Latest news with #L.L.Bean
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Are People Distressing Their L.L.Bean Tote Bags?
Louise Parker poses with a customized Boat and Tote on Sept. 7, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by)√´√ Getty Images As a flood of criticism continues to surround the release of Ryan Murphy's American Love Story screen test—with specific concerns regarding the 'never-worn' and 'too-new looking' styling of the project's female lead and real-life style figure Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy fueling the conversation—a light is shined on the greater shift in cultural consumerism that has begun to take place, one that glorifies lived-in clothing and aged accessories as a signifier of modern elitism. The clearest expression of this recent cultural phenomenon takes shape with the hyper-specific treatment of one garment in particular: the Boat and Tote. As with the popularization of several other traditionally East Coast closet staples—hailed as must-have items within the past several trend cycles— iconized Boat and Tote bag silhouette has been reintroduced to consumers all across the United States, many of whom were previously unaware of the brand's hero product and its longstanding legacy. Fueled by the accessory's newfound glamorization and young shoppers' urgency to own it, the tote has become the perfect canvas to project this newly desired aesthetic upon in the form of manual distressing. Rather than waiting for subtle wear and tear to naturally accumulate with consistent use, consumers are documenting themselves purposely distressing their brand-new bag for a more 'lived in' look on social media. Many individuals are even reaching out through the comment sections of related videos for tips on how to achieve a naturally worn appearance without actually having to wear-in the accessory consistently. All too familiar with the fixation consumers have on styling a not-so-effortlessly distressed Boat and Tote is Niko Arredondo, a content creator based out of Phoenix, Ariz. Following several videos in which he shows off his uniquely customized tote bag to the camera—personally adorned with grommets, carabiners, keychains, snap closures, metal feet and embroidery—Arredondo has garnered a community of viewers inspired by his craftsmanship and creativity. In an interview, Arredondo described his own fondness for the lived-in look, illustrating why so many might be shifting away from the preservation of precious garments. 'I love watching it age over time. I don't feel inclined to clean it or make sure it looks just as the day I bought it. I've always had this fantasy of my children's children finding 'Grandpa's Bag' not pristine, but stained, distressed and evident of a fun life lived. While diamond rings, jewelry and old cars have been the heirlooms of the past, I want my everyday items to be something worth holding onto.' However, despite the time and care Arredondo has put into personalizing his Boat and Tote, the subtle damage acquired by his bag has been nothing but organic, using it daily for over two years and adding each element of customization one at a time as needed for practicality. So what is it about the look of a beat-up tote bag that's so alluring? Enticing consumers to accelerate the natural deterioration process and forfeit any resemblance of authenticity in favor of manufactured aestheticism. In an interview with Nancy Deihl, fashion historian and chair of the Department of Art and Art Professions at New York University, the academic touched on one reason why she believes this phenomenon has emerged: the desire for distinction. 'It seems as much as someone might say, 'Oh, I don't care about clothes like that,' I've never really met anyone who really didn't care,' she said. 'Even just saying 'I don't care about clothes' is a statement. So, it's hard to distinguish yourself.' Deihl continued, saying, 'In fact, I think it's so strange, because there's so many stores selling things that really look similar, it's surprising we don't see more people like on the streets of New York, dressed alike. Somehow we managed to not be a twin next to with the person we're standing next to in line.' In the same interview, the professor elaborated on this theory by linking it to similar patterns of consumer behavior present within previous decades. 'I also think about the 1970s in the late 60s, when people were doing all kinds of do-it-yourself distressing to their jeans for distinction, to make it look like theirs. Like fraying and sanding and bleaching, to make it look like this is something I wear all the time. I didn't just go out and buy it.' Given the current economic climate and looming recession within the United States—factors which have begun to significantly impact the habits of the average consumer—it is unsurprising why similar behaviors have emerged. The intentional aging of one's Boat and Tote additionally parallels the popularized bag charm movement that has dominated the accessory industry in recent months—inspiring consumers to customize their handbags for unique distinction and subtly communicate that their item is well-loved. While Arredondo views the trend with a positive perspective, the content creator encourages consumers to express themselves beyond their bags and allow their accessories to reflect their real-life. 'I think many people can tell the difference between a brand new tote that's been distressed and one that's been around a while. I think the perfect way to distress the Boat & Tote is to find a balance between the artificial and the real thing,' he said. 'I would encourage people to get creative in customizing their totes, and even more adventurous in where they take them!'
