Turquoise swimsuit: the handmade SOLEIL BLEU collection
One-piece, triangle, Brazilian briefs and high-waisted briefs: SOLEIL BLEU, a textured blue with a lurex sparkle in the sun, sewn by hand in France.
By atelier culotté4 min read
A turquoise swimsuit instantly brings to mind clear water and sunlit coves. The SOLEIL BLEU collection by atelier culotté gives it a textured twist, with a lurex effect that catches the light, in four pieces sewn by hand in the workshop in Andoins, in south west France. Here is how to choose yours.
A turquoise swimsuit that sparkles in the sun
The website files SOLEIL BLEU under turquoise, and the product pages speak of a “bright sky blue”: a luminous blue, somewhere between sky and lagoon. What makes it special is the fabric. The Brazilian briefs' page describes it like this: “Soleil bleu is a textured fabric with a lurex effect in the sun!” The fabric stays understated in the shade and starts to sparkle in full light.
Every piece shares the same composition, 87% polyamide, 8% elastane and 5% polyester, and the same origin: a French fabric, made up by Chloé, the designer.
Why choose a turquoise swimsuit
Turquoise is one of those swimsuit colours that flatter almost every skin tone. On fair skin it adds radiance without hardening the complexion; on olive or tanned skin it brings out the tan. It also stays cheerful without being loud, and it goes with the simplest beach outfits: white, beige, denim, gold.
It is also a colour that photographs well by the water, between the blue of the sea and the grey of the rocks, as in the photo for this article.
The pieces in the SOLEIL BLEU collection
Every piece is gathered in the SOLEIL BLEU collection page.
- The SOLEIL BLEU one-piece (€95): a one-piece that “subtly reveals the bust”, adorned with a stainless steel jewel. Medium-high leg, adjustable straps, full lining.
- The SOLEIL BLEU triangle (€45): textured blue fabric, a flattering cut that “enhances small busts without forgetting fuller ones”, thin adjustable straps, fully lined. Sizes S to XL.
- The SOLEIL BLEU Brazilian briefs (€40): textured sky blue with a lurex effect, low-rise, with a Brazilian cut that “slightly reveals the bottom”. Sizes S to XXL.
- The SOLEIL BLEU high-waisted briefs (€45): a high-waisted cut with a slightly high leg, and adjustable ties at the side “for a gathered effect or not, your choice”. Its page calls them “ultra comfortable”.
Which turquoise swimsuit cut to choose
The collection covers very different preferences, so you can find your silhouette without changing colour.
The one-piece, for a dressier look
The one-piece is billed as “your partner for swimming and summer evenings”. Its jewel and subtle neckline mean you can keep it on after the beach, under a long skirt or flowing trousers.
The low-rise bikini, for tanning
The triangle with the Brazilian briefs makes the most open bikini in the collection. The low-rise briefs and their Brazilian cut leave as much skin as possible in the sun.
The high-waisted bikini, for more hold
Pairing the triangle with the high-waisted briefs gives a retro silhouette that covers the tummy. The adjustable side ties let you gather the sides more or less, and so adjust how high the leg is cut.
Tops and bottoms are sold separately: you can choose a different bottom from the one in the photo, and a different size for top and bottom. Swimsuits for every body shape helps you choose a cut for your figure, without judgement.
Choosing your SOLEIL BLEU size
The product pages give the size each model is wearing:
- One-piece: Audrey, a French size 36/38, wears M.
- Triangle: Marie, a D cup, wears L.
- Brazilian briefs: Marie, a size 36, wears S.
- High-waisted briefs: Chloé, a size 40, wears L.
Caring for a turquoise swimsuit
The SOLEIL BLEU product pages give these instructions:
- Wash at 40°C maximum
- Do not bleach
- Iron at low temperature
- Do not dry clean
- Do not tumble dry
- Rinse in clean water after every swim
A vivid colour like turquoise keeps its brightness longer if it dries in the shade: direct sun, on top of chlorine and salt, eventually fades it. Rinse as soon as you are out of the water, squeeze without wringing and dry flat. The details are in how to care for your swimsuit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SOLEIL BLEU swimsuit turquoise or sky blue?
Both words describe it: the website classes it as turquoise, and the product pages speak of a bright sky blue. Its lurex effect makes it sparkle in the sun, which shifts its shade slightly depending on the light.
Is the SOLEIL BLEU swimsuit lined?
Yes. The one-piece, the triangle and the high-waisted briefs have a full lining, with no see-through effect, as stated on their pages.
Which briefs go with the SOLEIL BLEU triangle?
The low-rise Brazilian briefs for an open bikini, the high-waisted briefs for a retro silhouette that covers more of the tummy. Both are in the same textured fabric.
Where is the SOLEIL BLEU turquoise swimsuit made?
It is sewn by hand by Chloé, in her workshop in Andoins, in south west France, from a French fabric. Delivery is free in France on orders of €120 or more.
