'This lady startup designs sustainable and inclusive swimwear. We put it to the test.'

We’ve all been there. Standing in ill-fitting swimwear in the cold, harsh light of a fluorescent-lit change room, wondering if it’s easier to just spend your summer watching the water from a safe distance.

For years I’d be on the hunt for a swimsuit with a perfect blend of quality, fit and style, but ultimately settle for a cossie that ticks one of those boxes. 

That was until I stumbled across a little haven on the internet called ALULU. What's that, you eagerly ask? Well, it's an Australian lady startup that designs swimwear for total comfort and support, aiming to make the wearer feel confident, comfortable and at ease. 

With inclusive sizing ranging from 8-20, complemented by adjustable straps and a variety necklines and cuts, the collection claims to have something for everyone. Yep, really. 

ALULU is also thoughtfully 'engineered' and made from quality materials that consider the earth and the welfare of the people that make them. They don't just claim to be earth-friendly, they actually are. 

And of course, the designs are simply *chef's kiss*. 

They've recently launched their summer collection so obviously we needed to see if it's worth the hype. I enlisted the help of two other Mamamia women to join me on this little investigation.

Here are our findings. 

Natalie, F cup, size 16

I’m a mum, so I'm constantly thinking about the world our generation will leave behind.

Naturally then, I was pleased to learn that ALULU is committed to minimising its footprint on the planet by avoiding excess and waste, only ordering what’s needed, and using swimwear fabric that is made from regenerated materials salvaged from the ocean or recycled plastic bottles – all while using minimial packaging. It’s all a big tick from me.

Before jumping into my thoughts on the range, I have to preface that I don't think I've worn a bikini for about 20 years. But when slipping on both the Maisie Floral Rib Maha Top and Maisie Floral Rib Camilla Pant, and the Zulu Swimwear Bralette and Zulu Meilani Pant, I felt so comfortable. The elongating high cut of the pants meant the stretch marks I prefer to keep covered up were hidden, but the flash of skin prevented any feelings of dowdiness. Again, a big tick from me.

The fabric of my Zulu set was extraordinarily silky, soft and stretchy, all while feeling beautiful on the skin. The other pairs I tried were made of a thicker textured material that was like an instant hug – I loved them just as much because I felt secure and that they would get me through many years of blissful holiday frolics.

From left to right, the Zulu Swimwear Bralette and Zulu Meilani Pant; the Maisie Floral Rib Maha Top and Maisie Floral Rib Camilla Pant; the Stella Pink Rib Peyton One Piece Swimsuit. Image: Supplied.

My F-cup boobs fitted into the tops without bulging out and I could adjust the straps to suit or remove the padding (two of the pieces I tried had ingenious ties at the back to pull in as needed, with the bonus of looking equally pretty from the front). Each swimsuit features support mesh lining and strategic gathers which made me feel like a goddess.

The underwire in the Stella Pink Rib Peyton One Piece Swimsuit offered so much support and will be the swimsuit I wear while trying to keep up with the kids. The colour is a beautiful soft pink which simply screams summer in the south of France vibes.

It's official: I'm an ALULU enthusasist. 

Margaret, B cup, size 8

The last time I bought swimwear was spring of 2018, ahead of my honeymoon trip to the Maldives. I was 18 months postpartum and in my mid-20s, so wedding planning while juggling new mum life meant I had managed to bounce back to normal life with little ease. This means that very little thought was put into what swimwear I bought.

Fast forward to spring 2022, and now a mother of two and in my 30s, my body isn’t quite what it used to be and things... well, aren’t where they used to be either.

My boobs aren’t quite as perky or as plump (I shrunk a cup size after breastfeeding the second time round). With summer fast approaching, I was determined to get my hands on some new swimwear that would hug in all the right places and support me where needed – looking at you, boobies.

The first thing I noticed when I received my ALULU pieces was the material. All my other swimwear is made of the same type of “swimwear” fabric – you know, the material that eventually goes patchy thin and see-through. But with ALULU the material is thick and luxurious, and you know you’ll be wearing it for many seasons to come.

From left to right, Coco Crinkle Ayla Underwire One Piece; Soleado Blue Crinkle Texture Fifi Underwire One Piece; the Peony Texture Cadmium Red Underwire Bra Cup and Maison Pant. Image: Supplied.

The second thing I noticed was that all the pieces were underwired. Having never needed supportive swimwear before, it didn’t occur to me that swimwear could be underwired. My boobs haven’t looked this good in swimwear in a LONG time.

The colours were vibrant and rich, too. The Coco Crinkle Ayla Underwire One Piece is in a chic black, which you know will be a long-lasting figure in your swimmer drawer for years to come. To add some more colour, the Soleado Blue Crinkle Texture Fifi Underwire One Piece is a beautiful pastel blue with a luxe crinkle texture. The Peony Texture Cadmium Red Underwire Bra Cup and the Peony Texture Cadmium Red Maison Pant are a rich red, and the high-waisted pant is oh-so flattering. 

As for the fit... well, they hug you in all the right places.

Will I be putting these three into rotation for my weekly swim classes with the baby? You betcha. (Swim class or swimwear show?)

Alisha, G cup, size 10

Buying swimwear is always quite tricky. As someone who both has no defined waist, long legs, and G cup breasts, it is damn near impossible to find a bikini that is supportive, cute, and durable. 

That's why when I stumbled ALULU's corner of the internet, I knew I immediately had to get my hot little hands on some of the pieces from their new collection. 

My picks? The Zulu Sophia Underwire Top and the Zulu Sculpt Pant, the Stella Pink Rib Active Swim Bra and the Stella Pink Camilla Pant, and the Peony Nala Cadmium Red One Piece.

The material of all three styles is high quality and feels incredible on the skin, the colours and patterns are even more vibrant and fun in person and the bikini tops are extremely supportive.

From left to right, Zulu Sophia Underwire Top and Sculpt Pant; Stella Pink Rib Active Swim Bra and Camilla Pant; Peony Nala Cadmium Red One Piece. Image: Supplied.

I am a huge fan of the suits with the tie back which allows you to customise your individual back and bra size. In the one piece, the inserted cups aren't usually my preference, so I really loved the flexibility of being able to easily take these out. 

Overall, their new range feels extremely considered and appears to cater towards different body sizes. 100 per cent you will catch me in one, if not all, of these gorgeous prints all summer long (that is if La Niña decides to do us all a favour and get lost).

ALULU designs comfortable and supportive swimwear women want to be seen in. Get your hands on the Summer 2023 collection now.  

Feature Image: Supplied.