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 😉

Guest Post: Review of Panache “Portofino” Swimsuit in 30GG by Comics Girls Need Bras

*This is a guest post written by the lovely Wen from Comics Girls Need Bras. The swimsuit was kindly provided by Panache, but as my big butt prevented it from going past my hips, I decided to gift it to a fellow blogger I admired. Even though Panache was generous to provide us with this swimsuit, all opinions are our own! Many thanks to Wen for the review, she was a darling to jump in and help a damsel in distress.*

As a full-busted woman I’ve struggled for a very longtime trying to find a decent swimsuit that I could wear in any occasion either at the school swimming pool or on the beach. Usually the more simple option is a black or blue wireless swimsuit. The issue with these products is that they contain your breast tissue in a very unnatural way. This could be as uncomfortable as painful because the Lycra flattens your breasts. Even if everything stays in place, the result is rarely elegant because these pieces are basically created for a smaller bust. So when Mette asked me if I would like to review the Panache Portofino swimsuit, I was more than interested! I’ve tried some Panache Sport products and I knew that they usually do a great job hiding the wires of these kind of products to give a smooth look while they still perfectly do the job! However I had never tried any underwired swimsuit and happily, this experience hasn’t been disappointing!

The Design: To be honest when I saw the Panache Portofino swimsuit for the first time on Panache stock pictures I didn’t find it very attractive. It was a simple blue and white swimsuit that I wouldn’t have bought by myself. Then I received the parcel, and the feeling when I put it on was completely different…

First of all, it fits ! This is always a victory when you receive a garment by mail and it fits you well. Second, I LOVE my body in this swimsuit! The design makes me think of the show “The love boat”. It looks perfect for cruise holidays! In my opinion this range has something chic, old-fashioned and I really like its nautical inspiration.

You may have noticed that it seems to be 2 sets of straps: the inner pair is for the invisible “bra” which is hidden inside the bodysuit. That means that the actual straps are not fully adjustable and I have to say that I usually have troubles with half-adjustable straps. In this case, they are quite short and I don’t have to shorten them so much (on these pictures I had forgotten to shorten one of them and I didn’t realise it before I saw the pictures on my laptop). So, the inner bra is basically made like a non padded balconette bra with a good coverage and three-part cup construction.

The ruching in the front seems to make the belly area look more structured. Indeed, the draped fabric paired with the white edge accents at the top of the swimsuit makes it more elegant and flattering. The back also adds a nice finish to this piece with its deep keyhole and its lovely branded gold plate and I was happy to see that the metal finished on the straps are gold too. The plastic closure is easy to use and the « band » feels true to size. I was afraid that it was not “young”enough but finally I’m really happy with the design of this piece. It makes me feel like a really elegant pin-up.

The fit : Mette sent me the Portofino in a 30GG and I would say that it fits me pretty well. However I’d like to try a 30G for comparison. The wires are really wide and sit very low under my inframammary fold. Also the inner cups are a bit too big for my breasts : I had the same impression with Panache Sport bras but as this doesn’t show from the outside, I am not 100% sure if a 30G would fit or not. It is not something I can feel when I wear the swimsuit. It doesn’t bother me, I just notice it when I put it on. So I believe that the bust part of this swimsuit is on the larger side.

One positive thing about the wires placement is that the central gore is very very narrow. This is very good for my close set-breasts and overall, this swimsuit still manages to give me a great support and a natural, yet round shape to my bust. The body is perfect for my usual UK size 10 and it covers everything the right way. The bottom part while providing a great coverage has a nice cut which makes my legs and butt look just fine. I was very surprised to be honest, since I usually think that one-piece swimwears make my legs look shorter and flatten my butt in a weird way.

The only thing that bothers me is that it is not easy to put on. Every time I am afraid to damage it when it passes through my thighs and butt, so the first time I was afraid that it was too small. Fortunately, when I finally put it on properly, the fit is amazing and I don’t have so much to complain about.

Comfort: I think that I am going to wear this piece very often this summer! I love bikinis of course,but wearing a one-piece swimsuit has always given me a sensation of freedom! Let me explain: wearing a properly fitting swimsuit, you can do whatever you want, run, dance, sleep, swim, and while every sensitive part of your body is covered, you are free to move your four limbs! That’s how I feel wearing the Portofino. This piece follows the curves of my body and allows me to move without having to adjust it every now and then.

I think the worst thing I’ve experienced with a swimsuit/bodysuit is when the torso part is too short and makes it uncomfortable because your butt systematically tries to eat it. I didn’t experienced that with the Portofino. The inner bra and lining are made from a very soft mesh and although the crotch is slightly too wide for my body, the legs elastics are quite stretchy and I don’t feel any discomfort.

