There are so many more hourglassy shapes and sizes than Leah, Rosalind and I can represent by ourselves, and there are a ton of products that we can’t try on our own. That’s why we’re thrilled when readers share their experiences! I met Noelle last year when her amazing boyfriend gifted her a Campbell & Kate shirt (she wears a 10L). When we met again at our busty clothing swap in March, I tried to convince her to write for us, but she was too busy. Happily, she’s just returned from vacation. After today’s post, I know we’re ALL going to hope she has more time to keep writing! (Disclosure: Clicking on Amazon links in this post may result in commissions to Hourglassy. However, all opinions are Noelle’s and based on her own experiences.)
On my recent beach vacation, I packed three new bathing suits from three different companies. Like most women, swimsuit shopping is not easy but despite being a curvy, petite woman who typically wear a 32HH in Panache bras, or a 65K/70JJ in Ewa Michalak, I was able to find some cute suits in a variety styles and fit.
Marvell Lane Ava
First was the Marvell Lane Ava underwire top and Tess bottom. After Darlene’s recent blog post on this new company, I decided to place an order. I contacted Rachael at Marvell Lane for size advice.There is a sizing guide on their website but with shipping from Australia and my trip rapidly approaching, I didn’t want to take any chances. She was quick in her response and recommended a 32H top and a size 10 bottom.
I love the red color. The ruffle detailing on the front of the suit top and the bows on the sides of the bottoms are cute and perfect for my classic girly style.
While walking around on the beach, I felt secure–which is impressive because the center gore is quite low. Sometimes, I have trouble with my boobs shifting out of the cups of bras with lower gores. However, I did not experience that when wearing the Ava top. I found that the wires were comfortable and supportive and did not dig into my ribs the entire day. Unfortunately, however, while lying on my back, the top tended to shift, and I worried about accidentally exposing myself. Unfortunately, the ocean was still a little cold on the day I wore my Marvell Lane suit and I did not go swimming, but I look forward to the day when I can wear it again and try it in the water.
The top is secured by tying a bow in the back instead of a typical busty swim suit band. I thought that this might be risky, but it allowed for some flexibility in sizing the band. Rather than adjusters, there are multiple loops sewn into the straps for adjustment. When I first tried on the suit, I criss-crossed the shoulder straps for a little extra lift for my short shoulders. However, the hooks are facing towards the middle and I was concerned that they may accidentally unhook when walking or swimming, so I did not fasten them this way while on the beach. Even so, the Ava top offers a lot of flexibility and adjustment. Have any Marvell Lane fans tried wearing the suit with the straps criss-crossed for an extra lift?
The Tess bottoms were a little revealing on my smaller behind, but sized appropriately. Had I ordered a 12, I think the bottom would have been loose on my hips as I typically order a UK size 10 for all of my other swimwear bottoms.
Overall, I loved my Marvell Lane Ava and Tess suit combo. I would have loved to order the Sofia, a black one piece; however, they are out of stock in my size for the season, but I have submitted a request to be notified when it is back in stock. Check it out! Maybe you’ll get lucky and your size will still be available.
Panache Portofino
The second suit I tried was the Panache Portofino Underwire Balconnet One Piece Swimsuit in Petrol/White in a size 32J. After spending countless hours in a one piece swim suit in my middle and high school days on the swim team, I wasn’t too excited to get back into one, especially since there are so many fun two pieces out there for busty women. I decided to try it because it got some good reviews and the one piece trend is big this summer.
The petrol color is quite bold. I am not usually a big blue fan, but it was last season’s color so I was able to get it on sale. This year it comes in a plum purple (Aubergine) and was also previously available in navy.
The double straps on each side were a nice added detail instead of a larger strap used on the Panache Balconnet Portofino bikini top. The exposed or easy to access traditional bathing suit clasp in the back made getting the suit on and off easy and not strangling like most built-in-bra tops can be. The suit description reads, “[the] asymmetric gathered front panel, draws the eyes into the waist to provide a flattering, feminine silhouette. The swimsuit has a powermesh tummy liner, giving light tummy control for great shape and added body confidence,” and it did that just that. It was very slimming and I found my self constant rubbing my hand over my torso and stomach. Have you ever experienced a swim suit that made your tummy feel and look great?
I think I ordered one size too big (and should have ordered the 32HH). However it fit well and was very modest. Luckily the water was warm the day I wore the Portofino one piece and I was able to enjoy the waves without fear of losing my suit or exposing myself. This suit is great for those who prefer modest swimwear that has some tummy control.
Curvy Kate Euphoria
The third suit I tried was the Curvy Kate Euphoria Monochrome Padded Plunge Bikini in size 32J and matching Fold Over Brief bottoms in size 10. I am surprised I kept this one because I am not typical a fan of Curvy Kate because their bras never seem to fit just right. After wearing the suit on the beach for two days, I cannot say that I my opinion on the brand has changed for the better.
At first, the bathing suit top and bottom appeared to fit well. The high neckline was flattering and unusual and I enjoyed the retro white ring in the middle. The folded band on the bottoms was loose but I didn’t think too much of it before I got in the water.
Everything changed after a couple of hours. The underwire became irritating and I had to adjust the straps to raise it up to fit it closer to the breast. When I laid down it poked me painfully and continuously in the breast bone. When I went into the water, the underwire pulled away from my body and was very uncomfortable.
The soft lined cups which were hidden by the fabric of the high neckline did not fit well and the bust seam was constantly off-center, giving my breast an odd shape. The ends of of the cup are attached to the out edging of the swim suit and pulled slightly, giving the swim suit edging a crooked look.
The folder over bottom print pattern portion was so loose while I was in the water that I feared I would lose my suit during the crashing of a big wave, despite the fact that the bottoms fit perfectly fine everywhere else.
Overall, I was unimpressed and should have trusted my past experiences with Curvy Kate.
Have you had a positive experience with the Euphoria Monochrome suit? Do you have an recommendation on how I can wear this better to enjoy the unique style and print?
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It was a great vacation overall. Two out of three suits worked out pretty well. I have always had luck with Panache (and Fantasie). I enjoyed trying a new, cute brand–Marvell Lane–what can I say? I am a sucker for ruffles and bows! Unfortunately, the Curvy Kate suit did not end up working out so well, but it was fun to try a new style, and I will try again another day.
