Simons
Gingham Textured Balconette
CA$29.95CA$49.00-39%
In Stock
This is a women's balconette-style swim top featuring a stretch textured gingham weave with lining, soft underwire cups, and removable foam padding for support and shape. It has adjustable straps and a 3-position hook back closure. A matching swim bottom is available separately.
- Material
- Stretch textured weave
- Gender
- female
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Color
Patterned BrownPatterned Red
Size
X-SMALLSMALLMEDIUMLARGEX-LARGE
Specifications
Balconette bra with gingham textured weave, underwire cups, and adjustable straps.
Stretch textured weave, soft underwire cups with removable foam padding, adjustable straps, 3-position hook closure.
- Material
- Stretch textured weave
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Additional Attributes
- Simons exclusive
- Stretch textured weave with lining
- Soft underwire cups with removable foam padding
- Adjustable straps
- 3-position hook behind
- Matching swim bottom sold separately
Product Insights
The Gingham Textured Balconette from Simons, in stock at 49 CAD (exclusive price $29.95 saves cross-border fees), offers upward lift from underwire and seamed cups that stay stable when wet, with a horizontal edge and wide-set straps flattering A–D+ cups. The 3-position hook closure adjusts band fit as elastic wears. Textured gingham weave and lined back hide imperfections and remain opaque when wet. Removable padding requires trimming and anchor stitches to avoid bumps; removal reduces cup volume but structure from underwire and seams persists. Underwire care includes sealing ends with nail polish and reshaping; repair with tape or stitching. Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry to preserve fabric.
Verified claims
- Lift
- Upward lift from underwire and seamed cups; stable when wet.
- Shape
- Horizontal edge and wide-set straps create a straighter neckline, flattering A–D+ cups.
- Fit adjustability
- 3-position hook closure adjusts band fit as elastic wears.
- Underwire care
- Prevent wire pokes by sealing ends with nail polish and reshaping wires; repair with tape or stitching.
- Pad edge trimming
- Trimming pads to fit and tapering edges prevents visible bumps.
- Pad placement and security
- Rolling pads tightly and sewing anchor stitches keeps them flat and secure.
- Pad care and upgrades
- Silicone inserts stay put and avoid waterlogging; warm air smoothes creased foam.
- Padding removal effects
- Removing pads reduces cup volume but the underwire and seams preserve shape.
- Value proposition
- Simons exclusive and $29.95 CAD saves Canadian buyers cross-border fees.
- Fit features
- Soft underwire, removable padding, and 3-position hook match higher-priced balconettes.
- Fabric quality
- Textured gingham weave and lined back hide imperfections and prevent see-through.
- Fabric texture
- Textured weave masks imperfections and adds dimension for a polished look.
- Wet opacity
- Lining keeps fabric opaque and non-clinging when wet.
- Care instructions
- Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry to preserve fabric.
Product record
- Title
- Gingham Textured Balconette
- Brand
- Simons
- Price
- 49 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Extending the life of your underwire swim top
- When a wire end does poke through, wrapping just the tip with a small piece of duct tape before easing it back inside forms a temporary shield that stalls further tearing; it buys enough wears to plan a permanent stitch repair.
- The blunt-cut ends of the metal underwire are the primary point of fabric destruction; dabbing each wire end with clear nail polish or silicone before any fraying starts creates a smooth cap that eliminates the sharp edge, drastically cutting the risk of the wire working its way out.
- Laying the top flat to dry is standard, but specifically pressing the underwire cups back into their curved shape while damp prevents the metal from distorting and eventually poking through the channel—a 10-second step that preserves the original bust silhouette.
- If the wire has already breached the tunnel, pushing it back and hand-stitching along the original seam line with doubled thread for 1-2 passes creates a durable containment; this repair is straightforward and can make the top functional for another full season.
How a balconette cut lifts and shapes
- The underwire follows the breast root to create a rigid anchor that locks the lift, so the top resists flattening and the center gore stays put even when the fabric is wet—a key difference from non-wired swim tops that can lose their shape after a swim.
- The lower cup panels and underwire form a structural shelf that pushes the bust upward and slightly outward, creating a natural rounded shape without the squeezed-together cleavage of a push-up—the enhancement is in lift, not in padding volume.
- The balconette cut is inherently versatile across cup sizes—on an A–B cup the structured half-cup and underwire create a bustier look without heavy padding, while on a D+ cup it supplies true upward support and centering that distributes weight more evenly across the band than a triangle or bandeau can.
- The balconette's defining horizontal cup top edge runs almost straight across the chest, and the straps sit on the outer shoulders to stabilize rather than bear the lift weight—this geometry lets the top disappear under square, scoop, and off-shoulder necklines, delivering a clean, open décolletage that a triangle or full-coverage top cannot.
Working with removable swim top pads
- If the pad's outer seam is fighting the cup pocket — a condition signaled by buckling or a visible rim when the suit is worn — the pad is oversize for the pocket; downsizing to a trimmer pad (or carefully trimming the original) eliminates internal tension and lets the gingham fabric lie flat.
