Awhile back there was a post about J.Crew's swimwear in general (the "Sun, Sea, Sand, and J.Crew!" post). Chini (in the "Love it or Leave it: Selima for J.Crew clear glass" post) suggested to post about swimwear again. I think this is a great idea! :) Especially since we are in "beach season".Also, most of us have already started receiving the swim suits & separates purchased from the sales (these past few weeks). Sharing each others' reviews (e.g. what you thought of the fabric, sizing related concerns, etc.) on the various swim items can help us all decide whether or not we should purchase them. :)
What swimwear items did you get? Were you able to snag any sweet deals? Let us know how you made out and what you thought of those items! :)
I just posted my comments about the newest J.Crew swimsuit in my ever growing collection in the "What did you get on sale?" post but also wanted to add it here in case someone is considering purchasing this swimsuit:
ReplyDeleteBriar Rose Paisley Bamboo Halter (#95203) and Briar Rose Paisley Bamboo Hipster (#95636) – I have been lusting for this swimsuit since I saw it in the catalog. When it went on sale, I was ecstatic! :) I own several J.Crew swimsuits so sizing isn’t really an issue for me in ordering on-line. I really wasn’t expecting to like this item though because of the bamboo pieces on the side of the bottoms and on the top. I thought that they would be uncomfortable and dig into my sides (and we all know what that looks like in a swimsuit – yikes!). To my surprise though, the “wear-tested-for-comfort” line is true. It is comfortable and beyond cute! Can’t wait for the beach in a few weeks...
A little note about the quality of J.Crew's swimsuits: At least 5 of my suits are J.Crew and are all wonderfully lined, keep their shape well, and don't even fade after multiple summers of wear. I have black J.Crew swimsuit from over 5 years ago that I wear all the time, and it has never faded a bit! :)
I have now bought 3 full bikinis and 2 bottoms and 2 tops. Here is my review: Love my bahia print bottoms and seashore print bottoms. Both have a rusched side which is very flattering. I also enjoy my wide band hipsters. I have 2 scoop neck halters - note of caution do not buy a white bather top if you plan to be in public in it. I definitely can't get it wet and I haven't really figured out how to wear it dry. I am a medium in their clothes but a large in the swimwear. I only buy a two piece because I am nervous that the one piece won't fit right. I also only buy on sale so I managed to get the tops for $7.99 before which is a good deal.
ReplyDeleteI have such TINY boobs that I need some sort of padding on top or I look like a boy! Does J Crew have any tops that have "extra" padding? Some say "padded" but don't say how much! LOL. Any thoughts on this...um...situation of mine would be greatly appreciated!! :)
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie
hi anon: i am sooo small in the bust too...what i do is cut a slit in the lining of the regular unpadded tops and insert one of those pads that comes with the GAP bathing suits (sorry GAP:). i don't love my GAP suit because their bottoms don't fit well. anyway, i have done this to a string tie halter from jcrew from last year and i have done it this year with the the Solid halter tank top . i have found that the padded tops from jcrew just look wierd on me...they bunch up and don't fit well for me...:)
ReplyDeleteas for the bottoms, i love the solid track short. they are tighter around the upper thigh than the Solid hipster short and the Solid rushed hipster short. i also have the Solid ruched bikini and love it as well.
for me, jcrew bottoms seem to run a little small so i size up to a small and again, since i'm challenged in the bust area, i wear an extra small on the top and add the pads.
i have been wearing jcrew swim suits for years, they are fully lined and the quality is excellent. all of mine are brilliant navy and it's a good navy (i know i have written this before but couldn't find the post) - not too dark and not to light.
hope this helps!! :)
it's.a.southern.thing: Thanks so much for your review- it was super insightful & detailed! :)
ReplyDeleteYogichicki: Thanks for your review too! I feel the same way about their one-pieces- unsure if they will fit properly! :)
JCrewJunkie: Unfortunately, J.Crew is *very* limited when it comes to padded bathing suit tops. As a fellow "chest challenged chica", I have turned to Victoria's Secret swim tops.
ccbmum: Great tip about the GAP inserts!!! :)
I absolutely LOVE jcrew's bathing suits. In fact, two more just came in! I typically buy tons and tons of tops, and I have just a few solid bottoms (in neutral solids, like dark red, navy, and brown) since I try to attract attention to the top half of my body and ignore the bottom half :).
