I finally decided the bite the bullet and get a one-piece. I decided to go with a competition brand suit since that's the only type of one-piece suit I've worn in my life (when I was young and on swim team) so that I could use it for the same purpose if I decided to go back to lap swimming at some point. My main reason for this suit purchase though, was to feel comfortable and still somewhat stylish at the spas that require suits (co-edness and all).If this suit had a more modern cut on the hips and tush (a little higher on the leg and a little cheekier on the bum) then it would be perfect, but it's still totally wearable as is and with a little pull-up on the leg, it mostly accomplishes the same look without being weird or causing weird squooshing.The reason this suit was the best fit of all the competition style suits I tried (a few from Speedo, Ryka, TYR, etc) is because the top is differentiated from the torso, so it gives me definition between boob and torso that the other comp suits don't. I wasn't thrilled at the look online of the criss-crossed front (it seemed sort of dowdy), but it's cute on. It wouldn't make for an effective comp suit because that would drag, but again, not competing in this baby, just lying around a spa trying to not look like an old lady or a wannabe teenager in a bikini.The fit is something of an empire waist on the top so that I still have my curves and don't turn into an egg, which is sort of the effect that the comp suits can have since they're meant to compress your bod for less drag in the water.I can wear my Speedo Ultrabacks for that. For sitting around a spa, I'd rather not feel like humpty dumpty since I have no need for speed, just relaxing.Also, the way the back is cut, it comes up high enough to accentuate my back and shoulder muscles without them squeezing through all the criss-crossing straps like what happens with my effective but less flattering Speedos. The straps are adjustable, too, which is key. This means I'm supported in the front (C cup either needs to be fully compressed for comp or supported otherwise) and the armpit bits don't squoosh out the sides.I can actually strut in this suit - everything stays in place, I feel confident, the look is flattering and sophisticated but also super functional.Go TYR!
Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]