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tank into a V-neck swimsuit?

nmog | Posted in General Discussion on

I seem to be at a standstill with making a swimsuit that suits my post-baby figure. Given that I have a thicker waist than before our active, stretch-mark-inducing son came into the world, I am wondering if making a tank suit with a deep v neckline will draw attention away from my waist.
I was going to make a halter style swimsuit but the ‘muslin’ I made shows that I need more coverage in the bust area. I am wondering if the ‘V’ would be a good compromise. However, I haven’t seen any suits like this in the stores or in the pattern books. Would I have to reinforce the ‘V’? I was planning on putting binding over the edges as a design detail and I can alter the pattern (or idea) as needed.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Actually, I would also appreciate my pre-baby body!
Nicole

Replies

  1. Elisabeth | | #1

    How a v neck flatters will depend on your proportions. Narrow shoulders, for example, can look more narrow in a v neck. The style of your favorite knit top will probably tell you exactly what is best for you. Also a deep v in a tank style will give you some long shoulder straps that may like to slide off so a crossover system or t back would help there.

    The patterns in the "big 4" pattern books that you find at JoAnn etc. don't have the best bathing suit patterns. There are some other companies that know much better what they are doing with lycra. Stretch and Sew comes to mind, maybe someone else here on the forum is more up to date on swimsuit patterns? Something like this one https://www.gmidesign.com/stretch/1356.htm might be a good compromise with support and still a little "exposure".

    There was a discussion earlier here about bathing suits that you can probably find on the search feature. I think we talked about lining and bra support items there.

    Good luck with your bathing suit! They really are not hard to make, it's just frustrating sometimes to get to the pattern and fabric that fits you right. The best part is that it takes so little fabric to experiment!

    1. nmog | | #2

      Thank you for the quick response! I like your idea about a crossover back - I think I'll try something like that once I decide what the frontof the pattern will be!

      I was able to get some very cheap and ugly swimsuit fabric at an inventory sale. I'm going to try out the desisnd with that, so I don't ruin the stuff I like.

      Nicole

      1. User avater
        bevaau | | #3

        Have you looked at Kwik-Sew? I haven't actually made one of their swimsuits but their other patterns are great - go together well, fit and the instructions are easy to follow.

        1. nmog | | #5

          I've made a few Kwik Sew patterns before, and I like their fit. I've got the pattern for the tankini halter top, and that's what I'm trying to make. I'm hoping that one of the patterns companies will come out with a tank suit that has a V neck, but since it's now the fall season, I think I'll be waiting until the spring fashions arrive.

          Thanks for your idea!

          Nicole

  2. SkiNsew | | #4

    Take a look at these swimsuit patterns.

    https://www.gmidesign.com/stretch/home.html

    Mary

    1. nmog | | #6

      I like the easy tank suit. I wonder if I cou;d make that with a v neck. It might just work. Thanks for the idea!

      Nicole

  3. kayl | | #7

    You might also try playing around with the virtual model and the swimsuits on Landsend.com -- yes, they're readymade, but may give you

    some ideas of how they'd look on your body -- which may simplify the

    pattern choice greatly.

    Kay

    1. nmog | | #8

      I had no idea that was available! That sounds like a great idea. Do they also replace your body with the one you choose? Thank you.

      Nicole

      1. kayl | | #9

        Alas, the body on the screen is the only one that gets replaced...

        and if you enter real measurements, it gets uncannily like the measured

        bod (gulp!). ;-) Still, it's a good tool for "try ons". They also

        have a "swimming suit finder" (http://www.landsend.com/cgi-bin/pg.cgi?page=swim/SWIMSEARCH0103 -- will work, I think).

        What I find most interesting as I play with their designs is how cleverly they've used colors and "small features" like a collar on suit that's more likely to be worn on the beach than for swimming...

        quite an education.

        Kay

        Edited 9/1/2004 4:27 pm ET by kay

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