- Securing the pad with a discreet hand stitch at the top and bottom corners — catching only the inner lining — prevents the pad from folding, migrating, or floating up in water, a common frustration with removable cups in underwire balconette tops during active swimming.
- Trimming a millimeter or two off the outer rim of the foam pad with sharp scissors tapers the edge so it transitions smoothly into the bra cup, preventing the harsh silhouette that can telegraph through the gingham fabric's fine pattern.
- Rolling the foam pad as tightly as a rolled-up sock, twisting it into the cup's lining slit, and then smoothing it flat once inside avoids the folds and misalignment that create awkward bumps under the balconette's close-fitting stretch weave.
- Replacing the stock foam pads with thin silicone inserts adds weight that keeps the cups from floating, holds a more natural body-conforming curve under the stretch gingham, and avoids the waterlogged-sponge effect that can make foam pads feel bulky after a swim.
- Blasting creased foam pads with a hair dryer for a few seconds expands the foam back to its original shape, eliminating the sharp folds that would otherwise show as visible lines through the Gingham Textured Balconette's stretch textured weave.
How it stacks up against other gingham balconettes
- As a house-brand exclusive, this top is not a generic drop-shipped item but a design developed for Simons, giving it a curated, proprietary edge — similar to how Solid & Striped markets its limited-edition seasonal collections, but without the brand premium.
- The soft underwire provides the bra-like lift and separation that defines a balconette style, and this structural element persists across price tiers: the £98 Marie Jo Mary Lynn Balcony Bikini Top uses underwire for a flattering lift, confirming that core support is not compromised on the CAD $29.95 Simons version.
- At $29.95 CAD on sale (regular $49), the Simons top lands at a currency-agnostic equivalent of the Solid & Striped gingham balconette's $22.40 USD clearance, but eliminates the need for cross-border shipping and duties, making it a stronger immediate value for Canadian shoppers.
- Removable foam padding allows the wearer to control cup volume; both the Simons top and the Solid & Striped balconette include it, so this feature is not stripped out at the lower price — it remains a standard fitting even at $29.95 CAD.
- The back closure uses a 3-position hook, providing incremental band-tightness adjustability — a feature that the Solid & Striped gingham balconette top (priced higher at $32 USD) does not specify, making the Simons top a more fit-accommodating option at its $29.95 CAD sale price.
- The stretch textured weave with lining gives the gingham pattern a raised, dimensional feel and a finished interior, elevating the design beyond a simple printed fabric approach.
The textured gingham fabric: what to expect
- Textured swim fabrics are prized across the category for their ability to mask imperfections and create visual depth, giving this solid-colour gingham top a more forgiving, premium look than a simple flat knit.
- The built-in stretch lining acts as a secondary light filter behind the textured weave; as an effective lining 'breaks optical transparency and limits clinging,' so even when the outer fabric stretches across the bust, the combination keeps coverage secure.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a two-piece swim set on a model: a balconette-style bikini top with wide shoulder straps and underbust seam, paired with low-rise tie-side bikini bottoms; fabric shows a small gingham check pattern and a slightly textured surface.
- Top silhouetteBalconette-style bikini top with a scooped neckline, wide shoulder straps, and a visible curved seam beneath each cup forming an underbust shape.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.14 · w 0.64 · h 0.20 (high) - Bottom silhouetteLow-rise bikini bottoms with high-cut leg openings and narrow tie-side strings knotted at each hip; the ties hang down slightly on the left side.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.56 · w 0.56 · h 0.32 (high) - Strap constructionWide shoulder straps made from the same gingham fabric, extending from the cups over the shoulders.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.12 · w 0.16 · h 0.18 (high) - Gingham patternSmall-scale two-color gingham check pattern covering both top and bottom, with visible alternating squares.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.14 · w 0.64 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.22 · y 0.56 · w 0.56 · h 0.32 (high) - Fabric textureFabric shows a subtle textured or puckered surface rather than a smooth sheen.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.14 · w 0.64 · h 0.70 (medium) - Visible seams and constructionSeam lines visible at cup bases and along edges of the bottoms and straps, indicating panel construction.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.14 · w 0.64 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.22 · y 0.56 · w 0.56 · h 0.32 (high)
Other
Studio product portrait showing a model from head to upper thighs against a plain light background with soft even lighting; image is vertically oriented and centered on the model.
- Model presentFemale model wearing the swim set, posed facing forward with right arm relaxed and left hand adjusting the left hip tie.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.00 · w 0.84 · h 1.00 (high) - Background and lightingPlain neutral light background (off-white) with diffuse, even studio lighting and minimal shadows.
- Cropping and framingImage cropped from the model's head to upper thighs, centering the torso and swimwear.
