Hey-o…it’s not quite swimsuit season, but there’s nothing I love more than trying on swimsuits in February! I AM BEING SARCASTIC. But it’s necessary. The people want swimsuit reviews? The people get swimsuit reviews.
I’ve realized after quite a few years of doing this biz here that I adore Athleta swimwear. I don’t need a lot of swimsuits here in the Pacific Northwest. There are few occasions to actually swim unless you do it indoors for exercise, go on vacation, or are one of the very few people who have a pool (I’m looking at you, Arizona-born Mitch & Jen.) But whenever you DO need a swimsuit, you want it to be a good one, amiright?
Cute Athleta Swimsuits #DressingRoomSelfies
You may have recently perused my review of The Great. loungewear where I essentially complain about the price point vs. the versatility and fabric of their pieces. Well, this is a whole different ballgame. Athleta swimsuits are amazingly well-made and at a reasonable price point for how flattering and great they are (not to mention Athleta’s amazing return policy.) Still an honest review here, as always, but it might get a little bit gushy.
Racerback Rib Tank & Rib Bikini Bottoms
Case in point. GOSH. The shape of this top is just so flattering! This was the first set I tried on, and let’s just say I was less than thrilled to put this booty in a bathing suit right now, (hi, Pandemic Hobby of Baking All the Things) but I’m 43 now and I honestly realized IDGAF anymore. This booty does a ton of squats each week, as well as getting all the carbs in, so we’re rolling with it and promoting body positivity. Do the squats! Eat the carbs! Live your pandemic life, girl.
This suit is supportive, flattering, well-made, and a real winner. The bottoms fit well in my typical Medium size for swim bottoms, but these aren’t super full coverage but aren’t cheeky either. A nice round in-between. Heh. The top is amazing and great for active mamas who are chasing babes or doing water sports.
One Shoulder One Piece
This one did surprise me and is super cute from the front. Lots of people are looking for one pieces right now, but being short torso’d and straighter through the middle, I have issues with many non-halter one pieces or those without some sort of supportive cup construction. This body has seen 43 years here on earth and I typically need way more lift in the chest, if you know what I mean. While I would not recommend this one for volleyball because you’d definitely be serving up boob-surprise, if you want a pretty suit for sunning and lounging by a pool? Super cute.
The back straps help the top on this stay up more, but they aren’t as flattering on my back as some of the others here. And, as usual with most one piece suits, from the side view it flattens my chest. Womp womp. Still, I have to say I was really skeptical about fit on this one and you can color me impressed for the style it is.
Entwined Cut-out One Piece
Ok unlike the last one, this one is super cute from the back! Gosh. It’s the reason I even attempted to try it for sure. But. The front is just fine and side view is a no. Dang it. The back cutout is adorbs. If you don’t care about a flattened chest, have a larger chest or perkier boobs please get this. It’s so cute. It also comes in a really lovely sunny orange.
Crop Tank & Medium Coverage Bikini Bottoms
This set is so cute! And it stays put. One of my favorite things about Athleta swim tops is that they offer some of them in bra sizes and some in extended cup sizes, like this one in D/DD. I’m a DD cup and it just gives more room and shape for the girls in this larger sizing. Love. The bottoms are definitely medium leaning-on-lighter coverage, but they also stay put and again, they aren’t cheeky.
Animal Print Scoop Top & High-Waisted Bottoms
Finally, last year, I realized high-waisted bottoms ARE flattering on me. I don’t know if they improved or if it was my attitude that did, but now I’m in LOVE. I bought two sets last year with high-waisted bottoms, and I am yes, so, so tempted to keep this set, too. So cute! The top is offered in the D/DD sizing again, too. Hooray! It gives me less of the uniboob effect that can happen with sporty swimsuits. This is one of the most flattering sets on my body type, I think. These feel like they’ll totally stay in place, too, for active folx.
Tie-Dye Crop Bikini Top & Scrunch Shorts
I am surprised that this might be my favorite set! Usually boy shorts aren’t super-flattering on me, but with this top they look more balanced. And this top is seriously cute. Check out the cutouts on the back! Love. Be aware that it’s not very long though, and I’m not very long from shoulders to ribcage anyway. I would say size up if you have a larger chest and maybe that would add a bit more length. So freaking cute.
Keyhole Tankini & Medium Coverage Bikini Bottoms
This is my least favorite. The fabric is gorgeous, but the fit and cut are just a little more plain I think. It’s perfectly fine, well-made and will also stay put, just not exciting. And I like my swimwear to be exciting? Yes, that’s a question. Haha. The other pieces I tried were just more special.
Athleta Colorblock One-Piece Suit
This was also a fail. Then it also dawned on me rash guards are for layering, so a bikini top underneath would have been more flattering haha. Hi, grew up in the Mid-South…NOT a surfer girl. This would be great if you need more warmth or sun coverage. Their one pieces come in Petite, Regular and Tall sizing, too. Awesome.
I will say, I was disappointed that you couldn’t wear it halfway zipped because the zipper wouldn’t hold, so it’s not versatile in that way, but as long as you plan to wear it fully zipped up, it’s a good rash guard. It comes in the same magenta colorway the cropped top above is in, too.
one piece (s)
one piece (s)
Shop My Favorite Athleta Swimwear
The best thing about Athleta swim is that, as I mentioned, many tops come in A-C sizing and D/DD. They also offer some of the underwire tops in bra sizes. The one pieces are available in Petite, Regular and Tall sizes. They’ve added a line of Plus Size workout wear, so I’m hoping they’ll add swim soon, too!
Too many cute pieces to count. If you have a favorite fit from Athleta, do share!
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow all my daily musings, donut pics and dance parties over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle I try to keep it real over there, with a side of fun and a good dose of social justice.
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