KIT REVIEW: BEST COSTUMES OF SUMMER ’19

Second, the innovation of a zip in the top makes it possible to get on and off with ease (saving the embarrassment of getting stuck half in half out of your bikini top on the riverbank, rotator cuff straining). And finally: great colours. Really flattering on the skin – the teal and yellow both. Feels very secure in front crawl – even doing tumble turns – and the seams are so soft it seems highly unlikely ever to rub.

CONS: The top feels slightly bobby in breaststroke, creating it’s own eddy – but this wouldn’t put me off.

CONS: The shoulder straps come out quite wide across the shoulders so occasionally one will fall down, but this is probably due to my body shape rather than the suit shapes though!

The medium-high leg cut was actually more modest than expected on me but still looked flattering and felt comfortable when swimming. The material feels luxurious and built to last while keeping everything where it should be! This swimsuit is so versatile I wore it as a top with shorts. If the colour is a little bit too ‘Baywatch’ for you, they also have a black version in sizes 8-18.

CONS: Due to the double layered fabric, it does take some time to dry. And it’s expensive.

The fabric is pretty thick and durable, and doesn’t thin, but also doesn’t give drag or sag at all. They totally retain their shape. And they attract dogs to give you a smootch. Hurrah, finally a swimsuit that attracts dog love.

CONS: I suppose if you don’t like dogs, then watch out for those sloppy kisses, or just point them my way. They’re quite a snug fit, that’s about it.

The bottoms come with a draw string which is excellent for security.

CONS: In the past I’ve found high neck suits tends to rub under wetsuits for longer swims. For me, the top was not quite so flattering wet – some stitching on the (quite small) padded cups appeared like tiny crescent moons, where your breasts should be (but aren’t).

LOVES: The fabric is made from 78% Recycled Polymide and 22% Lycra (produced from 100% regenerated ECONYL yarn), giving it top notch eco-credentials as well as a luxe look and feel. It’s soft but stretches in the right places, allowing for ease of movement in the water.

The Margot suit offers great coverage and, although it was designed with sun protection in mind, the sleeves took the edge off the chill of the river I tested it in. The arms are long, coming down to the wrist, and the bottoms sit low and don’t ride up in the water. The two-tone colour block accentuates the waist and adds to the flattering cut. With a classic glamour about it, this suit would come into its own on evening outdoor swims when there’s a chill in the air, or long beach days when you want plenty of water time without too much sun exposure.

CONS: Although the coverage is great and the front is double lined, those with larger cup sizes would probably want to add a bikini top underneath for support and modesty. The tie on the back looks lovely but does leave some skin exposed, so the sun lotion would still need to be handy. I also fear for those pretty pastel colours after a few muddy river bank encounters, but the first wash left it looking as good as new.  

The ‘super high waisted’ briefs have taken the high-waisted trend to new extremes coming up high enough to reach the bikini top to give the illusion of a swimsuit. What’s also great about these is that you can roll them over to make them slightly less high on the body and show the contrasting lining colour for a different look. Davy J has coined these as the ‘Spanx for swimear’ and they do not disappoint – tight enough to pull you in yet still comfortable. The top has real staying power with similar Spanx-like qualities. The squared neckline and scoop back make it feel sporty while still flattering.

CONS: Getting in and out of this isn’t always the easiest due to its high elasticity. At £125 for the set, it isn’t the most affordable but if you are looking for high quality items that do the job then the price is worth it!

It’s also got inner support for the ol’ babalons, which is handy as I’d normally prefer to wear a swimsuit which is cut to go over the shoulders.

CONS: I like practical things. I like to fling something on and go. The top is a little fancier than I’d normally wear, and sometimes I have to check I’ve not got side boob slip. But other than that I pretty much love it.

The bikini is sold as separates in sizes 8-16 and is best suited for cup sizes A-C. There’s removable padding adding extra coverage for those nippy cold water swims and the straps are adjustable just like a bra, it can be worn cross-back if you prefer. The bikini briefs offer good coverage, not too skimpy but not the ‘big knickers’ look either.  I tested it with crawl and breaststroke and was pleasantly surprised – very little slippage, all felt fairly secure, no wardrobe malfunctions here, though I perhaps wouldn’t trust it with a tumble turn! It’s sporty enough to wear in the pool or open water and would be a great addition under a wetsuit too. The yellow darkens to an ochre when wet, which looks event better.

CONS:  A-C cup only.