimming in the pool or sea.
A continence problem need not exclude you from swimming. Kooshie swim wear available from Perfectly Happy People Ltd, are snug fitting protective pants that can be worn under conventional swim wear and will protect the wearer from spillage of involuntary bowel movements while swimming.
If you have difficulty when changing in and out of your one piece costume, a bikini may be easier, or if you prefer to cover up, try a tankini, a two piece suit with full midriff coverage! Tankinis are available from Lands End catalogues as well as Marks and Spencers and other High Street stores.
If you need a bit of extra bouyancy, the Swim Shop catalogue sells a range of adult bouyancy equipment including jackets, belts and hand held floats with a variety of grips.
If you are not standard size then look at the specialist catalogues like 'Little women' for women who are size 8 to 14 with 'A' or 'AA' cup size. Evans Direct catalogue sell costumes up to 55" H cup bust and 62" hip, or dress size 32. The Big Mans shop in Redruth, Cornwall have a catalogue selling mens swimwear up to a 70" waist measurement.
There are other specialist companies out there so if you still searching for a way to get into the water then call me at the Independent Living Centre and I will try to find the solution for you.
- Independent Living Centre
Tel: 01392 687276
