Moontide “Twist” Swimsuit Comparison Review – Full Bust vs. Small Bust

Summer has arrived in Finland – actually just three days ago. We are finally having 23 C instead of 5 C and that my friends, is an absolute miracle. So you can imagine where I have been the past two months: lurking in my bedroom, curtains closed and doing my uni work diligently without having to worry about missing out on the weather. Uni work or not, I have enjoyed going out in the sun for the past three days and will be doing so today when I finish this review. But a lovely and very interesting review it is so let’s not jump ahead of the business!

As sun comes out we often start to wonder what to get for those sweaty days on the beach or for a well-deserved long destination holiday. You know what I’m talking about – the dreaded swimsuits and bikinis, which are always a bit of a task to find for the fuller busted. “The bikini problem” is however something that not only us full-busted ladies suffer from but when you are in your skimpiest outfit, all body types and sizes want to find something that suits their taste and body perfectly – which is not always the easiest thing to do. I have usually resulted in swimsuits, as having two piece outfits is not my thang in general.

Today I am reviewing one of my favourite swim findings so far, the Moontide classic Twist swimsuit! This beauty was sent to me by the ever-so-patient and generous UK Swimwear team, who sent me not only one but TWO swimsuits (will tell you the story in a minute!) and also a lovely Ted Baker coverup to match my ultimate beach outfit.

The story behind this comparison post is that I was accidentally sent the regular Moontide Twist suit, which is designed to go up to D-cup and thus would not suit my bodytype. The UK Swimwear team was kind enough to send me the full-bust version of the suit as well so I could gift the regular version to a friend to make a comparison post on the fit. I was over the moon, as there is not a lot of info on this suit in the blogosphere so I could now give the firsthand information on this swimsuit and its sizing to you, my dear readers.

I called my burlesque buddy aka mega-babe Eeva to my help and she was happy to model the smaller swimsuit for me. The regular swimsuit was in a UK size 10 and the one I am wearing in the pics is 12 but I wouldn’t say there is a lot of different to them in the body section. I could easily wear a ten with this one as well, but wanted some extra rooms for the ol’ boobies so I could be sure they fit in.

(Isn’t she an absolute stunner?!) Eeva is a burlesque performer, a freelance dancer, model, singer and an all-around artist who works a lot through and with her body. She goes swimming now and then too and this is why I picked her to be my partner in crime. Also, she happened to be perfect size for the swimsuit!

So what is the sizing difference between the 10 Regular and 12 Full-bust? The difference on the bust department is quite remarkable. When talking to a Moontide representative a couple of years back, I recall him telling me that the regular swimsuit is meant for bust sizes A-D and the fuller bust version should fit sizes E-G. They also have cup sized swimwear but the classic Twist swimsuit, which is a best-seller for them, only comes in regular dress sizes and has two option for bust room.

For reference, Eeva usually wear a size 65F or 70E in UK bra sizes. Thus, she should technically be a bit out of the size range for the regular swimsuit but as her underbust is rather small, she can easily fit into the suit with no problem. I would say that the regular swimsuit would go up E-cup, as there seems to be no overspill on the bust for Eeva. The swimsuit’s material is very comfortable and super stretchy and thus it accommodates a plethora of breast sizes and shapes.

The full-bust version of the suit holds its promise about fitting up to a G and even though yours truly is a bit above that, I could actually comfortably swim in it with only a few adjusting moments along the way. You can see there is a lot of boobage and cleavage going on – and even some double boob – but I am proud of the suit as it still contained my 30H bust while swimming. After all, I am not about the perfect fit when it comes to swimwear – it’s more the comfort and practicality aspect that counts.

So does it hold up your girls while swimming? Well frankly, yes it does. I was a bit skeptical at first whether  a non-cupsized swimsuit would be supportive and practical for a girl like me who usually requires underwires and some separation (you know what I mean!) from her swimsuit. However, I was surprised how well the swimsuit held up my chest and kept me feeling sturdy on my swim. The straps are adjustable with both the regular and the full-bust swimsuit so you can make it work for your height and coverage preferences. As said, there are no underwires but as the swimsuit is well-constructed, it doesn’t need them per se. The bust part is lightly padded too, so if you prefer not to flash your nipples and like the feeling of no underwires, this is the suit for you!

