Bikini Buys » Tankinis

Lucky Brand American Dream Tankini | Patchwork Print Bandeau Style Swim Top

LaurenK — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:12:46 +0000

Lucky Brand calls this tankini an American Dream, but I can't imagine it becoming the stuff fantasies are made of.

I wouldn't say this tankini top is a nightmare, but it does appear very dated. Patchwork prints like this haven't been popular since the 80s, and they weren't one of the trends to resurface when the decade recently enjoyed a revival. So we can't even pass this vintage look off as retro chic; it's simply old fashioned.

Not everyone pays attention to the trends of course, but even aside from the print I think sun lovers could do better. It hangs loosely, which is great for hiding problem areas but not very figure flattering. However Lucky Brand doesn't offer it in the larger sizes that might appreciate the extra modesty.

The unusual strap configuration is eye-catching, but it also doesn't provide the security of a more traditional design. It won't worry you if you're spending time on the sand, but it's likely to be a concern for water babies.

Not even the price can convince me this American Dream Tankini is a good deal. At $78 it's not expensive, but there are many more stylish swim tops available for less.

Get this Lucky Brand American Dream Tankini:

Available to buy at Amazon

It Figures! Batiki Swim Top | Supportive Plus-Sized Floral Tankini

LaurenK — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:14:23 +0000

It Figures! puts practicality first with this Batiki swim top.

This tankini is far from fashion forward, but its vivid floral print has a certain charm. The brightly colored blooms are complemented by a rainbow hued beaded tie. It's all pulled together with bold black trim.

It Figures! has a solid base here, but it hasn't done a lot with it. Its shoestring straps are classic, but not especially stylish. Something wider would have been more appropriate for the Batiki's plus-sized dimensions, and it would probably have looked better too. Its shape is traditional too. That's not a bad thing, but it also makes the Batiki easy to overlook.

The straps are a bit of a misstep, but I can't see any other major problems with the Batiki. Its soft cups are designed to add definition and enhance natural curves. Inbuilt elastic complements those cups, lifting and supporting the bust to make it look its best. The blend of nylon and spandex is also machine washable, so there's no need to fuss over laundry.

The Batiki's a swim top for plus-sized girls who prefer to blend in, rather than make a statement. There's nothing wrong with that, but there's also nothing especially right with it either. It's nice enough, but for $62 I think we deserve a little more flair.

Get this It Figures! Batiki Tankini:

Lucky Brand Love Child Tankini | Ruffled Tie Dyed Bandeau Swim Top

LaurenK — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:49:41 +0000

Lucky Brand takes us back to the swinging sixties with this Love Child tankini.

Tankinis are often the choice of girls conscious about their figures. They tend to offer plenty of coverage but they're rarely fashion forward. Lucky Brand bucks the trend by with the Love Child. Perhaps it'll even win over the sun lovers who normally favor bikinis!

I really love the way the Love Child flares out rather than clinging to the tummy. That makes this tankini a flattering choice, no matter what your figure. The tight ruffles along the bust are a feminine complement to the Love Child's soft shape, but the choice of monochromatic tie dye ensures things never get too girly. While it takes its cues from the hippie era, it's definitely made for modern women.

It's also probably made for women who prefer to spend their time on the sand. The strapless design is ideal for developing a line-free tan, but it's also not very secure. Wearing it in the waves might be a bit risky, so you may want to play in calmer waters. The addition of a detachable shoestring strap, as we see on so many other tankinis, would have made all the difference.

If you prefer to luxuriate on the sand you'll see value for your $78. But if you're a more active beachgoer you may prefer a tankini with more practical features.

Get this Lucky Brand Love Child Tankini:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

NWT LUCKY BRAND Love Child 2Pc Tie Dyed Tankini Set Swimsuit New Sz Medium
US $59.99
Auction Ends: 27d 19h 13m
Make it yours...

New Lucky Brand Swim Suit Set Tankini Top Bottoms Love Child Purple Tie Dye
US $64.95
Auction Ends: 25d 3h 47m
Make it yours...

Check the Gymbo Bargains eBay store to see if this tankini top is in stock

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Lucky Brand Love Child Tankini | Ruffled Tie Dyed Bandeau Swim Top is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Robin Piccone Saline Bandeau Tankini | Nautical Striped Swim Top

LaurenK — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:59:57 +0000

What do you get when you cross a bandeau style swim top with a tankini? A bandini perhaps? Whatever you call it, it'll probably look something like this distinctive Saline top from Robin Piccone.

The nautical inspired stripes make this bandeau swim top something special. I love the bold contrast of the navy and white bands, and their unusual angular configuration. The pattern is set off beautifully by white lacing at the bust and a removable halter-neck tie.

