I used to LOVE Athleta for swimsuits (I have a lot of their OG’s in my swimsuit drawer) but I haven’t liked the styles lately and I feel that their quality has gone down.
I have broad shoulders, so I try to stick with a halter style top. I recently got this one and like it a lot
I plan to get another one in a print (Tip - they are having a pretty good sale now).
I rotate solid color bottoms and usually get those from Lands End (skirted and regular) because I know they will cover what I need them to cover.
I have two one-pieces from JCrew, which are flattering but not very supportive on top, so I wear them when I know I’m going to be laying out, versus being active.
Same, we visited the Jolyn tent way too many times over the years she hasn’t competed since 2020, and they still look good. I like them because they don’t get sand in the liner. I don’t think the patterns are as cool as they used to be, but we still buy them. We live on a lake, so they’re great for water sports.
I wear this one and really like it a lot. I switched to bikini style after a very liberating trip to the Dominican Republic three years ago. I came back much more comfortable with the idea of just letting it all hang out. Plus the two piece is so comfy & easy to get in and out of.
For anybody planning a Europe trip with beach opportunity, I got a kick out of the tip from a youtube packing tips video by a long time guide on Rick Steves tours. She highly recommended bikini.
She said that’s what everybody wears there, even the 300 pound grandmothers. (Hmmm… maybe easier to take off a the topless beaches?). She pointed out that it packs smaller too. And extra bonus - in a pinch it can act as extra underwear/bra.
I was in Cote d’ Azur (French Riviera) last week and only saw one piece suits. The funniest thing I saw was a group of French women getting out of a pool. They each bent over and squeezed the padding of their swimwear tops as they exited the pool.
I’m going to order this top. It’s similar to my old Athleta top I love.
I’m intrigued by the swim tights. I have bad skin and the tights might be nice for sun protection. Do they get hot while sitting in the sun?
I also have many sun shield tops. I like them loose and easy to get off when wet. I’ve gotten a nice Hang Ten one in the men’s cut from Costco. I also have a nice zip hoodie in white out of sun protection fabric from Carve Designs.
One issue I find with swim shorts or a skirted style is one can easily thrown on a pair of shorts or a skirt to walk anywhere.
I have this same top but I find it difficult to get off when wet.
@mom60,
This used to be a problem for me too, but I learned something, in a self-defense class, about how to get out of different kinds of holds, so now, I use those tricks to get out of the suit!
I do this:
1.) (I will use my right hand.) Raise one side of the top/tankini from the bottom, as far it will allow. In other words, get as much of the top off as you can. I do the right side.
2.) Then, take your right hand and push it into the side of the “bra” inside the top. Yes, it will be wet and snug, but it will work.
3.) Slowly angle and push the rest of your hand and arm down towards your stomach.
4.) At one point, your arm will be straight and you’ll be able to pop the top off.
I wear Athleta high neck bikini tops and either regular bottoms or swim shorts. I also bought a rash guard/ swim shirt at Costco to help protect my skin from the sun. We still haven’t seen the sun here yet in Southern California.
I own two of those Johnny Was tanks – the older one is 5 years old… They aren’t as thick or heavy as a miracle suit, so they are comfortable-- but they still have a nice smoothing effect. The print designs are attractive.
They hold up really well but the dark backgrounds do fade a bit.
she hasn’t competed since 2020, and they still look good. I like them because they don’t get sand in the liner. I don’t think the patterns are as cool as they used to be, but we still buy them. We live on a lake, so they’re great for water sports.