All my life, I have worn one piece bathers…maybe when I was a kid, I may have worn a bikini, but I doubt it.

My size and shape has changed over the years, but even at my skinniest, I was never brave enough to basically wear what is underwear as bathers.

Until now…in my forty-something year, I have decided to overcome that fear…that everyone will point and laugh…and buy a two piece.

Not a bikini…that is way too skimpy for me and I don’t like the idea of relying on strings to tie it together.

What I am talking about is a two piece set….high waisted bottoms and a nice supportive top.

So what led to this change of mind?

Basically heat and humidity…our daily routine while on holidays up in the tropical north is to get up early, have breakfast, then walk to and along the beach before having lots of swims.

The first few days, I wore my one piece bathers…and nearly boiled!

And walking back was horrendous in wet bathers.

So I cracked it…then headed to the Seafolly shop, ironically a brand I can buy not far from home, but hey, I hadn’t made the decision before I left.

The sales lady was so helpful…and patient…as I tried on different styles, and different sizes.

One of the benefits of buying separates is you can cater for different shapes…turns out I am a size bigger up top!

It was a stressful experience nonetheless, made worse by the fact that the store’s aircon wasn’t working…trying on bathers when you are already hot and sweaty is not good.

But a little while later, I emerged victorious…two sets…one nice and safe black, and one blue and white polka dots in a retro style.

In hindsight, it would have been better to get two sets that were interchangeable, but I hadn’t thought that one through.

Anyway, the next day, we headed to the beach as usual, and I can report it was so much better…much more comfortable.

But I will admit I was more than a little nervous heading into the water with my new black two piece on…the beach here is full of skinny youngsters rocking barely there bikinis.

But with my husband’s encouragement, I did it…and it was actually somewhat liberating.

So, to my surprise, I am now a two piece wearer…which also means I am displaying my lower back tattoo for the world to see…but hey, deal with it!

And after a few more days of beach going, I have no idea what I was worried about in the first place…

Swimming-in-the-Sea

Have you had a similar experience with bathers like me? Share in the comments below as I would love to know!