Tri-friendly Apparel at Lands End?

Will do!  Should arrive this week!

Also, scored some water/hiking sandals, like Keen, for $11!!! For whatever that's worth to you.

Okay,  I received the Land's End Aqua Terra Tank yesterday.  First, I ordered an 18W, when I probably should have ordered a 16W. I wear in XL top in Misses, but was afraid to order the Misses size and have it be too small about my hips.

First, the bra.  I have C/D cups -- this was a full-cut, full all-around, lightly padded shelf bra.  Full d's and even dd's would be thrilled!  The 3" band of elastic kept the bra in place and it was comfortable on. I could tell that if I had enough to fill it, it would have provided good (not awesome) support.  If I adjusted the girls they would stay in place, but eventually would be pointing south -- but I really think it was because the bra was too big for me.  I might try a 16W. 

The material was very nice.  High quality, very smooth lycra and sewn together so it was "seamless", like good quality bike shorts.  Very, very comfortable to wear.

The shape is very flattering on... it's not square, nor is it too snug -- it's cut for a curvy figure, so it made my hips happy!

For me, after losing almost 140 pounds I have a lot of lose skin on my stomach area, so anything snug tends to be not-so-flattering (i.e.  cottage cheese).   This was not snug.  The fit was just right, even a little lose through the midriff area... again, I probably needed the 16.  I'm just so used to tech apparel not fitting right, that I tend to buy too big!

Overall, I think this garment is "Athena-friendly."   If you're a real runner though, be sure to checkout the size charts and make sure you get the right fit for your chest.

Back again with a follow-up!

 Yay!  I skipped getting the 16W and ordered the 18 Misses -- I am so pleased,  The support is great, and I don't feel like I need a sports bra with it.  Again, though, I'm a wogger, not a runner, so YMMV.  Bottom line is it is definitely more supportive than most tri tops I've tried on.

The fit is fabulous and the quality is awesome.  I swam in it and it feels very comfortable!  I'm soooo happy with this purchase.

The misses size was a 1/2" to 1" shorter in length, which I miss, but I'll deal with that.  My hips are my problem and even still this garment doesn't ride up.  It smooths and gives a nice shape and totally hides the... uh... cottage cheese.  LOL

Hope this helps someone!

Donna

Thank you for posting about this. I ordered one today. I tend to order too large too. I'm a bit on the busty side, so I probably wouldn't run with the built-in bra, but it sounds like it'll be great for walking/riding my bike to the pool in. Oh, and for lap swims it should be perfect.

 Just wondering, did you order any of the matching swim bottoms? I did. I'll let you know how they work out.

No. I didn't buy any of the swim bottoms; I think they only offered skirts.  I love the top though... so glad I got it!  

So glad you shared this!  I knew Lands' End sold swimwear, but didn't know they were offering this great stuff.

What a beautiful top!  Glad it worked for you.

Yes, Land's End is great about the returns, and being able to return at Sears makes it even easier.

 So, I got my Aqua Terra suit. It fits well. I love how the back of the top looks. I even like the wide-band bikini bottoms. The only thing is that I'm pretty busty, and the bra gives me a bit of a square, uniboob look. That's the only thing that I'm not 100% loving about it. I'm probably going to keep it, though, because it'll be great for the chasing the kids at the beach and pool this summer. 

They've also got some wonderful and inexpensive wicking shirts that I wear running all the time. Tagless, seamless and washes very nicely. Love Lands End! Thanks for the heads up on their suits!