Bikini: Surania – designed by me!
There’s been a lot of hoopla in the media lately about Jessica Kane‘s wonderful Instagram post where she bares an unashamedly plus-size body in a – shock-horror – swimsuit, and refuses to accept that doing so was brave.
Bravery, she says, is “A family battling tragic illness, a mother trying to beat addiction, a person trying to break free of domestic violence, reaching out for help when you have already planned your suicide and feel like you can’t breath one more day.”
As tragic as I find it that a healthy woman wearing a bikini in public can still make the news globally I can’t help but applaud her for her words. Being a plus-sized woman in the public eye shouldn’t be an act of bravery, even though I know for a lot of us it is.
Body-shaming still seems like one of the only socially acceptable forms of harassment and discrimination in modern society. It’s often disguised in concern-trolling, hand-wringing, and won’t-someone-think-of-the-childrening and for every article with someone like Jessica telling us that daring to bare a larger-than-average body on the beach isn’t an act of bravery there’s countless trolls in the comments section reminding women that unless they’ve got bullet-proof self-esteem they’d better not follow suit.
I’m proud of the fact that for the last eight years I’ve been part of a community that has helped to promote the visibility of body diversity. We’re moving towards acceptance and I hope that one day everyone will be able to wear whatever they want to the beach without it making the news!
Anyhoo. Enough politics from me, mostly I wanted to show you my new Surania bikini!
Since I ordered my first bikini last year Surania has updated their range of designs and fabrics, and they’re also doing a range for men and kids.
Over Easter the boy and I drove up the East Coast to visit my family and while we were in warmer climes I got to try the suit out properly. I ordered the “basic” set, which comes with an underwired top that supported me beautifully through plenty of aquatic romping. As with my first pair these were beautifully made with high-quality fabric, and I didn’t have the same problem as I did last time with the fabric not matching the photo – the navy star-print was exactly what I’d envisaged. The manufacture and shipping were quick and easy, and the fit was spot on.
For more information about Surania click here to read my original review.
So Wonder Woman – I love it!
Thanks J! Love me some stars!
Hi Lilli,
Just wondering if Suriana have build a tankini with underwire yet? I can’t seem to find the info on their site, but would love to buy a pair from there. I am also a little trepidacious about ordering a bikini bottom from Brazil as they are notorious for having no fabric in the rear!! (I prefer hi-cut pants)
I have no idea, I’m afraid Suze! It doesn’t like they have yet – just those kind of stretchy underboob band that you find in Bonds singlets, etc. For what it’s worth they’re saying they’ll support up to an F cup… Maybe try their customer service?
As far as the bottoms go you should be OK – you can actually choose how much butt-coverage you want in the options 🙂
Love them! Great pattern and they look comfortable.
Have to say I’m increasingly aware of the ‘casual fat shaming’ I’m surrounded by these days. I mentioned I made white chocolate Anzac biscuits to a group of (older women) friends recently (which were awesome BTW) when they replied “oh I don’t make things like this I’d just eat them” while pointedly looking at my thighs. They then went on to talk about how the grey pants their husband wears are so unflattering. I might be hypersensitive but honestly I think there a lot bigger issues in the world than worrying about whether you are a size 8. *rant over*
Whoooooaaaa lady, back up the truck … white chocolate ANZAC biccies? This comment is useless without a recipe!
Lol. I think I used this recipe
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/27040/chewy+anzac+biscuits
But added chopped macadamia then coated them in white chocolate after baking. Really great.
I … I … Macadamias??? Mind. Blown. Many thanks will try this out soon!! 🙂
You look awesome!
Agreed!
I love the star print! You have a terrific figure!
Oh I LOVE the swimmers!!! Underwire looks supportive – it’s my bug bear in swimwear as I can never seem to find enough support. Adore the fabric too – great choice! That’s it – will have to order.
BTW – you are right in that it isn’t brave….. just as sexy as hell 😉 I live in QLD at the beach and have enjoyed swimming regardless of my size, and I find it incredulous that anyone should think that we don’t all deserve water time in whatever suit takes our fancy!