WebMD
5 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
How Tick Experts Protect Themselves Against Ticks
June 27, 2025 — Growing up in the rural Midwest, I had a tick routine after walking in the woods: Shower, scrub my scalp, and feel for ticks. Pluck any I found — a regular occurrence — with tweezers. No problem and no symptoms. But how do tick experts — people who know where ticks are and how they spread, and employ the latest strategies — handle this growing scourge? After all, ticks are everywhere. In certain regions, if you're bitten by a tick, there's a good chance it's carrying Lyme. A Dartmouth study found that half of black-legged ticks and a quarter of nymphal black-legged ticks in the Northeast tested positive for the disease over three decades of data. Other tickborne diseases throughout the country include anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. And while vaccines to prevent Lyme and other tickborne diseases are on the horizon, they're not available yet, so bite prevention is key. Turns out much of the advice today is the same as when I was a kid in the '90s, but these days technology offers some upgrades. Here's what tick experts do. Tick Expert Panel 1. They wear pretreated clothing and accessories. Wearing clothes treated with permethrin (an insecticide that also repels insects) is one of the best ways to protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes — much more effective than simply wearing long sleeves and pants. Mather did a study of outdoor workers and found that treated clothes reduced tick bites by 65%. L.L. Bean has a whole line of insect-repellent clothing, and brands like Shoo For Good, Craghoppers, and Insect Shield all offer permethrin-treated pieces. Permethrin-infused accessories like tick gaiters are also growing in popularity. Treated clothes are a great option for those who can't do proper tick checks because of vision or mobility limitations. Use them for everyday activities like dog-walking, Mather said — don't save them for hiking trips. 'When people have a technology like that, they think it's for a special occasion. Then it actually doesn't get used when it's best to be used.' 2. They re-treat their clothes at least once a year. In the study's second year, participants had 50% fewer tick bites — a drop from the first year, which is why Mather says to re-treat clothes annually. You can use an at-home spray (like Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment), or ship your items to a company like Insect Shield, which will treat them for you. 3. They check the EPA's online search tool to find repellent spray. This tool lets you filter products by active ingredient, protection time, and target pest. Look for options with at least 30% DEET, 20% picaridin, or 20% IR3535 — all proven to repel ticks. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (30%) is also effective but needs to be reapplied more often, is toxic to cats, and is not recommended for children under 3. Spray any exposed skin. If you're sweating a lot, you'll likely need to reapply more often than the label says, said Haines and Davis. 4. They go for clothing hacks. In tick-heavy areas, pull long socks over your pant legs, Swiger said. 'If you plan to be out for a long time, putting tape around the tops of your socks is recommended. The tape is wrapped so the sticky part is facing out and will collect any ticks crawling up the shoes and pant legs.' Choose light-colored clothes to help you 'find the ticks faster and prevent them from accessing your skin,' said Swiger. And don't wait until you're home to do a scan — if you drove to the trail, check before getting back in the car. 5. They use online tick tracking systems. Of course there are AI-powered apps for identifying ticks, but Mather said they're not reliable yet. One resource you can rely on is TickSpotters, a crowd-sourced service that Mather manages through TickEncounter (and which Haines and Davis recommend). Anyone can submit a photo of a tick on their body or recently removed (take the shot from above — the top of the insect makes it easier to identify), along with information about how long they think it was attached, for Mather or a colleague to identify. Within roughly 24 hours, you'll receive an email that lets you know if you indeed were bitten by a tick, what kind of tick it is, and what stage of life it was in (all factors that affect disease transmission risk). Swiger, Haines, and Davis also use the CDC's map of the historical number of Lyme disease cases per state. It could help you avoid areas that are the most tick-infested or take extra precaution where your risk is high. 6. They don't rely on doctors. Many medical doctors won't be able to identify all ticks and their life stages, so consulting with an entomologist or acarologist through a program like TickSpotters is extremely useful. The information you get can change treatment plans. For example, doxycycline can be used to reduce the risk of Lyme after a tick bite, but if you know the tick that bit you isn't a carrier of Lyme, you can skip this treatment. You can also use apps like The Tick App to report your experiences with ticks. Researchers use this info to monitor tick populations and disease risk in various places. 