Like many women, I have struggled to find a swimsuit that fits me well. Several years ago, I spent one entire summer going through stores’ swimwear racks trying to find a one-piece swimsuit that would fit me. I finally gave up as they were all too long for me or just didn’t fit my body properly. However, when packing for our recent trip to Southeast Asia, I wanted to have a swimsuit that would allow me to move around a bit more and would be more conservative than my bikini. So I decided to give my search for a one-piece swimsuit another try, but I started my search online this time.
An online search brought me to UjENA Swimwear. UjENA offers a large array of swimwear, including custom swimsuits and an exclusive size assurance policy. The family-owned brand sells and ships swimwear internationally, but all swimwear is manufactured in the United States. Perhaps the most extraordinary thing for me was that the UjENA store and factory are located less than 10 miles from our house! It seemed like some sort of omen so I contacted Lisa, the owner, and asked if she would be interested in collaborating with us for a review. She agreed, so read on to find out about our visit to the UjENA Swimwear showroom and factory, my swimsuit choice, and my review on how the chosen swimsuit did during our recent Asia travels. Also, I am sharing the UjENA love with all my readers with a discount code and the chance to win a free UjENA swimsuit of your own!
Table of Contents:
UjENA Swimwear: The Company & People
UjENA Swimwear was started in 1984 by Bob Andersen at a time when it was a fairly novel idea to sell swimwear all year round. UjENA was also one of the first companies to introduce the idea of mix-and-match swimwear and the concept of selling custom swimwear. Beginning as a mail order business, the UjENA has expanded into the online market and more recently opened its brick-and-mortar Factory Showroom in Mountain View, California. The company has continued to stay innovative as the reigns were passed from father to daughter and Mr. Andersen’s daughter, Lisa Andersen-Wall, took over as President and Head Designer. While the company is still a family owned business, it is by no means a tiny business, having served over one million customers, offering one of the largest selections of custom swimwear worldwide, and being one of only a handful of swimwear companies that still manufactures its clothing in the USA.
Given that we live only about 10 minutes from the UjENA Factory Showroom, we were able to visit the Showroom, Headquarters, and Factory. We had the pleasure to meet UjENA’s president, Lisa Andersen-Wall, as well as several other UjENA staff members working in a variety of areas within the company. It was very clear from our visit that the people at UjENA all know each other and work closely with one another. Staff here literally work in close proximity to one another as those working in the Showroom and Headquarters can hear the buzzing of the sewing machines from the Factory area of the building!
UjENA Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest
Some of the Unique Factors about UjENA Swimwear
- Family Owned Business. Not only do father and daughter work for the company, but several other family members are also involved in the business.
- Ability to Customize Your Swimsuit. On the website, you can choose the fabric design, cut, and size of your swimsuit and you can mix and match tops and bottoms. In the store, alterations are also possible and they may even be able to design you a custom suit. For instance if you have an old swimsuit that you really love but it is getting worn out, you can bring it in and they can price what it will cost to reproduce it.
- Size Assurance: For a small added cost at the time of purchasing your swimsuit, you can purchase Size Assurance which allows you to return the swimsuit within one year of purchase for a different size of the same style. So if a women’s size changes due to changes in weight, pregnancy, etc. she can return the swimsuit (or just the top or bottom in the case of a bikini) with no questions asked and request a smaller or larger size.
- Made in the USA. All tags for UjENA Swimwear have a “Made in USA” tag in them. Each swimsuit is handcut and sewn in the Mountain View, CA factory.
- Number of Sales Outlets. Products can be ordered by mail, fax, phone, online, or in person.
Where to Find and Order UjENA Swimwear and Clothing Products
UjENA Swimwear products can be ordered by mail, fax, phone, online, or in person.