ReplyDeleteFinally, after almost a month, my solid twist-front padded bandeau top (#95226) came in, and i absolutely love it! I don't see myself running around and swimming in it, since the risk of spillage is pretty high, but it fits just perfectly and is very flattering. Also, the Fiji floral terry padded string top (#94261, I first spotted it because I'm going to Fiji in august and thought it was a sign!) arrived today and it so different from any other bathing suit I've ever had (it's like a towel material) but also fit very well. I to am pretty small on the top, but all my J Crew bathing suits seem to fit just so gosh darn well!
The other suits that I can unequivocally rave about is the flamenco-dot padded underwire glamour top (#98201) and the bright stripe french top (#91502) both of which are on sale now! I love their unique shapes and the colors are so rich and gorgeous. I'm such such a fan of J Crew's bathing suits. I don't know what's changed, but this year I'm just crazy over all of them! I'd buy more if I could but for now I've gone alittle crazy.
Why can't J Crew make more styles in D-cup sizes. The seer sucker used to come in D cup. I am a 32DD and their D cup size normally fits me but I want more than just solid colors. I didnt buy the seer sucker bikini last year because I thought they would bring it back (which they did just not in a D cup) and now I am kicking myself.
ReplyDeleteI have two bikinis (I love the wide banded bottoms) and a Tankini. I find the quality to be good and fun. They stay put pretty well too... I sail so that is important and I am happy I can look more stylish than I would in a speedo.
Good quality, but I dont enjoy not being able to buy what I want to buy just cause they refuse to be all inclusive.
I love, Love, LOVE J.Crew swimsuits. I agree with it's.a.southern.thing that they are excellent quality. The one recommendation I have is that their side tie bottoms (string bikini bottoms) are a bit more skimpy than traditional J.Crew. One of the main reasons I like J.Crew swimsuits if for the ample rear coverage. Side tie suits do not provide this. But hey, if that is my only complaint, then we are smooth sailin' :-)
ReplyDeleteHi All! I have several swim pieces from J.Crew, but have also tried and returned several pieces in order to find the right sizes:
ReplyDeleteHere are the pieces I own:
Padded solid wide tie-back bandeau ...really cute, but I also have a small chest and it does nothing to "enhance" what I am lacking...other than that, I do like it...oh...I have it in Black.
Solid bikini skirt in Black. I have a Medium but could take a Small...the skirt part looks better in the larger size.
Solid wide-band hipster bikini skirt in Black...I love this! It's pretty and feminine while hiding my pet-peeve areas and covering me while chasing my little ones poolside. :)Oh yeh, wearing this in a Medium, but could do a Small, as well.
Solid boy-leg hipster bikini ...yes, in black, as well. Love the fit on this...covers the bum while flattering the hips. I have it in size Small.
I purchased two other tops for $9.99 each in the last Final Sale that are no longer available: The Polka Dot Padded Bandeau in Black with White Dots (the polka dots are the tiny ones, and not the large ones like are available now). I wear this with any of the basic black bottoms...very cute, too! (I don't like to have tan lines, and that is why I always wear strapless tops). I also purchased a really pretty Glamour Bikini Top in Black which looks really feminine and pretty with the Solid Bikini Skirt. I also purchased the Serengeti Bikini Bandeau Top and Bikini Bottom for $9.99 each, as well...I wear them to lay out by my pool at home.