7. They keep their property neat and protected. Mather sprays the wooded edges of his property with synthetic pyrethroid once a year. He also recommends tick tubes (he invented them!). These are biodegradable tubes filled with permethrin-treated cotton, which mice use for their nests, making them less likely to carry ticks. These work best around properties where many mice are present and won't work with all tick-carrying animals, Mather said. Keeping your lawn well-groomed helps keep ticks away. These insects seem to prefer the protection, moisture, and complexity of tall grass and some non-grass lawns, Mather said. Keep grass short, rake up leaf litter (especially oak leaves), and trim overgrown vegetation in the spring and autumn. A robotic lawn mower — like a Roomba for your yard — can reduce tick habitats around your home even when you're away on vacation. Adding a wood chip or gravel border between your yard and wooded areas, and fencing your yard to keep out deer (a common tick host) are also good ideas, said Haines and Davis. 8. They use a special tool to remove ticks. Mather recommends a tick remover, which lays flat against the skin and can be easier to use than standard tweezers. 'The most important thing to remember is that the tick should be pulled straight up out of the skin,' said Swiger. Don't twist the tick; you'll pull it apart and leave the mouth attached. But if you don't get it all out, don't panic. Mather said if a tiny bit of the tick's mouth is left behind, it doesn't change your risk of infection and your body will naturally expel it. But picking at it could make infection risk worse. He recommends wiping the area with an alcohol pad after removal and keeping the tick in a bag in the freezer for identification and potential disease testing. Check your state health department to see if it offers free testing, said Swiger.
Business Insider
23-06-2025
- General
- Business Insider
Percale vs. sateen sheets: What's the difference?
If you've ever shopped for sheets or read our guide to the best sheets, you're probably come across the words "percale" and "sateen." When it comes to the best cotton sheets, these are two types of sheets that are distinctly different. Percale and sateen are types of cotton weave — how cotton yarns are woven together to create a fabric. They're the most common weaves and cotton sheet types you'll see while shopping for bedding. While both percale and sateen are highly popular and comfortable, you'll probably like one more than the other based on your body temperature and what kind of feel you prefer. The differences in their properties are due to how each weave is made: What does percale feel like? Because percale has a tight, even 1:1 weave, it has a crisp, matte, and lightweight feel, similar to a white button-down shirt. It's airy and breathable. Percale is best for sleepers who like to stay cool throughout the night. If you are searching for a soft yet crisp set, you should consider our L.L. Bean percale sheet set review. What does sateen feel like? Due to its looser weave, where more yarn is exposed to the surface, sateen feels silky smooth, similar to a soft cotton t-shirt, with a slight sheen to it. It's very soft and warm, but it's less breathable than percale, so it might not work for people who sleep warm. Thanks to its luxurious feel, many hotels use sateen sheets in their guest rooms. If you want a set that gets better with every wash, you should check out our Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheets review. Is percale or sateen better? The best cotton sheet for you is subjective and depends on how you like to sleep. Percale is crisp and breathable, and it gets softer over time. Its tight grid pattern also makes it more durable than sateen. It's a great option for hot sleepers or the warmer months. Sateen has a luxuriously smooth and warm feel, but it tends to snag more easily due to its weave. Since sateen is less abrasion-resistant than percale, you must use more care when handling it. It's ideal for cold sleepers or the colder months. Keep in mind that other factors like the type of cotton used and the thread count also play a role in the feel and durability of your sheet. Long-staple cotton, for example, is longer, softer, and more durable than short-staple cotton. Extra-long staple cotton (also known as pima or Supima cotton) is even softer and more durable than long-staple cotton. Meanwhile, thread count — the number of yarns per inch, horizontally and vertically — also helps make a sheet softer and durable. Take into account weave, cotton type, and thread count when you shop for sheets. Does percale or sateen cost more? The type of cotton and thread count affect the final cost. All things equal, you should be able to find percale and sateen sheets for about the same price. However, since sateen tends to come in at a higher thread count, it's usually more expensive than percale. The higher price also helps contribute to the idea that sateen is more "luxurious" than percale. Our favorite percale and sateen sheets Many bedding brands offer both percale and sateen sheets. Once you've determined which type you want, try these sheet sets. We've personally tested them and can vouch for their comfort and durability. The best percale sheets The best sateen sheets
CNN