Physical Store Address/Mailing Address:
UjENA Swimwear and Fashions
1931A Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, California 94043
Phone: (800) 448-5362
E-mail: orderdesk@ujena.com
Website: http://www.ujena.com/
**Discount Code: All Independent Travel Cats readers can use UjENA Promo Code 1671 to receive $10.00 off online purchases at UjENA!**
Review of My UjENA One-Piece Swimsuit
Before going to the UjENA Swimwear Factory Showroom, I browsed the UjENA products on their website. I wanted something that would provide more coverage and would be more conservative than my bikini for traveling. I wrote down several choices and then brought them to the UjENA Swimwear Factory Showroom. Friendly Julia greeted us, showed us around, and then went back to collect all my swimsuit selections. Then we were shown to the dressing room area; there are two dressing rooms decorated in a funky retro beach theme. I expressed my concern about finding a suit that fit me given my past experiences, and Julia reassured me that they could alter one of the suits if none of the five fit me. I tried on five one-piece swimsuits while at UjENA. All felt like they were very well made and durable. It was odd for me to think that these same suits were handcut and sewn in the same building by the men and women we met in the factory as it is such a rare occurrence to actually know where one’ s clothing was manufactured these days. Interestingly, three of the five fit very well and would not need any alterations which really surprised me! I had not found a one-piece bathing suit that fit me in so long and here I found three out of five! Out of the three, I felt two actually also looked good on me, narrowing my choice to two suits. Here are four of those initial contestants:
- #1 – #G117 Navy Dip 1-PC
- #2 – #C114 Black Double Dip 1-PC
- #3 – #D104 1950’s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC
- #4 – #1035 Sexy Scoop 1-PC
- #5 – #Z105 1950’s Double Crosser 1-PC (not shown)
and the winner was #3 1950’s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC. I loved the vintage 1950’s black and white polka dot pattern which is a lot for me as I normally just go for boring solid dark colors. The halter neckline gives it a bit of sexiness while the suit still provides fairly full coverage. Best of all, it fit my body quite well and I didn’t feel like the fit could be improved. So this one was the winner for me. When I was choosing swimsuits to try on, I almost didn’t include this particular style as I thought there was little chance it would fit me well as the description says that although it can fit all body types it fits best on full-figured women. So I think I learned that it is best to try on a lot of styles because the ones I thought would fit best fit less well than the others and vice versa. While I was changing back into my regular clothes, Julia wrapped up the selected swimsuit and presented it to me all wrapped in tissue paper with a bow. A nice ending to a great visit to the UjENA Swimwear Factory Showroom.
After a great experience at the UjENA Swimwear Factory Showroom, I did not have the opportunity to wear the swimsuit again before we left for our trip. For some reason, I was worried it would not fit as well on our trip or that perhaps it would be one of those situations where it looked good in the store but not so good at home. For the first week and a half of our trip to South Korea and then Siem Reap, Cambodia, I didn’t have a chance to wear it. But then we got to Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh which had a very nice outdoor pool area and the swimsuit got to make its first appearance outside my suitcase. It still fit as well as it did in the store! T
hen later it really got tested out during our time at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam as I swam, rode a bike, read, sunbathed, and even played badminton in my swimsuit. There was one instance when the front rolled down a bit during badminton and I flashed Ethan, so I learned that jumping in the air while playing badminton in this suit can have some risks. Luckily we had the court to ourselves so it was not a big deal, but the suit is clearly not meant for more serious sports as the top is not full coverage, just the bottom. Given that I am not a very sporty person, this is just fine as it handled itself well in swimming, kayaking, and biking.
No other issues came up and it was very comfortable to wear around the resort. Pairing it with a pair of board shorts and it just felt like I was wearing a halter top. Finally, the swimsuit came out of the suitcase a third time on our trip to hang out on our cruise of breathtaking Ha Long Bay in Vietnam for some kayaking and soaking in the hot tub.
