If you find yourself in the crossover 14-20 sizes and are struggling to choose between the Cottesloe and Cottesloe Curve patterns, I thought it might help to provide a bit of visual comparison between them! Today I’ll be sharing a diagram comparing a size 18 from our 0-20 range shown in beige, to the size 18 in the Curve range as shown in pink. As there are a number of pattern pieces I have only shown key pattern pieces for an overall snapshot of differences.
Cottesloe has a very close fit. As it’s a swimsuit it is designed with negative ease so the finished garment measurements will be significantly smaller than your body. Don’t let this scare you. Swimsuits need to fit very close to your body so that they stay in place in the water. The coverage around your seat and crotch is generous so that you can feel comfortable moving around all the time, as is the coverage around the bust and underarm.
As with all of our patterns, Cottesloe sizes 0-20 have been drafted for a 2″ (5cm) difference between the upper bust and full bust measurement. Cottesloe Curve sizes 14-30 have been drafted for a 4” (10cm) difference between the upper bust and full bust measurement. The Curve pattern is drafted with the same style and design details but with a curvy figure in mind.
As you can see there is more overall ease in the bust of the Curve pattern, as well as more bust coverage in the neckline and underarm. You may also notice that more ease exists in the bikini top than in the full suit and this is due to the open back nature of the full suit. Torso length is slightly shorter and the straps and back ties are wider for more support.
If you find yourself in the crossover of the two ranges in sizes 14-20 we recommend that you choose your pattern based on your high bust to full bust difference and personal ease preferences, as well as which pattern will give you the most future options.
Both patterns come with the same awesome variations and all our tutorials and add on ideas can be applied to either!
I hope you have found this breakdown on how to choose between Cottesloe & Cottesloe Curve helpful. If you have any questions please let me know in the comments!
LOOKING FOR MORE COTTESLOE POSTS?
Here’s the full list of Cottesloe posts and tutorials:
- Pattern Tester Round-up
- Inspiration + Ideas
- Where to Buy Swimsuit Fabric
- How to choose between Cottesloe & Cottesloe Curve (this post!)
- View B Full Suit Construction (+ Optional Lining)
- View A Full Suit Construction with Shelf Bra and Ties
- Views C & D Bikini Construction
- Basic Elastic Insertion for All Views
- Waistband and Underband Elastic Insertion for Views C & D
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNcottesloe and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
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