The Sea Folly Denim Block Bikini from Coco Bay

Last summer, the team at Coco Bay asked me whether I would like to wear, and write about, one of their bikinis. Having provided them with an idea of my individual requirements/issues, they suggested a bikini which seemed to fit the bill perfectly - and it did. For anyone who is interested, that post can be read here.

So when this year they asked me again whether I would like to review another bikini, I didn't hesitate in saying yes. Of course not only is it lovely to receive new swimwear but the hassle free option of sending through your sizes, the team knowing their stock and styles, advising on the best bikini and then sending it out in super quick time to try on at home, is hugely appealing. 

After checking their records from last year, Rosie at Coco Bay suggested that I might like to try the denim block bikini from Seafolly. It's new in and it is simple and un-fussy, with a sports luxe style. The bikini top has a little zip up the front which really appealed. Zips are starting to appear on sports bras too, so they are obviously becoming a bit of a "thing". I've linked to the whole range of denim block bikinis as there are a few options to choose from in terms of style but I'm wearing the bandeau bustier and the hipster bikini pant.

As to sizing, I wore a size 10  in both the bottoms and the top. The top is slightly padded and also underwired too, so it's great for anyone who needs a little more support in the bust area (I'll let you all read between the lines on that one!) It also has an optional strap. I wore the top today as a strapless bra under a dress and it didn't move an inch all day. In fact it's a much better fit than my "proper" strapless bra.

I remember when I used to read in magazines about spending more on swimwear and thinking how daft it was and that it couldn't possibly make a difference - but with these bikinis it does. True there isn't a lot of fabric in a bikini or a swimming costume but what there is, is firm, supportive and equally importantly, it stays in place. It's like there's some proper engineering that has gone into the bikini, especially the top with its padding and boning and the bandeau bustier top really does make a difference where other tops frankly, just fail (especially deep V shaped ones, which most seem to be). For anyone who spends a lot of time in swimming pools, the fabric also lasts better.

The cost of some clothing is extortionate. I never spend much on jeans but over the years I've come to the conclusion that I would definitely spend on swimwear. In fact to be honest it's just lovely to find a style that makes the best of what is left after three children!

In conjunction with Coco Bay I'm offering a 20% discount code.  Just enter the code  BETH20 at the checkout until the end of September and if you're even vaguely tempted I would say just try them. The returns are so easy and the team so helpful that it makes swimwear buying a really pleasant experience.