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If you live on the northern hemisphere, swimsuit season is around the corner! As it can often be pretty hard to find a suit that you like in your bra size, I wanted to show you a couple of ideas on how to alter pieces to your liking. If you wear a size that is hard to shop for, you could buy a simple piece in a colour that you like, and alter or embellish it to fit your style.
It all started with my red Ewa Michalak bikini. I love the top, it is amazingly flattering and supportive. However I always wished the bottom were not so low-cut. When the Freya Soda stopped fitting me in the cups, I realised that it was the exact shade of red as the EM. I ended up cutting it up to turn the lower part into a bikini bottom. I will post photos when I'm done, as I need access to a sewing machine to finish it.
Transforming swimsuit pieces can be as simple as adding a couple of embellishments to a basic piece, or a bit harder like turning a one-piece into a two-piece or vice-versa. Interestingly, swimsuit fabric isn't that difficult to work with, since it doesn't fray. Just remember to use a zig-zag stitch if using a sewing machine (to keep things stretchy), and to use a synthetic thread (they are much stronger and resist chlorinated water).
When I was looking for tutorials on reconstructing swimwear, I found many great ones that I want to share with you. I hope that they will inspire you to customise your own swimwear.
Scallop the bottoms,
A simple cut-out or a woven slash,
Another cutout,
Side knots,
Scallop
Add beads to straps (also works for plain fabrics)
Add beads all over
Add a fabric braid
Other ideas that I did not find tutorials for, but should be easy: painting with fabric colours or fabric felt-tip pens, glueing on embellishments, adding studs, sewing on buttons or beads.
Adding straps to a strapless piece
One-piece to bikini
One-piece to tankini
Retro high-waisted bottoms from a one-piece
Bikini to lacy one-piece
And my absolute fave: a super-easy way to make your bikini bottoms a thousand times more flattering:
I hope that these lovely tutorials motivate you to customise your swim wear. If you have never sewn anything before, you could use a cheap piece to practice one. Here is to staying stylish and supported this summer!
Have you ever tried to alter a swimwear item? Do let me know in the comments, and if you have documented it do link to the photos. I'd love to see!
It all started with my red Ewa Michalak bikini. I love the top, it is amazingly flattering and supportive. However I always wished the bottom were not so low-cut. When the Freya Soda stopped fitting me in the cups, I realised that it was the exact shade of red as the EM. I ended up cutting it up to turn the lower part into a bikini bottom. I will post photos when I'm done, as I need access to a sewing machine to finish it.
Transforming swimsuit pieces can be as simple as adding a couple of embellishments to a basic piece, or a bit harder like turning a one-piece into a two-piece or vice-versa. Interestingly, swimsuit fabric isn't that difficult to work with, since it doesn't fray. Just remember to use a zig-zag stitch if using a sewing machine (to keep things stretchy), and to use a synthetic thread (they are much stronger and resist chlorinated water).
When I was looking for tutorials on reconstructing swimwear, I found many great ones that I want to share with you. I hope that they will inspire you to customise your own swimwear.
My favourite swimsuit hacks:
Embellishing:
Add ruffles (another variation),Scallop the bottoms,
A simple cut-out or a woven slash,
Another cutout,
Side knots,
Scallop
Add beads to straps (also works for plain fabrics)
Add beads all over
Add a fabric braid
Other ideas that I did not find tutorials for, but should be easy: painting with fabric colours or fabric felt-tip pens, glueing on embellishments, adding studs, sewing on buttons or beads.
Modifying and reconstructing swimwear
Sewing a sports bra into an unsupportive swimsuit.Adding straps to a strapless piece
One-piece to bikini
One-piece to tankini
Retro high-waisted bottoms from a one-piece
Bikini to lacy one-piece
And my absolute fave: a super-easy way to make your bikini bottoms a thousand times more flattering:
I hope that these lovely tutorials motivate you to customise your swim wear. If you have never sewn anything before, you could use a cheap piece to practice one. Here is to staying stylish and supported this summer!
Have you ever tried to alter a swimwear item? Do let me know in the comments, and if you have documented it do link to the photos. I'd love to see!