Tankinis hide a multitude of sins, so it's disappointing that this one is targeted at small beachgoers. It doesn't come any bigger than a large, which is the equivalent of a 12 or 14. With many sun lovers tipping the scales beyond this it's disappointing that Robin Piccone neglects them.

If you can squeeze into it you'll be glad this swim top looks just as good from the back as it does from the front. I love the wide tie and the cheeky cut-out hole below it. Make sure you wear your hair in a ponytail or cropped short to take full advantage of the style.

Because at $110, you'll want to take advantage of the Saline's every appeal. While it's not exorbitant by designer standards, that's still a lot of money to spend on half a swimsuit.

Get this Ribon Piccone Saline Bandini:

Available to buy at Amazon

Profile by Gottex Tutti Fruti Tankini | Figure Flattering Shirred Blue Swim Top

LaurenK — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:53:28 +0000

Figure flattering shirring help this Tutti Fruti tankini from Gottex stand out from the crowd.

I must admit, this tankini isn't what I expected when I saw its name. The Tutti Fruti moniker conjures up images of flamboyant accents and wild rainbow colors. However this Tutti Fruti is quite subdued, with its subtle all-over shirring and elegant cobalt blue color.

The soft pleats are flattering, no matter what your figure. We tend to think of shirring as a handy detail for hiding lumps and bumps. It does that, but that's only half the story. If you're on the small side the feminine finish will actually create curves by adding volume rather than flattening your figure, as so many swimsuits do.

Its design looks effortless, but this Tutti Fruti swim top is actually working hard just beneath its surface. An inbuilt control panel helps to minimize tummy trouble spots, while underwire foam in the bust offers the support we need without compromising comfort.

At $94 this Profile by Gottex tankini is what you'd expect to pay for a swim top of this quality. It's no bargain, but its timeless design and high-quality finish ensures you'll see value for several summers to come.

Get this Profile by Gottex Tutti Fruti Tankini:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

$94 New Profile Gottex Tutti Frutti Tankini Top 40D
US $44.99
Auction Ends: 26d 1h 13m
Make it yours...

Profile Gottex Tutti Frutti Shirred Halter Tankini 10
US $34.99
Auction Ends: 25d 4h 8m
Make it yours...

Check esalesunique2 eBay store to see if this tankini top is in stock

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Profile by Gottex Tutti Fruti Tankini | Figure Flattering Shirred Blue Swim Top is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Robin Piccone Ikat Bandini | Tribal Printed Twist Bandeau Tankini Swim Top

LaurenK — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:33:19 +0000

What do you get if you cross a bandeau top with a tankini? In the best circumstances you'll find something like this bandini from Robin Piccone.

This bandini takes the best aspects from both swimsuit styles and makes them look fresh. The bandeau twist around the bust is figure flattering and modern, while the long cut of the tankini helps to hide those extra winter pounds.

The ikat print also gives this bandini a modern edge. Tribal patterns like this are right on trend, although in classic black and white I don't expect this particular one to date too quickly. If we're lucky it'll still look current even when the fashion has passed.

This bandini seems effortless, but it's working hard to help us look good. There are molded cups built in to the bust and boning down the sides to smooth your silhouette. These added extras mean the swimsuit isn't as comfortable as it might have been, but they flatter the figure so much that many girls won't mind a little pain!

At least we won't have pain at the hip pocket if we indulge in this bandini. At $86 it's quite reasonable for a swimsuit so unique.

Get this Robin Piccone Ikat Bandini:

Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
Check the Zotsypotsy eBay store to see if this tankini is in stock

Tommy Bahama Aquarelli Tankini | Watercolor Floral White Swim Top

LaurenK — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:30:54 +0000

Tommy Bahama takes a classic approach to floral with this Aquarelli tankini.

This swim top looks like it might have been handpainted by a watercolor master like Renoir or Cezanne. Its floral print is dreamy if a little bit dated. I imagine the pattern will appeal to mature beachgoers, but young things may prefer something more vibrant and modern. Personally I'm glad to see Tommy Bahama appealing to older sun lovers. Teens and twenty-somethings shouldn't have all the fun on the sand!

It's those older sun seekers that will see the most value in the Aquarelli's design too. Tankinis always hide a multitude of body sins, but this one does more than simply cover problem areas. The foam cups in the bust enhance curves while the shirring across the torso softens the silhouette. Mesh powernet tummy control panels hidden underneath the microfiber material helps to flatten the stomach and create a more streamlined look.

The material is a smart choice, as it holds its shape and resists fading. However, you'll need to put in a little work to make it last. Tommy Bahama recommends hand washing the suit in cold water, then leaving it on the line to dry.

