Good Looks
Bikinis that won’t fall off
Danielle Halverson tests Athleta's new Wildflower two-piece
If you’ve ever been caught top-down while riding a wave, diving for a volleyball, or reaching up to adjust a beach umbrella, you know what we’re about to say is true: Not all bikinis are created equal.
Luckily, there’s a new wave of suits made to hold tight during a workout. We’ve picked three worth tossing in your bag bound for that yoga-surfing retreat in Costa Rica—or that warm winter getaway to the indoor pool at Asphalt Green. In either case, you won’t risk any Janet Jackson-style wardrobe malfunctions; these bikinis are here to stay.
TWO SUITS IN ONE
The Wildflower series from Athleta comes in several cuts, including the classic bikini (shown above). The totally reversible suit has a cross-back top ($44) with compression support and a no-slip band under the bust, and the bottoms ($42) have an internal drawstring. Wearing the suit is Danielle Halverson, an Athleta brand ambassador and a former national high-jump champion who’s currently training for the 2012 Olympic Games. Athleta dug her (and her athletic ‘bod) so much, they’ve modeled all of the mannequins, called “Daniquins,” in their brand-new flagship San Francisco store on her. www.athleta.com
Patagonia Women's Print Molera Top
DECEPTIVELY SUPPORTIVE
New from outdoor-outfitter Patagonia is this new, deceptively supportive Molera racer-back top ($55) with shirred ruffles and V-neck. Underneath its girly exterior is a supportive under-the-bust band that helps lock it in place. The Molera is the product pick of pro surfer and brand ambassador Mary Osborne. We’re taking a lead from a woman who spends her days slicing through the water and getting knocked down over and over again. How about you? www.patagonia.com
Speedo Zebra Haze Top
WON’T STRETCH OUT
The same Xtra Life Lycra fabric that goes into the full-on-competition suits of pro-swimmers and Olympians also goes into this slightly less hardcore Zebra Haze two-piece ($72). After subjecting the high-tech fabric to 200 hours of continuous pool exposure, Speedo found this fabric lasted 5–10 times longer than regular spandex, which means it resists bagging and continues to hug your body just like a new suit. www.speedousa.com
—Catherine Pearson
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I HIGHLY recommend Athleta suits. I teach swimming lessons in the summer so my requirements are to be flattering but not sexy, etc (the swimming teacher’s version of professional) and kid-proof. That basically means that if a kid starts to freak out and thinks that my bathing suit top is the best place to grab on (despite extended arms and nearby shoulders), I still am wearing my top. How unprofessional would THAT be? In between lessons sometimes I do laps. Love the suits. Also have a few Athleta suits that are more for my days off–but still supportive and unlikely to give way to some simple splashing and swimming in the food. Title Nine usually has a few good ones per season too. Thanks for the article! I’ll check out Patagonia this year!
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