I really hate swimsuit shopping. It’s probably not for the reasons you’re thinking, though.

I like to be somewhat fashionable, but I’m also fairly modest. I don’t want to wear a mumu, I just want something that keeps my private areas off of public display and that comes in two pieces (because let’s be real, who wants to spend 20 minutes in the bathroom untwisting a wet one-piece in attempt to pull it back up after basically removing the whole thing just for three seconds of bathroom relief?).

I’m a bit larger, wearing a women’s size 18/20, so if my options weren’t already limited by my modesty, finding a good fitting top in my size that meets my specifications is nearly impossible.

I don’t know why designers feel the need to point out the fact that women have different chest anatomy than men, and further figure that fact should be flaunted and/or emphasized in a swimsuit. I’m pretty sure my larger-than-average measurements and the sheer nature of clingy swimsuit fabric already emphasize that fact, and I simply don’t need or want any more attention than those two things provide on their own.

I’ll just keep my skin covered, thank you very much. Because I’m going to spend a lot of time at the pool chasing down my rambunctious 5-year-old, who also sometimes finds my swim top straps make great handholds for when he loses confidence in his swimming abilities. Plus, I’d like to be able to do normal things, like bend over, without flashing anyone who happens to be at the pool trying to enjoy time with their families.

Apparently, that’s just simply too much to ask from the world of swimsuit manufacturers.

So, I find myself attempting to sew my own swimsuit top. I’ll probably go ahead and make the bottoms, too, although my old ones are still suitable – mainly for the experience, and because I’ll already have the material on hand to make them. Plus, they should be easier than the top, so if I can conquer that, making the bottoms should be a walk in the park.

The pattern I’m using is the X Factor Tankini from 5 Out of 4 Patterns. I like that the models for the finished tankini are representative of the different styles and sizes the pattern is designed for, and the fact that it meets my standards of coverage for a swim top. It looks supportive, too.

I’ve already begun cutting my pattern pieces out, so stay tuned…

Update: 7/10/16:

I just finished my suit top. I’m so excited to try this out on our upcoming vacation! I love how comfortable it is, and how comfortable I feel in it. I used the suggested power mesh layer between the main fabric and the lining material, and I did the sewn-in bra cups.

There were so many firsts for me on this project – knit binding, bra cups, ruching, and personal fitting – but, the design of this tankini and the detailed instructions were so easy to follow, which made it a lot less intimidating.

Can I also just say that I love the way this pattern prints out?! Every other PDF pattern designer should take note of this – no trimming to line up the pattern pieces means you can cut right into the pattern once it’s pieced together.

The instructions were clear and uncomplicated to follow, with plenty of photos and illustrations to compliment the directions. The adjustments and fitting instructions and examples were my favorite part, since I have no clue how to make clothing, and have no previous experience. The only thing I didn’t adjust that I probably will the next time is to shorten the bra section, since the elastic sits quite a bit lower than it should. I did make one more adjustment that wasn’t included, a dart in the armhole on each side, to help tighten that area and prevent gaping.

Although my technique wasn’t perfect, I have no problem showing this top off! It would definitely pass as off-the-rack to most people, I think. And best of all? It does exactly what I want it to do! I wore it around the house with my pajama bottoms on as I did laundry and some cleaning, partially to test it out, but mostly because it was so comfortable to wear, I didn’t really want to change out of it.

Please excuse the terrible lighting… I couldn’t wait to share my pictures!