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
We tested over a dozen tummy-control swimsuits. These 3 were the most flattering
Best tummy-control swimsuits we tested Best tummy-control swimsuit: Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit Best budget tummy-control swimsuit: Cupshe Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit Best splurge tummy-control swimsuit: TA3 Lifty One-Piece Swimsuit Sometimes we need some reinforcement to feel confident wearing a bathing suit, and that's where the best tummy-control swimsuits come in. This flattering swimwear is made with extra compression, particularly through the stomach area, that can help slim and sculpt while remaining flexible and comfortable. Like shapewear, tummy-control swimsuits hug the body, enhance curves where you want them to and minimize belly pooch. To help you find the stomach-smoothing bathing suits that you'll actually want to wear all summer, five CNN Underscored editors put 13 styles to the test. We tried a variety of one-piece and two-piece suits we think women of any body type and age can rock. From full-coverage shaping swimsuits to modest swim skirts and other two-pieces, see how our testing panel fared as we wore them to swim and soak up the sun. Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit This one-piece has just the right amount of compression. It holds everything in while still staying comfortable, and we loved the flattering ruching detail too. Cupshe Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit This under-$40 swimsuit smoothes and cinches exactly where you want it to, thanks to an adjustable lace-up back. TA3 Lifty One-Piece Swimsuit The most compressive — and pricy — swimsuit we tested, this curve-enhancing style feels like heavy-duty shapewear. It's expensive, but you'll get your money's worth with its sculpting effect. Editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna found this patterned swimsuit shaped her figure and offered good coverage, all while being comfortable. She said that the ruching and wrap effect helped give her an hourglass shape, which was reinforced by lining in the front of the suit. For just over $100 — midrange pricing for the swimsuits we tested — it felt like good value for the results. Luna wore it for a water aerobics class, and she felt secure the whole time. The straps stayed in place and she didn't have to adjust the swimsuit. Since she is 5-feet tall, this is often a fit issue she runs into, so she was pleased that wasn't the case with this one. Made with a nylon and Lycra blend, the one-piece resists damage from chlorine, salt water, sun and heat, according to the brand. Luna said the material also felt high quality, and it held up well in the wash. She also appreciated that the suit offers sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating. The Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit comes in a variety of patterns, in regular, plus and long sizes. 'The style runs true to size as long as you follow the sizing guide provided on the website,' Luna said. 'The size is larger than what I usually wear but matched my measurements when using the sizing guide.' Managing editor Rachel Quigley has been on the hunt for pretty swimwear she can feel confident wearing in her 40s, and this Cupshe one-piece is one of her favorites. The style is flattering and provides decent compression, especially from the front. 'I feel like it made my stomach look flatter and the tie back helped cinch my waist in a bit,' Quigley said. 'The patterned design and side ruching hid a multitude of sins, so I felt very confident in this.' Unlike frumpy shaping swimwear, this suit is plenty stylish. And the ruffle trim, lace-up back and V-neckline aren't just cute design details, they help complement your figure. For example, Quigley explained that frills can add dimension to your body and enhance certain areas depending on where they are placed. 'Frills around the stomach area are a big no for me,' she said. 'Thankfully, these were strategically placed around the neckline, where I certainly need some enhancement. Not only that but the pretty frill pattern also draws the eyes away from my waist area, so this was a big plus for me.' She also appreciated that the tie-back meant that she could make the swimsuit as loose or tight as she wanted, customizing the fit and comfort level to her body. This was the most affordable one-piece we tested, and we were thrilled to see that the quality exceeded expectations. Cupshe has been a CNN Underscored go-to for cheap swimwear, and Quigley has other swimsuits from the brand that she said have held up well. This particular style comes in 25 colors and prints. TA3's patented swimwear has generated plenty of buzz for its super-sculpting styles. Even after failing to get a 'Shark Tank' deal, the brand soared to success with its waist-snatching swimsuits and has since been worn by celebrities including Beyoncé, Sydney Sweeney and Bethenny Frankel. As someone with a fairly straight figure, I was eager to see if the TA3 Lifty One-Piece could give me the illusion of curves. What I wasn't expecting was an immediate difference. Thanks to the strategic colorblocking on the side panels, as soon as I put the swimsuit on, I suddenly had the look of