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Reviewed/Draper James
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Growing up, I was obsessed with Reese Witherspoon. I dyed my hair platinum blonde, wore head-to-toe pink à la Elle Woods, and even briefly considered law school (until I realized it probably wouldn't be all saving puppies and flirting with cute professors).
While I'm no longer a blonde and obviously did not become a lawyer, I do still love Reese (her style! her attitude! her cookbook!). So when I heard that she was releasing a line of swimsuits this year, I knew I had to get my hands on some. After browsing through the sea of preppy prints and classic styles that make up the new Draper James x Lands' End swimwear collection, I landed on the gingham bralette and the adorable ruffled one piece.
Did I like them as much as I expected to? Below are my thoughts on Reese Witherspoon's Draper James swimsuits and whether they're worth adding to your own collection this summer.
What is Draper James?
Imagine Reese Witherspoon's famous Southern charm captured in a line of clothing—and that's Draper James. Founded by the actress in 2015, the brand includes everything from breezy sundresses to magnolia-print florals to pretty pearls. "I started this company to honor my Southern heritage and in particular my grandparents who were, and still are, the greatest influences in my life," Reese writes on the website, adding, "With Draper James, our goal is to bring contemporary, yet timeless Southern style to your wardrobe and your home, no matter where you live."
Are Draper James x Lands' End swimsuits good quality?
One pieces are available in both gingham, floral, and bright solid colors.
Let's start with the bralette, which has a flattering square neckline and blue gingham pattern. As soon as I put it on, I felt much more secure than I do in my usual flimsy triangle top—and after wearing it in the ocean during my beach trip, I can attest that the back hook closure stays hooked even in the roughest of waves. I also like that the straps are adjustable, so my sister (who is a little bustier than me) was able to borrow it and customize the fit to her own body.
Now onto the one piece. I am someone who notoriously has trouble finding one-piece swimsuits that fit (I have a ridiculously long torso so they're often riding up uncomfortably) or that look like something a 29-year-old would wear (they're usually either too risqué or too frumpy). However, the Draper James one piece nailed it on both fronts. Not only does it look trendy and classic at the same time thanks to its ruffle neckline and eyelet lace material, but it also fits like an actual dream. It isn't too low cut, doesn't give me a wedgie (the struggle is real), and doesn't cut into my skin. It hugs my body in a really comfortable way and I found it to be incredibly flattering, and the number of compliments I received on it can attest to that.
As for the material of the swimsuits, it feels very luxurious and high-quality. It's much thicker than the cheap bikinis I'm used to wearing and after multiple wears and washes already this summer, it hasn't pilled, faded, or sagged. Bonus: According to the Draper James website, the material—which is a nylon/Spandex combo—provides UPF 50 sun protection, so it's as functional as it is fashionable.
Is Draper James swimwear worth buying?
I love the one piece (on Reese) as much as I love the bikini—both so flattering.
In a world of $10 Zaful swimsuits, paying upwards of $60 for a bikini top (and $100 for a one piece) might seem hard to justify—but quality over quantity, folks. And Reese Witherspoon's Draper James x Lands' End line is exactly that. The UV-protective swimsuits are well-made and long-lasting, and are perfect for everything from lounging poolside to swimming in the ocean. Since you'll get plenty of wears out of your suit, it's more than worth investing a few extra bucks in.
Plus, not only are the swimsuits timelessly chic and trendy thanks to their playful prints and feminine details, but they're also very comfortable and flattering at the same time, which is hard to find. Along those lines, if you're someone like me who struggles with swimsuit sizing (i.e. you're bigger on top than you are on bottom or vice versa), the Draper James swimsuits are all sold separately so you can mix and match sizes. The one piece also fits a range of body types (including plus size and long torsos!) and all of the swimsuits are available in sizes from 2 to 24X.