Carole Nelson BrownAlthough nobody is a bigger Knix fan than me – I think I speak for all the women at Auburn Lane when I say that we are big Knix fans. Over the last 6 years, I have been slowly replacing all of my bras and panties with Knix. I can now say that I exclusively wear their high rise underpants and 90% of my bras are also Knix. I have also introduced Knix to all the women in my life. The one thing I have never bought was a bathing suit. Like many women, I have a troubled relationship with my changing body and bathing suits for myself, despite my love of other woman’s bodies.
Knix is all about inclusive sizing and representation and that is something I love about it. All about inclusive sizing and representation myself, I love seeing all the beautiful women who model for them. It’s time I start working harder to embrace this 59 year old body that still bikes and scoots and can walk 20km a day, has birthed a living human and still enjoys excellent health. So, time to be more generous to myself and start walking the walk.
Striving to do as I say, I decided to take the plunge and accept the gift of a suit from the 2023 line. I love the underwear so why wouldn’t I also love a bathing suit from the same people? After chatting, Libby, Sonya and Heather agreed to get a suit and join me for a fun photo shoot. We represent a wide range of ages – early 40’s to late 50’s- and body types. Knix generously offered to let all of us pick something out and sent us all our suits.
Knix for Carole
My first inclination is to buy a one piece suit or tankini in black that hides as much of my body as possible. Instead, I went for a two-piece in my absolute favourite colour. The top is the Balcony Cup Bikini Top in Orange Zest. I loved the retro look and the bow in the back was adorable. To be honest, I’ll buy another style as well as it can’t quite contain my generous bosom. It’s lovely for lounging around but I can’t move around a ton unless I want to flash the crowds. This cleavage is good though, so I would totally keep this for a pool party or for sun bathing.
The bottom is the Sculpt High Rise High Cut Swim Bottom also in Orange Zest and it fits like a glove. A retro design incorporates some light compression to give you a lovely, sculpted look. Throw on the sarong on for walking around the pool and you look like a movie star.
I LOVE the wide straps and the tie in the back. It feels soft, a bit retro and feminine and this colour is gorgeous. It also looks fabulous with my favourite kimono.Feeling very glamorous and kind of old time Hollywood with the high waisted bottom and sarong was super fun. I plan to also mix and match with pieces I already own. I have a retro, black halter tankini top that will great with the bottoms and I’ll buy the ruched, ultra high waited bottoms in black
Knix for Libby
The High Energy One Piece Swimsuit is retro and fun. The throwback mesh and deep zip is too legit to quit. It’s flattering and provides decent coverage and four-way stretch. It’s the type of suit cool moms who don’t want to embarrass their kids should, and would wear.
I love this versatile high neck style with a racerback. It delivers medium butt coverage, removable cups and sexy mesh detailing as well as premium UPF 50+ fabric.
Knix for Sonya
For YEARS I’ve leaned towards solid colours. Black will always be a go-to but I also have no problem with bright solids in red or fuchsia pink. Give me a tankini or one piece any day. I know what works with my body shape – I’m 5ft 2inches short but I also have a long torso. Like Carole, I have own many pieces from the Knix collection over the years but this was my first swimsuit…and definitely not my last!
I also understand how to play with patterns as someone on the shorter side. When I saw this Knix Deep V One Piece Swimsuit pattern it really jumped out and made me happy. The way the pattern draws the eye is a confidence builder. It’s fun and sophisticated at the same time. With success of this suit, I’m now eyeing the side-tie one piece and hope they’ll come out with a cherry red/pink combo. Hint Hint! or a bright floral.
I also tend to spend a long time in a bathing suit so comfort is key. This one has four-way stretch, adjustable straps and enough bum coverage to take me from pool to beach bar. There’s a matching coverup sarong in the same pattern but if it’s too “matchy matchy” then go for the solid in orange zest.
Knix for Heather
Heather got the Tankini top in Tide Pool along with the matching Leakproof Swim Shorts. the shorts give a sporty vibe, full bum coverage and they are period-proof to boot.
“For the first time ever I’m embracing hot girl Heather season. So it only took 46 years to finally get to this point of positive body image and acceptance. There will be times this body is smaller and times it is bigger. This body has spent many hours on hiking trails and at the gym and on the couch. It’s spent many hours enjoying the best food and drinks; there is no cheese tray it will pass by. This is a happy and healthy body.
Thanks to Knix, I now have the perfect bathing suit to celebrate. First off I can ditch the black and baggie suits. I was instantly drawn to this gorgeous and flattering beachy teal (officially called Tidepool). I love a two piece suit as a beach taco/beer or three allows for comfortable expansion while the ruching is perfect if you feel self-conscious of a form fitting silhouette.
Swimsuits for every body
“Like a favourite t-shirt these suits mould into your shape the more you wash and wear and should be a staple in your wardrobe.”
Big thanks to Knix for the opportunity to showcase the collection. Thanks also to The Soho Hotel in Toronto for giving us a welcoming space for our photoshoot. All photos by Libby Roach and Carole Nelson Brown. AI generated treatment by Carole Nelson Brown.