Esther Williams Women's 50's Pin Up Swimsuit

Let me start this off by saying that I had almost given up hope on this suit because of multiple sizing issues and negative comments. I am SO glad I didn't! I've never felt more confident and adorable in any suit, EVER!Sizing:I'm 5'2", 130, small chested, and full bottomed. Most suggestions I saw suggested to order a size up, so that is precisely what I did. I typically wear a 6. I ordered an 8 (red with white polka dots). GROSS. I could hardly squeeze it up past my thighs! So, I begrudgingly ordered a 10. I was able to get into this one, but it was still a little snug in the butt area, and a little see-thru. I was not completely convinced this was the one. I sent it back.Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I swallowed my pride and ordered a 12. The suit fit beautifully! Granted, I could probably fill the top out a little better (ha!) but I was perfectly content with every aspect of the fit. The butt area is still a little see-thru, but my husband and girlfriends all assured me it was not anything of issue. You can even take the straps down, and tie them in the back to ensure no tan-lines!Color fast issues:I was worried about this part, too. Once I had decided to keep the suit, I immediately soaked it in cool water with white vinegar to set the dye. I spent three full days in and out of the pool in sun-soaked Phoenix, Arizona. I have yet to see any fading issues. Be sure to rinse your suit thoroughly at the end of each day, to rid it of any leftover chlorine.You will not regret this purchase once you have the size nailed down, trust me! Paired with a floppy beach hat, and some cute wedges, this suit is the perfect fashion staple for any beach or pool getaway!

The Esther Williams pin-up swimsuit is a wonderfully covered (in most areas) but sexy bathing suit. I tried it in the black solid and it looked beautiful. Unfortunately, though i liked it a lot, i had to return it, i had no choice. First, i am 5'4" & about 145 lb ish most of which is belly (ugh help!) and this suit provided very good coverage, meaning, even a taller woman could wear this cuz there was still plenty of material, which to me wasn't a problem, because i just used it as a bit of shirring. It held belly in securely, but didn't feel compressed at all, i personally could've used a little more, but it was okay. My rear was fully covered and i have a tush, and it didn't come super high on leg line, it was perfect! In fact, there was extra material in front that cud be brought low or high depending on your preference, i thought that was great! I'm mid forties so i like it but have always been modest even when thin.The issue i had with the suit is that i am a 38D bra size, which is not super large, but the cups, in the size 14 which i tried (and i am generally a size 14 in all swimsuits, including miraclesuits (my skirts are size 14 & my tops are size L usually, meaning 10-12) & i've i've tried many thank you amazon!!!) are a soft padded, elasticized bottom, no underwire, to be made for a size B or possibly a C cup, but not more IF you want it to hold your chest snug. If you don't mind bending over and giving a little show, then by all means go right ahead, it's technically "wearable", but for me, i didn't feel the support and security i would like and need, so i couldn't keep it. Everything was out when i bent over plus a little bit of cleavage when upright. i felt it to be undersized for my bust. However, the halter straps were good enough, I've tried some suits where the halter straps are too short and don't feel as strong. So, as i said, i think it's a really beautifully cut swimsuit, but not for my body type.

I'll write an update to this review once my order is finalized, but a few major bullet points that I could not wait to share for those of you considering a last minute pre-vacation amazing bathing suit online purchase, as I was:1. This bathing suit is adorable. I have never spent more than $40 on one in my life, but I really think this will be worth it.2. Remember that your "hips" are actually at the top of your legs for measurements. I made this rookie mistake and measured my "hips" near my belly button, and ended up ordering a size too small. Perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that I'm typically a size 6 (sometimes 8), so a "10" just felt wrong. BUT having read a bunch of reviews here and on modcloth, I now know that I am not alone. Measure once, order once - this suit runs small :).3. Musical Holiday is amazing. Feedback is prompt, helpful, and she really goes absolutely out of her way to make it worth ordering a bathing suit online. Thank you for saving me from the usual bathing-suit shopping nightmare!4. I didn't actually buy this suit for its "slimming" properties - I'm 5'6", 145 lbs, and I carry most of what keeps me from fitting into the "slim" category behind me, so I don't actually need the stomach slimmer, nor do I have much worry about "support" from the top of the suit (but that "hip" measurement from #2 is KEY for me). As I mentioned, the 8 was a bit tight - it did get a bit sheer in the bottom, but it also cut into my legs, so I'm pretty optimistic that the sheerness will no longer be an issue once I get the right size.5. Some reviews reported issues with the "boning" on the side of the bra for this suit - I think it must have been glued in for earlier models, but the one I tried on had it sewn in pretty thoroughly, so I think that issue has been resolved.6. To be continued for (a) final fit/sheerness issue, and (b) wear. There are mixed reviews about this suit in a lot of places about this particular print and its ability to last. I will be wearing it to the beach daily for a week in July/August, and will report back on how it holds up. If you're really nervous about it, it seems like the solid colors wear better than the prints, and don't have the sheerness issue. There are some beautiful color options there, too.*Update 8/22* No issues with sheerness, and I had multiple people keep an eye on it for me. I really think getting the right size is key. Also, I wore it multiple times in the ocean for hours of swimming, and rinsed it with cold water afterwards. I didn't notice any color in the water, as others have reported, which might be related to ocean water vs. pool water. Overall, I am still thrilled with this suit. It was a splurge, but definitely worth it!