When it comes to the look of the suit, I cannot see a lot of people hating the style of it either. We decided to style the suit into a 40’s kind of theme, as we both love pinup style and old Hollywood glamour. However, if pinup is not your thing, you can always wear this suit with a classic wide-rim hat and some huge sunglasses and it will turn you into a modern-day beach diva. This is probably not the most fashion-forward of swimsuits this season, but it is a classic that will hold its style after years and years of wear.

The perfect classic swimsuit always needs some accessories to make it relevant and here come in the beach coverups that can make your beach look even downtown appropriate, if you dare to bare a little. I chose to accessorize my Twist swimsuit with a Ted Baker beach coverup which almost resembles a real dress – it’s just a tiny bit more see-through 😉 Unfortunately I couldn’t find Ted Baker on the UK Swimwear site anymore, but the website has an array of different options to change your swim outfit’s style from sexy to cute or feminine in a instant.

If you are interested in the Moontide “Twist” swimsuit, you can find the regular version here in UK sizes 10-18 and the full-bust version here in sizes 10-16. Both of them cost a very reasonable £55.95 and are a great option for those who want something classic and flattering, no matter your bust size. Besides, the pound is sinking again so all the more reason to treat yoself 😉

Swimwear Review: Curvy Kate “Siren” Swimsuit in 32GG

Hi everyone and greetings from Split, Croatia! After a few bumps on our road (our Helsinki-Oulu flight was cancelled so we stayed a night at the Helsinki airport) we finally got back home and I have to say, even though it was one of the most awesome trips I’ve ever been to, it is always lovely to be home. Without further a do, I will introduce you to a beauty I had with me on the shores of Split – the amazing Curvy Kate “Siren” one-piece swimsuit. This little number was kindly sent to me by the Curvy Kate team, but all opinions are my own!

The Design: How amazing does the coral shade look against the turquoise ocean?! Bloody damn amazing, if you ask me! I have been lusting after this particular swimsuit since I first saw it at Moda a while back. The scallop cut details remind me of Ariel the little mermaid and also give the suit its playful and pinup-y look. There is also a waistband at the middle which gives the swimsuit a more structured look and nips you in at the waist. The coral colour would look amazing on someone a bit more tanned than me (I know, I am white as a chicken throughout the year!) but I think it suits us paler girls as well and looks especially good with ginger hair like mine – and CK’s own model Lottie!

The shape of the Siren is based on the Curvy Kate “Luxe” strapless bra (which I’m still yet to review though I do own one!) which has been a big hit among many full-busted gals out there. I first did not like the whole thing: but apparently, I had bought the wrong size of 30GG with the Luxe (I bought it in a hope of less coverage – bad decision!) which meant the too small cups were pushing the bra down and thus it felt a bit comfortable on me. Now, I sized up to 32GG with the Siren – first of all because I like my swimsuits a bit looser in the bodice and back – and the bigger cups fitted me much better and gave me a lovely rounded shape. There is also some leeway to make this suit fit your body the best way possible with some detachable straps and laces on the hips to adjust the rise of the leg. At the back there is a regular (though a bit wider) bikini clasp to close the band.

The Fit: As I said, the 32GG was definitely the right choice for me with this one-piece. I consulted Chantelle at the Curvy Kate HQ whether I should go for 30H or 32GG and she recommended that I would size up in the band with this one, as it ran a bit tighter than your usual CK bra. This holds quite true and also, we need to remember that most brands do make their swim tops a bit tighter in the band to remain supportive when getting wet ie stretching out. The whole bodice was very comfortable on my body in the 32-band so I would say it suits someone in the UK 10-14 range the best (I am wear mostly 12 these days).

When it comes to cups, the Siren runs very true-to-size for Curvy Kate. So I would suggest taking your regular UK bra size unless you prefer your swim top bands a little bit more comfy like I do. The wires are actually quite narrow for CK which is a pleasant surprise and the cups also quite a lot deeper to contain all my full breast tissue. I love how stretchy the whole bodice is and also the way the sides can be adjusted by pulling the laces a bit – I personally prefer a a more ‘vintage’ look with a lower leg but especially if you have curves on your hips, the sides would look fabulous with a higher leg as well.

Comfort: I cannot praise this swimsuit enough for its comfiness! When thinking about swimming in it – cause I did swim even though the Adriatic was a bit cold at first – I cannot really think of anything that would have bothered me, at all. The Siren stayed on like a dream even without straps and did not move an inch on my body. I am used to lifting and adjusting my other strapless swimsuits so it was kind of a miracle that I did not have to pull the upper part of the suit up at all. Here’s where I have to stress that the right size makes all the difference with strapless bras and swimsuits – if you skimp on the size, it is no doubt going to end up feeling a bit uncomfortable and you have to make adjustments during your swim and especially when getting out of the water.