So far all of the pieces are holding up well...this is my first year for J.Crew swimwear (since they don't make it in Maternity sizes);), and I am really enjoying all the pieces I have.
jcrewjunkie, I have the same problem-- and sometimes I get frustrated that so many of JCrew's suits do not have padding. I seriously have tried them all. Quite honestly, I try them all when they first come out in February and see which ones work, then pray they don't sell out before they go on sale in June. I'm in Cleveland, so if I do buy a suit in Feb. it sits in a drawer till June anyway! :)
ReplyDeleteHere's my review of suits I tried for tiny on top girls:
Polka-dot wide-band string-tie halter: Adorable, but no support, and my tiny girls drooped too much. Just a bit of padding would have made this a great suit!
Polka-dot padded underwire glamour top: MUCH better. Quite perfect even. I got this in brilliant navy. Really cute retro look and flattering for us with not a lot on top. I had to size up to Medium for the bottoms for a perfect fit (but then again, I'm bigger on the bottom than on top.)
Padded solid underwire glamour top: Same style as the polka dot one I got, and works great for small girls. If you like solids--these are a great choice.
Antibes enamel-link banded tank: I loved this in white but there is NO padding! Who can wear a white suit without padding anyway? Come on J Crew!
Solid Halter Tank Top: Had potential, but for us tiny on top girls this description is the kiss of death "Seam under bust for support" Yeah, my girls need more than a seam to perk them up. I've had 3 kids for Christ's sake! LOL
Madras plaid padded wide band top: YES!!! This is adorable, and the padding is perfect. This was a keeper and I snatched this up as soon as it went on sale. The bottoms were kind of weird though---the material was "bunchy" if that makes any sense. I paired it with a white Calvin Klein swim skirt instead.
Solid wide-band hipster bikini skirt: I had such high hopes for these (because I feel more comfortable in a swim skirt) but the wide band was not flattering. Calvin Klein's swim skirt that Victorias Secret sells with the slit up the side is the most flattering style I've ever tried (and I've tried a ton!) I like to size up so it hangs lower rather than digs in higher---not flattering!
Solid underwire glamour tank: A BEAUTIFUL one piece great for small chested girls. I love this suit. I got it in Navy.
Pinstripe seersucker shirred underwire tank: Another really cute suit. I tried all 3 colors and ended up keeping the Persimon which is really a coral color pinstripe that looks pink from far away. It was more flattering on my olive skin than the blue. The top ruching detail is adorable and looks great on small chested girls. I think larger chested women might actually find this suit difficult to fit into (it's shallow up top if that makes any sense.)
I have to say, I started looking for suits in February from ALL websites..... Victorias secret, Spiegel, Venus, etc. etc. My Calvin Klein pleated tankini (which I love) was going on season 3 so I thought it was time for something new. I'm extremely picky, and everything ended up going back.... except I ended up with 4 suits from non other than J Crew! Hands down their suits are the most flattering, well made, and competetively priced.
Oh boy...swim suits!
ReplyDeleteI got mine last week, and opened up the box while sitting in traffic...the Antibels Enamel-link halter and hipster bikini in Regal Purple looked awesome! (nice, bright blue color). However I pulled out my Glamour halter top and Glamour runched bikini in Black and while the top looked good (ok, maybe a tad-bit small) the bottoms looked HUGE! I was cursing jcrew the whole ride home because I knew they'd be too big (this has happened to me only once, also right before I was about to go on a vacation).
I tried the Glamour suit first, and (after removing the pads) the top fit great, a teensy-bit small but it looks so retro) and the bikini's acually fit! My hips are much bigger than I thought they were. Two thumbs up for that one. Then I tried the Antibels and wow, it's a nice suit...the material is better than the regular solids. One of my girlfriends commented that it actually makes my boobs look smaller, which for me is a good thing :)
Yay! Now I'm trying my best to resist the urge to by another one....
