PATTERN REVIEW: TAKE THE PLUNGE SWIMSUIT

Swimsuit shopping is one of those universally hated things. Making your own suit is the answer! Never struggle in a sweaty dressing room! Don’t be limited to solid colors. Swimsuit fabrics come in every conceivable pattern and color. Since suits only take a yard or two, you can splash out on anything that catches your eye. 

Pattern name: Patterns for Pirates Take the Plunge Swimsuit

The P4P website describes this suit as “This intermediate knit pattern is a traditional, tight fitting one piece swimsuit with tons of options!” 

The Take the Plunge is offered in sizes XXS to 3X. Bust 30” – 54” (76 – 137 cm) and hip 33 – 58” (84 – 147 cm)

What size did you make? My measurements put me in the 2XL.

What are your measurements, height and body type?

My current measurements are:

• Full bust 44” (107 cm)
• Waist 40” (102 cm)
• High hip: 46” (117 cm)
• Low hip: 45” (114 cm)
• Bra size: 38G
• Height: 5’3” (160 cm)

My body is an hourglass from the front, but an apple from the side.

What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?

For my first suit (the gray and black), my only adjustment was to grade up at the waist. For the green tropical suit, I also eliminated the waist seam, so I wouldn’t chop up the pattern there.

The gray/blue is the high back version. The tropical print is a version of the halter tie version hacked to have X straps. The link to make this hack is in the pattern instructions.

What fabric did you use?

I used nylon-spandex swimsuit fabric and added power mesh to the front bust as well as the front panel from waist to the top of the leg opening. The gray version also has foam swim cups. All my fabrics are from The Fabric Fairy.

I think the key to a luxurious suit is to use swim fabric as your lining. It feels lovely against your skin, and it provides extra support while smoothing you out like a sleek seal. It also looks cute inside. Use the same fabric or buy some solid colors. Don’t limit yourself to beige or brown. Your lining can be any color that won’t show through. 

What was the construction like? Did the instructions make sense to you?

I found the instructions fairly clear. There are helpful links to videos and hacks from the instructions document. While most of the finishes are smooth, there is a spot where the finish of the straps feels unpolished. It is unfortunate that such a prominent spot is a little awkward.

I did most of the construction on my regular sewing machine including quite a bit of basting. I did use my serger for a few of the seams, but it isn’t necessary. The pieces fit together well and inserting the full lining is a little bit magical.

I felt the lack of FBA instructions. For a suit with inclusive sizing, I would love to see some mention of how to do a full bust adjustment. There is advice on adding extra support which I employed.

How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?

I made a second suit because I like my first suit so much. It is the best fitting suit I own. The tropical print suit is slightly less comfortable because I made the straps too tight to compensate for the lack of foam cups in the bust. I left room to make the straps longer, and I plan to make that adjustment before my next trip to the pool. (I actually added cups which were too big, and they would not fit in the bust without creasing. Don’t get 44D cups unless you enlarge the pattern pieces!)

I think the waist is a little high on my suits. Because I didn’t add length in a FBA, the waist seam is right under my bust. This doesn’t bother me, but a taller person would want to add length.

I spent a week swimming and splashing with my kids and the suits didn’t ride up or down. That’s the kind of fit I need!

Will you make this pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?

I did! I made it two years ago and just made myself a second version. If I make a third time, I will give myself a little more coverage in front. Sometimes I want a suit that shows a bit less cleavage.

Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources that helped you sew this piece up?

I found this blog post from Pattern for Pirates to be helpful. The Curvy Sewing Collective also has a post a with lots of information.

Overall pattern rating

Size Range (1 – 5): 5 — This pattern is a 5 according to our standardized size range ranking.

Instructions (1 – 5): 4 — The instructions are clear enough for someone sewing a first swimsuit.

Construction Process (1 – 5): 4 — Construction went smoothly with just a little fiddling.

Final Fit (1-5): 5 — I feel great in my self-made suits.

Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation: 4.5 — The average of all scores. This Is good pattern and suited to someone new to swim sewing.