an hourglass silhouette. It only got better from there. Once I pulled the laced-up back tighter, my waist was nipped in and my stomach area felt more supported too. At $188, this is the most expensive swimsuit I've ever put on my body, but I think it's 100% worth it. Besides the visual enhancement to my figure, it feels good to wear. The nylon and spandex fabric is thick and provides midweight compression that really keeps everything sucked in. For some, this might feel too extreme — it can be a bit of a squeeze to get into the swimsuit, and once it's on, it feels like wearing shapewear — but I liked the strong, supportive fit. I was also pleasantly surprised that this style was relatively modest. Besides the open laced back, it provided decent coverage in the chest area with underwire cups, and it completely covered my bum. You can tell it was made to fit a woman's figure, and this is reflected by the sizing options too. It comes in three torso lengths, A to K cups and XXS to 4X sizing. I highly recommend consulting the size chart before ordering. I'm in-between sizes and tried both the XS and the small; both fit, but the tighter squeeze of the XS really amplified the compression. Prev Next Our panel of testers wore each swimsuit multiple times and washed them to see how well they held up. We sported them in several swim-friendly settings, like at the beach, in the pool and even in a cold plunge tub. During our testing, we evaluated each style on the following criteria. Compression: Tummy-control swimwear is meant to smooth and sculpt. Did the swimsuit provide enough compression? Was it uncomfortable at any point? Fit: Was the swimsuit flattering? Did it run true to size? Did it fit well both when wet and dry? Durability: Did the material and construction feel high quality? Did the garment stay supportive and retain its shape post-wash? Value: Was it worth the price? Would you purchase it again? Shapellx Smart Sculpt Ribbed Cutout-Front Shaping Swimsuit Ruching and a cutout give this one-piece a bit of flair, but it received a middling score for its fit and shaping. 'I'm not usually a one-piece swimsuit gal, but I loved the pinup, vintage-inspired look of this one,' associate testing writer Carolina Gazal said. When she tried it on, however, the ruching proved to be too baggy for Gazal's frame, and it wasn't as compressive as the other swimsuit she tested. 'The baggy parts sat in the wrong places for me (meaning: lower stomach), but this suit could fare well for a taller, curvier body type,' she said. Popilush Shapewear Plunging V Slimming One-Piece Swimsuit Made with three layers of material, this tummy-control swimsuit hugs and supports the stomach area. We think it's a great under-$100 option. Simple yet stylish, this swimsuit offers ample compression around the midsection, which makes sense because it's from a shapewear brand. It has three layers of fabric, including a mesh lining, to hold everything in. I thought it ran true to size, and it felt high quality, especially considering the price point. It kept its shape after multiple washes and after being exposed to extreme temperatures in the form of a sauna session and a cold plunge. The only aspect that wasn't a home run for me was the bust area: There was a little extra material in the cups. For reference, I'm a 32D bra size, so it might be a little loose for smaller bust sizes. Etam Sculpt One-Piece Shapewear Swimsuit This smoothing halter-neck swimsuit features a plunging neckline and full-coverage bottom. While the cut is flattering, our tester said the material felt restrictive. Made with recycled polyamide and elastane, this one-piece has a classic look but was lacking on the comfort front. Quigley said the shaping style provided compression, but she didn't think it smoothed out her lumps and bumps enough. The material was thick, but ultimately, she found the style a bit uncomfortable to move around in. She said it would be fine for a day spent sitting and sunbathing, but she wouldn't recommend it for anything more active. Carve Designs Serenity Compression Tankini Tankinis are making a comeback, and this style offers a body-hugging fit, although we thought it didn't provide much compression. Carve Designs Pipa Compression Bottom This medium-rise bikini bottom felt more compressive than the tankini but didn't offer much tummy coverage. Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo liked the flattering fit of the tankini — which features adjustable crisscross straps and removable cups — but didn't feel much compression. She said she has a large bust but smaller frame, so she tested the tankini in a large to accommodate, but the fit was a bit off. She found the cups to be too small, while the rest of the top felt looser. Triolo also tested Carve Designs' Pipa Compression Bottom. She said it fit well and provided noticeable compression, but since it has a midrise cut, they 'didn't compress the areas most would want compressed,' like the stomach. Overall, she found the bottoms to be too expensive for what you get. Spanx SpanxShape Swim Pique Plunge Bikini Top The best shaping two-piece we tested, Spanx's Pique set is stretchy yet firm. The top is supportive and felt like it gave a shaping effect. Spanx SpanxShape Swim Pique Hi-Rise Cheeky Bottom Giving some tummy coverage and compression, this bottom struck a balance between showing some skin and not revealing too much. Spanx's bikini was Gazal's favorite swimsuit she tested. She loved how it felt firm without feeling too restricting. 