I was barely two sips into my first cup of coffee when the email arrived in my inbox:

“Do you want early access to Everlane’s new swim line?”

Um, I don’t have to be awake to know the answer to that…YES.

I was thrilled when I found out Everlane was coming out with a swimwear line. Two of my favorite pieces — these denim shorts and this jumpsuit — are from Everlane. I find their pieces thoughtful, versatile and fairly priced. I immediately added one of virtually everything to my cart (save for the low cut bikini bottoms — sorry I love y’all, but that is a bridge too far after three children for me).

Swimsuit | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Sunglasses | Lipliner | Lipstick

Everlane Swimsuits, Tried & Reviewed

Similar to their clothing, Everlane’s swimwear line is focused on solid colors in dreamy shades (there is one print option). There are seven different bikini styles in eight colors, which equals…I don’t know how many combinations, my SAT math score was abysmal. It’s endless, let’s just go with that. Two, one-piece suits round out the collection.

I was shocked when I looked at the prices. No swimsuit is over $70, which, for women’s bathing suits, is pretty dang good. For reference, my beloved Becca Crochet High-Neck One-Piece runs over $100.

Also, the entire Everlane swimwear line is made from 82% regenerated nylon derived from recycled plastic. The swimsuits are quick-drying and have fade-resistant properties (nothing’s worse than a dull swimsuit by summer’s end). And, according to the website, they took the time to test their suits on 112 different women (oddly specific) to make sure everything stayed in place, fit right, etc., Basically, they put in the work. But I had to know: do these bathing suits work IRL?

Before we dive in (get it?!) some quick notes on me: I’m 33, 5’7, long legs and a short torso. I carry my weight on my middle. I am a slightly inverted triangle/straight body shape. I generally gravitate towards one-piece swimsuits.

1| The Square-Neck One-Piece

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Swimsuit | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Sunglasses | Lipliner | Lipstick

I started in my comfort-zone: Everlane’s square-neck one-piece in “Meredith Red” (trademark pending ;)). I haven’t tried a square-neck suit and was honestly surprised that I liked it. The cups are removable, but mama needs them, and the support is good. There’s excellent bum coverage without feeling like your grandma floating around a pool in West Palm Beach Florida on a pool noodle after a lively game of Mahjong (too real?). I love how the red pops against my Cabo Linen Wide Leg Pants. The great thing about these pants is they can double as cover-ups! And obviously my favorite obnoxiously large tote, Après Swim, for all the things.

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Fit: TTS (I’m wearing a large). The Cabo Linen Wide Leg Pants from Athleta are a size 8 (I’m typically a 10, but found I needed to size down. I tried both an 8 and a 10 and the big difference is in the length.)

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2| The V-Neck One-Piece

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Swimsuit | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Headband | Lipliner | Lipstick

I want this cut to work SO BADLY, but it just falls flat, or rather sideways or, OK the point is my very natural boobs are not made for Everlane’s V-neck one-piece. I am living for the color though. That royal blue is the only color that is rivaling “Meredith Red” for me. I like the adjustable straps and the bum coverage, the V-neck suit simply doesn’t provide enough built-in support for me. For cover-up ideas, one of my all-time favorite moves from back in my summer swim club coaching days was to throw on a jean mini skirt like this Rigid Denim Straight Mini Skirt from Madewell.

Swimsuit | Skirt | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Headband | Lipliner | Lipstick

Fit: Swimsuit is TTS (I’m wearing a large). Skirt is TTS (I’m wearing a 30). Sandals are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

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3| The High-Rise Hipster Bottom + The Square-Neck Bikini Top

Bikini bottom | Bikini top | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Sunglasses

Real talk: I wasn’t someone comfortable wearing bikinis BEFORE children. I’m certainly not entirely comfortable after kids — even after abdominoplasty. It’s daunting to try on swimsuits, let alone try them on for everyone on the internet. Deprogramming society’s expectations of what a woman’s body “should” look like and learning to accept (love) one’s body is no easy task; it’s not going to be accomplished in one afternoon of bathing suit selfies. This was hard. But, nonetheless, I did find that I really like the fit of the High-Rise Hipster Bottom from Everlane. They don’t look diaper-ish, which is sometimes my issue with high-rise bottoms. These do not have any kind of miracle-smoothing whatchamacallit technology, but they are just really well-made at $30 a pair. Plus, black is fairly universally flattering.

The Square-Neck Bikini Top I have on is the color Herb. I was surprised at how comfortable and flattering the square neckline was. The adjustable straps are a nice touch as well. I found myself wishing that they had included a cropped swim top or a tank option. I like a little more coverage, although I would definitely wear this with a duster (similar style) or my Cabo Linen Wide Leg Pants on. I dig those two looks. Now, where’s my yacht? LOL

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Bikini bottoms | Bikini Top | Duster (similar style) | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Pants | Sunglasses | Tote

Fit: The High-Rise Hipster Bottom and square-neck bikini top is TTS (I’m wearing a large in both)

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4| The High-Rise Hipster Bottom + The Triangle Bikini Top

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Bikini bottoms | Bikini top | Sandals (Urban Outfitters) | Sunglasses | Lipliner | Lipstick

Again we have Everlane’s High-Rise Hipster Bottom (this time in blue ) and their Triangle Bikini Top, which has about a 1.5 inch band under the bust and made me feel more supported. Plus the built-in cups. The back ties together and while it didn’t feel like it would come undone, I would have preferred a hook closure, similar to a bra. The blue is pretty, but I think I’m still more comfortable with a darker or patterned bikini bottom.

Fit: The High-Rise Hipster Bottom and Triangle Bikini Top are TTS (I’m wearing a large in both)

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Overall, I’m impressed with Everlane’s new swim line. There were a few strikes…the tie-front bikini was, phew, no bueno, and there are no tankini options, but, with each piece running under $70 and plenty of gorgeous colors to choose from, I say it’s worth it to take the plunge and give Everlane swim a try.

x, Meredith