Evening all! Its time for another Plus Size Swimwear Challenge! This time we're taking on
Evans. This long established and probably most recognisable high street plus size fashion brand was once the only place a plus size woman could buy swimwear from, but as time has passed we're seeing many more options open up to us which, for the customer can only be a good thing. That doesn't mean we should dismiss Evans though as the upper end of the plus market 26+ still remains fairly limited.
This weeks challenge was a little different in the fact that the evens swimwear team picked out costumes for us, but they very generously sent 2 for us to try out.
The first one being the
Teal Tummy Control Wrap Swimsuit....
The website blurb reads....
A vibrant option for swimming and sunbathing, this Evans’ one-piece features gathered front panels and tummy control to hold you in, and padded cups with shelf lining.The v-neck is ideal for Hourglass and Busty shapes.To go from beach to bar, put on some lightweight trousers. • 81% polyamide,11% elastane,8% polyester •Machine washable.
This is what it looked like on me - Size 22 UK....
What did I think?
Appearance - On the hanger this suit looks great but I have to say on me? Not so much. I found it cut into my thighs giving me bulgy thigh effect, the swathes of fabric rather than "flattering" as I think they are supposed to just kind of made me look like a bandaged sausage! This is not to say that it would look great on someone else but for my body, no. The fabric effect did nothing for my boobs either, it squashed one boob down and made the other one protrude!! I did however love the vibrant colour!
2/5
Fit - As mentioned above I found it cut into my thighs and was too short in the body for me, so might be better for a shorter lady, I was sent a D/DD, my normally D/DD boobs we're doing a little swimming of their own in this suit. They were lost in the moulded cups and although I didn't feel like they would pop out, they didn't feel particularly supported. The bra area is just moulded cups, there is no underwire in this costume which I don't mind so much, but I know from the last challenge a lot of you prefer an underwired costume
2/5
Comfort - Apart from the leg issue, the suit was comfortable especially around the back and straps.
4/5
Coverage - The coverage was excellent, not too much cleavage on show!
5/5
Performance - The suit was easy to move around in and had plenty of flexibility without feeling thin and flimsy. The straps stayed in place and the was no booby action! It did however have the dreaded wedgey effect and I was forever (gracefully and under the water I might add) readjusting the bottom area.
For the purpose I used the swimsuit for (energetic toddler swimming) I found the swathes of fabric very impractical, Poppy kept getting her feet and hands caught in them, this is definitely a solo, non-child type costume, more suited to lounging and lady swimming (that's not a euphemism)
2/5
Value - Priced at £32 this is what I would class as mid-range, there is no denying this is a very good quality costume, the stitching is robust, the material is fantastic quality. It washed really well and there was no pilling to the bum area after much bumping around on the swimming pool floor with Poppy!
4/5
Over all this is not the suit for me, I found it impractical for my needs and I did not like the appearance of it once it was on.
Suit two is the
Pindot Swimsuit
The website says....
Evan black base with white pindot swimsuit. Comes with adjustable and removable straps, padded cups and shelf lining. 80% Polyamide,10% Elastane,10% Polyester. Machine washable.
And here's me in the Size 22 UK
The adjustable straps meant I could also wear it as a halter neck...
What a difference a suit makes........
Appearance - I love everything about this suit, the polka dots, the slight ruching to the bodice area, the v-neck which you don't get with a lot of adjustable strapped swimsuits they are usually more of a bandeau style. I found it really flattering and loved how I felt in it.
5/5
Fit - The suit fit really well, it felt supportive without being too tight, and it smoothed out my lumps and bumps.Again this suit is not underwired and had lightly padded cups with a shelf bra.
5/5
Comfort - I did not get the chance to take this suit swimming unfortunately but I wore it round the house for a little while and it felt very comfortable. No digging in or restriction at all.
5/5
Coverage - The coverage was excellent, not too much booby or bum exposed
5/5
Performance - As mentioned above I haven't took this one swimming. I would be a little weary to use it as my "mummy" costume because of the adjustable straps, I'd be worried they'd ping off whilst playing in the pool, but I think this suit would be fantastic for a beach holiday as the straps could be removed for tanning, then added back on for support whilst swimming/lunching etc.. Some very sexy *coughs* lunges round the house gave me the opportunity to test out the wedgey issue, and I'm happy to report... no wedgies!
4/5
Value - This suit is priced at £29.50 again mid range, and as per the previous suit, the stitching is robust, the material is of an excellent quality. I love the retro feel of the suit and would be more than happy to pay that for it.
5/5
Overall as you might be able to tell, I loved this suit, the retro styling, versatility with the straps and flattering appearance made it a winner in my book!
So a mixed bag from Evans there, number one was not to my liking at all, but I really cannot rave enough about the Pindot Suit!!
I can't wait to see what the other girls got sent from Evans and see what they thought about their suits....
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