'I would definitely reach for this suit if I wanted to show some skin or tan, but wanted to hide my lower stomach,' Gazal said. Although the set is expensive, she thought it felt high quality enough to justify the price. Besides the comfortable yet shaping material, she found the cut of the top and bottoms to be super cute. 'As a short gal, it's impossible to find a high-rise swimsuit with modest coverage that doesn't cut me off in the wrong places,' she said, noting that these did the opposite by providing tummy control where she wanted it while showing some skin too. She also liked the plunging shape of the top, which worked well for her smaller chest and shorter frame. Although, she noted that someone with a larger chest might 'struggle to squeeze everything in.' Miracle by Miraclesuit Kai One-Piece This strappy one-piece has a built-in shelf bra, tie back and subtle ruching to complement the figure. Triolo said this full-coverage swimsuit hugged all the right places and was overall a flattering style. She liked the tummy-control compression of the nylon and spandex, and thought it was worth the price. However, the doubled straps were a bit complicated and she said she would want to avoid getting tan lines in this suit. Lands' End Tummy-Control Swim Skirt If you're looking for a bottom that provides more coverage, a swim skirt is a cute solution. This option ran a bit big, but we liked the variety of colors and patterns that you can mix and match with a swim top. Luna didn't find much compression in this style, particularly because it ran a bit big and felt loose around the waist. However, she liked that it had a built-in panty for coverage and the A-line cut would work on anyone. She noted that it's made with a heavier swim material, so she could really feel the weight of the skirt when she got out of the water. Lands' End 3-Inch Smoothing Swim Shorts We think these lined swim shorts are stylish and comfortable enough to wear all day, in and out of the water. But they left us wanting more on the compression front. Luna appreciated that these swim shorts come in petite sizes (and they're available in plus sizes too), and they had a comfortable fit. With a built-in panty, they only provided light compression through the stomach area and they didn't feel tight at the waist, so she'd consider sizing down next time. The shorts also had loose leg openings, but she liked this aspect since it looked flattering and offered more room in the thighs. 'I didn't feel it float up while swimming, which was great and added a sense of security while in the water,' she said. Does tummy-control swimwear work? Does tummy-control swimwear work? Yes, tummy control swimwear works. We found several styles that effectively shaped and smoothed our figures. During our testing, we discovered that our favorite styles had a few key things in common: a double or triple layer of material, fabric that is flexible yet firm, and flattering design details, like a tie back for an adjustable fit or ruching for added coverage. What is the best type of bathing suit to hide a tummy? What is the best type of bathing suit to hide a tummy? One-piece swimsuits are your best bet for hiding a tummy. You'll be able to find the most compression with a one-piece, and you can also look for styles that feature ruffles or a flattering neckline that draw attention away from the stomach area. If you want to wear a two-piece, opt for a high-waisted style that covers the tummy or a swim skirt or shorts that provide more coverage. What swimsuits are good for bloating? What swimsuits are good for bloating? One-piece swimsuits are going to be your friend here. Tie-back styles will allow you to adjust the fit as needed while still providing compression around the midsection. If you feel like you need extra hold, you can tighten the suit, or if it's getting uncomfortable, you can loosen it up. To find the best tummy-control swimwear, we assembled a panel of five CNN Underscored editors to try a variety of styles. Our panel included different sizes, body types and style preferences. Associate testing writer Carolina Gazal opts for petite sizing when available and prefers two-piece swimsuits, but she still looks for styles that can provide some tummy control. Editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna prefers practical, modest styles and goes between regular and petite sizing. Managing editor Rachel Quigley is a true size small and is willing to pay a bit more for flattering swimsuits that hide her tummy. Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw looks for swimwear that can give her the illusion of curves while also camouflaging her stomach area. Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo tries to find styles that work with her self-described 'unique' curves and goes between a size medium and large. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw, along with four other CNN Underscored staffers, tested a variety of tummy-control and shaping swimwear to find the most effective and flattering styles.
