In the throes of summer sewing, I thought I might need to make the most summer apparel of them all: a swim suit. I had initially thought about making a bikini Watson set, since it would really just require different fabric and elastic. I decided to go for something that looked like a more “traditional” bikini (what does that even mean?), which led to the Ohhh Lulu Zooey Bikini, which I fondly call “Refuse to Sink”.

I bought some anchor fabric very impulsively one day, knowing it was destined to be a swim suit but with no plans beyond that. When I stumbled upon the Ohhh Lulu Zooey Bikini Pattern, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. I bought the PDF on etsy and I bought elastic and clasps and contrast fabric and then waited quite impatiently for everything to arrive (I even started cutting before everything got here).

I only made a couple of changes to this pattern. I added foam cups to the cups to make myself more comfortable. I also took in the bottoms about an inch on each side. The top fits nicely, if I do say so myself. I have to say I’m a big fan of the construction techniques used in the Ohhh Lulu Zooey (as well as her other) bottoms patterns. Hooray for no exposed seams in the gusset! 
So far, I’ve worn this out to the pool twice. I swam both times, and the bikini held up great. Maybe next time I’ll go a size down in the bottoms, since I’m oddly between sizes it seems. I am also entertaining plans to perhaps make a bottom using the Ohhh Lulu Nora Panties pattern, using the contrast pink as the ties for the sides. I’ll keep you posted! 

I’d love to see any swimwear you make this summer! 🙂