I started my writing year off with a bang and wanted to feature swimsuits that were made for curves. Styles that suit an hourglass figure but can also work on any other body shape (there is nothing better than an adaptable, forever flattering swimsuit!). Now I'm super chuffed to be a part of this and I can't explain how good it feels to not only feature multiple times in this publication for my modeling work but now to be accepted as a writer!
Nadia Desensi did and absolutely brilliant job and creating our vision for these images that went along side the review/article. She is a brilliant wedding and fashion photographer based in Melbourne and you should book her asap! I always feel confident and proud of my shape when I shoot with Nadia. Bellow you will find my review as written in the latest issue. To buy a copy for yourself or to subscribe follow this link.
Summer is here in full swing and it’s time to sort out what we will be wearing to the beach. Beating the heat can be a little harder when you are a curvier girl, though. Finding the right style to fit your bust, waist and hip measurements can be a nightmare for clothes in general, but when it comes to swimsuits, a busty lass with a small waist can be lost in a sea of swimwear.
Over the last few years I’ve fallen in love with brands from around the globe, and I’ve come across many who specifically design for curvy shapes and bigger busts. However, this year I found out that my swimwear designer of choice is no longer in the game. This just wouldn’t do; I needed a swimsuit for summer and I needed it fast. I focused my search on Australian-based companies who specialise in curves with a retro flair. I discovered two great brands that fulfil my needs both fit-wise and style-wise and I’m absolutely thrilled to share these options with other curvy girls.
The first suit I found was the Robyn Lawley ‘Almost French’ 50’s one piece in black, priced at $194.95. Designed by Australia’s ‘IT’ girl in plus size modelling, this suit is created to fit a curvier shape and is stocked in sizes 10 to 20. Every girl needs a black one piece swimsuit – it’s the LBD of the swimwear world. With the ‘Almost French’ suit, you have the classic shape of a black one piece, coupled with amazing black lace and power mesh to mould on to those curves.
The stand out feature of this stunning suit has to be the cage bra attachment above the moulded cups, which works brilliantly on a D/DD bust, and even a GG size which I happen to be. You can also adjust both the straps and the back, much like you would with a bra, to get the perfect fit. I’m wearing this suit in a size 18 as I was advised to size up due to the lack of stretch in the lace.
Close up view of the stunning floral fabric!
However, after wearing it for a day, I can say that I would be more suited to a size 16, due to it being a little roomy on my waist and bust after a few hours of wear. If you are a standard size 16 with a DD chest, be sure to stick with your usual size. Beyonce, the Queen of Curves, chose to wear this suit in white in her music video for ‘No Angel’, and you can purchase this suit in that exact colourway, in addition to black and navy.
I also stumbled upon Sirens Swimwear in my swimwear search. They are another local and inspiring swimwear company focusing on the styles of the 50s and 60s; a time when everyone wanted to be curvy, elegant and feminine. That being said, their main focus is to make every woman – both thin and thick, big and small – feel beautiful, and that really appeals to me. With Sirens Swimwear you will feel like a silver screen goddess. Sirens have an amazing range of styles and so many super cute takes on a bikini and a one piece design. Packed with ruffles, skirts, padding or no padding, there are options for each and every shape!
With my curves in mind, I chose the one suit that shone the most brightly to me – the ‘Lizzie’ in Wild Berry, priced at $189.00. ‘Lizzie’ is an absolute masterpiece of design and retro sophistication, offering amazing ruching, moulded cups in a sweetheart shape, and thick, supportive straps. These features make for a figure-hugging shape, perfect to show off an hourglass figure, as the suit moulds to your curves and supports larger busts. This style also helps create curves if you are not blessed with them! I’m wearing the ‘Lizzie’ in a size Large, which is a 14 to 16.
The fit is on point and I really adore the berry and navy combo on my pale skin. Sirens Swimwear offer items in sizes 8 to 20 (or, as listed, XS to XL), so no matter what size or shape you are or what prints you love, you’ll find the perfect swimmers for you! The ‘Lizzie’ is also available in Navy Polka Dot, Cocktail Black, Aqua Pin Stripe, Red and White Candy Stripe, Aqua Flora and Blue and White Stripe
I’ve paired both of these amazing suits with my silk brush print kimono from 17 Sundays. It’s been my go-to beach cover up for many years. While this style is sold out, you can purchase beach appropriate kaftans and kimonos everywhere this season. I love mixing bold colours and geometric prints with darker suits and bikinis to create my ultimate beach look!
If you have any issues finding a suit in your size you can find the stockists for Robyn Lawley's range here . Sirens Swimwear can be found via their website and across all social media so be sure to add both of these amazing companies on Facebook and Instagram.