In a nutshell, I am very satisfied with this piece and I think the whole Portofino range can work, aesthetically-wise, for gals of a different ages, since it is very elegant and pretty! If I could put my hands on the bandeau swim top in my size I’ll be glad to give it a try ! The details of this range are freaking amazing ! If you would like to give the Portofino a try, you can find it on Figleaves for $78 and the size range for the product is 30-38 D-K.

xoxo,

Wen

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.

Gossard Bikini Review: “Blossom” in 32G

Even though summer is almost over here in Finland and no heat-waves have reached us at all, it is still nice to get yourself a new bikini and/or a swimsuit to celebrate even the mildly warmer weathers. I am not much of a swimmer but when Gossard came out with another outstanding swim piece for this AW15 season, I could not help but fall in love and pursue the lovely Blossom bikini set for myself. Luckily, my and Gossard’s thoughts collided and they were super kind to send me a set in 32G + UK size 10 short bottoms, so here’s a small review before our beach weathers are over!

The Design: I have to say this style appealed to me the first time I saw it at Moda six months ago and still, it is one of the most beautiful prints I have seen in the swimwear scene in my whole life. Blue hues are a huge trend for next autumn/winter season which is why the colour seems very appropriate as well – however it is a lovely lighter vibrant shade which also suits summer very well. I am a fan of blue myself as it suits so many skin tones and looks usually much better than black yet still being classic enough to suit most tastes.

The Blossom style comes in two different top and bottom styles, from which I opted the bandeau plunge (£46) and the frilly shorts (£16). However, if you would like something a bit more revealing and a little less heavy-lifting appropriate bikini top, you can always try the same set with the triangle top and the brazilian bottoms. I like my bikinis a bit more covering (aka comfy) and both the bandeau top and the short bottom suited my tastes well. The top is very similar to the construction of my Sienna swimsuit (click for the review!) with the plunging neckline and push-up pads. The extra oomph is certainly guaranteed with this style!

The Fit: As Gossard seems to be very consistent with their sizing, I decided to go for my regular 32G and size 10 bottoms (US size 6). This was definitely the right choice even though as with other Gossard swimwear I have tried, the band of the bikini top was a bit tighter than I am used to. Again, it is much easier to put the top on while wet as the materials get stretchier! However, if you are just looking for a cute bikini to sunbath in, I would suggest going up a size from your regular Gossard band size (the 32 band stretches up to roughly 30-30,5″). Also the band is pretty narrow which is something I would revise a bit when it comes to the top – the security is still there but the narrow band seems to create a few extra bulges on my back which is not something I fear immensely but feel a bit “meh” about.

The cups of the bikini run true to size for Gossard (one cup size bigger than with other British brands) even with the push-up padding which usually leads into overall smaller cups. My boobs fit in the cups well but the structure of the cups seems to be more suited for a full-on-bottom shape as the bikini top gives me “two cakes on a plate”-cleavage in addition to the regular one. I don’t mind this at all, but for some FOT gals this might be too much.

The bikini bottoms are just the right size for me so I would go for the same size as with your regular Gossard knickers. Gossard bottoms usually run a bit large-ish so if you are between sizes, I would recommend sizing down. The shorts cover my butt really well and look flattering on, even though shorts are sometimes not the best look on me. What would actually be a great addition to the bikini set would be a choice of high-waisted ruffle bottoms – at least I would buy them in a heart beat!

Comfort: Even though I was a bit hesitant about the comfort aspect of the bikini top (I had some uncomfortable chafing with Sienna), the top is actually fantastic when swimming and stays on comfortably like a dream. I took this baby to a test-run in a nearby public swimming pool and it stayed on really well while doing laps. Swimwear is after all all about the practicality and this bikini set definitely ticks the box. Also, this time there was no chafing whatsoever and I could comfortably swim for a good half-an-hour (could have done it for much longer as well but I’m a lazy swimmer, haha). The halter bikini straps are removable, which is why it is super important for the top to be sturdy if you fancy a strapless look to your bikini. Also the bottoms stayed on well while swimming, which is why this bikini set is a sure winner for all full-busted and even smaller busted ladies out there.

The bandeau plunge comes in sizes 30-38 A-G and the bottoms XS-XL. If you wanna snatch this beauty up at a discount, you can get 20% off with the code PAYDAY20 – how awesome is that? The code applies site-wide and ends 12th of Aug, midnight in GMT.

Have you had a chance to wear a bikini or a swimsuit this summer? Which one has been your favourite so far? Let me know in the comments so I can check your fave picks out! 😉

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