I Ocean-Tested Lululemon's Brand-New Bikini—Here's My Honest Review
There are swimsuits made for poolside lounging and then there are swimsuits made for actual swimming, surfing, or the water sport of your choice—and yes, they are very different. Lululemon's new swimwear collection, dubbed Will the Wave, definitely fits into the latter category. (But make no mistake: The pieces are still cute enough to wear poolside if that's more your speed.)
The new suits were designed with pro surfer and Lululemon ambassador Malia Manuel, so you can bet they were created to withstand whatever the ocean throws at you. The collection just launched today, but I was lucky enough to test it out last week, when Lululemon invited me for a surf session in Malibu (with Manuel on hand for much-needed pointers, of course).
I hit the surf wearing the new bikini, and I can definitively confirm that it didn't budge one bit in the waves. There are no ties or closures to come undone, and the cross-back detail ensures that the straps won't be falling off your shoulders. Bonus: I thought the bikini top had an amazing push-up effect on my small chest—a miracle if I do say so myself. As for the bottoms, they feel snug and secure without feeling tight and won't put you at risk for an embarrassing moment after a big wave.
Plus, I later put on a wetsuit to guard against the chilly water, and I thought the bikini was the perfect thin, unnoticeable layer to wear underneath—it definitely lives up to the "second skin" description. Don't believe me? Scroll down to shop the bikini as well as the cute one-pieces from the collection.
Here's me in the center with pro surfer and Lululemon ambassador Malia Manuel on the right and Bustle editor Sara Tan on the left.
On me: Lululemon Will the Wave Bikini Top in Eternal Wave Starlight ($68) and Will the Wave Bikini Bottom in Eternal Wave Starlight ($68)
On Manuel: Lululemon Will the Wave Long Sleeve One Piece ($128)
How Pro Surfer Malia Manuel Wears It
On Manuel: Lululemon Will the Wave Bikini Top in Eternal Wave Starlight ($68) and Will the Wave Bikini Bottom in Eternal Wave Starlight ($68)
Shop the Collection
Lululemon Will the Wave Bikini Top in Eternal Wave Starlight ($68) and Will the Wave Bikini Bottom in Eternal Wave Starlight ($68)
Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Lululemon Will the Wave Bikini Top in Black ($68) and Will the Wave Bikini Bottom in Black ($68)
Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Lululemon Will the Wave Bikini Top in White ($68) and Will the Wave Bikini Bottom in White ($68)
Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Lululemon Will the Wave Long Sleeve One Piece ($128)
Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.
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