To prove it, here are the photos. Now, going back through and looking only for photos of myself in a swimsuit was not a pleasant task. First, most women feel a little uncomfortable in swimwear. Second, Ethan has no patience when it comes to taking photos and takes a lot of photos of me that are very unflattering or inappropriate as I am caught in very odd movements. Luckily, we had taken a lot of photos so here are some of the best. Some also show off the great beauty of the places we visited in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Overall, I would say that the overall experience with UjENA ranked as a 10/10. Not only did I find a great fitting and stylish swimsuit that I had searched for years to find, but there was a wide range of swimwear options, the staff at UjENA provided great customer service, and there was even the option to alter the suit if needed at the store. Also the fact that everything is made in their family owned and locally operated (at least in my case) store was also great. I think for those who don’t have the option to actually visit their store, the experience will be less personal as you’ll have to order by phone or website and the options for alterations at the store is not possible, but you’ll still have the same great selection of swimwear, ability to add size assurance and ability to customize your own swimsuit. Also it felt good to buy a locally made swimsuit and all swimsuits, whether bought in the store or online, are hand cut and sewn in their Mountain View, CA factory.
The UjENA Swimwear Giveaway
Could you use a new swimsuit for an upcoming summer trip or just to lounge around the community pool? This is your lucky day as UjENA is graciously giving away a $100 gift certificate that can be used online or in their stores for swimwear or clothing! That should get you one free swimsuit! The giveaway starts today and will run until June 25th.
THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
Congrats to reader Carla B. who won a free swimsuit!! Her UjENA swimsuit favorite was the Santiago Sparkle Swim Dress – check out other readers’ faves below!
**Discount Code: Don’t forget that you can still use UjENA Promo Code 1671 to receive $10.00 off online purchases at UjENA.**
Don’t forget to stop by and check out the great swimsuit selection at UjENA Swimwear. If you have any questions, just ask!
**Disclaimer: I was given one free swimsuit of my choice to wear and review; however, this article contains only my own honest thoughts and opinions. I did not receive any financial compensation for the writing of this post, do not work for UjENA Swimwear, and receive no commission for any sales of this product.**
Anna Thomas Post author
Thanks for this post, I need a new white one piece swimsuit!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anna, Hope you find a swimsuit that suits. UjENA has lots of one-piece swimsuits styles to choose from! Best, Jessica
Sarah Shumate Post author
I LOVE the suit you picked out, pattern and all! But I don’t have a long torso, so I might have to choose something else out like one of the banded or halter bikinis!
We are going to Spain in August and I’d love to wear this on the Costa del Sur!
Christy Peeples DuBois Post author
What cute swimming suits. I’d have to decide between Caypso, Jungle Twist, Hourglass Skirted or Sailor Stripes. I would wear it to the pool, the beach and any other event requiring a swim suit.
Claire Post author
I would wear the Summer Sizzle Cire to the beach!
Summer Sizzle Cire bikini
Amanda Post author
I also like #D104 1950′s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC. Such a cute swimming suit! I would wear it on our upcoming anniversary trip to Hawaii next month!
Mae Post author
I love the polka dotted swimsuit you picked! Very vintage and classy. If I were to win I would most likely pick the Double Crosser since it is quite unique and looks great. Imagine getting a tan like that! I would wear this on a casual beach day or by the pool
Double Crosser:
http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?vv=2&mm=G121
Jessica H Post author
All of your swimsuits are so cute! If I had to choose one I would probably go with star spangled braided bikini! I would love to be able to wear that cute bikini on the Fourth of July at New Smyrna Beach, FL!
Star Spangled Braided Bikini:
http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=183&pid=Z271&st=Z271
Tannis W Post author
I would probably choose one of these:
1950’s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC:
http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=22&pid=D104&st=D104
High Cut Monroe 1-PC:
http://www.ujena.com/13xspecials-details.php?cid=66&pid=C110&st=C110
And I’d wear it to the beach!
