Over the course of the past year, Australian-based swimwear label Lahana Swim has released a number of collections: Ranger, Cult Classic, Betty Viper and so on. As a customer of the latter two collections (and some well before what’s listed on their website) I thought it was high time to produce my second totally honest swimwear review. After all, shipping from Australia to Canada isn’t cheap, so you want to know what you’re getting into before actually biting the bullet.
About a year prior to my more recent purchases, I ordered the Luna Basic Scoop Top and Luna Cheeky Brazilian Bottoms, both in white and size medium. It was my first piece from Lahana and I instantly fell in love – the comfortable, stretchy fabric, the non-translucent lining and the cut that emphasizes and flatters exactly what you want noticed (and nothing that you don’t).
It was my first piece from Lahana and I instantly fell in love
I happily wore this on a trip in Australia, particularly enjoying a poolside moment at The Louise, a lodge overlooking the vineyards of the Barossa Valley. I’ve since worn it for less glamorous moments (like tubing down a river with an icy cooler in hand) and while it has become less bright white over time, true stains have successfully washed out. As for the fit, nothing has stretched or become pilled, however I do feel now that the top is a bit small for me. I couldn’t tell you if that was always the case or if my body simply changed, but I would recommend to size up if you’re unsure.
My next purchase from Lahana Swim was from the Cult Classic collection. Since it was advertised the collection wouldn’t be restocked, I bought both the bikinis I had my eye on: the Cher Triangle Bikini Top and matching Cher Side Tie Bottoms (both in the pattern ‘Tartan’) and the Tai Adjustable Triangle Bikini Top, again with the Cher Side Tie Bottoms (this time in ‘Lilac’).
I was surprised again to find that the size medium Cher top was too small (reinforcing the fact that I was perhaps buying the wrong size), and exchanged it for a large. The funny thing? I’m normally a small, maybe medium. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a large (we all have different bodies!) I hardly found it appropriate for someone with a bust size of 34B/32C to fit a large. After all, what are all my girls with bigger boobs supposed to do?
I was surprised again to find that the size medium Cher top was too small
Luckily, the Tai top was a different story, and the medium fit just fine. I think because the triangles are adjustable and can slide around on the string, it was less limiting in fit than the Cher top, which is fixed. As for the bottoms? Well, both fit incredibly – accenting my hips and booty while keeping enough coverage at the front.
The last bikini that I’ve bought so far from Lahana Swim was from the Betty Viper collection. A cool, shiny blue, this is the epitome of a classic bikini: a triangle halter top with matching bottoms. Honestly, I have to say this is one of my all time favourites – it’s casual enough to be worn at the beach but also sophisticated enough (hello gold hardware details) to wear on a yacht. And really, what more can a girl ask for?
The takeaway? the product is worth it – and it seems they’re only getting better.
The takeaway? I find that Lahana Swim’s bottoms typically fit true to size, but that the tops (particularly when they’re fixed) fit quite small, so I recommend sizing up. As for the quality, I noticed that their production has changed over time: the label on my first white bikini says ‘Made in China’; the two from the Cult Classic collection say ‘Made in P.R.C.’ (the formal abbreviation for China); and my latest blue bikini from the Betty Viper collection says ‘Made in Bali.’ While you need to be prepared to pay shipping and customs fees on top of the price tag (I’m based in Canada), overall the product that you’re receiving is worth it – and it seems they’re only getting better.
Have questions? Let me know in the comments, or get in touch on Instagram @hoodiexo!