At $96 you'll probably want to put in the effort. That isn't exorbitant, especially for this tankini's quality, but it's also not small change either.

Get this Tommy Bahama Aquarelli Tankini:

Available to buy at Amazon

La Blanca Brighten-Up Tankini | Wire-Free Floral Halter Style Swim Top

LaurenK — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:06:23 +0000

La Blanca offers us support without the pesky wires with this Brighten-Up Tankini.

Typically we rely on underwires beneath the bust and boning along the sides to hold us in and keep us in place. These additions are effective, but more than a little uncomfortable. So I was impressed to see La Blanca's offered the same amount of support without the ouch factor. Instead it relies on foam lining to get the job done. Once you've worn a tankini like this, I can't imagine you'll want to go back to a traditional wired variety!

Sadly the halter-neck tie doesn't provide quite the same amount of support. Anchoring the tie near the bust creates an eye-catching look, but that's at the risk of security. I'm not sure I could trust that this tankini would stay put in the waves.

If you're spending more time sunbaking than swimming though you'll enjoy this tankini's good looks. It features an abstract floral print, which seems like it might have been painted by a watercolor impressionist. Florals often look fussy, but the bright colors and artistic treatment ensures this print feels modern.

At $97 this tankini isn't an impulse buy, but anyone who's ever felt pinched and prodded by underwire will likely feel it's a bargain!

Get this La Blanca Brighten-Up Swimsuit:

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Profile by Gottex Tricolore Haltini | Frilled Indigo Halter-Neck Tankini Swim Top

LaurenK — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:57:02 +0000

Gottex adds some feminine frills to a traditional tankini with this Tricolore Haltini from its Profile collection.

Gottex calls it a haltini, which is just a fancy way of saying it's a tankini with a halter-neck. The tie around the neck might give it its name, but it's the tiny frills that have really won me over. The tiny ruffles allow the turquoise trim and pale aqua underside of the indigo body to peek through. These cool hues are a playful complement to the swimsuit's darker blue body. The details make the haltini's classic silhouette seem much more compelling.

While its looks draw the eye, Gottex hasn't forgotten about the features that make a swimsuit special. It's made from a soft blend of polyamide and knitted elastane, which should feel as comfortable out of the water as it does in. And when you emerge from the waves, the fabric will dry quickly. It does require a little care to keep pristine though. Hand wash the swimsuit in lukewarm water with a mild soap and dry it in the shade to keep it looking its best.

At $78 this haltini is on the expensive side though. After all, we'll need to invest in briefs or board shorts to make it a complete swimsuit. However it's got such original yet timeless style, it might be worth the splurge.

Get this Profile by Gottex Tricolore Haltini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

NWT GOTTEX BLACK HALTER TRICOLORE PINK TANKINI SKIRT BATHING SUIT 18W
US $69.99
Auction Ends: 19d 9h 51m
Make it yours...

New Profile Gottex Tricolore Halter Tankini Top Skirted Bottoms 12
US $89.99
Auction Ends: 28d 4h 53m
Make it yours...

Check esalesunique2 eBay store to see if this tankini top is in stock

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Profile by Gottex Tricolore Haltini | Frilled Indigo Halter-Neck Tankini Swim Top is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Avenue Sail Away Halter Skirtini | Nautical Blue Plus-Sized Tankini & Skirt

LaurenK — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 06:05:39 +0000

Avenue reminds us that the trends aren't just for skinny girls with this plus-sized nautical themed Sail Away Halter Skirtini.

That name is a bit confusing, but basically what you're getting here is a halter-neck style tankini paired with a swim skirt. It's a more conservative option than a bikini, which should appeal to girls self conscious about carrying a few extra kilos. Problem areas like tummies and thighs are covered, while supportive molded cups in the tankini make the most of curves.

This swimsuit had such promise, but I'm not sure Avenue has done enough here. I love the nautical blue and white stripes and silver metal ring adorning the keyhole. The golden trim along the wide, blue halter-neck strap is also really stylish.

But it's as if Avenue forgot about designing the bottom half of the suit. There's an awful lot of blue material there, and not a lot of shape to it. Plus sized girls rarely want a swimsuit that clings, but I don't think they want one which falls like a tent either.

Avenue's $64.90 price tag is very reasonable for an entire swimsuit, particularly one that suits sizes 16 to 32. All too often curvy girls pay a premium, so it's refreshing to see a label keeping its plus-sized swimwear affordable. That reasonable bottom line should help us forgive the design shortcomings.

Get this Avenue Sail Away Tankini Swimsuit:

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Check the Avenue eBay store to see if this tankini swimsuit is in stock

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Avenue Sail Away Halter Skirtini | Nautical Blue Plus-Sized Tankini & Skirt is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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