I just got the Rose Sea Glass gold square banded halter and matching gold square french hipster bikini. Although I LOVE the color/design, I found that it is running on the small side. I have the side-tie flirty bow hipster and the twist front top in an XS and they fit perfect so I got an XS in this style too, but it is too tight everywhere - the band under the bust (I wear a 32B bra just for reference) and the bottoms :( I just called and ordered a small since it was still in stock. The customer service rep said that it might feel tighter because of the gold square rings. I guess it makes sense, but it is a bummer that I had bought it during the final sale so I will have to sell at a loss on EBay. Oh well, but I thought I would give a heads up to anyone thinking of buying this style.
ReplyDeleteFor the fellow small busted ladies - I do use a pair of triangle shaped swimwear pads that I use in last year's Seersucker swing tankini top since I am so flat!! I got them online at LaurenSilva.com and I feel better in a suit with them :)
Alexis - thanks again so much for keeping up this blog - I love it and love reading everyone's contributions.
Thanks Anabelle for letting us know that the solid twist-front padded bandeau top may have some "spillage" issues. I was actually wondering about that particular issue with that top! :)
ReplyDeleteBlumre: I remember in other years that J.Crew carried swimsuits for those gifted in the chest. I am not sure why this year there aren't any.
Elena: Thanks for the nice comment about the blog.
To everyone else: Thanks again for the reviews. I have been having a great time (and learning a lot) from everyone's posts. Definitely insightful!!! :)
I too love the solid twist-front padded bandeau top! I'm a 34-B and don't really like the amount of water that comes out of the bulky pads in bathing suits, so the padding in this top works for me. For you ladies that are complaining about lack of padding, I definitely don't think you'd be happy with this top- like all J.Crew bathing suits, the padding is MINIMAL. But, if you're ok with the padding issue, then this is a really great top that is SOOOO flattering!
ReplyDeleteKind of off-topic from bathing suits, but when are the City-fit buttery twill trousers going to go on sale online?!? They were in the store today for $29.99 but of course had every size/color but the ones I wanted! I know other stores have them on sale as well because Alexis mentioned getting them. Why are they still full-price on the website?
ReplyDeleteI have the trastevere paisley triangle top/bikini bottom, the amber ring top/bottom in chocolate, and the ruffle top/bottom in black, all from various sales. I love all the suits because the fabric is so luxurious and they fit really well. I generally wear a M top and S bottom, but in the amber ring, I had to get a M bottom for more coverage. My favorite fit is the amber ring. It's got just the right amount of padding. But my favorite style is the ruffle. I wish that was padded the same way as the amber ring--I would have gotten another in the brighter colors. I took a chance on the paisley, and I actually like the design. If my budget could afford it I would have bought several more suits!
ReplyDeleteI just got my lucie kitten heels today. They are really cute, but don't fit super well. Maybe it is the design as the bottom feels a bit heavy for the strappy top. I have returned wedge shoes for this same reason because it ends up just being uncomfortable to walk in. and who wants to walk funny?
Alexis, I love your blog! I stumbled onto your blog while I was searching for- ahem, yep, a free shipping coupon for J Crew.
ReplyDeleteMy past experience with J Crew has always been pleasant and positive since they've been quite accommodating in regards to free shipping. However, now it seems like J Crew is cracking down on the free shipping. Whenever I don't 'feel like' paying for shipping, I'd go to the store and place an order. And regardless of whether the item is on sale or not, they'd waive the shipping charge. But that was not the case yesterday. The CSR I spoke with didn't waive the shipping fee because the item I wanted to purchase was on sale. Anyways, I placed an order this morning by phone using the IJN-160 code. The person I spoke with was really nice and waived the shipping fee for me. It worked out great in the end! Btw, it be great if there's a "Club J Crew" program where you get free shipping after you spend a specific amount within a calendar year- Bebe offers it and it's a great idea. The program is free and it's totally separate from the store's credit card.
Now, onto the subject. I did purchase the Antibes amber-ring padded banded halter (#91556) $29.99 and Antibes amber-ring lowrider bikini (#91554)in both White and Navy. I got a better deal in the store because the lowrider bikini was $19.99 in the store instead of $29.99 listed online- plus the additional 25% off. The top is padded and provides a bit of a lift which is totally flattering. I absolutely love it!
