I have been asked quite a few times if I would be reviewing anything from Curvy Kate's 2018 collection and although I can't afford to buy anything myself at the moment I decided to order a bikini, take some pictures for a review, and send it back. So that's exactly what I did!
I opted for the Curvy Kate Maya balconette bikini top and high waist briefs in red print.
Image courtesy of Curvy Kate
Isn't it lovely? I have to say my first choice of colour for swimwear is almost always turquoise as it looks SO GOOD against a tan, but my numerous recent reviews of Forever 21+'s swimwear have shown me that many different colours can look good, too. And this bikini is no exception - the red print is really unusual and the black piping makes it a real head-turner.
I ordered the bikini top in 34K and the briefs in 18 (my usual Curvy Kate bikini sizes).
If you've been following my F21+ reviews recently, you'll notice the difference that bra-sized swimwear as opposed to clothing-sized swimwear makes. Both are great, but when you're busty you really can't beat wearing a bikini or swimsuit that's akin to wearing an actual bra.
This bikini felt incredible on. SO COMFORTABLE! And of course I felt very well supported.
My favourite things about this set are the cut-away central gore - inspired! - and the laddered cutout detail along the sides of the front panel. They take a perfectly lovely but fairly normal-looking bikini to a truly WOWEEE level. I've said before that as busty and/or plus-sized women it's a shame we have to choose between cool fast fashion pieces and better fitting but often less inspiring bra-sized options, but this bikini dismisses that with an effortlessly trendy wave of its hand. Well done, Curvy Kate!
You can probably tell from my pictures that the 34K bikini top wasn't a perfect fit for me. The band is fine, but the cups could do with being bigger. Unfortunately K is the biggest cup made by Curvy Kate so I can't size up any further than this. I say 'unfortunately', but this is perhaps a little unfair as so many other brands don't go anywhere near this end of the cup spectrum, so serious kudos to CK for doing so. But as someone who requires two, possibly three cup sizes larger (I wear a 32M/34LL in Ewa Michalak bras), I can't help but wish there were more options available to me. I am always hopeful that their cup size range will be extended, and in the meantime I can make do with this slightly imperfect fit for swimwear.
The straps are fully adjustable, and the band fastens with a single large plastic clasp (the usual kind you find on a bikini). All good stuff. I do find the cups a little too tall, shallow and wide for me, but I think this is an issue only with the largest of cup sizes. I have found this to be the case with CK bras, too, but I see plenty of pictures of women in smaller cupped bras and bikinis where it looks like this isn't an issue so it seems to be a grading thing. I am splitting hairs, though, as I will wear Curvy Kate bikinis regardless because they are gorgeous and one of my very limited options in bra-sized swimwear.
The size 18 briefs were perfect on me, giving good coverage and comfort. I was a little disappointed that the back was black instead of the lovely red print fabric, but seeing as I spend much of my time on holiday either lying on a sunlounger or swimming in the sea, both of which mean my backside is concealed, I suppose it doesn't matter too much ;-)
I already own a number of Curvy Kate bikinis from previous seasons and this one is every bit as lovely.
I am very disappointed that I couldn't keep this bikini as it's such a beauty, but limited funds at the moment mean I am pretty much on a spending ban for all but absolute essentials. And given that I already own a number of bra-sized bikinis that fit me I could not justify the cost of this one, sadly. But if you are looking for a stylish and comfortable bikini for your holidays, you won't go far wrong with this one. Hurrah!
You can buy the bikini top here and high waist briefs here. They also do a halterneck swimsuit, a bandeau bikini top, and low waisted fold over bikini briefs.
And if you're looking for a cover-up that works well with this bikini, a great option is this Simply Yours Embroidered Kaftan from Simply Be.
It's lightweight and cool, and it has a waist tie if you choose to fasten it for security or increased coverage. The embroidery detail is so pretty, too, and the sleeves are useful to keep upper arms and shoulders covered from the sun.
So, having reviewed one Curvy Kate bikini from their 2018 collection, I have of course been looking at their other pieces. I am now hankering over the Curvy Kate Hi Voltage Bikini in white...available only at Bravissimo!
Image courtesy of Bravissimo
