Ewa Michalak Saint-Tropez Swimsuit Review

Ever since I first became acquainted with the Ewa Michalak brand, I had been hoping that a swimsuit would be released for sale.  I had even written and asked (pleaded!), to no avail.  So, when Spring 2016 rolled  around and I saw the first Facebook hints that some sort of swimwear would be released, I was super excited.  However, when I first saw the photos of the Saint-Tropez swimsuit I actually felt a bit disappointed.  I didn’t think that the retro style would suit me.  I had never tried high waisted bottoms and I just couldn’t see myself pulling off that look.  Still, I had waited soooo long for EM swimwear that I  couldn’t miss the chance to own my very own set, regardless of my initial reservations.    Anyway, its good to try new things.   Change is good!

I asked the lovely Jaimie of Bra Obsessed to please order a set for me right away.  Truth be told, I asked Jaimie to please order two sets for me to try because my size has fluctuated a bit as of late.  I’ve heard other adult  women say that their breast size has increased because of a ‘hormonal growth spurt’or  simply that their ‘breasts grew’ (and I can only assume that they mean ONLY their breasts).  Maybe that is true. Regardless, the truth of my own situation is that my breasts grew.  So did my gut.  What can I say?  I ate a lot of snacks over the winter and didn’t go to the gym as often as I had intended.  I confess!  That, my friends, is the reality of my situation.  It is what it is.

I purchased this set with the top in size 65GG (one cup up from my pre-winter indulgence size 65G) and the bottoms in size 36.  The band measures approximately 22.5″ unstretched and I actually couldn’t stretch it past 29″.   This is good news because it means it will stay put when it is wet.  It felt comfortable on my 27″ ribcage. The swim top is in my favourite S bra style.  It gives that wonderful up front and centre, lifted appearance that has made the S style so popular with so many women.

The suit is made of Lycra so that it is appropriate for pools and oceans (if you’re so lucky).  The inside of the cups are lined with nylon instead of the usual cotton  of EM bras and the swimsuit does have the removal ‘cookies’ for correcting asymmetry or boosting cleavage.

An interesting feature of the swim top is the removable cleavage strap detail.  The cleavage straps are elastic, with metal hooks and eyes for easy on / off and they feature adjustable sliders so that you can custom set the length yourself.  The straps attach to a metal ring on the shoulder straps and to a fabric loop at the centre of the gore.

Adding or removing these straps allows the wearer to choose from two quite different looks, as shown below.

The back (in size 65GG) has a regular 3 x 3 bra hook and eye closure, but these are disguised by a simple fabric tie that you do up over top of the bra closure.

Its almost like Ewa knew I’d been stuffing my face all winter because the bottoms actually have a sort of tummy control lining and they smooth any lumpiness that might have otherwise shown, which is nice.  Because of this lining, the bottoms feel snug and firm without much stretch, similar to how any type of tummy control underpants might feel.

I doubt I’ll get to wear my suit in Saint Tropez, but watch out Puerto Backyarda, the weather is getting warmer and I’ll be ready!