Now I wait patiently for the items I purchased today to be delivered!
All of my swimsuits are JCrew and they were all purchased for $9.99 or less! I know the fabric is great and the fit perfect, I also know what shapes I can and can't do so I wait. I am planning on "splurging" on a sale suit after the final sale or during another % off sale.
ReplyDeleteThis is off-topic, but I thought I'd ask the experts! ;)
ReplyDeleteIf I return something, do I also get refunded the tax I paid on it? I've been ordering in Massachusetts where clothing is not taxed, but will be moving soon to Texas where it is, so I was curious as to how that works.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteIf you paid tax, you will get tax refund as well when returning.
I recently bought the solid bikini skirt, solid brief, and solid wide-band halter in Kelly Green. I ordered them through the redphone when my local store was having a 25% off special on their swimwear so I got the 25% on my order too!
ReplyDeleteI got the bikini skirt 2 weeks ago. I wear a 4 in J Crew bottoms but ordered a M in the bikini skirt. It fits pretty well, I think the small would have been too small. Unfortunately, the solid brief is waitlisted. I had originally ordered the string-tie halter but it was waitlisted too and I'd like a complete swimsuit sooner than later so I just called and switched it to the wide-band halter.
I really wish they had more swimsuits in store. Before buying mine, it really helped to try on in-store for sizing. Unfortunately, at least in my local stores, they seem to only carry the skimpiest swimwear (all string-tie bikinis).
Lynn: I know what you mean about the city-fit buttery twill trousers. I kept waiting for them too! I ended up going to the store again to see if I missed something. I ended up getting another pair (in soft graphite- the color I originally wanted). It was literally the only pair of pants in my size (out of all the colors).
ReplyDeletePaula: Thanks for the nice comment about the blog. :) Also I am happy to hear that customer service was able to resolve the shipping fee.
Marisa: That is fantastic- getting your swim pieces for less than $10/each. You can't beat those prices!!! :)
Amy: I agree with Anonymous' at 11:04 AM answer to your question- you should get refunded the tax as well. :)
I bought the padded wide-band halter in XS and the solid wide-band hipster bikini skirt in M. Kelly green in both – the color is very vibrant. I haven’t actually done a swim test yet, but just from parading around the house, I’d have to say that I’m not absolutely in love with the set. The top I like – the size is perfect for me (32B), although the padding is a bit oddly shaped. Not sure I’m convinced it will stay in place in the pool.
ReplyDeleteThe bikini skirt is not great, but not bad enough for me to return. The biggest problem is that the medium is both too big and too small for a size 6/8 apple bottom. If I pull it up all the way, the back gaps and the waistband cuts across my midsection in a way that makes me look overly round. But if I pull it down so it’s snug, it shows my crack. The spankies underneath are tight, so going down a size is not an option. I’m going to keep it though, because I need a swimsuit that won’t force me to coordinate my grooming schedule with my pool schedule. I’m just not sure how well I can wear it in public without constantly worrying if I’m flashing my backside to everyone.
I wonder if the boyshort/hipster would flatter me.
Also, does anyone else think that the swimwear looks weird on the models? Maybe it's guilt about shopping for bikinis while at work, but the images just seem so...detailed. Like camel toe.
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing. (Wouldn't it be nice if we could editing existing comments when we remember stuff?)
ReplyDeleteWhich boyshort bottom do you think is most flattering in black? Remember it will be in a M (round 6/8). I probably will pair it with the rich aqua twist-front bandeau as well as the above-mentioned halter in kelly green.
Rouched hipster
Solid hipster
Track short
Chini: I purchased the solid hipster & the track short (both in brilliant navy. I did not keep either as the straight line of the short across the top of my leg did nothing for me. Now I wear 3" shorts & they look fine. I'm thinking maybe the ruched hipster?
