Eveden generously offered to send this swimsuit to review, however opinions are my own. As the largest of the Hourglassy writers, I thought it worthwhile to review a suit from Eveden’s plus-size line. I don’t know how many of our readers find themselves in the ranges that Elomi accommodates, but I suspect I’m not alone and the pickins’ were slim when I needed a 40H. I’m down in the band to where some other labels are making suits, but Elomi has been reliable for me. And goodness — if you need a UK 44H, my friends, this might be your line.
Full Figure Fashion Week in New York City kicked off this week. A few of the designs from Elomi’s swim collection could be a perfect fit while also being fashion forward for the FFFW Pool Party for any lady who is both plus-sized and full-busted.
I chose the Tahoe. The blue and pink leopard design reminded me of a psychedelic Flintstones print and I requested a bikini in my current Elomi size of UK 36H. I was also curious about the tankini top. The Elomi site doesn’t specify that there is no-support and that it is meant to go over a swim bra, but I suspected and wanted to see one. Very kindly, they sent that, too. When I first tried Elomi’s swim bra, I didn’t bother with any piece to go over it as I typically wear it as a bra under sun dresses, as a plain bikini if there is no sun, or use a rash guard as my layering piece. I have a plain men’s 2XL rash guard, but it would be awesome if a women’s swimwear maker would market rashguards with boob room in a nice pattern.
As for the Tahoe set, I’m channeling the Barefoot Contessa here repeating “How cool is that?” just like one of my fave Food Network personalities, Ina Garten. Because: It’s a pretty bikini when I’m feeling A-O-K with showing the mid-section, tankini to go over when I’m not. Versatility, flexibility, support, fit, all good.
Inside detail:
The inside has a four part stiff mesh construction for support. The wing and clasp are substantial. This is the difference in good plus-sized engineering. Panache’s Eadie, while not specifically marketed for plus-sized customers or available in the same size range, has a tall wing, too.
Front cup-detail:
The seam on the front of the cup provides additional support, adding a sort of side-sling.
Front:
Fit wise, it is similar to Elomi bras in the same size, but a little bit softer and not as supportive as my everyday bra (Elomi’s Etta). This is expected, as swimsuit fabric is stretchy and softer than bra fabric. I found it comfortable for several hours.
Back View:
With the tankini:
The bottoms are a US 14 or UK18. The waistband comes up above my belly button. They aren’t uncomfortably tight, but I could have sized up. The tankini is also a US14 or UK18. Again, I think I could have sized up. I did try the tankini without the bikini top underneath and as it’s only a US size 14, it’s really not enough coverage and support that way for me. It really needs the bikini or swim bra underneath for me, but for a true sized 14 woman, it might be enough.
Now, a word on pattern matching — it’s a bit wonky. The central patterned section on the bottoms is narrower than it is on the tankini, so they don’t match up when worn together. I think I’d just go for the plain back bottoms and there wouldn’t be a need to line up the pattern.
The bikini top is available in band sizes 36E – 42HH and also 44DD – 44H. If you need a 46DD – 46HH, try their swim bra.