Yasssss! Love this swimsuit, you are such a doll. This post really cements why you’ve been one of my favourite blogs for such a long time! x
I think you are right about it not being brave to be in a bathing suit. I am still too afraid to be in a 2-piece myself but I look forward to getting to the point I am not afraid to show off my body. I see way too many flaws.
You look AWESOME!! I’m a star person too, so this is sooooo dreamy to me! I’ve never, ever worn a 2 piece, not even in my younger & thinner days. But I want to enjoy swimming with my kids, so this makes me feel like I should stand tall and go for it! Thanks for being such a happy, lovely, and independent blogger & fashion role model!!
Thanks for this post! It’s great to have someone point out that it shouldn’t have to be ‘brave’ for a grown-up to wear beach wear at the beach…but of course, as you say, for many, it IS brave because it’s a stance against bullying. I always find your posts on body politics really interesting and inspiring. And I also love your choice of stars for this bikini!
Hey, wow, too cool to find you featured on Surania’s “trends” when I went to order a new bikini/bathing costume (I got one of each last year on your recommendation and super happy with them!!)… 🙂
You look great!!
Hi Lili,
I wanted to give some more feedback on Surania suits now that my latest order arrived, maybe of help to you or some of your readers.
This time I went for a halter-neck one-piece – the fabrics are beautiful but I am so disappointed because the cut is impossible for me to wear: the back dips down too far (it has a separate bra fastener across the back as cup support) and the front body is so short that the bra part begins halfway down to my belly button instead of between the breasts and no halter is strong enough to pull up my E-cups far enough without baring my undercarriage to the world!! 😮 This was a suit I ordered giving my measurements and also my height (5’2″) and I don’t really think I have a long body for my height… very sad!
The other suit, a two-piece, is more successful – a plain navy blue bandeau style. The bottoms are perfect, not too high or low and the right amount of cling – I ordered a size smaller than last year. The bandeau top has support “bones” at the sides that bulged outwards and poked me dreadfully so I removed both those and the thick padding (seriously, on E-cups?!) which looks way better – the pieces are properly lined so there is no flimsiness. The halter straps are removable, fortunately, as the loops to attach it are right under my arms and it’s not a flattering look; there are no loops at the back so you can’t vary the straps (straight/crossed/centre-halter would all be great possibilities) and I removed mine completely for a sleeker look – it probably wouldn’t hold while swimming, though!
The two suits I had last year have held up well. If I’m going to nitpick, the well-shaped bikini top is actually a bit big as are the bottoms (and I didn’t lose weight: the band needs shortening, the straps are at their shortest possible and the bottoms could almost meet the top if I pull them up!). I had the full panelled bottoms, as I can’t wear the boy-short style at all (tummy jumps out, leg-shortening!)
The one-piece V-neck is the most successful and gives decent coverage but like the new one, a little short in the body, so I am not yet completely carefree in the swimsuit department!!
I would still recommend Surania for the quality of the fabrics but also do check the import regulations for your country – on my first order delivery was quick and free (and I thought, from Spain?), but this time round it took longer (from Tunisia) and I had to fill in a customs form and later pay both duties and customs fees, which upped the cost by 30% or more :(.
Ah ha! Another super cute belly button makes it’s debut! Awesome suit! 🙂
Fantastic swim wear. I have a blue star print tankini and it is awesome. As someone else said ‘ so wonderwoman’! I just want the crown thingy to match!!
. I find the whole body shaming issue so interesting. I work n a ‘feminist’ industry and everyone is totally accepting of everyones body image except if you are a size 8. Then you cant possibly be a ‘real woman’. Amazing double standards. It amazes me how people can have such strong opinions on other peoples bodies!!
omg! You just saved me…. I love bikinis… but can never find one that I like on MY body. Which isnt standard size here or there… Me and my man are going to Florida in September, and I have been pining for a new bikini to bring. As my old loved one sadly died on me, and my other usable one just isnt as good…
I cant belive this exists! I am ordering two now I think 😀
Thank you for showing this to me!