Hello mamas! Summer break is almost upon us. Yay and yikes, right? I’d venture to say most of us love summer, but also…I know my mama friends with school aged kiddos have mixed feelings about summer ‘vacation.’ My friend Posy and her pals always do a back-to-school cocktails/soak at our favorite relaxing spot each fall to celebrate school starting. This year we decided to do a pre-summer break version of that, complete with pretty towels, cool suits and Bloody Mary’s…heck yeah. Check out one of my favorite spots in Portland (a fun stop if you’re visiting!) and let’s talk supportive swimwear, shall we?

Let’s Talk Supportive Suits

Without really discussing what swimsuits we were going to wear for this, we all chose underwire, supportive suit tops! Yes. It makes sense. These three mamas know what works for our ‘girls.’

You can’t really go wrong with a suit that has underwire and is offered in bra sizes to get good lift, support and stability. In the past, during our days of sun bathing casually by the pool, pre-kiddos, sure maybe bandeau tops and triangle bikinis did the trick. These days the girls need all the help they can get (I’m speaking mostly for myself here). Good thing there are plenty of bustier and underwire bikinis and one-pieces to provide this physical (and emotional) support.

Below, you’ll see I asked Posy and Andrea to tell me why they love their suits (spoiler…support!), but first…

The soaking pool…I mean…this place is so gorgeous and right by Sienna’s preschool…I am tempted to go 3x week, y’all. It’s at McMenamin’s Kennedy School and it’s divine. Definitely check out any of the McMenamins establishments if you’re out this way. They take old buildings and make them into fun places, all over the state. This one used to be an elementary school and is now a hotel complete with a soaking pool, movie theater, bars and a restaurant. I love that they have an Honors Bar and a Detention Bar. I’ve never been in the Detention Bar…I haven’t!

More Swimsuit Talk and Outfit Details

On Andrea:

Top: J Crew Underwire Bikini Top

Bottoms: J Crew High-waisted Bikini Brief

Sunglasses: (similar) Tom Ford Solange Sunglasses

Towel: (similar) Jean Blue Turkish Towel

On Posy:

I have been “well-endowed” for nearly all of my swimsuit-buying life. Even back in high school, I had to buy bikinis with small bottoms and xl tops to hold my ’em up. Anyway, it’s been even tougher since having my daughter; finding a swimsuit I’m comfortable wearing in front of others, that is also supportive enough to play with her in the pools and at the beach…well, that’s been an 8-year-long trek that finally ended when I read about Panache and their swimwear with built in bras that you can order in your actual bra size. Mind blown, you guys. It is so comfortable, supportive, and flattering enough that I am willingly sharing a photo of myself in a swimsuit on the internet – I realize ya’ll don’t know me, but this is not something I would have ever imaged I would do. I can’t say enough good things about this suit.

One-Piece: Panache Silhouette Shaping Swimsuit

Cover-up: Marimekko for Target Terry Cover-up

Sunglasses: Toms Chelsea Sunglasses  – Posy loves their lenses and the one-for-one project Toms is known for.

Sandals: Birkenstock Charlize – Dying. I want these now, too. A beautiful new modern Birk in silver? Ok.

Towel: The Beach People Paloma Towel – LOVE this circular towel. They’re terry cloth, but in a circle perfect for lounging and picnic-ing.  Santorini deep blue version and the Majorelle blue and white version, too.

On Laura:

I really love the new midi style underwire bikini tops. The one I’m wearing has lace-up style back straps, too. It does take a bit of patience and flexibility to put it on yourself (apply at home, then go to pool), but once you get it on it’s an amazing fit and support combo that makes me feel quite secure. The bra sizing is also my favorite feature for swimwear and makes a lot of sense. Here’s to staying supported

Top: Shade & Shore Longline Underwire – Only a few sizes left, sadly. Love this top, especially the back ties that make it fit well. (similar) Midi Bandeau Bikini – Not a bandeau, not sure why it’s called that. It’s very similar to mine.

Bottoms: (similar) Becca Side-Tap Hipster Bikini – These are really similar to mine. The ruching on the sides makes them not dig into skin and is flattering around your hips.

Cover-up (shirtdress): H&M Long Denim Shirt – I LOVE a denim shirt as a coverup and a denim shirtdress? Even better. Longer and this one is soft and comfy.

Sandals: Birkenstock Mayari in Antique Lace – I got these last summer and LOVE the fit of them. The white is a bit ivory and a bit pearlescent. They come in a gorgeous taupe, too, that I want. These are a lovely updated Birk for those of you who might be skeptics!

Cuff: (similar) Anthropologie Vervelle Cuff – I really like a cuff bracelet in general, but it’s a nice little bling with a swimsuit, too. Easy and stays put.

Towel: (similar) Ruby Mint Vanderbilt Beach Towel

Shop These and More Supportive Swimsuits