Mindy Artze Post author
Love the suits!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! Post author
Love the swimsuits! I lost weight and need a new suit and was thinking about trying a bikini so I’d go for the Classic Monroe Bikini. I’d wear it to the neighborhood pool and Bethany Beach, Delaware! 🙂
Classic Monroe bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=192&pid=J293&st=J293
Nancy Post author
I’d go for either the “Seventies Sport” bikini or the “Citrus Sport” bikini and wear them to the pool. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Seventies Sport bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=189&pid=L253&st=L253
Citrus Sport Suit bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=191&pid=F205&st=F205
Katie E Post author
I love the one you picked! And I also like the 1950’s double crosser. I’d wear it to Hilton Head and maybe embarrass my kids slightly less 🙂
1950’s Double Crosser: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=185&pid=Z105&st=Z105
Heather S Post author
I’d choose the Carlita Bikini and I’d wear it to Australia on my honeymoon!
Carlita Bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=184&pid=J290&st=J290
Linda Post author
It’s really hard to choose right now but I kind of love the one that you chose – it’s flattering and I like the design of the suit. I would wear it to the beach this summer.
1950′s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=22&pid=D104&st=D104
Ruya Post author
These swimsuits are beautiful! If I were to win, I would love to try out the Halter cross back tie top http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=241&pid=A202tU&st=A202tU
And the high waisted boy shorts
http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=242&pid=G321bU&st=G321bU
So cute!
I would wear my new suit to Belize, a country I can’t wait to visit!
Rachel Post author
That polka dot swimsuit looks good on you, and would also look good on me, and on any ladies here. 😉
Calli Post author
I like the tee shirt tie white bikini!
Tee Shirt Tie Bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=191&pid=Z290&st=Z290
Sarah Grace Post author
I really like the Original Sexy 1pc. I love how it has the higher cut legs (definitely necessary to add a look of length for this 5’2 gal) and the wide, cross back straps would offer great support -yet the suit still looks really sexy. Unfortunately, I am not going anywhere exotic this summer, but their will be a lot of boating in Maine and on Lake Champlain, so I can see a suit like this getting a lot of use !
Original Sexy 1-PC (customize as you wish!): http://www.ujena.com/design/index.php?sku=1071
Elle Post author
It’s so hard to make a definitive pick but I kind of love the Monroe Shaper bikini in eggplant. I’d wear this to the beach during the summer which I tend to frequent a lot since I love the sand, the sun and the ocean breeze.
Monroe Shaper bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=176&pid=L255&st=L255
Natalie Brown Post author
Hello! The swimsuit is perfect for you! I love the black & white together. My favorite from their site is the Ibiza Split Tankini. So cute! I live in Florida so, I would wear it to the beach and more often to the pool. I love the water. It’s always fun & refreshing! Thank-you!
Ibiza Split Tankini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=191&pid=D217&st=D217
Esther Post author
Ooooh, I just love the one you picked: the 1950′s Monroe Long Torso!! I am just such a sucker for polkadots and I think the shape is very feminine. This summer me and my husband are going sailing in Turkey and I just can’t wait to wake up in the morning, slip into my bathing suit and jump into the water for a morning swim. For swimming I definately prefer a 1pc over a bikini!
1950′s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=22&pid=D104&st=D104
Have a great Sunday,
Esther.
Anda Post author
Thanks for the tip. I was just looking for a nice swim suit for my Hawaii vacation.
Emma Post author
Those costumes look great, it’s so hard to find a decent one isn’t it? 🙂
Agness Post author
What a great bikini. I’ve been working out a lot these days to get ready to the beach in Portugal !!
Meghan Post author
I think the swimsuit you chose is the one I’d get, as well! It’s classic and fashionable, while still being conservative. I’ve been daydreaming recently about taking a trip to Barcelona. I’d definitely bring this suit along!
1950’s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=22&pid=D104&st=D104
Carla Post author
The suit looks fantastic on you! I seem to recall an earlier post where you where wearing it and I thought it was adorable then. I really like the Santiago Sparkle Swim Dress and I think it would be great for the pool. I like to be a little covered up but not so covered up it looks like it’s 1850.
Santiago Sparkle Swim Dress: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=181&pid=Z277&st=Z277
Jovan (@jovansjourney) Post author
Luck of the Irish bikini and I’d wear it to Jacksonville Beach in Florida since I’m moving there in a couple months.