- Jewelry propSmall gold hoop earring visible on the model's right ear.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.06 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (medium)
Colors
medium brown· gingham check (brown squares)#935433off-white· gingham check (white squares)- Top silhouetteBalconette-style bikini top with a scooped neckline, wide shoulder straps, and a visible curved seam beneath each cup forming an underbust shape.
- 02
Product
Front view of a balconette-style bikini top in a small gingham check fabric with visible underwire shape, wide shoulder straps, and matching low-rise bikini bottoms with side ties partially visible.
- Cup shape and constructionBalconette-style cups with visible underwire curve and structured lower seam; cups meet at a small central gathered seam or knot at the center front.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.30 · w 0.56 · h 0.20 (high) - StrapsWide shoulder straps in the same gingham fabric, running from the top of each cup up over the shoulders; straps are flat and not noticeably adjustable in this view.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.14 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.22 (high) - Fabric pattern and textureSmall-scale gingham check pattern in two contrasting colors with a slightly textured appearance visible in close-up.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.28 · w 0.60 · h 0.44 (high) - Matching bottom detailPortion of matching low-rise bikini bottoms visible at the lower edge with side tie strings in the same gingham fabric.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.70 · w 0.40 · h 0.16 (high) - Visible seams and stitchingTop shows visible stitch lines along the cup edges and underwire channel, creating defined cup shaping.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.34 · w 0.52 · h 0.16 (high)
Other
Studio shot showing a torso-and-head crop of a female model against a neutral light background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows; image is vertically oriented and focused on the swimwear detail.
- Model and framingCropped view of a model from upper thighs to just above the head, centered horizontally; model's left arm crosses lower torso.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.06 · w 0.92 · h 0.88 (high) - Background and lightingPlain, neutral light gray background with even, soft studio lighting and subtle shadowing under the model's chin and arms.
- Jewelry propGold-colored star-shaped earring visible on the model's right ear.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.09 · w 0.08 · h 0.12 (medium) - Image qualityHigh-resolution, well-focused image with natural skin tones and no visible motion blur.
Colors
medium brown· gingham fabric (darker checks)off-white· gingham fabric (lighter checks)- Cup shape and constructionBalconette-style cups with visible underwire curve and structured lower seam; cups meet at a small central gathered seam or knot at the center front.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a two-piece swim set showing the back of a balconette-style top with adjustable shoulder straps and a matching gingham-patterned bottom with a side tie on the right hip.
- Back bandHorizontal fabric band across upper back in a small gingham check pattern, finishing with a centered back closure composed of a narrow vertical loop and hook assembly over the band.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.39 · w 0.56 · h 0.10 (high) - Shoulder strapsTwo narrow shoulder straps in the same gingham fabric running from the band over the shoulders; each strap has an adjustable metal slider ring on the rear portion.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.20 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (medium); x 0.66 · y 0.20 · w 0.16 · h 0.30 (medium) - Bottom coverageMatching gingham bikini bottom visible from the rear with moderate coverage and a thin string tie at the right hip forming a small knot and loose ends.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.66 · w 0.56 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.74 · y 0.74 · w 0.20 · h 0.16 (high) - Gingham textureSmall-scale two-color gingham check pattern on all visible swim fabric, with regular square checks forming a consistent grid.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.34 · w 0.64 · h 0.56 (high) - Fabric finishSwim fabric appears smooth with a slight sheen consistent with typical swimwear material; no visible texture other than the printed or woven gingham pattern.
Other
Studio rear-shot of a model against a plain neutral background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadows. The model's hair is down and partially covers the left shoulder area.
- Shot compositionVertical studio photograph framed from head to hips showing the model's bare back and hips centered in the image.
- BackgroundUniform light neutral background with no visible props or packaging.
- Model hairLong dark brown hair hanging down the model's back and over the left shoulder, partially covering the left strap area.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.42 · h 0.42 (medium) - Lighting and shadowsSoft, even lighting with gentle shadowing along the spine and under the band and straps, indicating diffuse studio illumination.
- Accessory not part of productGold star-shaped earring visible on the model's left ear; appears as a styling accessory and not part of the swimwear.
1 region
x 0.31 · y 0.06 · w 0.08 · h 0.10 (high)
Colors
medium brown· gingham fabric - brown checks#A46245white· gingham fabric - white checks- Back bandHorizontal fabric band across upper back in a small gingham check pattern, finishing with a centered back closure composed of a narrow vertical loop and hook assembly over the band.
Documents & Data
Q&A
2 answered- What is the thickness of the removable foam padding and does it change the outer shape significantly when removed?
- The thickness of the removable foam padding is not specified in the product details. Generally, removing the padding from an underwire balconette will slightly reduce cup volume and may soften the outer shape, but the underwire and seam construction help maintain the overall silhouette.
- What are the specific care instructions (e.g., hand wash cold, line dry) to prevent fabric damage?
- The product listing does not include specific care instructions. For swimwear with removable padding and underwire, we recommend hand washing in cold water and laying flat to dry to help preserve the fabric, padding, and hardware.