Bathing suit shopping is frustrating for almost everyone, and for us plus size women, it’s a wild hunt to find something that gives us the coverage, support, and size range needed. While inclusive Swim options have slowly gotten better over the years, the same progress can’t be said for those who fall into the extended plus range, over a 22/24. I fall into this category as a size 26/28, and the number of websites I’ve visited that shout INCLUSIVE SIZING literally don’t include me. Looking at you, Summersalt with your “Every Body is a Summersalt Body” campaign. Bodies don’t stop at a size 22.
I’m very salty about it, because even though I’m constantly let down by companies and their “inclusive” size marketing, I still get a tiny bit of hope looking at their sites. I’ve got money to spend and a vacation on the calendar, so I’m frustrated about the serious lack of Swim Options in extended plus.
Sidenote: If you’re someone who is in a smaller body and has more options, please use your voice to call in brands that haven’t extended their sizing to fit more bodies. Also, if you’re a content creator and blogger promoting swim brands, please consider including some that offer extended sizing, and please call out the size range and not just say they have plus sizes. I think many people would be surprised at how few options there are.
After a lot of research and shopping, I’m sharing some plus size swimsuit options. All brands in this list go to at least a size 26W.
Alpine Butterfly Swim
Ultra sexy, unique suits in a wide range of sizes – XS (2/4) to 6XL (32/24). These are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, and styles can sell out quickly once they release a collection. I’m currently coveting this sequin set, plus a green and pink collection they’ve been teasing on social media all week. I own 1 set from them, but haven’t had the guts to wear it outside yet – it’s the bikini top in the bottom right of this photo. 🔥 I wear the size 5XL in this brand.
Avenue
While they don’t have stores anymore, Avenue does have a pretty robust online offering up to size 32. Their swimwear ranges from sport to swim dresses to tankinis. Also on their site are City Chic swimsuits (they’re sister brands), but they only go to a 22 at highest.
Curvy Beach
String bikinis and one-piece tank styles in solid colors and a few prints. Available in sizes S-4X (24/26). My friend Lisa of @mustangsallytwo has featured this brand a few times, but I’ve not had the opportunity to try them yet. They sell out quickly, so if these are styles you like, sign up for their email list to get alerts about new inventory.
Dia & Co
Previously known as a styling service/box, Dia & Co now has direct purchasing of styles available for non-styling customers. This year, they unveiled swimwear collaborations with multiple brands, some of which go to a size 30. I was really excited to see that this collection included Andie Swim, a company whose styles I love, but unfortunatley doesn’t actually make my size – their normal collection goes to a 22 in select styles. I purchased the Andie Swim Mykonos one piece in a size 30 from Dia and really, really hope they offer more styles next year. It’s more revealing than I usually wear, but I also feel chic an sexy in it.
Dia also partnered with Nomads Swimwear, Wild Isles, Kitty & Vibe, although Nomads is the only one of those 3 that extends past a 24. Nomads also has their full line of XS-5X on their own website, independent of Dia.
ELOQUII
For great suits with unique details, ELOQUII goes to a size 28W. They do tend to sell out quickly so we’re at the end of their season right now, but still some good options. I appreciate their fun details like frilly shoulders, creative cutouts, bold colors, and fun prints.
Juno Active
If you need a swimsuit that will be perfect for water exercise or lap swims, this is your place. With sizes up to size 6X (38/40), Juno Active (formerly Junonia) has high-quality suits that perform well during activities. I was a competitive swimmer growing up, and several years ago when I took up lap swimming again as exercise, Juno Active was the only place I’d buy swimsuits.
Lands End
When in doubt, I look for suits at Lands End. They have sizes up to 26W, however I find them to run generous and I have no problem fitting in them. I have suits of theirs from several years ago that still look new. They’re classic styles and fuller coverage so I never have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction if I actually want to truly lap swim or snorkel in them. They also have a wide array of rash guards if you’re looking for even more coverage. These swim bottoms (in the photo below) are probably my favorite of all time because they are SUPER high waist. I pair them with all types of tops.
Lane Bryant/Cacique
Lane Bryant is one of my first stops for nearly anything, so it’s no surprise I turn to them for swim options up to size 28W. What they really excel at are bra-sized tops that give incredible support and lift. I’ve worn a lot of Lane Bryant swim tops on vacation and am always happy with them. I do wish they had more high waist options for bottoms – this year things felt pretty low rise. Super cute coordinates though, like the photo below!
Lime Ricki
This was a new-to-me discovery this year and I am thrilled to have found it. Modest -but not matronly- coverage options in fun and vibrand prints. Sizes XXS (girls 10/12) – 4X (24/26). I ordered a couple of pieces in 4X and found them to be generous in size – even bigger than a 26/28 in other brands.
Miami Fitwear
This is the first year this brand has offered swim, and they have sizes XXS (0) to 4X (labeled as 32/34, although my measurements as a typical size 28 would just fit that.) People rave about their leggings, but I’ve not experienced them yet. My friend Alison has a great set of 16 reviews from her readers about the current collection of Miami Fitwear swim pieces. Check it out if you want a great, in-depth read of the styles and fit.
Swimsuits For All
S4A, as abbreviated, is known for having a wide range of sizes – offering up to size 38/40 – and some buzzworthy collaborations from Gabifresh and Ashley Graham. While I’m glad they have larger size options available, I do wish they would actually produce the fun/sexy styles from the collaborations up to their full size range- they typically end at a 22 or 24, leaving many of us out. A quick check of their sizes right now reveals over 1100 options in size 22, and only 18 in size 38/40. A quick scan of their Instagram comments right now also suggests some major customer service problems, so proceed with caution at this time. I had a few things in my cart but am going to hold off for now.
Old Navy
Old Navy has a good selection of reasonably priced swim options up to size 4X (28/30.) I have quite a few swim pieces from Old Navy and they’re great staples. This year, I picked up a fun zebra print top to wear with my Lands End skirt. Heads up though: Old Navy has been messing with their site a lot the past couple of weeks. Previously, there was a Woman’s Plus section. They have now combined it with general “Women’s” but you can’t filter through sizes properly. For example, there’s no longer a size filter for swim bottoms above an XL, even though they do have options up to 4X right now that I can find if I dig. I’m guessing they’re trying to integrate all sizes, but the execution has been frustrating. The number of suits I just clicked through to see that they weren’t in my size was really frustrating. Still, good pieces. Hopefully by the time you read this it will all be sorted out.
TomboyX
If you want gender neutral swim tanks, swim shorts, board shorts, etc, TomboyX has options up to size 6X. I’ve not tried their swim, but do have some of their trunk underwear in a 4X and they’re good quality.
Torrid
Torrid seems to expand their swim selection each year, and this year they had a wide range of styles from super covered up to really sexy in sizes 10-30. I fall between their sizes 4 and 5. Like Lane Bryant, they have some styles that are based on cup size, which helps if you’re concerned about support. Also big props to them for having in-store options. This year they also have some active capris and rash guards.
QVC
I’m not sure why I don’t keep QVC top-of-mind when it comes to extended sizes, but as I was writing this post I figured I’d check. Sure enough, they have options to a 34/36W. Many of their styles are one piece or swim dresses, but they have a good variety of colors and prints, along with cover ups.
If I think of any more, I’ll update this list! Anyone new on there that you hadn’t heard of before? Looking for something specific? Let me know in the comments.
