baleafWomen's Racerback Athletic One Piece Modest Bathing Suit
U**K
the swimsuit I wanted...but check this sizing info
I didn't give 5 stars ONLY because it hasn't been in the water yet, so I haven't assessed how the suit soaks and 'drags' or holds up yet. But it looks excellent and I really would give it 5 stars I'm sure once I've swum.Now...as to sizing and fit...I'm 5 ft 6.5 inches and approx. 195 lbs (recently ~215, so I wasn't leaping to fit smaller just yet, in case who knows...). In addition, my fitting issue is that my chest is always an inch bigger than my hips proportionately, while all the women's sizing charts show the reverse, ie hips a bit bigger than chest measurement. That being said, I was looking for some level of comfortable/sporty chest support and compression in this suit because I want to lap swim, and I don't need an additional pocket of water between my boobs dragging down my suit, slowing me down, and needing me to yank up and remove said water every lap or so. So, I was happy to roll the dice on a smaller chest size suit for a better swim fit. On a side note, for this purpose, I do wish the neck was cut a bit higher. Please note that it's a little more scoop-y than sport needs would dictate.I first ordered the 42, based on the measurements in the bust-waist-hip sizing chart (I'm 45.5-38-44.5) that Baleaf provides in this listing, but the suit felt too big...the crotch fell a little lower, there were a few folds between the boobs, and the thigh openings seem to fall lower than my thigh crease and turn into some sort of boy short thing. I did a little more investigation, and found this other chart that I'm attaching which I dug up somewhere on some reviewer's site, and boy, was it helpful. It shows sizing by height and weight, rather than by B-W-H measurements, and of course, YMMV but I think it should be taken into account for size. The suit stretches both ways, so some people might use the stretch horizontally if needed, or those with short or long torsos should take this into account as well. I have long legs, hence I needed less stretchy torso length if that makes sense. That's why the 42 crotch was falling lower for me.I ordered the 40 and it fit just right. Which, if I had gone strictly by the B-W-H chart, I wouldn't even have tried (because note that my bust measurement would have been 4" bigger than the suit size maximum! I didn't even need to re-try the 42 but I did since I had both in the house, and there was no comparison. I would even say I'm hovering on the edge of 38. Like if I was a competition swimmer getting the classic tight fit, I would be able to go with 38. I'm content to get started with the 40 though. It's snug enough, but comfortable, easy to get on and off (dry so far haha), but when/if it stretches after some use, I can see it getting less efficient.I went into this detail because the other reviews helped me so much, and I hope this adds to someone's insight (or further confusion!)The cup liners are annoying and have weird folds out of the package, and I may pull them out to lap swim, because I basically do not care if nipple outlines offend lol! But I'll try them out anyway to start. If they add soggy drag, then they'll come out. But, otherwise the bust fit is nice, the shelf band hits in the right place, and there is no side spillage.Overall...I'm very pleased with this suit and look forward to using it, and will come back to Baleaf for more if it works out.Update: It's performing great in the water, so I'm changing to 5 stars. I never bothered with the liners and it was fine. There is a little more pouching around the stomach with excess material when wet, but not noticeable at my level of swimming. I am really happy with this suit.
S**H
Great For Big Girls
Being plus-sized, I am very happy with this suit. I am 5’5, 275 lbs and wear a 3X so it’s really hard to find swimsuits big enough. I ordered the biggest one, size 44, and although it’s a bit of a struggle to get into (which is inevitable to fit big hips and a tummy through the HEAD HOLE!), it is nice and stretchy so once I got it on, it’s comfortable. It is snug but I am using it for swimming laps so a little tight is good.The breast pads are definitely annoying because they fold and scrunch up since they are not tied down, especially mine being really big pads (perfectly sized pads for D cups, see pic) so they are a pain to straighten out. But I find that the case with all swimsuits. These pads are a little thicker than I think necessary. I was happy to discover a small opening in each breast pocket to pull the pads out so that’s what I did. It’s a black suit so I’m not really worried about the modesty component. I can even reuse the pads for something else.The suit material is double lined and VERY strong, but yet very stretchy. I don’t expect it to wear through or rip. I’m very happy with it.If you found my review helpful, please let me know :)
J**S
So far, so good!
I haven't taken it for a swim yet so it is 4 star for material, which is a lovely weight, seemingly good construction and design which is slimming. I see what other reviews are talking about regarding the cup insert. So far, it's ok. We'll see.
M**L
Comfy racer
I’m gonna start by saying that I am 5 foot 10+ sized and very curvy with a chest in the 40s. I was nervous about buying this even though I’m doing race swimming training other brands were not supportive enough or pattern enough. I know only found this well padded, stretchy in all the needed places. It is well -made, colorful but ample and size. I wouldn’t be surprised after swimming for a few months that I’ll have to buy a smaller size. It is beautiful. I’m very pleased with it. That suit is not adjustable because it’s made for athletic swimming swimming laps racing. I would imagine maybe even ocean swimming. But it is stretchy enough to accommodate very sizes. I chose Bayleaf because I have other sportswear in this brand that has been excellent performing for me and just pleased that I found something that comfortable attractive, durable, and ready for action. I am also planning on buying a couple more suits of bay leaf 🍃
J**K
Finally a bathing suit that fits!!!
I think this may be the nicest bathing suit I’ve ever owned. The material is thick, the suit is well made and very easy to put on. It’s fits perfectly. I’m a size M and it fits TTS. It provides full coverage is perfect for swimming laps at my gym. Love it!
B**A
Bad fit. Nice quality.
The swimsuit is a great quality, but it is not great for longer torsos. The girls are falling out when swimming because the swimsuit rides down. If you try to pull it up, you get a wedgie and it pinches at the arm holes, and it still rides down when doing laps. Getting a bigger size would make it looser around the bust, not helping the issue. Great for shorter torsos.
H**K
💯
Perfect swimming suit I’ve ever had. Really soft, fitted waist, light, and bra pads.
P**R
Good Coverage
This suit provides great coverage. After three kids and several injuries trying to get back into shape can be daunting but finding a swim suit that worked for lap swim and wasn’t cut for an “in shape” body was worse. I am grateful I found this suit. It helped provide the coverage I desired to feel comfortable braving the public pool. I swim about a 1,000 yards 2-3 times a week and the suit is performing beautifully. There is no rubbing (chafing), it’s holding its shape and color in the harsh chlorine, and best of all it is comfortable in and out of the water. It fit as expected. I am 5’4” with a long waist and the suit does not ride up.
Trustpilot
3 days ago
2 weeks ago