Introducing the Lido Playsuit
Lidos - outdoor swimming pools, often situated near the sea - became popular in Britain in the 1930s. The term lido (pronounced lee-doe) comes from the Italian word for beach or shore.
As either a one-piece or separates, the Lido Playsuit is perfect for lounging at the lido or taking seaside strolls.
The halter blouse features a sweetheart neckline. Two neckline options are marked on the pattern, depending on how much décolletage you want (my versions use the deeper V). The bodice is gathered into the shaped halter band, giving visual interest as well as creating fullness at the bust. C-cup and larger also feature a waist dart to take up some of the fullness, giving a trim fit without blousing.
The culotte shorts are pleated in front and back for a wide-legged, skirt-like look.
The blouse can also be combined with different skirt patterns such as the Going Places skirt, Sightseeing skirt, Mimosa dress skirt; or make separates in coordinating fabrics to design a mix-and-match travel wardrobe.
*** EDIT: Please note, there was a grading error in the pleat lines in the shorts - the pleat became wider with each successive size, but it should be the same width in all sizes. I have updated the pattern files. If you have already printed your pattern, the only adjustment you will need to make is to the position of the pleat lines (they should line up with the dart legs in the bodice front - measure in from centre front and side seams to position them - and should fall in about the middle of the shorts back pattern piece. The pleat lines should end up about 3 inches apart) ***
Comments (20)
Oh this is darling! I just joined your Patreon and this just reaffirmed my decision to do so! <3
That’s wonderful to hear, and welcome!
I have a question about choosing the Cup size for the pattern. How do we make the determination? Do I measure my Full Bust or High Bust to align it with the Bust (A/B) Bust (C/D)....etc.?
Thank you for the update. I attempted to make mine this weekend and the shorts were way too tight and were smaller than the bodice. This was my first pattern of yours so I thought I probably did something wrong but ran out of time to troubleshoot. I'm assuming/hoping this is the problem and will fix that part soon.
It does! I did the exact same thing and only had to remake the pleats and it came out lovely & fits like a dream!
Just the sort of summerwear I've been looking for! Especially after getting caught in a sudden heat wave traveling last week. But could I rig a shelf bra in it? Could I rig one is a breathable mesh or something? Thanks so much!
I wear a convertible or long line strapless bra with mine - I don’t know how you could rig an internal bra, but it might be possible!
Love this! Going to put this to the top of my sewing list. 🪡
Yay!
Whaaaaaa!! This is absolutely gorgeous, thanks Charlotte 😊
So glad you like it 🥰
So cute! I'm excited to try this one 🥰🤩
Yay! It's definitely a summer favourite of mine ☀️
Gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to make it…thank you!!! 😍😍😍
You're welcome - enjoy!
what?! suuuper cute! i love how you went to greece just to get the right background for the pictures. that’s commitment! 😉 i definitely need to make ten of these. also would like to try making it a bathing suit. would making the same pattern for lining work?
Haha yes I admit the main reason for the trip to Greece is to photograph my Santorini print 😂 And yes, I've made some versions with a lining (bodice only): cut out the pattern pieces in your lining fabric and follow the instructions for the neckline facing, then baste outer and lining together, wrong sides together, along top edge before attaching the halter band.
Oh I love this, thank you! 💕 I’ve just been debating whether I could squeeze in a beach make for a possible holiday in Oct (I know that seems ages off but I’m a slow sewer and have a loooong plans list!) and this might do nicely! 🤩
It's a relatively quick make (and I'm also a slow sewer!) so it should be manageable!
❤️❤️❤️😍❤️❤️❤️