ReplyDeleteEr, I have a question about your other comment but I'm gonna hold out & see what others are thinking...
Because of FFM's review during the 30% off swim sale, I went ahead and purchased the Solid wide-band hipster bikini skirt.
ReplyDeleteI also picked out the Solid skinny-strap tank top.
The colors and sizes available didn't really match up, so I got both them in Alpine Green and Crisp Aqua.
So the Alpine Green skirt arrived with the Crisp Aqua top. Interesting color combo...haha. Not sure if I'd wear the two colors together, but they fit OK. I totally didn't read the description for the top though and was rather surprised by the underwire. I really have no need for it :o)
Alpine Green is a nice, deep green. Just like alpine trees. Hey, JCrew, that was ingenious! ;o) Crisp Aqua is pretty and not too bright. I tend to tan easily though, so if I get too dark, the aqua might look too odd on me.
I do have to agree with FFM though, the skirt bottom is great and provides just enough coverage.
Now I just have to decide if I keep the Alpine Green set or the Crisp Aqua...decisions, decisions.
Chini, your comment cracked me up. I tend to avoid looking at swimwear ads in general because of potential blinding incidents like that...
Rach, thanks. I was leaning toward the ruched hipster but didn't want to wait a month for it to be available, so I ordered the regular hipster. But I suspect that the straight line won't be very flattering on my thighs, either.
ReplyDeleteAny opinion on the halter tank dress? One-pieces are hard hard hard for me to shop for, but this is a cute one. Just not sure if the straight line across the top would flatter a non-chest. There isn't a padded option.
A lot of swin items are down to $9.99 or $19.99 with an extra 20% off. Great time to stock up for next year. I'm going by your reviews here and getting the twist front bandeau and the polka dot padded glamour top. Obviously i'm small chested and need the extra oomph! I hope they fit when I get them. At $7.99 a piece I can't go wrong
ReplyDeleteThis past summer, I purchased a solid wide band top and a hipster bikini bottom in size M, color yellow from J.Crew. The quality of the fabric and the color are excellent!
ReplyDeleteMy one big problem is with the bikini bottom. The elastic around the leg seems to be very thick and gathered at the back. So much that you can see it underneath pants or shorts. The front looks very attractive but the back makes me not want to wear them. I don't think the size is too small, because there is definitely extra fabric. Maybe the elastic is too snug?
It looks like a lot of their styles are made this way.
Anyone have a similar problem or a suggestion?
Thanks everyone for posting, it helped me figure out those bikini sizes. I've just received my paisley wide band bikini and had to share my excitement. I was worried it wouldn't fit, but it's simply perfect.
ReplyDeleteI normally wear J. Crew's XS-S tops (34 B cup) and 2-4 size pants and ordered both top and bottom S bikini. I was really worried I needed M for bottom, but nope, this fits like a dream! Can't wait for summer!
Wow!! I cannot believe all the stuff on here!! I am online and about to order my jcrew bikini (thinking the banded hipster and foldover boyshorts with teh banded halter)...my question is this: what size should I order? More specifically - do their bottoms run large or small? I don't want any muffin top!! I am a fit, slender size 8 and according to their size chart I need a M - but wanted to make sure with you experts!! Thanks in advance!!
ReplyDeleteI love all things J.Crew. That said, their bathing suits run pretty big! They changed their sizing so beware. They say to order the same size as your pant size- DO IT! I ordered the starlet dot bikini with twist bandeu top in a small bottom and small D-cup top. The top is wonderful, albiet a little big but I like more coverage so I just tie the back tigher. The bottoms however are like bloomers on me! I'm keeping them since my wieght goes up and down and I am in the middle right now and just ordered them in the x-small. Another thing, the material is super duper soft and yummy! For referance I am 5'4" about 120lbs size 25 pants and 32D bra. In the future I will probably order the tops in xs D cup. Hope this helps a wayward J.Crew shopper!
ReplyDelete