The Best Plus-size Swimwear Brands You Should Be Shopping This Summer
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As plus-size women know, creating well-fitting clothing isn't just about sizing up straight-sized items. This summer, stock up on swimsuits from our favorite plus-size brands.
These options either feature elements that make them particularly suited to larger bodies or are from retailers focused specifically on plus sizes. Keep scrolling for covetable suits that will work for any budget and style.
Beloved for their near-universally flattering swimsuits, Summersalt is one of our top options for ladies of absolutely any size. We especially love their one-piece suits, which are stylish, sophisticated and anything but dowdy. All their products are made of high-quality compression fabric that will stay put through a game of beach volleyball or a trip to the waterpark and hold up for years to come. Bonus: It's made from 78% recycled polyamide. Summersalt suits run through size 24.
Summersalt
This color block one-shoulder suit is Summersalt's most iconic, and it's pretty clear why. The suit is classy without being boring and offers full coverage while also feeling just the right amount of sexy. It comes in several color combos as well as a few solids and patterns and is also available in a long torso fit.
$95 at SummersaltSummersalt
Go fun and flirty with this ruffled number. The shoulder details are subtle enough not to seem childlike and are balanced out with a plunging neck and totally open back. Whether you opt for dots, color blocking, solids or another pattern, Summersalt also offers tons of coordinating coverups like this flowy wrap skirt.
$95 at SummersaltMeet.Curve suits are made specifically for women with, as you might predict, curves. They're available in sizes 8 through 26, and they're designed to provide maximum support and an ideal fit. Suits come in a wide range of designs and silhouettes, ranging from trendy to timeless to sweet and girlish.
Meet.Curve
If you want to show more skin than a one-piece allows but still feel relatively covered, try a suit like this one. The high-waisted bottoms are just a little cheeky in back, and while the halter top doesn't have wire cups, the self-tied neck and back straps allow you to customize the fit and get exactly the amount of support you need. The combo of solid black and bright print is great if you're going for a vibe that's fun and not too loud.
$30 at Meet.CurveMeet.Curve
On the other end of the spectrum, swim dresses are great for ladies who prefer more coverage than a standard suit. We love the trendy open-knit crochet overlay on this one — with a side slit that still provides a hint of sultriness. Underneath is a full one-piece suit featuring a shelf bra, molded cups and adjustable shoulder straps.
$37 at Meet.CurveTarget is an absolute gold mine for affordable plus-size suits, and Wild Fable is one of our favorite brands. Their suits tend to be young and on-trend, with tons of bikinis and other two-piece options. Sizes go up to 3X.
Wild Fable
Wild Fable makes the classic triangle bikini a little more unique with the wrap string detail on this bright, playful top. The fabric is super soft and stretchy and has cups sewn into all plus sizes for additional support. You'll also want to snag the matching side-tie, high-cut bottoms, which are just as skimpy as the bra top.
$20 at TargetWild Fable
This textured bikini offers more coverage without feeling overly modest. Front keyholes are a great way to give off a seductive vibe while remaining relatively covered. Plus-size versions of the top have a double hook closure in back and adjustable shoulder straps. The matching cheeky bottoms go up past your belly button, with high-cut sides that will make your legs look like they go on for days.
$20 at TargetFor a bold, dramatic look, Eloquii is the only way to go. The plus-size brand has suits through size 32 in fabrics and silhouettes that will demand the attention of everyone in your vicinity. Whether you prefer a barely there bikini or maximum coverage, there's something at Eloquii that will work for you.
Eloquii
Throw on this bright orange bikini for some true main-character energy. The halter top has removable straps and thick halter ties that fall all the way down your back. On the bottom, there's an attached side sash that adds texture and coordinates perfectly with the bra's ring detail.
$85 at EloquiiEloquii
Hey, there's no rulebook that says wearing a swimsuit has to mean baring your arms. This one-piece combines dramatic side cutouts with gauzy puff sleeves for a look that's totally unique. The entire thing is fully lined, with foam bra cups and elastic cuffs to keep everything where it should be.
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The post The best plus-size swimwear brands you should be shopping this summer appeared first on In The Know.
Originally published April 18, 2023 at 12:18 PM
The Best Plus-Size Swimwear, According To Experts
Whether you're plus-size or not, few shopping experiences stir up more emotions than swimsuit shopping. But, here's the thing: In recent years, the plus-size swim market has exploded. There are now many options, styles and fits, which makes it much easier to find the best plus-size swimwear for your body. My top overall pick is Swimsuits For All—the suits are extremely well made and you can filter by neckline, body type and other useful features—and if you're on a budget, I recommend Target's in-house swimsuit brands, especially Kona Sol, for its affordable curvy options.
