Noir Tankini by Midnight Grace. 30-38 D-GG (UK) ($54), bikini 8-18 (UK) ($27)
Like Lulu Tout, the new brand I reviewed last month, Midnight Grace is a brand that is exclusive to lingerie retail powerhouse Figleaves. I’ve been so pleased to see them expand their in-house offerings, and they now offer the D+ customer a great range of pieces to suit different styles and occasions. The Midnight Grace label includes both swim and daywear (check out their first lookbook in this post), and I was really delighted when Figleaves offered me the chance to try a Spring style of my choosing. My Panache Tallulah bikini from last season is in perfect condition and still fits well (I don’t get to swim or go to the beach as much as I’d like to), so I asked if I could try the darling navy blue “Noir” tankini, for a swim option with a little more coverage.
[NOTE: While Figleaves generously provided this set for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own]
Appearance
Add to file: Sweets’ worst smartphone pictures.
This suit is a classic: the I love the nautical navy + red + gold button trim, the halter neck and ruffle trim are flattering, supportive, and evocative of pin-up styling, and the tankini style offers coverage with a flexible fit. I knew wanted a smooth, streamlined look, so I opted for the button bikini brief instead of the ruffle brief. For those who aren’t tankini fans, there’s also an underwired bikini top and an underwired convertible bandeau top, all in the same 30-38 D-GG size range.
Fit
Midnight Grace uses UK cup sizes, so the cup size progression goes D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG. While Noir isn’t available in my usual size, I knew I wanted to try one band size larger anyway (more room for my middle), so I requested my sister size (one band size up and one cup size down), as well as the briefs in my usual (i.e., Panache/Curvy Kate size, as opposed to Bravissimo/Eveden size). At the time I didn’t know that for some people Midnight Grace runs small in both band and cup, so I was optimistic about having a comfortable, relaxed suit for lounging this summer.
Unfortunately, I did find both the band and cup to run small. The band fit more like my usual size, which is great for support, of course, but it does mean that it fits quite snugly over my belly. In addition, there’s a lot of tension across the back of the suit, and as a result the top edge of the back curls under and flips down instead of lying flat and smoothly across my back.
Even more than the back, though, the cups are noticeably small: the gore doesn’t tack, and the top of the cups digs into my breast tissue, causing bulges. They feel at least a full size small, and I’d strongly recommend anyone used to Eveden and Panache cuts to experiment with different sizes.
Comfort
Sometimes a bra or a swimsuit is so comfortable that getting a 100% perfect fit just isn’t a priority. For example, even though the spotted suit I wore in my first boudoir shoot (which also came from Figleaves) isn’t my true size, it’s incredibly fun to wear to the beach, or even swimming some slow, lazy laps in the pool. I’m sad to say that I can’t really say the same for Noir. It’s just not a great fit for me, both in terms of technical bra fit and in terms of shape and style. I feel squished and unsupported, and after only a few minutes of wear I start to feel like I need to tug and adjust everything.
The back features an internal bra that closes with two rows of three columns of hooks and eyes.
Noir is really adorable, and I might totally wear it if I ever do another photoshoot, but I know I’d be fidgeting with it all day if I tried to wear it to the beach. Furthermore, while halter-neck styles tend to be flattering and supportive to a larger bust, they take a lot of weight and place it directly on the back of your neck, which can really strain after a while.
Overall, I’d advise those who want to try this style to size up in both band and cup. It looks really, really cute, but be prepared for a little back and forth to find the size you like the best.
Also, don’t forget that Figleaves is running a Spring promotion right now: the discount code “TWENTY” gets you 20% off all full-price items.