Some gals are a bit afraid of swimsuits with wires as they feel it makes the suit look a bit “old” and “granny-ish” but also feel uncomfortable. With the Siren swimsuit the wires are hidden inside the suit so they won’t appear on the outside but will give you phenomenal lift without anyone knowing there’s hardware in your suit! The wires are also the perfect length and width for me personally (I have a pretty average breast root) so I had no trouble with them poking or rubbing my armpits in anyway.

If you are looking for a cute pinup-appropriate swimsuit for a full-busted curvy figure, I would definitely recommend the Curvy Kate Siren. It is truly one of the best swimsuits I own and I am sure to wear it multiple times this summer! If you would like to give the Siren a try, it comes in sizes 28-38 D-J and retails for around £50 on SimplyBe, HerRoom, Figleaves & Brastop.

SS16 Swimwear Roundup – aka My Personal Wishlist!

I am going on a summer vacation for the first time in 14 years. Yap, like a real beach kinda holiday, which is really weird for me as I usually travel to city destinations in the winter time and actually really enjoy. However, a few months ago I kinda blurted out to my mother-in-law that I reaaaaallly needed a proper beach resort holiday and there we were, booking a holiday after a few minutes of conversation. We decided on a lovely city/beach resort of Split, which is located in Croatia, as we really wanted to go somewhere where we could enjoy culture, good food and just relaxing in a nice warm climate.

So, it has been a while since I have actually needed a swimsuit – regardless I do have a few of them, but ya know, why not look for a special one for this occasion. As we browsed through the collections at Moda last August, I did see quite many intriguing little DD+ ensembles, so I would love to share my favourites with you in a form of a wishlist/roundup – who knows, one of these might actually be the one for my holiday in May!

Curvy Kate “Siren” One-Piece

I believe I haven’t really gone through the CK SS16 collection at all, so here’s a lovely sneak peek of what’s coming next from this all-time favourite! The Siren swimsuit is a padded one-piece with detachable straps and adjustable sides at the bottom part of the suit. It features an amazing bright colour and scallop-like detailing which makes it perfect for real-life mermaids like myself! This style is up to J-cup.

Lepel “Hawaii” Bikini

I love Lepel’s swim range – they seem to make so many lovely swim styles each season that I cannot really keep up with them! I had real difficulties picking just one favourite from their collection but ended up with this Hawaii-style which is a cute colourful Tiki-sorts of print with tiny little Hawaiian pinups on it! The shape is very trendy as well – as you can see, it is the same sweetheart neckline that is featured on the Curvy Kate style above. This range goes up to G-cup and as we know that Lepel runs quite large in the cup, I could really give this one a try!

Moontide “Victory” Freedom Twist Suit

Moontide has come out with another strong collection and this time, it’s about clashing colours and graphic prints. I really liked this photorealistic print of the Victory range and even though this particular style does not come in cup sizes, I have heard that this “Twist”-style one-piece is a very full-bust appropriate even in regular dress sizes.

Panache “Britt Stripe” Bikini

The Britt is a Panache classic that has been tweaked a few times and this time comes in a sailor-like navy and white stripe print. I personally became a huge fan of the high-waisted briefs that come with the range and luckily, can also fit into the top as it goes up to H-cup in this halter-neck style. Most Cleo bikini tops stop at G-cup which is a pity to me, but I could easily imagine enjoying this bit more classic style as opposed Cleo’s clashing colours and bold prints. Glam pinup style designs for the win!

Pour Moi “Pineapple” Bikini

All my nearest and dearest know that I have a slight obsession with pineapple prints – which is quite funny cause I reeeeaaally dislike the taste and texture of real pineapple! This cute-ass bikini is by Pour Moi and I am absolutely in love with every aspect of it – it’s navy and pink combo, pineapple printed and comes with adorable ruffly high-waisted bottoms! What’s not to like?? Pour Moi goes up to G-cup so I might want to try their 32G at some point.