Luck of the Irish Bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=178&pid=Z212&st=Z212
Denise C Post author
My body looks nothing like the models on their website, so I’d pick something from their one-piece body slimming section. ; ) The 1950’s Double Crosser looks good! I’d use it on our upcoming WDW vacation.
1950’s Double Crosser: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=185&pid=Z105&st=Z105
Carolsue Post author
I would pick the New Army Brat Bikini!
http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?vv=194&mm=F271
I would wear it when we go on our cruise this summer!
Meena R Post author
I would choose the Classic Camkini. It’s very cute! I would wear it on vacation to the beach or to friends pool parties. Thank you for the giveaway!
Classic Camkini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=192&pid=M207&st=M207
Ashley C Post author
I’d love the Moonshine Bikini and I’d love to wear it when we beach hop this summer along the Florida Gulf Coast
Moonshine Bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=191&pid=J246&st=J246
Madelon Moore Post author
I love the Marilyn!! I love vintage styles and prints. I would love to wear this in Hawaii next summer! How cool is it that the shop is so local!!
1950’s Marilyn Tankini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=183&pid=D201&st=D201
Shara Post author
Love the Sun and Sand slider! I would wear it to my dream vacation to Hawaii that will happen soon. GoodNight!
Sun and Sand slider: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=184&pid=M270&st=M270
Erin G Post author
I love the suit you chose! I would either go with that same one or with the La Noir Gabrielle! I am actually on the hunt for a good swimsuit because I have a big pool party coming up in a couple months and just tossed my old one…eeeep!!
La Noir Gabrielle: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=155&pid=D102&st=D102
Amy Post author
I love the suit that you chose, the 1950′s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC. and I would wear it in the Greek Isles next summer. I also like that the factory is local for me too!
1950’s Monroe Long Toso 1-PC: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=22&pid=D104&st=D104
Stephanie Lee Post author
Wow, that suit looks gorgeous on you and what a fantastic giveaway! I need a new bikini for a trip to Florida in July. I love both the La Mademoiselle bikini and the White Monroe Tankini. Would love to win the $100!
La Mademoiselle bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=185&pid=Z287&st=Z287
White Monroe Tankini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=176&pid=A262&st=A262
The giveaway is open internationally, right?
travelcats Post author
Thanks Stephanie and yes, the giveaway is open internationally to everyone and anyone:) The $100 in credit can then be applied to any online purchase. Those in the SF Bay area can also use the gift certificate in the store.
Crystelle Post author
Your swimsuit is so very adorable! It looks good on you and is also flattering and modest at the same time. I also like the Monroe but I think I would choose the Island Fever print. Thanks for the fun giveaway!!! 🙂
Island Fever bikinis: http://www.ujena.com/xsearchresults.php?search=island+fever
x Crystelle
Kate Post author
Oops… forgot to mention where I would wear it, I was so caught up in all the options. I would wear it to the Philippines and test it out on some lovely beaches there.
Kate Post author
What a fabulous giveaway!! These suits look really lovely. I haven’t had a one-piece swimsuit since my college lifeguarding days ten years ago. I’m just too tall to fit into almost all one-pieces out there (aside from a few racing suits that are just not much to look at…) . However, being able to customise the suit would certainly solve that problem. 🙂 I love the Double O Seven 1-piece suit, as well as the Classic Monroe bikini. What a hard choice though – they have so many lovely options!
Double O Seven 1-PC: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=156&pid=A105&st=A105
Classic Monroe bikini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=192&pid=J293&st=J293
darby Post author
I like the 1950′s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC, and I would wear it to the pool.
1950’s Monroe Long Torso 1-PC: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=22&pid=D104&st=D104
Denise L Post author
I love the suit you picked out, but also the Black Ruffled Tankini. I wish I could tell you I would wear the suit some place worthy of the suit’s glamour, but sadly it would probably make it as far as my local pool. Thanks for the giveaway!
Black Ruffled Tankini: http://www.ujena.com/13xbikini-details.php?cid=185&pid=Z244&st=Z244