I love to relax in the sunshine on holiday, but I'm not always in the mood for revealing all in a bikini. A one-piece is the obvious answer, but they can feel restrictive and are a pain when you need to go to the loo!
Luckily, a tankini top combines the modesty of a swimsuit with the convenience of a bikini. Alongside tummy coverage, an important factor for me when it comes to swimwear is bust support. Even if I am simply sunbathing, I like to feel contained and covered. I wear a size 32FF, so going braless can feel uncomfortable - which is why I will always opt for the best swimsuits for large busts to provide me with the extra level of support that I need to feel confident on the beach.
The good news is that a well-fitting tankini will provide as much support as a one-piece. It also gives you the ability to buy different-sized pieces. When I'm shopping for a one-piece, I will often have to buy a size 14/16 to fit my bust, which is then too big for my size 12 bottom. However, with a tankini, you can get the perfect fit.
Price: £48 (top only)
Sizes: 30DD/E - 44J/JJ
Padding: No
Wired: No
Colours Available: 2
Care: Cool hand wash
Curvy Kate is a brand that designs lingerie and swimwear specifically for women with curvy figures. I have worn lots of their designs in the past and particularly love this full-cup bra, which is one of the most supportive and comfortable styles that I own.
Much like the best bras for large busts, they sell a variety of both wired and non-wired swimwear that offers comfortable support for women with DD+ cups. I'm a fashion editor and lingerie expert, and when it comes to swimwear, I love a tankini because you can roll it up or down depending on the level of coverage you want.
I chose the Ripple Reef Tankini Top and matching briefs, and for the purpose of this review, I wore it for a couple of hours, including a 30-minute swim, to test performance in the water. Here are my thoughts on the level of support and comfort it provided...
Curvy Kate Ripple Reef Tankini Top
This bold monochrome print is eye-catching, and the all-over swirly pattern is a playful alternative to solid black. The side strings are easily adjustable and can be ruched up to reveal as much of your midsection as you wish, or pulled down for complete tummy coverage. Wear with the matching briefs, or mix and match with a bright colour for a fun look.
Curvy Kate Ripple Reef Tankini Top Review
Shape & Design
This tankini top is fasten-free - you simply pull it on over your head, which makes life much easier. Centre seams create shape over the bust, and the flattering V-neckline exposes just a hint of cleavage. The straps are firm and easy to adjust. They can be unhooked at the back to switch from shoulder straps to a cross-back style.
The fabric is made from 82% recycled Polyamide and 18% Highclo Elastane, which is designed to resist chlorine damage. The upper third of the top is lined with a firm mesh fabric to compress and support the bust, while the main body is unlined. Both sides can be ruched up to make the top approximately 10cm shorter, creating gathers over the tummy area and bow details on the hip.
Support & Fit
Available in dual cup sizing up to a JJ cup this is a great option for women with big boobs. I opted to try a size 34F/FF, which was actually a little big for me, I would have been better with a 32F/FF in order to get a firmer fit and increased support. So if you're between sizes, I would suggest sizing down.
Although this is a soft, non-wired style, the inner mesh lining provided a good level of support, and I felt confident swimming in it. When the sides were fully ruched up, it exposed a flash of my waistline, but I decided to loosen the ties a little for full coverage.
Comfort
Easy to slip into and adjust, this tankini was really comfy to wear. The soft and stretchy fabric felt very cool to touch, so it's a great design to wear if you are heading to a hot and tropical climate, as there are no underwires to cause discomfort in the heat or dig in.
Care
After swimming in this tankini, I hand-washed it according to the instructions on the label and saw no change in the colour or quality of the fabric. I simply hung it up in the shower, and it took less than an hour to drip dry.
Verdict
This is a great tankini top to wear if you want to combine the coverage of a swimsuit with the convenience of a bikini. It provided a good level of support and was comfortable to wear. The drawstring sides allowed me to control the amount of coverage I wanted on my tummy area and I will enjoy wearing it on my upcoming holiday in the sun.
