Draper James Is the Unexpected Hero of Supportive Swimwear This Summer
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As someone who has fluctuated between D and DD bra sizes their whole life, shopping for swimwear has always been an unpleasant task.
From a young age, one-piece swimsuits were out of the question. I could never find the support I needed, and if I could, the pieces either had a push-up effect that made me uncomfortable as a young girl or boasted design elements that leaned matronly. If you wanted to lean conservative, you lost out on youthful, fresh styles. If you wanted fun-looking swimwear, you had to forgo support. This left me unable to participate in many swim trends that people my age loved.
When I would find the rare bathing suit that I felt comfortable (and my age) in, the price tags were often hefty — sometimes up to $300, especially if underwire was involved. Ultimately, there was never an easy option, let alone one I was excited about.
This disappointing quest for cute and supportive swimwear has followed me into my 20s — that is, until now. On a recent press trip to Nashville with Draper James, I paid a visit to the brand's flagship store. To be totally honest, Reese Witherspoon's fashion company wasn't necessarily on my radar, so I wasn't fully aware of its offerings. What I did know was that it had just launched a new swim collection, so I beelined to it in hopes of finding something exciting. And I did something I've never done before: I grabbed a strapless bikini top.
I went into the dressing room thinking it probably wouldn't work out for me, but I was proven wrong. The design elements of the top didn't include those plushy cup inserts that are full of false promises of support, but rather a far thinner cup that sits above a shelved bra housed on the inside of the bandeau.
Draper James Smocked Bikini Top in Red Gingham, $85, available here (sizes XS-3X)
Photo: Courtesy of Draper James
While it may not seem revolutionary, the smocked design, in tandem with the shelved bra, created the most supportive swim top (without underwire) that I have ever experienced. It was the first time I've ever been able to wear a strapless top comfortably. Plus, it comes with detachable straps, just in case.
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Not only did the bikini work out, but that same support structure also exists at the top of the brand's one-pieces, leaving nothing to gravity but giving all the same coverage as one typically would want from the style. (It also helps that the straps on every swimsuit are fully adjustable.)
Draper James Ruffled One Piece Swimsuit in Floral Scallop, $118, available here (sizes XS-3X).
Photo: Courtesy of Draper James
Each piece ranges from $70 to $118, and has a matching cover-up. (The full collection is available to shop on DraperJames.com.)
I feel unexpectedly confident and supported in swimwear for one of the first times in my life, and I didn't have to sacrifice feeling youthful. All this to say, I will no longer be ruling out non-swimsuit-centered brands when shopping for the summer.
Photo: Courtesy of Draper James
Draper James Smocked Bikini Top in Red Gingham, $85, available here (sizes XS-3X) and Ruffled One Piece Swimsuit in Floral Scallop, $118, available here (sizes XS-3X).
Disclosure: Draper James paid for Fashionista's travel and accommodations to visit Nashville.
Please note: This product was gifted. Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way do either affect our editorial decision-making.
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