Here’s my top 5 of SS16 swimwear – how did you like it? Are you going on a beach holiday someday soon? Let me know in the comments below! xx

Beach-Ready with Gossard – The Sienna Swimsuit Review

How has everyone’s summer been so far? The Finnish one has been rubbish and to be honest, testing a swimsuit out in here has been almost impossible as public swimming pools are pretty much closed and the river is still +12 C which is cold af. Anyhow, I was so happy to get my hands on more swimwear options and the Gossard “Sienna” is an absolute babe, hot weather or not. Here is review of the beauty with the gorgeous Gossard Hot Tropic kimono. *Disclosure: These products were gifted to me by Gossard. All opinions are my own.*

When the wonderful Laura at Gossard asked if I wanted to try out their classic Sienna range, I was pretty happy as the range is everything a true 50’s gal can hope for: sleek lines, gorgeous cleavage and hourglass-hugging cuts. Even though black is not necessarily my colour, I did like it with the sexy silhouette of the onepiece as the colour toned down its vavavoom effect a bit. As I slipped into the suit I knew there was plenty of “look at me!” action going on already with my boobs + the deep v-neckline at the front. In addition to flattering my bust-line, I loved how the suit creates almost an illusion of an hourglass shape. I am already a curvy girl but the swimsuit took the curviness to a whole another level!

When it comes to sizing, I would stick with your regular Gossard size, unless you are super curvy at your hips. I am not a regular hourglass by definition meaning my hips are not very full but my backside has quite a lot of curve to it. This way, I was blessed enough to get the suit on without any trouble even though my butt-to-waist difference is 11″. However, if you are more of a regular type of hourglass with a very curvy front view, I would suggest going up a band size to get a better fit. I am wearing a size 32G in the pictures and it fits me flawlessly.

When it comes to practicalities the suit clips at the back like a bikini to ensure a proper support to ones bust. As the sizes go up to G this is definitely a plus and makes the swimsuit more wearable when actually swimming. The band bit of the suit is pretty darn tight compared my other Gossard 32 bands but it sure does what it’s meant to do! However, if you are between sizes with Gossard, I would recommend going up a band size with this – especially if you are not a big swimmer in the first place. The 32 bands digs a bit into my skin when worn dry but when wet, it feels already a lot more comfortable (I have noticed this is very common with cup sized full-bust swimwear as brand want to ensure max support while swimming with big boobs).

The cup part of the swimsuit might not be what someone would call the most practical option for actual swimming business but I do like a sexier option to my swim wardrobe as well. The suit can be worn with straps or no straps but I did find it fairly sturdy either way. The cups are made of extremely sturdy and thick materials which makes them fool-proof for any nipple showing someone could be worried about. On the other hand, the sturdy construction of the cup part takes a bit away from the comfort factor of the whole ensemble but that can be expected when heavy lifting takes place 😉

The kimono Gossard sent me to accompany my one-piece is a lovely touch to the feminine look the suit rocks so effortlessly. I am a huge fan of florals and the white base + the colourful print balance out the sex appeal of the swimsuit by creating a more soft overall look. It also reminds me a bit of Spain and tropical islands which would do me a whole lot of good after these pesky months of cold up here in the north! (I mean just look at my skin, Finnish weather has completely ruined it).

All in all, I truly am in love with Sienna and she will be my girl each time I wanna feel a bit btter about myself or when I feel like showing off my curves. One needs to have some options ya know 😉 If you would like to give this babe a try, do visit the Gossard online store as they still have plenty of stock left. The suit comes in sizes 30-38 A-G and sets you back at £60. Also, if you feel a bit hesitant about the one-piece, do check out the bikini options as well! There are some lovely high-waisted bottoms up for grabs. The Hot Tropic kimono comes in sizes S/M and M/L and it is now on sale for £37.

How do you like one-piece swimsuits? Or do you prefer bikinis? Let me know what have been your favourites so far this summer! xx

Lepel Swim “Minnie” Range – Swimwear for a True Pin-Up Diva

First of all, I have to start this post with a little (or actually a massive) disclosure. I have been struggling with my body image for years and even after recovering from anorexia, I am still nervous about people’s views on my body. It took me an INCREDIBLE amount of courage to post pictures of myself with my tummy and everything on show and this is why I ask you to kindly keep your opinions to yourself if you don’t like what you see. I think all of you have heard the phrase “If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself” 😉 Thank you in advance of taking my mental health into consideration!

