Newbie "plus size

Hi yodachick81, and welcome!

Bathing suits are best suited (ha, suited!) for training while a tri top and bottoms (worn from start to finish) are preferable for racing.

Before I became a little less of an Athena (but I'm still there), I bought a swim suit from Land's End, one of their 'fitness' suits.  Not the most hydrodynamic material to be sure, but it served the purpose just fine.

Sports bras: I would recommend Enell (haven't used them personally but have heard many good things from others on this site and elsewhere) or check out Title Nine's site. They rate their bras by dumbells; the more dumbells, the more support. They have a huge selection.  I think there may be a similar thread going in Athena & Clydesdale section if you look for it.  It shouldn't be farther away than the second page if it isn't on the first.

Best of luck to you, and remember to have fun!

Edited to add that I found the other thread, lower on this page.  Check it out for even more ideas: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=422498&posts=13&start=1

Welcome!  I am using a 1 piece tri suit.  2 reasons for this: 

1) padding for the bike portion.  For the sprints is has just the right amount for me.  As I progress to an Oly, I will more likely transition into my regular bike shorts.  

2)  I am hour glass shaped.  I have tried the 2 piece tri shorts and top option, but the "girls" on top won't allow my tri top to sit on my hips right, and I do not want to spend the race with it riding up.  

A regular bathing suit is fine, but I would think about how you want to go into T1.  Some people don't mind changing after being wet, personal preference, so that might make a difference. 

Good Luck!!! 

For race day, I wear a tri top (with a Moving Comfort Fiona bra underneath) and tri shorts (commando of course ) and don't bother changing in the transitions.  I occasionally trained in this stuff in the pool too, to get used to it and work out any chafing spots etc.

I've been a real supporter of Zoot for my tri tops, shorts, and wetsuit becasue (bless them) they make tri clothing for us larger women (e.g., 42-45" bust).  I've also discovered that Louis Garneau and Tyr have clothing up to 42" bust, and I've recently become a great fan of the Tyr Competitor tri shorts as I've picked up some pairs at great clearance prices ($35-40) and they seem to be holding up well with my weekly training/washing routine.

Good luck for your race in August, and have fun with your training  

I couldn't be happier with my Moving Comfort Fiona Bra!  

Another vote for the Moving Comfort bras - I wear the Juno style.  

I have it in 3 colors - I like it that much.   I even wear it on race day under a tri top (SLS3) and dries out fairly well on race day.   I like the SLS3 tops, they are longer and my belly doesn't hang out.  They also have a longer 8" inseam tri short.

I just got the DeSoto tri-capri's in an XL. They are so comfortable and flattering. They have a wide waistband that you can either leave as is or roll it over. I prefer to leave it as is to cover up the belly . And it doesn't look like I have sausage legs either.

I also got some Zoot tri-shorts, they are alright, but I get that sausage leg look. Still they are comfy and will be great during the hot races/training.