I want to show how this bright, colorful, and well-cut Grace Karin bathing suit looks on a real, overweight, middle-aged woman. I'm 5'5" and 175 lbs. I have always been 8 shaped until the last year or so, in which I've gained substantial weight in the midsection. I normally wear a 12-14 in women's tops, and a 14-16/L or XL in women's bottoms. The bathing suit you see in the photos is a size 18. I upsized because I do not like the elastic legs to cut into my thighs; nor do I like the back to ride up. I don't like binding straps. In other words, I like to be comfortable. Upsizing, for me, was the right move.Regarding the suit: the fabric is thick, soft, and high quality, with a substantial lining. There is not a huge amount of stretch - think expensive yoga pant, not the cheapo version. That all translates into a bit of figure-hugging. Stitching is tight and fine (I am an expert at sewing) and I don't expect this suit to fall apart after a couple of uses. This is not that kind of suit; this is more a Maxine of Hollywood quality. The design is very flattering, especially on my lumpy body. The colors are gorgeous. It's the kind of suit you take on a vacation, to make you feel good. As a Vine Voice who received this bathing suit as part of a promotion (this review), it is important that I list any negatives. In this situation, there aren't any, other than my earlier note to consider upsizing for a better fit, if you, like me, don't want the Spanx feel.