It should come as no surprise that women have pretty strong feelings about swimwear. After all, when else do you go out in public wearing so little?
This season especially, we wanted to hear from customers like you—likes and dislikes, needs and wants, loves and hates. So we sent 24 women across the country dozens of swimsuits in otherwise tough-to-find sizes (bands 28-50 and cups A-K). They tried them on, wore them out and, most importantly, told us what they really think.
Stop back here throughout the summer for unvarnished reviews on everything from bra-sized swim brands to full-bust designs, slimming swimsuits, silhouettes and trends so you can find whatever it is you're looking for with an added measure of confidence.
So we're kicking off with Birdsong swim, made by us and only available at Bare Necessities. Supportive, sustainable and stylish, Birdsong bra-sized swim brings to the beach exceptional quality, fit and fashion in what used to be hard-to-find sizes.
Over to you...!
Birdsong V Front Underwire Bikini Top (Bands 32-38 and cups D-I)
Sexy meets supportive in this pullover-style bikini top that totally conceals a set of underwire cups.
And swimsuit meets bra by bringing together adjustable, wide straps, a hidden band with hook-and-eye closures and removable modesty inserts.
"It has been years since I've felt comfortable in a bikini," says Sarah, 32. "I love that these swimsuits are so forgiving. They're just super supportive and comfortable. A lot of the time, I feel like the swimsuits that accommodate a mom belly or a bigger size or a larger chest sacrifice style. These come in plenty of prints you can mix and match. Plus I cannot get over this color!"
Birdsong Longline Underwire Bikini Top (Bands 32-38 and cups D-I)
For more coverage from your bikini top, there's the longline. Shapely darted cups with removable foam inserts are upheld by a curving underwire for a comfy lift. Fully adjustable straps and a lace-up tie back let you tweak the fit to perfection. And did we mention all Birdsong pieces are sustainably made of 87% recycled nylon?
"It is incredibly comfortable," says Sarah, "and I love the lace-up back for a completely customizable fit," Sarah says.
Birdsong High-Waist Fold-Over Bikini Bottom (Sizes S-3XL)
Next, add the bottoms of your choice. The high-waist foldover gives multiple coverage level options depending on how you wear it. Choose a coordinating solid, go basic black, match patterns or mix things up for a memorable combo.
"The high-waisted fold-over bottoms can be worn as a true high-waist or folded over for a lower look. It's fully lined and stretchy to be forgiving on those days you need it," says Sarah appreciatively.
Birdsong Sash Fold-Over Bikini Bottom (Sizes S-3XL)
For a touch of added interest, the modest rise bikini bottom is adorned with a sweet side-tie. Scrunch the waist down or pull it all the way up for the look you like best with the top you're wearing.
"I love that Birdsong has a very customizable fit," Sarah says. "My favorite part is how the rise can be folded over for more or less coverage, and these have this tie detail I live for."
"These swimsuits really meet me where I'm at for the day," Sarah says. (How nice to be seen and understood!)
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Next up, we sent around for feedback the Pacifica collection from Sunsets, one of our most beloved bra-sized swimwear brands. This season's trendiest texture is a ribbed scrunch fabric (bonus points for using 83% recycled nylon!) that sculpts to your body, elevating the style of each silhouette.
Sunsets Pacifica Mirabella Underwire Bikini Top (Bands 32-42 and cups DD-H)
The wrapped fabric in the front of this over-the-shoulder silhouette cleverly obscures underwire cups with removable foam inserts. In back, you can fasten the band in three different spots and convert the straps into a racerback using the attached J-hook.
"My top half and my bottom half are in a committed relationship, but they continually disagree about size," jokes Jayne, 57. "Shopping for a swimsuit was such a nightmare for me until I found this [brand]. I'm extremely happy with it. I would recommend it if you're a different size on the top and on the bottom because it comes in such a vast range of sizes. With the J-hook, I feel like I'm getting a two-for-one top."
Jayne also called out the high quality, the comfort and the color palette: two vibrant shades for the summer and, of course, black.
Sunsets Pacifica Penny Hipster Bikini Bottom (Sizes XS-XL)
Made to mix and match, a simple low-rise hipster with moderate coverage is a regular Jayne-of-all-trades. In this luxuriously soft, scrunchy fabric, it feels great on.
"It's a classic cut that's flattering no matter what your size," Jayne says.
Sunsets Pacifica Cove Mini Skirt Cover-Up (Sizes S-XL)
This mini swim skirt affords you cute modesty in and out of the water. An elastic waistband hugs the hips and skims over thighs.
"The stylish cover-up is awesome when you're stepping inside a hotel or restaurant," Jayne points out. "I would recommend it for vacation because you can walk around without feeling self-conscious."
Come back all season long as even more of our customers share their outfits and opinions!
Need help finding your ideal swimwear? Our Bra Fit Experts are here to prove the perfect fit is possible.
