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Monday Swimwear Review for Petite Women

Monday Swimwear for Petite Women: Petit Ermitage Top and Le Marais Bottom in Sardinia Stripe with Ray  Ban Sunglasses and Lack of Color Straw Hat.

I hadn’t bought a new suit in years because the swimwear market is drowning in cheap, flimsy options that barely last a season. And since they’re constantly battling chlorine, saltwater, sun, and the wear-and-tear of swimming, you need a bathing suit with actual durability. 

Then one day, I stumbled upon a Reddit thread raving about Monday Swimwear. I clicked over to their website and was instantly hooked. If I were to live in a permanent state of vacation, Monday Swimwear would be my entire wardrobe. Their designs are chic, yet mature and with classic silhouettes and color palettes that are vibrant and fun. Within a week, I’d ordered three pieces and here’s my honest review. 

What I Got

I picked up three pieces from Monday Swimwear:

  • Petit Ermitage Top in Sardinia Stripe (Small Bust): $104
  • Le Marais Bottom in Sardinia Stripe: $88
  • St. Barth’s Skirt in Tangerine Crinkle: $86

Monday Swimwear Sizing & Fit

While Monday Swimwear has a pretty inclusive sizing range, they don’t use traditional numerical sizes. The top runs from Petite Petite up to Large, while the bottoms go from Petite to Very Very Voluptuous (yes, that’s the actual term they use). The skirt comes in combined sizes like Petite/Small, Medium/Large, and Voluptuous/Very Voluptuous.

One thing to know: the brand warns that fit can vary slightly between fabrics, so if you’re buying a matching set, be prepared for small differences in feel. Personally, I didn’t notice any major issues, but the heads-up was appreciated.

Petit Ermitage Top

Petite Petite, Petite, Small, Medium, Large

Le Marais Bottom

Petite, Small, Medium, Large, Voluptuous, Very Voluptuous, Very Very Voluptuous

St. Barth’s Skirt

Petite / Small, Medium / Large, Voluptuous / Very Voluptuous

Monday Swimwear Colors

The Petit Ermitage Top comes in six shades, from everyday neutrals like Black and Ivory to statement tones like Chili Pepper red or a shimmery Antique Gold. The Le Maris Bottom has the widest range with classic color combos to geo prints. The St. Barth’s Skirt is available in a rainbow of different colors.

Petit Ermitage Top

Sardinia Stripe, Chili Pepper, Black, Ivory, Antique Gold Lurex Rib

Le Marais Bottom

Sardinia Stripe, Black, Black / Ivory, Ivory / Black, Chain Geo, Lattice Geo, Azure / Ivory, Ice Stripe, Espresso / Ivory, Chili Pepper, Ibiza Blue, Sunrise Floral, Soft Silver Shimmer

St. Barth’s Skirt

Tangerine, Chili Pepper, Black, Honey Crinkle, Azure, Pond, Midnight, Wisteria, Tangerine

Monday Swimwear Design Details

Petit Ermitage Top

Adjustable straps, back tie for a custom fit, double gold hoop hardware in the front, no padding.

Le Maris Bottom

Adjustable side ties with gold hardware, medium-to-cheeky coverage.

St. Barth’s Skirt

Adjustable wrap style, short length, unlined and semi-sheer.

Monday Swimwear Fabric Composition

Petit Ermitage Top 

Self: 94% Polyester, 8% Spandex; Lining: 82% Recycled Nylon, 18% Spandex

Le Marais Bottom

Self: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex; Lining: 82% Recycled Nylon, 18% Spandex

St. Barth’s Skirt

94% Recycled Nylon, 6% Spandex

Polyester might not seem glamorous or sustainable, but it’s actually one of the most durable choices for swimwear. It’s durable, holds its shape, and resists fading from chlorine and saltwater. The added Spandex gives it stretch so it’s perfect for swimming in the pool or ocean! I also like that Monday Swimwear incorporates recycled nylon into their lines and the skirt. It’s a small step towards sustainability, and it also feels comfortable against your skin.

Monday Swimwear Quality and Construction

The first thing I noticed when I pulled these pieces out of the box was how neat everything looked. For both front and back, the stitching was straight, even, and tight so there’s no worry about holes forming anytime soon.

On the bathing suit, all the edges are finished with lining, giving it a clean, polished look with no fraying later down the line. The St Barth’s skirt is unlined, but the edges are neatly finished with tight serging stitches, so it still feels well-made.

The Sardinia Stripe pattern doesn’t perfectly match at the seams, but because it’s a busy, repetitive print, it’s not something that jumps out or makes the suit look cheap. I also appreciate the reinforced stitching in high-tension areas like the bikini straps which help the suit hold up over time.

Fabric-wise, there’s no pilling or loose threads. The fabric for my top has a more woven texture than your average bathing suit material, so it may be more sensitive to fabric pulls in the future-something to keep in mind!

Overall, the garment construction feels high-quality and built to last across many seasons, as long as you take care of it properly. My only small gripe is that the top’s straps tend to twist a bit, but that might settle in with more wear.

Monday Swimwear Care Instructions

If you want your Monday Swimwear to stay looking new, it’s best to treat them gently and avoid rougher laundry days.

After each wear, hand wash your suit in cold water with a gentle, eco-friendly detergent, massaging it lightly into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water until all soap is gone. To keep colors vibrant, wash your suit separately from other items.

If you can’t wash it right away, at least give it a quick rinse or soak in fresh cold water as soon as you take it off. This helps remove salt, chlorine, and sunscreen before they set in.

Once clean, lay your suit flat on a towel in the shade to air dry completely before putting it away. Skip the washing machine, dryer, harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners, and avoid saunas or hot tubs if you want the fabric and color to stay in top shape.

Wearing my Monday Swimwear bathing suit at The Muse Hotel in Palm Springs for the Splash House Music Festival!

Overall Monday Swimwear Review

When I think about swimwear, I mentally split it into two categories: high-activity (like swimming in the ocean) and low-activity (think lounging by the pool with a drink in hand). This suit, especially the Petit Ermitage Top, definitely falls into the low-activity category. It’s adorable, but the skimpier cut means it can shift around more, so you’ll want to keep an eye on it if you’re moving a lot. (Great for tan lines though!)

The Le Marais Bottom hits that sweet spot of medium-cheeky coverage. And the St. Barth’s Skirt is easy to throw on to complete the look. I do wish it wasn’t a combined size and ran a touch smaller. But thankfully, the wrap design makes it simple to adjust to your preferred fit.

The style and colors are made for summer, and I can see myself wearing this set for many seasons. If you want something chic, well-made, then Monday Swimwear is a contender, for sure!

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