The Best Plus-Size Swimsuits for Women

Buying Guide for Plus-Size Swimsuits for Women

Why buy a swimsuit?

If you enjoy going to the beach or hanging by the pool, you should have a comfortable outfit while you’re there. Whether you want to play and splash in the water or see and be seen poolside, a great swimsuit lets you show off your curves and feel comfortable.

What should you consider when buying a plus-size swimsuit?

• Coverage: Make sure your swimsuit makes you comfortable with how little or much coverage it provides. Some of us don’t like to bear everything out in the sun’s harmful rays, so if you prefer more coverage, there are options such as shorts or even long-sleeved tops to give you extra protection. On the other hand, some of us love to lather on sunscreen, show some skin, and soak in the sun.
• Sun Protection: These days, it’s very common to find swimsuits with built-in sun protection. Commonly referred to as UPF, you’ll still want to follow the same guidelines as if you were using sunscreen. In other words, look for a swimsuit that offers at least UPF 30 protection.
• Fit: While this factor might seem the same as size, it’s not. Remember that thanks to the highly flexible nature of swimsuits, they may be a bit loose when they’re wet. This means that you can’t just solely focus on the size listed on your tag—Think about your water plans. If you don’t plan on spending any time in the water or have minimal splashing, you can wear your actual size, and as long as it fits comfortably when it’s dry, you should be okay. But if you’re a water baby who wants to spend all day in the water, you might want to go down a size so that when your suit is wet, it’s still fitting, and you aren’t concerned about wardrobe malfunctions.
• Extra Support: If you have a larger bust, sometimes it can be uncomfortable (or even difficult) to find a swimsuit that fits you just right and keeps everything covered. There are swimsuits designed just for that, sometimes even offering an underwire to help keep you supported and covered. Sometimes it’s nice to have a bit of extra slimming and support on the stomach, so some swimsuits offer tummy control.

What are some tips for deciding which swimsuit style is best for you?

This will depend on your style preferences and which suit offers the best support and coverage. While some people might prefer the coverage of a one-piece, others may enjoy two pieces, tankinis, or even monokinis that create the illusion of a two-piece but allow for more support. If you’re sporty, you might want something with more coverage so that you won’t have to worry about pulling on your swimsuit while you’re jumping off rocks into a lake or water skiing.

Our Picks for the Best Plus-Size Swimsuits

Pros: Being plus-sized doesn’t mean that you can’t rock a cute two-piece, and this flirty ruffled tankini-style bikini from SouqFone is a great option. Whether you’re trying to minimize your bust or camouflage your tummy, this comfy two-piece offers full coverage through the bust and a high-waisted bottom that’s also full coverage.

Cons: The “strategic” ruching in the waist for the bottoms adds weight, and the top isn’t very structured, so shoppers with fuller busts may find that there’s not enough support.

Bottom Line: If you like the idea of a two-piece but want more coverage, this cute bikini offers a happy medium between a cute style and coverage where you need it.

 

Pros: If your biggest concern with swimsuits is that they encourage chafing, this tankini with capris will prevent that. This rash guard set features a fitted tankini but provides camouflage for the bust and stomach. Meanwhile, the capris reach to just above the knee, ensuring maximum comfort. Choose from 26 different color ways.

Cons: The pants lack support, and the swimsuit tends to run small.

Bottom Line: If you’re focused on a more modest swimsuit, this tankini offers complete coverage for any area that might leave you self-conscious.

 

Pros: If you prefer a flirty look but still like the coverage of a one-piece, this swim dress from Hanna Nikole is a great solution. With 35 different patterns to choose from, you’ll get a swing skirt for full coverage over your stomach and hips but plenty of movement to swim. Note that this one-piece features shorts under the skirt to help avoid chafing.

Cons: This swimsuit has a lack of support through the bust. The fabric loses elasticity with repeated wears, and the straps aren’t as reinforced as they should be.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a happy medium between a cute style that still provides plenty of coverage and rash guard, this is an excellent option with 35 patterns.

 

Pros: For the plus-size ladies who want to showcase their curves, this Floerns two-piece is designed to do just that. Available in 10 different colors, this solid set features a fishnet overlay for the bikini and a high-waist bottom that helps to camouflage the belly. Meanwhile, you’ll still get a full-coverage bottom that stays put.

Cons: While cute, this set isn’t exactly designed for women with bigger busts.

Bottom Line: If you’re ready to show the beach your sexy side, this flattering two-piece is designed to do exactly that while still offering adequate coverage so you can be comfortable.

 

Pros: One-pieces don’t have to be boring, and this classic pick from Daci proves that. While it does offer full coverage, you’ll get a pretty v-neck paired with strategic mesh trim through the bust and waist for visual interest. With a wide range of colors and prints to choose from, you’ll get tummy control and quick-dry material which makes this ideal for more active wearers.

Cons: The top may lack support and structure.

Bottom Line: The added mesh trim ups the ante for beauties looking for a one-piece that doesn’t look boring.

Final Thoughts

Everyone deserves to look and feel their best regardless of whether they’re in the office or the beach. Finding swimwear that supports your frame but is still flattering doesn’t have to be a battle. Whether you prefer one-pieces, bikinis, or even monokinis, there are plenty of fashionable options to match your activity level around water.