Product Review: Catalina Suddenly Slim Figure Control Swimwear

I know, "Catalina Suddenly Slim Figure Control Swimwear" is a really long name, right?  I bought this suit for my upcoming (August 2012) trip to Cozumel.  I found it at Wal-Mart online for $33.  I refuse to pay super high prices for swimwear, especially for how little time I spend in it.  I don't know if this "model" will be available anymore when you read this, but certainly, something like it will be.  I read the online reviews about this suit and the vast majority of women are happy with it.

I bought the red one.  My gal-pal who is going to Cozumel with, me bought a black one.  I'm probably the average woman size/shape, not the "media ideal".  I"m 51, five feet, 8 inches, and at last check, 187 pounds.  So, I'm tall and "Goddessy".  Rubenesque.  And not at all thrilled about being in public in a swim suit.

I like the retro look of this suit given that I have more of a retro look bod.  If you read the online reviews, people are not quite as happy with the rear view of this suit, but I think that has more to do with many of us not being too keen on the reality of our rear view to begin with.

It has good bottom coverage.  The shirring across the hips and middle and the tummy control of it makes it quite forgiving as suits go.  For me, being much hippier than I am busty (the pear shape), to get the bum to fit, I got an X Large.  That makes the bust portion gap a little.  I think it will be fine but I'll let you know if I end up flashing young children on the beach and scarring them for life.

If you're reading this after September, and I haven't updated the review after my trip, remind me and I will be sure to do so.  It really only got the "try on...OK, I'll keep it, it will do".  It hasn't been in the water yet.  Or outside my bedroom.  Or on my body more than once.

My friend and I want to embrace ourselves, as we are, on this trip and just come to grips with being middle aged goddesses that don't fit the media ideal.  Those on the beach with us will have to get over it.  We'll have to get over it.  We are GOING to have a blast.

September 2012 Update:  You thought I would forget?  These are dandy little suits.  I ended up sewing a tuck in the center between my boobs.  I just don't have enough boobage and it sort of slacked open which was only going to frighten small children.  Easy enough fixed.  I sort of DID need the extra room in the butt.  This suit is very forgiving, and quite comfy.  The knot tied at the back of the neck is a bit bulky and can be a little uncomfortable but isn't really a big deal.  I tried it out in between uses, and have only washed it once (on gentle, after returning home from vacation).  Look at the photo above.  See how the top goes out into points near the armpits?  I got burned nearly beyond recognition (lost some serious skin) on those points.  So if that part has never seen the light of day...use sunscreen.  Overall, I'm very pleased with this suit and so was my gal pal who bought the same one in black.