YouSwim: The swimwear brand with one eye on social media domination and the other on their cult following who are *literally* obsessed with the seven sizes in one swimwear.
Climbing to 92.7k followers on the 'gram and a squad of fervent devotees, the brand's key messaging is that they'll keep you in the same gear no matter size, shape or weight fluctuation ensuring you never having to buy a new cossie because your body has changed, or brave swimwear angst face on in a changing room mirror. You know, those times in life when body neutrality rather than confidence is more fitting, well YouSwim has your covered.
They're not just big on size either. Choc with ethical and sustainability creds the brand is made and manufactured in the UK to reduce transport, production line burdens and impact on the environment.
It sounds too good to be true, right? Instead of debating this from poolside, four WH staffers of different ages, life stages and bust sizes decided to jump in, test key styles and judge them on some key swimwear metrics:
- How the fabric performs both dry and wet
- What the fit and cut feel like
- Any noticeable differences to size-specific swimwear
- Value for money
The suits aren't cheap, you'll be dropping £100+ but, if you're going to buy once and wear for the foreseeable forever, the price per wear is on par with fast fashion.
And, no matter your age, where you are in your cycle – hello #periodbloat – what type of build you have, how old you are, or any other of the myriad body transition you may be experiencing, these suits are designed to keep you in their kit the whole way through.
So, if you're ready, join us for the deep dive on whether they're worth the cash and live up to the hype.
Frankie: Acting Picture Director
Bra Size: 34D
Style: Aplomb One Piece
I’m not normally a one-piece kind of girl. I'm tall, with a square, athletic build and normally reach for a two piece to give me a bit more shape – however, I was pleasantly surprised the moment I popped it on.
Fabric
The fabric is so pliable and unbelievably soft meaning I could pull it up and alter the shape to best suit me without risk of the mother of all wedgies. Most cozzies either come in a super high leg (and then a tad too exposing everywhere else) or more of a classic, demure cut which makes me look like a potato.
- Dry: So soft and the ribbing effect doesn’t cling like similar style swimsuits do.
- Wet: No gaping and doesn’t feel heavy which is surprising considering the thickness of the material! Also, it dried quite quickly.
Fit
I feel supported in the bust, it doesn’t ride up when moving about and you can either hoik it up to a high leg or pull it down and have more of a classic swimwear shape depending on mood (read: confidence).
What makes it different to regular swimwear?
The quality – I feel like I could wash this a thousand times and it will still feel good as new. I’ve already told all my pals to purchase one. Now I just need to plan the perfect post-Covid holiday to show it off.
Value for money
It’s definitely the most expensive piece of swimwear I own, but when I consider the fabric, fit and quality I can see why. I’ve already got my eyes set on the Aplomb and Eva two-piece styles to try next.
Yanar: Branded Content Editor
Bra Size: 32A/B
Style: Aplomb Bikini High Waist
My immediate reaction to taking the bikini out of the box was, 'how on earth is that going to fit?' The bikini top especially looked minuscule, like it was a teeny size. Even though I have a small chest and frame, at this point I was still not convinced this flexible, seven-sizing in one approach was going to work on my Crossfit honed frame.
However, when I put the suit on I couldn't believe it actually does what they say it – stretches and fits – perfectly! I couldn't believe my eyes or how comfortable and soft it was.
Fabric
- Dry: Bouncy and stretchy making it a cinch to get on and off (when dry). The crinkliness reminds me of being younger – it has a fun, 80s, retro vibe to it. I absolutely love it.
- Wet: the fabric got a lot heavier in the water, so it’s definitely not the bikini to break any swimming records in. But no gaping edges, no body parts popping out and super easy to get on and off.
Fit
Unlike a traditional lycra bikini where I feel compressed and sucked in, I felt like I could jig around, dance freely or wear it all day just hanging out in the house.
For an unstructured bra top I’m surprised there is no drooping around the breasts – although I’m very small chested so that probably helps. Around the crotch was a slightly different story. I did experience some gathering and drooping.
What makes it different to regular swimwear?
Comfort, comfort, comfort. This is like the bikini version of spenny joggers. I didn’t want to take it off. Whereas I’d never say that about a normal bikini.
Value for money
This is probably a bit out of my price range for a bikini even though I absolutely love the product.
Morgan: Digital Fitness Writer
Bra Size: 32E
Style: Aplomb High Waist Bikini
For more than half of my life I've been on the search for a bikini that both fit my body shape and style. Perhaps, this is it?
Fabric
- Dry: Silky soft and comfortable enough to wear as 'underwear' under my clothes all day and forget about it.
- Wet: The suit did get heavier but that's to be expected when it's full of water. It dried quickly in the sun which is the main thing.
Fit
I've had size 32E breasts since the age of 12, which means swimwear shopping has been an absolute mission for over 13 years. Not blessed with a bosom that can shop the tiny pieces of material my friends were wearing, I would have to traipse to department stores with my mum, dropping over £70 on a suit that looked about as aesthetically pleasing as scaffolding. Fun? Not so much.
Because of this, I couldn't believe that this *unwired* bikini not only held my boobs in (and up!) but didn't dig, rub or cause those painful-looking red indents in my skin.
The high cut waist is flattering, comfortable, and made me feel more confident larking around in the ocean after a hearty lunch of chips and cider.
What makes it different to regular swimwear?
Unlike swimwear I've bought in the past, this suit will move with me as my body changes. Knowing that my cup size fluctuates depending on where I am in my cycle and my tummy with how much dairy, gluten and wine I consume on hols, having a suit I don't have to think twice about it golden.
Value for money
I've never met an un-wired swimsuit that's actually worked... until now. I would buy and buy again for this reason. If you're reading this and have particularly large and relatively un-perky breasts, (IYKYK), this suit will keep you in and up without faff. Sold.
Flo: Junior Designer
Bra Size: 32A
Style: Eva Bikini Standard Waist
My initial reaction to putting on the bikini is how confident it made me feel and how seamlessly it moulded to my body. It’s the type of bikini that makes you want to book the next flight to sunny climes (a place with a travel corridor exemption obvs).
Fabric
I chose the colour Aster- a radiant lilac. It provided an instant colour pop against my pale skin, and straightaway lifted my mood.
- Dry: Beautifully soft and comfortable.
- Wet: I noticed the waistband became quite tight and the material was on the heavier side.
Fit
Being of a smaller build, I was apprehensive with the bikinis being seven sizes in one, thinking it could look a bit baggy. I found it to be quite the opposite: it was flattering and pulled me all in all the right places- super comfortable as well.
The cut of the standard bottoms are super flattering as the waistband comes up higher on the hips, giving the illusion of a more shapely figure.
I found the bikini top was not limited to just a swim. It could be because I’ve exhausted all my loungewear options over quarantine, but paired with some joggers and the top doubled up nicely as a cute bralet to chill in. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might try dressing it up!
With the high-waisted bottoms I noticed that there were a couple of creases in the back, but it didn’t particularly bother me.
What makes it different to regular swimwear?
It took a long while to dry… I assumed this must be down to the fits most/crazy flexible fabric technology. Just remember to bring a plastic bag to put it in after a trip to the seaside, to avoid wet everything!
Value for money
Although on the pricier side of things, I definitely I think it’s worth the buck. It’s a quality product that looks like it will last a long time, and at least you know that if your weight varies over time it will continue to fit.
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