New York Times
16-06-2025
- General
- New York Times
We Snagged These Exclusive Deals On Wirecutter Travel Picks (And A Few Other Summer Faves, Too)
Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Hot sleepers rejoice: This cool, breathable percale feels light and crisp against the skin. This set offers a huge variety of colors and a rotating mix of hip prints. The long-staple cotton construction can endure years of washes and wear. $152 $138 from Brooklinen Use promo code WC27 (queen) Other things to know: Oeko-Tex certified. Set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. 365-day return policy. Deal price is for queen, but all sizes are 27% off with code WC27 (remove any existing codes first). Read more: Our Favorite Printed Sheets 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set (Queen) With a durable construction that only gets softer with each wash, it's no surprise these supple sheets have been one of our favorites for years. They remain the most crisp and breathable percale sets we've tested. $169 $144 from Other things to know: Percale can feel too textured to those who prefer smooth, drapey sateen sheets. Not Oeko-Tex–certified. Set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. One-year return policy. Code WCSUN15 can apply to all sizes, and all sizes qualify for free shipping. Read more: The Best Cotton Sheets Cultiver Linen Sheet Set Linen sheets can be a game-changer for hot sleepers, and our longtime favorite set is durable, breathable, and one of the softest we've tested. The set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases, but you can also purchase by the piece. $445 $351 from Cultiver Use promo code WCSUMMER (queen) Other things to know: Like any linen sheets, these wrinkle very easily. More limited sizing than other brands. No warranty, and a pretty standard 30-day return policy. Deal price is for the queen size, but all sizes are discounted with code WCSUMMER. Street price has risen in recent months. Read more: The Best Linen Sheets Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra (Pack of Three) Other things to know: We wish it came in more sizes beyond 32A to 42F. Straps are thinner than our other picks, and for those with heavier breasts, may dig into shoulders. Add three bras to cart and use code WCSUMMER to get the discount on the tan, brown, or black colors, plus free shipping. Read more: The Best, Most Comfortable Bras Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette The thoughtful details of its wire-free pull-on design and adjustable straps make this comfy bralette tough to beat. The silky, pleasantly stretchy microfiber fits like a second skin, and the plunging neckline and low back worth with a variety of tops but still provide ample coverage. $45 $27 from Harper Wilde Other things to know: Medium support may not be substantial enough if you have heavier, larger breasts. Lacks full nipple coverage. Doesn't provide much shaping. Available in sizes XS to 5XL. On sale in steel and tan with code WCSUMMER. Read more: The Best, Most Comfortable Bras ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra This pretty plunge bra is a sexy, supportive option offering outstanding comfort. It comes with removable push-up pads for a little extra oomph and is available in larger band sizes and half sizes. Other things to know: May not be supportive enough for larger busts. Sizes AA to H cup (including some half-cup sizes) and 32- to 44-inch band; not every cup size is offered for every band size. On sale in rose dust, amethyst, or coral with code LUV-WIRECUTTER. Read more: The Best Bras Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton Boxer Briefs (Pack of Three) Other things to know: Waistband is as close to perfect as we've found, but did roll in certain situations. Machine-washable. Comes in sizes XS to XXL, with a 5-inch inseam. Use code PR-WCTRAVEL to get the deal price for a three-pack. Read more: The Best Men's Boxer Briefs Editor's note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter's expert-approved picks. This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow. Here's what the Wirecutter Deals team is looking for when they hunt for the best prices on Wirecutter picks every day of the week. The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long.
