I tried three Prima Donna suits in the past week–the Punch bikini top in 34G at Town Shop, the Copa Cabana one piece in 34H at Intimacy, and the Sherry one piece in 34G, also at Intimacy. Since the one pieces retail from $145-$280, and the bikini tops are $130+, I guess it’s a good thing that the cups were too small for me. If the suits had fit me, here is why I would have wanted to buy one:
1. Amazing Fabric.
Most of it is from Italy (some from Switzerland), and it uses Xtra Life Lycra fiber, which helps the fabric keep its shape 5-10 times longer than unprotected elastane. As far as I can tell, all of the high end swimwear manufacturers are now using high quality fabrics, so this isn’t unique to Prima Donna, but I don’t think it’s common in the “mainstream” big bust brands like Eveden and Panache (although the Fantasie Versailles may have it). So when I finished trying the Prima Donna swimsuits and turned to the Panache Tallulah, I was in for a GIANT letdown. It felt rough and thin in comparison.
The colors and prints in the collection are wonderful–there isn’t one mature black or heavy floral in the bunch. Instead, there are bright stripes, dots and textures–along with a “night blue” for the customer who insists on a dark shade. Prima Donna has a reputation for being stodgy in some parts of the D+ world–perhaps because most of its bras begin at a 32 band and its more affordable basics cost over $90, associating it with an older customer–so I’m thrilled with the fresh and sophisticated feel that they’ve captured.
2. Attention to Fit and Design Details.
Prima Donna has incorporated its bra patterns and fit knowledge into its suits, with details like cups created with more elasticity at the upper part of the breast–where it’s needed–and less at the base, and concave underwires that won’t dig into a woman’s rib cage. However, you’ll find their three-part cups have a little less fabric to avoid the bra look.
The tankinis contain fully integrated bras that are padded (they call it “mousse”) and shaped for a rounded look. Some of the one-pieces have key-hole backs for guaranteed support (and the same cup as the tankini). The one-pieces with tummy control, draping and ruching simply have high backs (as well as “un-moussed” integrated bras). The fabric in the bands has the same great kickback that you would expect from their bras, so there’s a lot of security.
As I mentioned yesterday, there are delightful details that are both functional and decorative:
- moveable hardware (all hardware is heat-resistant)
- drawstrings to adjust the sides and tops of the cups and bottoms
- convertible halter options
If you’re lucky enough to fall within the size range for Prima Donna Swim and are in the market for a suit this summer, definitely give them a try. But be warned that it’ll be hard to resist purchasing one of their suits.
Just FYI, most of Bravissimo’s swimwear uses XtraLife Lycra fabric too, but it isn’t necessarily very thick.
Water aerobics for a year (and a 34HH cup) has made me an expert in all the swim suit options out there 🙂 The pool eats suits.
Thanks for the info, leftcoaster! I don’t consider myself an expert on everything that’s out there, so I tried to qualify that statement as much as I could. Your observations make me believe that there’s probably more involved in the great feel of the fabric than the XtraLife Lycra.