Expensive bikinis - why?

[ProjectGainsborough]

Just thinking about holidays. Does anyone own an expensive bikini / swimsuit and is it worth it? Like Heidi Klein or Melissa Oda..thing?

[worldgonecrazy]

I had a quick google for Melissa Oda - I used to have an expensive bikini (£50 back in the 1980s) and it was much more obviously designer.

I think it makes a difference if they're well made and are going to get some wear.

Having said that, my body is definitely into its post-bikini phase.

[Swimmingwithsharks]

Worth it. As you can see in my nickname, I have a bit of experience here!
Yes, they are very well cut, comfortable and don't fall off when you dive into the pool or are swimming in the surf. They just fit better and of course the fabric is better quality too. They don't fade, stretch into funny shapes, or ride up your bum. You can wear them season after season.
Go to H&M and try on their swim suits/ bikinis, then try on the Heidi/Mel/Herme/Perry Ellis. You'll easily appreciate the difference.

[miaowmix]

I wear Eda bikinis and trust me, I notice the difference! Partly because I have 34E bust, so flimsy bikinis are pointless on me anyway, but also because I can't bear cheap material that bags and sags and doesn't hold me in properly, top or bottom.
They tend to look more chic too. Not so throwaway.

[crapatmultitasking]

I wear expensive ish bikinis about £50 to £60.

On a two week holiday I'm in and out of the pool ands its probably getting the equivalent of 8 washes and drys per day - cheap bikinis fade and lose their stretch,go saggy on the bum and the bust.

I'm also a 32f so want something thats stylish but gives the support of a bra and fits like a well fitted bra. I also never buy a set - always get separates and they always seem more expensive.

At 46 and having had 3 kids I need all the help I can get if I'm wearing next to nothing and believe me a cheap bikini just looks exactly that.

Mind you if I were 19 and looked like a super model I could probably get away with a £3.99 effort from primark

[VikingLady]

Expensive bikinis for larger busts - does anything from Bravissimo count, or does it need to be from a specialist swimwear shop/brand? Am expecting to need a 34H by summer when I go in holiday (bf boobs are huge!)

[iwantgin]

I try and spend a little more on bikinis - as they fit and support better than the cheap ones.

Have just bought a couple in the House of Fraser sale - half price Fantasie (for the cup sizes).

As said above, if i were a teenager with everything perky, then could get away with a primark bikini - but i need it all holding in place.

[ProjectGainsborough]

Well, obviously I am a 19 year old supermodel.

Bugger. Looks like I will have to invest yet more money just to stand in the same place I was in five years ago.

[iwantgin]

There are sales on - have a look at House of Fraser - I wouldn't want to spend £60 on a bikini - but half of that is fine for me (and I am a cheapskate).

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Vikinglady, Bravissimo definitely counts. Bra sized swimwear is a godsend for those of us with big boobs.

[crapatmultitasking]

If you think about it logically £50 isn't that much because I'll be wearing it every day for most of the day on a two week holiday. Probably works out cheaper per wash/ wear than any other holiday outfit.

I tend to buy 2 per year and if there is any life left in it I'll take it the following year as a spare.

Ebay is good for last years styles in panache etc esp if you need a bra sized bikini - you do have to sometimes hunt for the matching bottoms but they are at least half the price of bravissimo.

[QueenCardigan]

I wouldn't pay for Melissa or designers one but I do Panache/Pour moi etc as I need a proper bra like top in my size. Bravissimo and figleaves have sales on at the moment and figleaves also has 20% off full priced items.

[Behooven]

I love love the For Luna 50s style bikinis. Even enough coverage for my size 16 wobblies.

[BallroomWithNoBalls]

Always. It's the one outfit you want to feel great in, the hardest working outfit you'll buy! So well worth spending upwards of £50. Just don't measure its worth by the amount of material it uses

[mrsravelstein]

i bought expensive bikinis last year for the 1st time. it was a revelation. i'm small and in decent nick (for a 42 year old with 3 kids, anyway, it's all relative) but the £90 sea folly one looks killer compared to the £20 DP one.

[hettie]

Sea folly all the way here (I try to get them in the sale). They last longer, fit better and are more flattering. I did have one ace one from river island a few years back, but it only lasted a year...

[binspin]

I spent £80 on my bikini. I wouldn't spend as much on anything else in my wardrobe but it's well worth it. It's well cut, well made and mostly gives me huge amounts of confidence! I just wish I could wear it more!

[binspin]

Think mines sea folly too.

[MarshaBrady]

I had H&M ones for years, then splashed out on a Fendi one in the NaP sale. It is very nice, but it was discounted to much more reasonable price.

[SkilledatSkiving]

I bought 2 Ted Baker bikinis last summer. Not hugely expensive, about £70 for each and well worth it as even after loads of chlorine and sea water they still looked like new.

[50ShadesOfSummer]

Interesting thread. I always buy several cheap bikinis as they invariably get trashed by sun, sea, sand and sun cream. Am also a cheapskate. Very rarely fit to be worn the next year.

Perhaps this year I'll buy an expensive set as well and see how they compare.

[OverAndAbove]

Oh yes! A properly fitted and well cut bikini is a different thing altogether to a cheapy unshaped one. Seafolly is my preference as the knickers have a good shape and they are quite classic.

Actually though if you wanted something more mid-range then Boden is a pretty good choice

[Mominatrix]

Worth the money. I stick to Heidi Klein bikinis, and am happy to pay the premium for the material (nice and thick, does not sag when wet, very good coverage despite wet material), style (can mix and match), and durability. My oldest 2 bikinis from her are still going strong 9 years and 8 years later.

[OnIlkleyMoorBahTwat]

I get Fantasie bikinis from ebay, where you can usually get them for £20 to £25 for both bits instead if the full price of about £60.

I'm a 32F with a size 14 arse and the chance of finding a high street set that fits and looks good is virtually zero. The brands will also do bottoms in different shapes so you can pick the one that suits your shape best.

My oldest one is starting to look a bit faded but I've had it for at least 8 years and worn it constantly on two beach holidays a year including at waterparks plus a lot of swimming at home so I think I've had my money's worth.

I need another one now and I think I might look at sea folly, judging by the recommendations here.

[youarekiddingme]

Thanks for this thread. I've always been a supermarket bikini girl as wear them under shorts and t shirts when camping! However I'm going on holiday abroad this year

I'd like a supportive bikini that looks nice with E/F cup.

I'll look at names above later but any links from expensive bikini buyers would be great!

I was converted to idea of it last year when at local splash pool and loves a bikini lady next to friend and I were wearing. It was a good make one £60 bought for £23 in debenhams in February - so know the time is look is now!