Pattern testing: Bombshell swimsuit

Bombshell swimsuit Bombshell swimsuit

It is starting to feel like summer here! And just in time, Heather Lou of Closet Case Files has just launched her Bombshell swimsuit pattern!

In case you haven’t followed her fabulous blog, last year she made this very flattering vintage style swimsuit. Since then she has worked on creating multi sizes pattern of a perfected version of the swimsuit. The PDF pattern is now available to buy in her etsy shop!

I’m very fortunate that Heather has kindly invited me to one of her pattern tester. I finished mine sometime last week and have been dying to share it here!

From her description of Bombshell swimsuit pattern: ‘The Bombshell is modeled on a classic 1950’s silhouette, a style that harkens back to the golden era of flattering, sexy and (dare I say) modest swimsuits. The pattern includes 3 variations in 8 sizes: a gathered bust, a halter neck, and a high waist bottom which you can mix and match with your favourite bikini top. Ruched on all sides and along the back centre seam, the Bombshell hugs your curves while providing full (but sexy) coverage. Its booty encasing seat and skirt-like front ensure your butt is covered (literally), avoiding the dreaded 4-cheek butt-bulge of higher cut suits. Fully lined, it will keep you decent in or out of the water.’

This is actually the second swimsuit that I’ve ever made. The first one is here, using Burdastyle pattern, where the bust treatment is rather similar to Bombshell view A. So I made view B, which has a pair of triangle shaped cups and halter neck.

Bombshell swimsuit Bombshell swimsuit

My fabric is swimwear lycra in rust color with leaf print. The lining is soft and quick dry lycra that has chlorine durable finish. I use 6 mm wide clear elastic for swimwear, they are resistant against sea water and chlorine. All these notions are from Merckwaerdigh ebay store.

I shortened the bodice about 2.5 cm before cutting the lining to be used as a muslin. After I tried it on, it turned out that I needed to shorten it more about 3 cm. Conveniently, the pattern has two shortening/lengthening lines. Because of this, my lining has sitching lines across them but it is fine as they are inside and nobody will see them anyway. But you can avoid this by not using the lining fabric as muslin of course.

Heather has a very clever way to construct the layers of fabric, extra attention is needed when inserting the leg elastic. The instructions are quite clear though, I followed it carefully and admired the result later on! I think it looks quite good, don’t you think? I love how the skirt and ruched back details provide full coverage while making the swimsuit still looks sexy. I would say that this is truly a vintage style swimsuit! Thank you for giving me the chance to test the pattern, Heather!

Bombshell swimsuit Bombshell swimsuit Bombshell swimsuit Bombshell swimsuit

PDF pattern: Bombshell swimsuit by Closet Case Files, size 4 tapered to 6 on waist and hip. 

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