Finding a swimsuit that makes you feel fabulous will give you a confidence boost on the beach this summer. Whether you want to follow the latest swimwear trends or are more interested in finding the most flattering swimwear for your body shape, there are plenty of styles in the shops and online that deliver on both counts.
When I'm packing swimwear for my summer holiday, I like to include a variety of styles that will take me from sunbathing with a good book to crashing through the waves on a jet ski!
I like to feel comfortable and confident, and this usually means packing more than one option. However, on my next trip, I will be limited to hand luggage only, so I set out to find the perfect swimsuit that will multitask. It needed to be both supportive and comfortable. Ladies - I think I've found it!
Pour Moi Santa Monica Swimsuit Review
Pour Moi is one of the best swimsuit brands, and they celebrate women of all shapes and sizes. I'm a big fan of their bras; they offer flattering designs, especially if you're looking for the best bras for large busts.
I'm size 32FF, and I often wear this Multiway Strapless Bra - it's one of the best strapless bras I've discovered. If you wear a size DD+, buying your swimwear from a respected lingerie brand is a sensible idea since they use all the expertise and technology that goes into the bras to make their swimwear supportive too.
Price: £45
Sizes: 10-20
Padding: Moulded cups
Underwired: No
Colours Available: 11
Care: Hand wash
I wanted to try a bandeau style that would be good for sunbathing (I hate getting strap marks), but had straps that I could attach when swimming. The Santa Monica Strapless Tummy Control Swimsuit ticked both boxes. I ordered online and tried it on at home to test the comfort factor, and took a trip to my local pool to check how it performed when swimming. Can I brave the waves? Here's what I thought...
Pour Moi Santa Monica Strapless Tummy Control Swimsuit
This swimsuit features moulded, lightly padded cups and a firm mesh lining that supports the tummy area. It's available in tall or petite lengths too, and there are 10 colours in stock. This is one of Pour Moi's bestselling styles that they bring back each season, so you will be sure to find a colour you love.
Shape & Design
This is a bandeau-style swimsuit which dips slightly at the centre front to create a more flattering line. The front of the swimsuit is ruched across the tummy area, with a twist in the fabric at the bust. The back of the swimsuit is unlined, with ample bottom coverage and medium cut legs. The straps attach at the top of the inner cups. Two strips of soft and flexible boning are hidden within the side seams at the bust, to ensure the swimsuit stays in place.
Support & Fit
The Santa Monica swimsuit is available in sizes 10-20, with selected colours also available in tall and petite fittings. I choose my regular size 12 and I would say it fits true to size, although being a FF cup the inner moulded cups were a snug fit across my boobs.
If you wear a G+ cup I suggest sizing up for a roomier fit. I am 5'6" and the length was perfect on me, no tugging down the legs! I wasn't expecting this swimsuit to feel as supportive as it does. The firm mesh lining really did work to hold my tummy in, and the boning at the sides of the bust stopped the swimsuit from rolling down, even when I waved my arms above my head. I wouldn't suggest a game of beach volleyball, but with the straps in place, you will be fine playing a quick round of swingball!
Comfort
I found this swimsuit very comfortable to wear: the fabric is 80% polyamide and 20% elastane, so it's really stretchy. I adjusted the length of the straps so that they provided extra support without digging in. Initially, I was a bit worried that the boning would feel uncomfortable under my arms, but it's flexible and secured within the lining, so I didn't feel it at all.
Care
After swimming I hand washed the swimsuit and hung it up to drip dry. It washed well and dried in a couple of hours. I will continue to wear and wash and will report back over time if I see any changes in quality or fit.
Verdict
I felt slimmer and more streamlined in this swimsuit due to the firm mesh lining that did a great job in holding in my tummy. It was easy to detach the straps to create a bandeau style that was perfect for sunbathing. With the straps attached it provided a medium level of support. For under £50 it's great value for money.
Shop Other Colours
This bright blue shade is going to look great, whatever your skin tone, and will add a pop of colour to your holiday wardrobe. Wear with a chiffon kimono and wedges for poolside chic.
Khaki is having a fashion moment and the utility trend looks set to take over from pastel shades this summer. This striped pattern is great for distracting the eye away from lumps and bumps.
Whether you're in St Tropez or Lytham St Annes, you can rely on a tropical print to add glamour to your beach day! Wear with your best linen staples and comfy flip-flops for sightseeing and shopping.
