Coral Manila's Pop-Up in Makati Lets You Customize Swimsuits

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(SPOT.ph) This sweltering heat is enough proof that we're right smack in the middle of summer. And while you can cool off with portable fans, nothing beats taking a dip in the water in a swimsuit that fits perfectly and hugs you in all the right places. Sure, you can always use your go-to bikini that you've worn a million times (and posted on IG just as much). But the styles from Coral Manila will have you thinking twice—especially since you can design your own at their pop-up in Power Plant Mall in Makati. You'll have to act fast, though, because their stall is until May 31 only.

Also read: ICYMI: Blackbough Swim Is Now Available on Lazada

What is Coral Manila?

Any beach girlie knows the struggle of finding the perfect swimsuit style—only for it not to fit right when you try it on. You can be a small for the top and a medium for the bottom, but swimsuits don't usually come sized that way. Rarely is there an option to add different sizes of the same style to your cart. And when you're going to be walking around in your swimsuit (and taking those vacay OOTDs), it has to fit perfectly. There's that and and the fact that sometimes, you just want beachwear that doesn't show too much skin because that's what you're comfortable with. (We're all for body positivity and choices here.)

That's what Coral Manila's founders, Patricia Gonzalez and Margaux Alampay, set out to do when they started the brand in 2015. The then-new moms wanted everyone to feel their best whenever they put on a swimsuit.

"We believe that every body is a beach body—and this is why our designs are intended to be flattering on all body types. We recognize that wearing the right size is key to how women look and feel in a swimsuit. Over the years, women have come to us with their concerns regarding their sizing for swimwear, and we do our best to accommodate their specific needs," Margaux, the brand's Head of Production and Design, shares.

Patricia, Coral Manila's Head of Sales and Marketing, says the pop-up itself was inspired by how their customers would avail of their website's customization services. "They enjoy mixing and matching patterns with the different fabrics available. We wanted to take this experience offline and treat our pop-up shop like an atelier."

This SPOT.ph editor got to try the service herself at their pop-up. Here's what it was like.

How to customize swimsuits at Coral Manila

Step 1: Choose your cut

Once you arrive at their pop-up booth, you can choose the style you want from the display or from the booklet. They'll be happy to help you pick out which design you want to try on. If you want to get a headstart, you can check out their styles on their website.

I wanted to try on the Harlow (P2,450), a one-piece swimsuit that has a cut below the bust and above the belly button. It was a step away from my usual two-piece, but had a unique take on the usual maillot.

Others who picked up their customized swimsuits had theirs customized to piece together a swimsuit with a skirt. Others added ruffles to the streamlined designs for more flair.

Step 2: Determine your size

Next, you can try on the swimsuit style you choose at their mini fitting room. If the style you want isn't available at the stall, they'll get a similar style for you to try on just for reference. My preferred design, the Harlow, wasn't available in my size but the Clara (P2,450) was. I tried it on instead because it was also similar one-piece style.

While the Harlow has a straight-neck cut, the Clara has a deep V cut with a buckle in between. It still had that cut below the bust and above the belly button that I liked about the Harlow. It was a blessing in disguise, though, becase I ended up liking the fit of the Clara and ended up getting that style.

While the standard size of the Clara already fit me well, I wanted to make some tweaks to make it fit me better. They measured the swimsuit while I was wearing it so that the adjustments would be more accurate down to the inch.

Step 3: Choose your fabric

Once you've chosen your preferred style, you can then choose the fabric and color you want your swimsuit in. You can also get the swimsuit as is if you're already in love with it.

Coral Manila has a wide range of colors and fabric swatches that you can see IRL at the pop-up. They have neutral and muted colors, bright shades, and unique prints, including three handdrawn ones by fashion designer Rosanna Ocampo: Shelly Brunette, Pelican Black, and Celeste Blue.

The Blush Sand color of the Clara that I tried on was a nice and unique nude tone, but I wanted it in a deeper color. (A difficult decision that I'm still thinking about, TBH.) I decided on getting it in Chocolate Brown—a brand-new option.

Step 4: Select your add-ons

Putting an add-on to your swimsuit is an optional step. It depends on whether the style you chose has a buckle or strings where you can add their shell-like charms.

The Clara already comes with the longer, rectangular buckle which gives it a minimalist style. But if you want to add more beach-y elements to a plain piece, then the shell is perfect.

Step 5: Fill out your form

After you choose your cut, make adjustments as needed, pick the swimsuit's color and fabric, and select your add-ons, they'll then take note of all your choices.

To make it easier to envision, Coral Manila's form has a figure where they'll expertly draw on the style you prefer.

Step 6: Sit back and relax

After you confirm and sign the form with the final design, all that's left to do is wait for your piece. It takes around one to two weeks for a custom piece—so make sure to get yours done in advance before your trip.

You can opt to pick it up at the pop-up or have it delivered to your preferred address. Having it delivered would be convenient, but if you pick it up at the stall, you can still try it on and make final adjustments, should there be any.

Where is the Coral Manila pop-up

The Coral Manila pop-up is at the R2 Bridgeway of Power Plant Mall in Makati until May 31, 2024. For reference, it's right across The Grid.

For more information, visit Coral Manila's website, Facebook page, or Instagram.

Also read: 10 Timeless Black Swimsuits You'll Thank Us for Later

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