Strong support for women of all shapes and sizes

Swimwear in all styles and shapes has ignited the silver screen for decades. Bikini-clad Bond girl, Ursula Andress was breathtaking in the 1962 epic, ‘Dr No’ whilst Bo Derek reinvented the one-piece bather in the film, ’10′.And then there was Pamela Anderson who gave the fullpiece new meaning in her red lifeguard swimsuit? 

But for those of us who score less than a perfect ten in our swimwear and wouldn’t dream of facing even an instamatic camera on a family holiday, an innovative three-piece design from a Perth swimwear company is just the answer.

Julie Wiggins was frustrated when she couldn’t find a swimsuit that suited her shape.She was looking for something stylish that also gave her support, but there was no way she wanted to squeeze into skintight lycra.Her response ?She designed and made her own three-piece swimsuit, and found that whenever she wore it, people commented on it.She decided to take orders and eventually became so busy that she was forced to give up teaching to start her swimwear business.Viva Swimwear is now an iconic Australian brand, and Julie’s three-piece swimsuit has become its signature product.  

Comprising a swim bra, swim pants and a loose-fitting tank top that flatters curves, not accentuates them, the 3-piece is Viva Swimwear’s biggest seller.   The design is so versatile, it can be worn by all shapes and sizes – even plus sizes, and as far as Julie is aware, there isn’t another swimwear retailer in Australia offering anything comparable. 

 “Most women hate shopping for swimwear,” she said.”They are unsettled by the unflattering lighting and cramped changerooms which influences them into making rash decisions.using the internet as a shopping mall is a fantastic option as all our swimwear has a good returns policy, so you can try it on at home with no pressure.The cut, price and design of the swimwear however, has resulted in less than 10% of online purchases from Viva being returned.” 

 A recent survey in which Julie canvassed over 4 000 of her customers revealed the three-piece to be an overwhelming favourite.  While new details such as tops with side ruching, crossover straps and sash tops have been introduced over time, the basic design remains a staple item in the Viva Swimwear range.  “It gives women of all shapes and sizes a comfortable and flattering option for swimwear, with support in all the right places.  Ordinary people may never make it onto the silver screen, but they can be the star of their own show,” she said.