Au Contraire Cezanne D- & DD-Cup Underwire Bikini Top

I appreciate that Artesands offers beautiful, colorful swimwear for bodies of size, but they have the same failings that every other brand has. Sizing is the first one. I know that this brand is trying to be inclusive when they make a size “PLUS a little extra,” but that creates guesswork for shoppers because we can’t just try these on in store. It’s far more considerate to cut a suit to the size specified in the size chart so that shoppers know what they’re going to get. If Artesands wants to differentiate themselves in sizing, they should offer in between sizes. The second common pitfall is also sizing related: they don’t cut their tops like bras, and they make the assumption that every plus size woman has a D/DD+ cup size. It would be so much more inclusive to give multiple cup size options with multiple band sizes. The third common pitfall is that they try to force women into a “flattering” cut — aka, the longline style. Our bodies are not flat, they’re curvy, and they have rolls. So what happens with a longline top is that it rolls up. On some suits, this happens in a way that looks natural. It rolls up and under which hides extra fabric so it looks like a normal top. But on this one, because the band in the back is split instead of whole, and because there’s “extra” fabric, this one rolls up and out exposing the underside of the fabric and seam, resulting in a sloppy fit that’s certainly not worthy of the price tag, nor is it easy to modify. Additionally, the padding runs all the way up the bra strap which creates another barrier to modification, and it adds more water absorbency which weighs the top down when you swim and creates a sagging effect. Overall, this is such a poorly designed and awkwardly fitting top that I just can’t recommend it for the price. I might buy it used for $20, but certainly not new for over $100.