I am a bit of a bikini addict. I love swimsuits on other people but I’m definitely more comfortable in a bikini. I purchased the beautiful Panache Monroe swimsuit from Lembrassa.com for a bargainous £35 in the sale, however I couldn’t get myself out of my swimwear-shaped rut. So, after a few swimwear reviews, I thought I would show you exactly what I will be wearing on the beach and on holiday this year. As a resident of Bournemouth on the beautiful south coast of England, I am a regular frequenter of the seaside (even if it still is a little chilly!).
I have long-ago said goodbye to the string bikini, and would very rarely be tempted to buy a non-fitted style. In past experience even my modest 28FF’s require a bit of wire and a decent cut to endure the beach volleyball or casual game of cricket I have been known to play on the sand. Freya Mystic – size 28F, shorts size S – one of my first fitted bikinis and one that has served me well for a few years now. I adore the print and the cute tie-side style of the brief shorts. This bra I bought whilst I still wore a 28F, and despite it being a little small in the cups I keep this one for when I am having a ‘small boob’ day – but the stretchy cup material and shape means the fit really isn’t that far out.
Panache Lucille strapless – size 30F, brief size 10 – only available in a 30+ back, but Panache are often quite firm in the back band and this style is no exception. For a bikini, I would have no qualms with wearing this Panache beauty without feeling too precarious or lacking in support. I substituted this style for a 30F and it fits pretty darn well. Freya Bamboo Island – size 30E, briefs size S – despite the fact that the cups are now (evidently) too small in this cup size, I can’t bear to part with what is possibly my favourite bikini, again one of my first fitted bikinis. I adore the tropical yet verging on oriental print –especially in the triangle cup style. I love the Freya triangle-cup bikinis, yet they are still only available in 30+ band sizes. Pretty please change this, Freya!!
Fantasie – size 30F, briefs size M – a new purchase for me, bought from the Leia Lingerie outlet store in a 30F. As said before, in a bikini I find a firm back is (although necessary) not as of paramount importance as with a bra. Not that we should have to settle for a fit which is less than perfect, but for me I find with bikinis I am certainly less picky. I fell in love with this style with the gorgeous blue graphic print and retro shape, something I couldn’t leave behind! La Senza nautical bikini – size 32F, shorts size 12 – This one may come as a surprise to some of you as I am not the biggest fan of La Senza. I haven’t really changed my opinion on them and find most of their bras poorly made and of awful quality, but their swimwear this year is a bit of a dark horse. I fell in love with this vintage style nautical but nice bikini, and was particularly impressed to find it is sold up to a G cup – not a bad effort, La Senza!
Freya Zodiac – size 30F, briefs size S – Dare I say it? This is probably my favourite bikini (or at least in the top three) as the shape it creates is sublime, the fit comfortable and supportive as anything and the print is so fun and pretty – simply to die for! Slinky Dip halter bikini – size 28-32 DD-E, shorts size S – as before mentioned in my Slinky Dip review, this one is not the best bikini for my cricket and volleyball antics. Also not the best for sunbathing due to the thick straps and large tie-neck halter neck style, however is perfect for a spot of seaside flirting. I’m a sucker for a polka dot print so I’m sure this one will see a fair bit of wear from me. A lot of Freya I must admit – partially down to the fact that they are one of my all-time favourites for swimwear, but also due to the fact that they are one of the only brands which manufactures swimwear in a 28 back.
