Surenow
Crystal Bandeau Bikini
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This item was sent to me for evaluation and review and, looking at the product photos, I really had no idea what to expect. I'm delighted to say that this bikini is so much prettier in person than the photos indicate. I selected the turquoise, a favourite colour, but the red one looks great, too.
Despite having a bandeau top, which is not always the most flattering shape, I really like this bikini and find it very comfortable to wear with or without the removable halter straps. Just to clarify, the top has two thin foam inserts that are easily removable; I would not call them padding. Neither is it a push-up (its very shape prevents it). The “jewel” ornament undoubtedly is the key feature and I was glad to see that it is fairly well executed and catches the light in a charming way. |
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The top is snow white, not grey or violet as shown, and the bottom has the crinkly central elastic detail at the back that usually goes with a Brazilian cut, but is shaped more modestly and offers good coverage for your bottom. The ruffle is nicely finished in matching thread and the whole thing looks adorable.
The only reservation I have concerns its water-worthiness. I personally would not go swimming with it on. The “jewel” is only loosely looped around the fabric and its weight means it can move about. To me it's an attention-getting bikini for sunbathing and showing off, and it would look sensational at a beach party with an assorted pareo, sarong or long skirt. Regarding sizing, I normally wear a UK 10, US 8 and I got this in my usual size Small. It fits perfectly, just as I would expect, and the bottom ties at the sides, so it is completely adjustable. So don't let the photos put you off. For the price, it's a gorgeous little number that is well made and simply stunning to look at. I hope my photos give you a clearer idea and help you decide if it's for you. |
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Kimono-Style Short Silky Robe
A beautiful short robe featuring a traditional oriental design of peacocks and flowers. Although the fabric is polyester, it has the smoothness and cool appeal of silk, and it's an absolute pleasure to wear.
The photos on the Amazon product page give a very good representation of the many different colour combinations, all very tastefully realized in saturated and jewel-like tones. A sample robe was offered for my evaluation, and among all the gorgeous shades, I chose the Lake Blue. In person, it is very like the photos, perhaps a touch more turquoise. The standard of manufacture and finishing is excellent, neat seams and no loose threads or visible imperfections (see my detail photo). With an unstructured garment like this one, a good fit should be easy to accomplish. The major differences between sizes are in the overlap and the length of robe and sleeves. Still, I have found the size chart to be very accurate. I asked for a Medium which fits me perfectly (I normally wear a UK size 10, US 8, French 38). The big advantage of this delightful little robe over real silk is the easy care. It can be machine washed using the cold-water, gentle cycle, low tumble-dry care I normally give all lingerie. At this low price, it's a little indulgence that any woman would be very pleased to receive, or buy for herself … most likely in different colours! |
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Men's Briefs - Pink Hero |
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I was sent a sample of these briefs for my husband's expert evaluation. He is, I think, a fairly good judge of comfort as he dislikes binding, restrictive garments, but still looks for a proper fit and classy appearance. His favourite cut is brief or short-boxer, so this style really suits his tastes as it does not extend over the thigh. It is cut a bit like a racing swimsuit. We selected the Blue colour, and it turned out to be exactly the bright turquoise shade I saw on my monitor. Out of the box, the left leg (trimmed in yellow) looks a tiny bit shorter than the right (as you can see in my photos) but, when worn, this unevenness is not noticeable.
The fabric is 95% smooth and breathable cotton, made elastic by the addition of 5% Elastane (as per label). The waistband has the correct amount of stretch and does not chafe or irritate bare skin. The closed style at the front is made for comfort more than support or compression. Speaking of size, we asked for a Large, for his 32 inch waist (82 cm). They fit beautifully, so you should be able to trust the size guidance in the product description, although these may run a little small, if anything. The rest of the product description, as it stands today, reads as utter nonsense. You would be safe in disregarding it completely, although it's worth a read for the comic value. These briefs are not see-through and they are not bikinis.
After a suitable testing period, my husband's view is that these are extremely comfortable, and the quality is very good. They wash well; no shrinkage, colour bleeding or unravelling threads. A good everyday choice made appealing and a little different by the contrasting colour stripes. |
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Men's Briefs - Xuma
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I was sent a sample of these briefs for my husband's expert evaluation. His favourite style is short-boxer or briefs, so this model appealed to him. Since he dislikes restrictive, overtight garments, his main considerations are cut and comfort, and that depends a lot on the fabric.
Here the combination of 95% smooth cotton and 5% Spandex makes for a breathable garment with enough stretch to fit closely and move with the body without being restrictive. The wide waistband is elastic and very comfortable. The closed pouch at the front is well executed and gives light support without compression. The briefs in person are just like in the photos, they do not extend down the thigh and remind me of a well-cut racing swimsuit. There is a wide selection of colours and I chose the Blue which is a bright, saturated shade very faithful to what I see on my monitor (see my photos). The white and black contrasting accents look sharp. With a waist measurement of 32 inches, or 82 cm, we were in between sizes, so I chose to go up one and asked for a Large. The briefs fit perfectly, which makes me think that they may run a little small. After an appropriate testing period, my husband finds them very comfortable, and well made. The quality of manufacture is comparable to DIM and similar brands he has tried and, so far, they have come through the wash without losing any of their elasticity or colour. |