Now, onto the actual post! When I first saw the Minnie swimwear range at the Moda exhibition at the Lepel stand last August, I wanted to run away with every piece of it and never look back. Literally, I screamed of excitement and everyone at the stand must have thought that this girl is pretty nuts. You know this happens to everyone – you just see something so YOU and you can’t help but make a little happy-dance to celebrate it. Fast forward to this spring and I was talking to Lepel about this and that and BOOM – they decided to gift me the whole Minnie range for me to review at the blog. Imagine my delight – it was obviously a happy-dance time again! Here are my thoughts on the whole range… (Btw, if anyone wonders, I made the hair flower piece myself.)

The Minnie One-Piece Swimsuit

I don’t go swimming an awful lot as I find myself pretty bad at it – I just never really learned the best techniques and opted for running, dancing and gym as my choice of sports instead. But when I do visit a public swimming pool for actual working out purposes, I do prefer a one-piece to give me the best support and the minimal risk of falling out of my swimwear when being a bit more active. Also, I hate the kind of sporty swimsuits that give zero support to my breasts and usually look really outdated as well. In one sentence: I like my swimsuits supportive AND pretty. This is exactly why I love Minnie: it features sturdy underwires, great cut, padded cups and an option to wear it as a halter neck or a strapless version. Not to mention how cute the whole ensemble is!

As I have worn Lepel quite a bit during the last year or so, I knew my best bet for the size would be 32G. This was spot-on as per usual and I was very happy with how big the cups were – almost a bit too big for me! I would say the real UK size of the swimsuit would be closer to a 32GG-H so this is definitely good news for people who thought they could not fit into the Lepel size range. The cups have a pretty vintage-like shape to them so if you like super rounded cups, this might not be for you! I however LOVED the styling and the fit so the piece was absolutely perfect. The band (there is a separate one!) and lower part of the swimsuit felt like a regular 32 and as someone between 30 and 32 bands at the moment, I could have had it a bit sturdier but the swimsuit does its job nevertheless.

The Minnie Bikini Top and Skirted Pant

Y’all, this bottom is the BOMB. I am not a huge bikini person as I have a bit of a tummy and it’s the part I am a bit insecure of. However, I really did forget all that when wearing this combo: it’s so perfect at hiding my cookie pouch line that I praise hallelujah for it each time I put it on. Also, how freaking cute is it?? I mean, skirted. red. bikini bottom. Enough said, to me at least! I felt like a true mermaid when floating around in it at the pool and it’s also the comfiest little number I have worn for swimming. The rise is perfect, the colour is perfect and the styling is PER-FECT. As you might have guessed by now, this one was definitely my top favourite of all the bottoms included in the range.

When it comes to the bikini top, the sizing is a bit different from the swimsuit in one thing you definitely need to consider when buying: the band is TIGHT. I mean, I would say the 32 fits more like a very snug 30, meaning it’s not the easiest to close if you are more of a true 32-band gal. However, if you do buy a size too snug, I would suggest rinsing the band before putting it on – this will give the band more stretch and will make it easier to close the clasps. Again, the cups are very generous and the bikini top can be worn both halterneck or strapless. Both ways work for me fine and even as a strapless the suit and the bikini top stay put without readjusting them every 5 minutes 🙂

The Folded Bikini Bottom and the Bikini Brief

If the skirted pant is not your thing – a little too cutesy or young – there are other options as well that you can consider when opting for Minnie. I received the folded bikini pant and the bikini brief and even though they haven’t been as popular with me, I can see a whole lot of girls and women choosing to go with their more laid-back, subtle look. The folded pant is very low-cut so take that into consideration if you are opting between the two! The bikini brief is not cut as low and features a matching red bow instead of the red fold edge. Both are real cute and match the top equally well but still, the skirted bottom wins my heart over 10-0. All of my bottoms were a UK size 10 and fitted my 39″ hips very well.

What do you think of the range darlings? Are you as smitten with it as me? Also, do you prefer a one-piece or a bikini? Let me know in the comments! If you wish to get yourself your very own Minnie bikini set or a swimsuit, you can now buy them online at Lepel’s online shop. If your size isn’t listed there, I am sure other online stores will be stocking them soon enough as well. To mention one stockist, Very.co.uk already has the range sold on their site! The one-piece (UK size 30-38 B-G) sets you back at £40, the bikini top (UK sizes 30-38 B-G) at 30£ and the bottoms ( UK sizes 8-18) £14-18 depending on the style you go for. Not too bad, huh? 😉