Review: Kiniki Harry Narrow Front Bikini Brief
I wanted to try this bikini brief because Kiniki discontinued their Poly Lycra prints in the narrow front brief cut. I took too long to try them and then they discontinued them after I discovered I liked the cut. I thought they discontinued the Harry Brief, but noticed recently it was still being offered and in more color options. How Kiniki is representing their styles now with just a picture of the pair is representing this cut poorly and others I have. I think that is why I missed they were still offering this one.
Anyhow, this bikini fits with what I like in a bikini. I aim for not more coverage than a ¾ back, around an inch for side widths, and moderate coverage pouch. The Harry bikini pretty much meets those. It has what they call a half back, but I feel it is more coverage than that. More between a half back and ¾ back. The pouch is a narrow V shape, it is slightly less then what I call moderate coverage. The pouch is centered seamed and contoured. Then the sides measure in at about 7/8″. Quality is what I expect from Kiniki, so it is well made. It’s made out of 95% cotton and 5% Lycra. Then they are made in England. Care instructions are machine washable and hang to dry.
This is a nice fitting bikini brief just like the Poly Lycra version. This cut is right up my alley for a bikini brief. The back hugs the butt nicely, shows some cheek, and stays in place. Hard to ask for much more out of a back. The pouch holds me nice and snuggly and offers great support. Now this isn’t a roomy pouch, so keep that in mind with how much you are packing below the belt. With it made of a mostly cotton fabric I find it better for cooler weather for me. They keep me too warm in the summertime. I knew that when I ordered them, since I have other pairs in the fabric from Kiniki. I like the fabric because it has a bit of elasticity to it with the 5% Lycra, which gives it a better fit than 100% cotton.
I do really like the cut of this bikini brief. I wish I got more of them in the poly Lycra print fabrics before they discontinued them. I’ll at least be adding more of this pair especially with their expansion of their color offering. I think why I may have thought these were discontinued is they might have taken this pair off the site temporarily. It now says a new softer fabric in their current description, so they must have updated their fabric somehow. It is the same fabric blend as I stated above though. If you don’t mind some cotton undies in your drawer then check out this pair.
Support Rating: | 5.0 | |
Overall Comfort: | 5.0 | |
Recommendation: | Two thongs up |
Pros: Great cut and fit and a decent color selection (7 colors).
Cons: Not a real roomy pouch, but works good for me. Cotton makes it a bit warm depending on the weather.
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Have been wearing the Harry (new version) for two years. They are very comfortable.
The Gentsmart and Wonderbrief (older and newer versions) bikinis are core staples of my underwear drawer. Both great cuts with the Gentsmart skimpier on the back. I’ve not tried the Harry yet as the narrow front is not my usual style but good to hear it’s not too extreme. The photo you took here is miles better than on the Kiniki website.
I finally got around to ordering a pair (I went for the red like you did). It’s a comfortable brief on the front and despite it being narrow I had no issues. The back wasn’t to my liking though. I don’t have much experience with 1/2 backs so perhaps it just takes getting used to. Weirdly the website says the Gentsmart is 1/2 back too but I find it fuller in the rear then the Harry.
You are right, the Gentsmart has more coverage than the Harry. I wouldn’t consider Gentsmart a true half back. Probably closer to a 3/4 back. Does the Harry not stay in place for you?
Well I gave these another go and totally changed my mind. Fast becoming one of my favourite bikinis. Have just ordered a few more pairs in different colours.
Kiniki is fast becoming my go to brand! Great quality indeed and fit/and craftmanship is excellent!
You are not imagining things, Kiniki did remove the Harry range for a while while they introduced the new cotton fabric, which is possibly where the additional colours came from.
I’ve also noticed that the newer ranges are not being modelled, just the cut-out version which, I agree with you, does not look the best.
Sad to hear that Kiniki are using pictures to display some of their products rather than a real model. Does anyone know if they still produce their catalogue? I loved receiving their glossy well presented catalogues on a regular basis and there were always new exciting styles to try. I looked online recently and a lot of their collection was half price which means there are some bargains available for anyone interested in trying some racier styles for the first time without wishing to pay through the nose.
I’m guessing no to a print catalog anymore. At least they haven’t included one in my orders for years and they seemed to always throw one in.
No print catalogues have been available from Kiniki for some years – everything is online. Don’t be fooled by the 50% discount – that’s a given, but there are offers that exceed that. Personally I feel that they have lost the innovative lead they used to have – take a look at the new products on offer – different colours or patterns, non of which are modelled, with a branded or black waistband, in 5 styles, g string (black strap), tanga thong (branded or black waistband), tanga (branded or black waistband) big briefs, depending on the real size and boxer briefs (or something like). So no Bikini styles, no bikini thongs. They are still comfortable to wear, but I can no longer see what their designs look like on a real person, and the current “ pictures” don’t do justice to their products, Nate’s picture is far more realistic of the style than the Kiniki picture is. As a UK resident Kiniki used to be my go to brand offering a range of styles and fabrics at a good price with no import taxes etc, but I feel the need to look elsewhere is becoming stronger and price may longer the draw.
I agree with you. They seem to be heading more towards mainstream. Their bikini, thong, and g-string offering is pretty disappointing to me. If you go into some of the old styles they do included their old picture of a model on the product page. The photo of their contour brief makes it look like a full brief, which it isn’t. It’s a conservative bikini cut and a nice one I think. It has elastic down the center of the rear to show the butt off a bit. No clue why they would represent their underwear poorly. It is a bummer the way it looks like they are heading.
I see you point. I too do not like an advertisement! However a few good fitting have nothing on the outside(unlike Mensuas) I still miss prevail!
I too agree. A real model being more realistic(even though I dont look like those guys) One can get a better idea if it is for the reason to purchase. Kiniki does make a good product. I look forward to the reinstated Harry collection as well.