The best plus-size swimsuits are stylish and supportive.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSTo choose the best plus-size swimwear, I considered the types of swimsuits most women look for—such as bikinis, one-pieces and styles that accommodate larger busts. From there, I consulted with experts (more on that below) on what brands make high-quality, supportive swimwear for curvy individuals. I also read online reviews and considered price, size range and features that specifically address the needs of plus-size bodies, to ensure the final list covered various needs and budgets. Read on to discover my recommendations, and for more advice, check out our guides to the best plus-size bras and the best plus-size jeans.
MOST POPULAR
Sizes: 0-44Price Range: $5-$139Return Policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days of ship date
Looking for a one-piece? Prefer a high-waisted bikini? Or maybe you like skirted bottoms. Whatever your needs, Swimsuits For All likely has what you need, with a large selection of high-quality suits that won't fade or fall apart after a few washes. The brand also lives up to its name by offering up to size 44, and you can filter by body type, color, style, fabric, neckline and price. The colorblock suit shown here is fully lined and has a mesh tummy-control front lining to smooth and shape curves.
Sizes: 12-30WPrice Range: $15-$154Return Policy: Return by mail or in store within 365 days of purchase
Plus-size experts praise Target for their stylish but affordable options. Most suits retail for well under $50—like this floral option with removable cups to help shape your bust and ruched detailing over the stomach and a full bottom. In addition to in-house brands Kona Sol and Wild Fable, Target also carries top-notch, on-trend swimwear from Anne Cole, City Chic, Freya and more.
Sizes: 16W-28WPrice Range: $26-$212Return Policy: Free returns and exchanges
Nordstrom carries a large variety of higher-end swimsuits for plus-size women. This suit from Artesands has ruched sides, a keyhole cutout and fun tie front. Other designer plus-size swim brands you'll find at Nordstrom include Good American, Andie, Eloquii, La Blanca and Freya. Whether you want a classic black suit or something with a bold pattern or cool design detail like a mesh panel or removable skirt, the high-end options here are solid.
Sizes: 18 D/DD-24 G/HPrice Range: $10-$204Return Policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days
For swimwear with supportive styles, lingerie retailer Bare Necessities is a go-to destination. They offer hundreds of swimsuits with underwire support for curvy figures. This tankini is the perfect example. The top has underwire cups with removable foam pads for shaping. The straps can also be converted to criss-cross in the back for additional support and lift. Finally, ruched detailing can help to minimize the appearance of a large chest.
Macys
Miraclesuit Plus Size Linked In Oceanus Tummy-Control Swimsuit
Sizes: 16W-24WPrice Range: $96-$216Return Policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days with tags and panty liner in place
Long before most brands were offering extended sizes, Miraclesuit was creating sleek silhouettes for larger bodies. While our experts noted that all of their suits are made from high-quality compression fabric, many of their styles offer extra paneling in the front for tummy control. Not only does this one-piece have that panel to create a smoother stomach area, the diagonal pattern creates a flattering effect.
Sizes: XS-3XLPrice Range: $13-$46Return Policy: Free exchanges and returns
Cupshe is a favorite for high-waisted bottoms and supportive top combos that are great for plus-size women. This option includes a top with wide, adjustable straps for support and both a tie and hook closure for a customizable fit. The bottoms go up over the belly button and have ruching in the sides to flatter. The Spandex and nylon fabric feels luxe, even at the affordable price point.
Sizes: 0-24Price Range: $95-$145Return Policy: $8 handling fee for returns within 21 days; free exchanges and returns for store credit within 30 days, as long as suits still have hygienic liners in place
While some one-pieces can feel snoozy, Summersalt's styles have details that add interest and flatter curves. The bestselling Sidestroke suit is a prime example. The one-shoulder creates a fun twist while the diagonal seams elognate the torso. Plus, the compression fabric smooths your figure and feels high-end. Summersalt also offers bikinis and tankinis in up to a size 24.
Sizes: XS-4XPrice Range: $12-$45Return Policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days of ship date
Old Navy offers mix and match tops and bottoms at affordable prices so you can customize your swim look. The collection of tops goes up to a size 4X and includes diverse styles—from bandeau tops to cropped rash guards to tankinis. This particular top has an underwire, so it will support a larger bust similar to how a bra does. Plus, the tie-shoulder feels fun for the pool or beach.
Sizes: 16W-26WPrice Range: $30-$210Return Policy: Free exchanges and returns within 90 days of ship date
For those who prefer more coverage, a swim dress or skirt is a great option— and Lands' End has a great inclusive range for plus-size women. The brand uses high-quality Lycra for many of their swim pieces, including this one. The material is resistant to the breakdown commonly caused by chlorine and also offers UPF 50, which protects covered areas from harsh sun.
