Share This Article
Before heading off on vacation (I promise a holiday update is on the way—I’m still recovering from the overnight flight with a toddler and a baby), I ordered a bunch of bikinis and swimsuits from Figleaves to try out in the comfort of my own home.
When I say comfort, it was more like trying on swimwear in the middle of the M4 highway. Angelica, my two-year-old, gave a running commentary on my rarely-seen body parts (“bum bum Mummy!”), while the doorbell constantly interrupted me. Even the postman stopped for a three-minute chat despite it being clear I was busy.
He likely thinks I’m a bit eccentric. Sometimes I greet him fully made-up from the waist up, with tracksuit bottoms or pajamas below. Other times, I’m still in a dressing gown at 11 AM, with a shower cap and lipstick swatches on my arm.
Most bikinis made me feel terrible. Although I should celebrate my body for its amazing feats—like digesting half a kilo of burrata (June 2014), surviving Ibiza (July 2012), and enduring a harsh hair removal session recently—I just can’t love my tummy. It’s more about my love for choc ices and full-sugar Coke, sweets, and cheese quiche than childbearing. But I’m planning to start sorting it out next week.
So, in frustration, I tossed the bikinis across the room as Ted, my son, marched about with his plastic recorder, adding a monotone soundtrack to my discontent. Then, I had an epiphany. I squeezed into a Miraclesuit. Initially, I laughed, doubting I could even fit into it without an injury. After sizing up from a UK 10 to UK 12, it fit much better. Supposedly slimming swimsuits are supposed to be tight, but the smaller one felt like being eaten by a giant snake.
The size 12 offered decent support, smoothing everything out, and I looked more athletic in the mirror. The swimsuit’s low cut enhanced my bust, and the clever stripes created an optical illusion for a smaller waist.
The Miraclesuit was a holiday hit. I wore it on the beach and poolside, and paired it with shorts and dresses. I even wore a short dress but embarrassingly forgot about the rule of not bending over in them.
Although I’m usually tempted to buy favorite clothing items in every style and color, I’ll hold off on collecting more Miraclesuits for now. I don’t vacation enough to justify it, and I avoid swimming because of my dislike of damp changing rooms and locker keys.
One Miraclesuit is essential, though. It’s a wardrobe staple for anyone wanting a sleeker silhouette while picking up kids’ toys at the beach. It gives you confidence, with a curve-hugging design that might surprise you when you catch your reflection.
Figleaves offers a variety of styles and prices for these swimsuits, though they are pricier—like the Spectra style I wore at £130—but the quality is unmatched. If you’re in the market for summer swimwear, give it a shot and share your experiences. Let me know your favorite brands too, aside from M&S, for swimwear recommendations!