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It’s been over a decade since type blogger Gabi Gregg (Gabi Recent) posted her first #fatkini put up and have become the unofficial queen of plus-size swimwear. From the extremely high-waisted galaxy print bikini, that was the star of her first swim collab with Swimsuits for All in 2013 (which I’ve in my assortment to at the present time), to her final swim collaboration with Eloquii in 2023, Gregg’s swimwear designs have developed a cult following from the plus style neighborhood. Prepare for the formal coronation as a result of, this month, Gregg struck out on her personal with a brand new swim label Villa Fresca that provides sizes 4 to 32.
“I’m tremendous grateful to have labored with some superb manufacturers previously — a lot of which gave me a variety of inventive freedom — and I’m certain I’ll have extra companions sooner or later, however I wished one thing of my very own as nicely,” Gregg tells Refinery29. “I used to be able to have full inventive management over the whole lot from the product design to the campaigns, branding, and web site.”
That freedom translated into a classy line of swimwear and resort put on, filled with the colourful colours and daring particulars Gregg has come to be recognized for and the varieties of types that may be exhausting (if not not possible) to seek out in plus sizes (see this skimpy beaded string bikini). “I know that I’m not reinventing the wheel, however my objective is all the time to innovate in small methods and convey thrilling designs to life, particularly to prospects who might not have had them obtainable of their measurement earlier than,” says Gregg. “Good design or type transcends measurement. I believe when one thing is cute, it’s cute, and doesn’t should be relegated to particular sizes.”
As somebody who has been an avid shopper of Gregg’s collabs because the first one — I’ve not less than one swimsuit from yearly of the final decade — I used to be past excited to buy Villa Fresca. Unsurprisingly, I used to be not alone in that sentiment, and plenty of sizes bought out virtually instantly upon launch, together with a lot of my favourite designs, like this attractive hardware-detail marble print one-piece. There has since been a restock of some sizes, however they’re already going quick, so don’t wait if you happen to see one thing you’re keen on. That will help you in purchasing, forward, my match and sizing evaluate:
Villa Fresca Venus Draped Bikini
As somebody who usually goes for swimwear with much less protection, I wasn’t certain if this modernized replace on the tankini was going to be my type, however the promise of help from the underwire and structured cups satisfied me. As soon as I bought the swimsuit in my arms, I used to be much more excited: The wealthy teal hue is gorgeous in particular person, and the draped cloth appears luxe. I additionally liked that the swim high is customizable, so you’ll be able to simply regulate the extent of protection. You’ll be able to put on it like I did above, with much less cleavage and torso uncovered. In order for you one thing just a little sexier although, you’ll be able to drape the highest to indicate the structured cup element beneath (as seen right here). I’ve even seen folks tuck the material beneath the bust to create a basic bikini look.
I attempted on two sizes (18/20 G/H and 22/24 G/H) on this high as I usually should go up a measurement in swimwear to accommodate my full bust. I used to be pleasantly shocked that the smaller one match completely and supplied ample help (the opposite choice was too giant). Having true-to-size cup sizing is a testomony to the significance of getting somebody who understands the nuances of plus sizing in cost. For the matching bottoms, the larger measurement (22/24) match extra comfortably; measurement 18/20 labored as nicely, however I all the time want a looser slot in my swim bottoms. In case you are between sizes and have a stomach, I like to recommend sizing up as nicely.
Villa Fresca Bliss One-Piece Swimsuit
This ring-detail monokini caught my eye instantly as soon as Gregg began teasing Villa Fresca on social media. The saturated fuschia purple, the slight metallic sheen to the material, the enjoyable cut-outs — all of it felt very true to my private type. Based mostly on the sizing opinions Gregg shared on her Instagram Tales, I made a decision to measurement as much as 22/24 on this one, and that turned out to be the precise name. Unsurprisingly (since this isn’t a cup-sized choice), this swimsuit has much less house within the bust space, so I believe the 18/20 would have been a bit too comfortable within the chest for me. The underside a part of the swimsuit additionally match comfortably.
This monokini swimsuit felt supportive and safe on. After taking photographs, I took this one for a swim and by no means felt in peril of something shifting or falling out. Each this and the Venus bikini do have detachable straps, in case you like a strapless silhouette, however I don’t count on I’ll make the most of that characteristic myself (one thing I think about fellow full-bust buyers will perceive!).
General, I’m very impressed with the minimize, match, and high quality of the Villa Fresca model, and can completely be including extra items to my assortment.
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