My ExpertiseOver the course of my 17-year career of experience as a journalist, I have extensively covered fashion and style. I am the former editor-in-chief of People StyleWatch and was the first plus-size woman to ever hold that role. For this article, I also spoke to two other experts with expertise in plus-size swimsuits: Maddie Touma, a plus-size influencer whose swimsuit try-on videos on TikTok have racked up tens of thousands of views, and Elizabeth Sneed, a plus-size surfer and founder of Curvy Surfer Girl, a digital community committed to creating inclusivity and body positivity in women's surfing.
How to Pick the Best Plus Size SwimwearThe truth is, no two plus-size bodies are alike. And a swimsuit that works for one curvy figure may not work for another. Luckily, there are so many options out here, you're bound to find one that you feel confident in. Whether you carry your weight in your bust, your middle or evenly distributed throughout, there's swimwear that will support your curves and work for whatever activity you're doing. Here, what to consider as you shop.
Think About What You'll Be Doing in Your SwimsuitIf you plan on playing an active game of beach volleyball, for example, you'll want a different suit than if you intend to lay by the pool and read a book. If you're moving a lot, Sneed suggests making sure the fabric has a good combination of stretch and firmness. To test this, use two hands to gently pull at the fabric. It should move a little, but not so much that it becomes see-through as you pull. This is generally a good sign that a suit will hug your body and not move around too much as you do.
If you have a larger bust, you'll also want to consider something that has bra-like support. There are plenty of one-pieces and bikinis that have underwire to make sure everything stays securely in place. You'll also want to make sure you can bend over in your suit comfortably.
Look For High-Quality FabricIf you are going to spend your hard-earned money on a suit, you want to make sure it will last. "Good fabric is the number one indicator of a suit's quality," says Sneed. Again, she suggests looking for a suit that has enough stretch to glide over curves, but also some firmness. "Stretch adds comfort, while a bit of firmness helps your suit maintain its shape and lends support to your body."
Generally speaking, go for suits that are a blend of polyester or nylon and spandex. These fabrications tend to be more durable and hold up to chlorinated pool or salt water. Polyester also tends to hold color very well, so your suit won't fade.
Be a bit more wary of cotton blends. While they may feel nice against the skin, they tend to stretch out—something that can be especially problematic for larger bodies. I've found when I wear a suit that's made of cotton and I get it wet, I almost always end up with a saggy bottom.
Go Outside Your Comfort Zone"A lot of women get caught up on the idea that plus-size bodies can only wear certain types of suits—like a one-piece of tankini," says Touma. Not true. You can wear any style you want. To push your idea of what will look good on your figure, Touma suggests ordering lots of different styles—even ones you don't think will work. "I recently tried on a string bikini for the first time," she says. "It's something I never thought I could wear because of my size. But I wound up loving the way I looked in it. You really just never know what you'll like or won't like until you try it on."
While many brands use plus-size models with one very specific type of curvy body (usually an hourglass shape), you can find more inspiration online. If you search "plus-size swim try-on" on Instagram or Tik Tok, you'll find women with all different body types showing off how various styles look on them. "It can give you a really good idea on how things may look on you," says Touma.
I'm Plus-size And Did A Swimwear Haul – There Was A Clear Favorite, People Say It's A 'Barbie Dream' & I Look 'gorgeous'
A PLUS-SIZE creator has shared her latest swimwear haul, which includes a "Barbie Dream" look.
The stylish influencer showed off her curves as she modeled the various looks.
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TikTok user Armani shared her Pink Curvez swimwear haul with her followersCredit: TikTok/_armanirenee_3
Armani's followers said she looked like a Barbie Dream in the pink one-pieceCredit: TikTok/_armanirenee_TikTok user Armani Renee (@_armanirenee_) tried on swimwear from Pink Curvez in her video.
For her first look, Armani modeled a $40 orange one-piece with cutout detailing.
"Let's give it up for the swimsuit. It's got the girls looking nice and it's giving what it's supposed to give," the TikToker said.
Armani also showed her followers a $35 pink one-piece with cutout detailing.
She told viewers: "Wait, hold on. They did something with this one. This one is fire."
Finally, the content creator shared her thoughts on a $25 green bikini with a Pink Curvez pattern.
"This is my second bikini ever and I'm not mad at it. I can't wait to wear it to the beach," Armani said.
"These swimsuits are fireeee," the TikToker concluded in the caption of the video.
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Another fashion influencer shared her midsize swimwear finds for women with bigger busts.
A third content creator showed off her curves in her stylish Shein bikini haul.
TikTok users took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the haul.
"The pink one with the blonde is giving Barbie Dream," wrote one viewer.
Another impressed follower said: "You are f**king gorgeous!!!!!"
"Definitely ate these up," commented a third person.
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The influencer told viewers that she was looking forward to wearing the green two-piece to the beachCredit: TikTok/_armanirenee_
