As a plus-size woman, you should wear whatever swimwear inspires the most confidence and then head out to the pool to work on your tan. What are some swimwear styles you can rock this summer?
Although plus-size women usually wear one-pieces or tankinis at the beach (whatever covers the most skin, really), you can also try trendy swimwear like monokinis, retro swimsuits, bandeaus, and triangle bikinis. The key is buying swimwear that fits to avoid unwanted lumps and bumps.
Don’t believe us yet? Then wait until you read this article. Ahead, we’ll go through each popular swimwear style and show off some plus-size swimsuits to shop. We’ll also provide handy tips for ensuring you’re the belle of the beach all summer long.
Plus-Size Swimwear Styles to Try This Summer
Triangle Bikinis
Let’s start with what by far is the most daring swimsuit of all, the one that many plus-size women can’t bring themselves to wear. We’re talking, of course, about the triangle bikini. We recently wrote a post on plus-size triangle bikinis that was like a love letter to finding your self-esteem and wearing what you want to the pool.
Yes, triangle bikinis indeed leave nothing to the imagination, so it will take a high degree of confidence to pull this look off. Once you fall in love with a sexy triangle bikini that fits your curves though, you’ll be eager to wear it.
We’re pretty obsessed with this Swimsuits for All triangle bikini set, which is available in sizes up to 24. The top features self-tying straps and foam cups that you can take out if you want less padding. The low-waisted bottoms are triple-stringed for extra reinforcement. This bikini set is available in all black and all white, but you can buy both and then mix and match at the beach!
Tankinis
As we mentioned before, the tankini is no stranger to plus-size women. Offering more mid-section coverage than a standard bikini, tankinis can be like a second skin or looser depending on your preferences. A flowy tankini top creates a flattering silhouette that will let you get used to showing more skin in the summer.
We like the EVRI twist front tankini from Kohl’s. This spandex and nylon swim top includes a shelf bra built-in, yet the tankini is designed in such a way that you won’t show off much cleavage. You can also adjust the straps for a perfect fit. The twist front detail and the bright floral pattern are ideal for focusing the eyes away from your shape. This top is available in sizes 0X through 4X.
We also love this underwire seersucker relaxed tankini from Cacique, a Lane Bryant brand. The power mesh lining is lightweight so you can get this tank wet without feeling weighed down. The lining also keeps the suit in one place so you don’t have to stress about wardrobe malfunctions. The hidden bra with an underwire will keep your chest contained. We can’t get enough of the little keyhole in the front!
One-Pieces
Most women think of one-pieces and are reminded of gym swimming outfits. You know, bland, single-colored, lifeless swimwear. Fortunately, today’s one-piece swimsuits are so much sexier and playful than that.
Take, for example, the Ashley Graham Boss underwire one-piece from Swimsuits for All. With Power Mesh tummy control and a full bottom, you’ll love that it covers trouble areas but lets you show off some skin elsewhere. The front has lattice details on the sides as well as triangular chest cut-outs that are very chic. Front shirring keeps your silhouette looking great. The hidden underwire bra includes padded cups that you can take out. This one-piece is available in sizes 4 through 24.
Monokinis
Once you adjust to some of the more skin-baring plus-size swimwear out there, you can easily shift into wearing monokinis. A monokini, if you’re not familiar, is like the bridge between a one-piece and a bikini. Monokinis usually feature more cutouts, especially on the sides and the back, so it’s like you’re wearing a bikini, but your swimsuit is still a single piece.
The Sea Angel Floral women’s open halter one-piece on Target counts as a monokini for certain. With sizing starting at 1X through 3X, this adorable swimsuit has plenty of coverage. The top, so to speak, features a pink and red floral pattern on a yellow base with a wide front keyhole that shows off a large sliver of your tummy (but not too much). The bottoms are high-waisted and solid black with full coverage around the back.
High-Waisted Bikinis
Speaking of high-waisted bikinis, they’re a plus-size woman’s best friend. Even if you’re showing off more skin up top, the tummy control of a high-waisted bottom creates balances and helps you feel good about yourself when you look in the mirror. High-waisted bottoms can be cheeky or offer full coverage if you have a larger rear and want it hidden.
We’re huge fans of this Dearlove bikini set on Amazon. The cute bikini top offers moderate coverage with its built-in tummy control and bra style. Crisscrossing straps across the chest act like a cleavage shield so you don’t have to worry about spilling out of this one. The top secures via hook and eye closures around the back, so you’d wear it like you do your everyday bra.
The high-waisted bottoms are semi-cheeky. The comfortable and stretchy material used to make this swimsuit means you won’t have to stress about it shifting down uncomfortably if you go for a swim. You can buy the Dearlove bikini set in a starry pattern, a black and white splotchy pattern, a floral pattern, or solid black. The available sizes are large through 3X.
Retro Style
What’s old is new again, and that’s true of plus-size swimwear as well. Feel like Marilyn Monroe when you strut your stuff on the beach in a retro swimsuit. The good thing about retro styles is that they tend to cover up a lot more skin than today’s swimwear does. Plus, you’ll look totally on-trend!
The Corrine halter sheath swimsuit from Unique Vintage has a classic silhouette that you’ll love. The lined mesh skirt covers your rear (and cellulite). Padding at the bust creates the vintage shape you’re going for while a tummy control panel keeps you looking streamlined. Made of spandex and nylon, this one-piece comes in sizes 1X through 5X. You can choose from a vintage blue with white polka dot pattern or try something like yellow with white polka dots, blue or red gingham, or a tropical hibiscus pattern with pops of red throughout.
Rashguards
Nope, rashguards aren’t only for surfers! If you read our post on plus-size rashguards, you’d know these make a great swim top if you want to prevent sunburns, do more strenuous aquatic activities, or cover up your tummy without feeling self-conscious all day. Many rashguards include built-in UPF protection and are available in sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved styles.
The Lands’ End plus-size crewneck long-sleeved rashguard is soft and light so you won’t start sweating in the summer the moment you step outside. The Lyrca spandex (9 percent) and nylon (91 percent) rashguard includes UPF 50 protection so the sun can’t burn you through your outfit. You can also choose from so many fun colors and patterns that will guide the eye away from your thighs and stomach.
Short-Sleeved Swimwear
Outside of long-sleeved plus-size swimwear like rashguards, you can also shimmy into a short-sleeved bikini top. When combined with a high-waisted set of bottoms, you’ll look casually cute yet ready for the beach or pool anytime that a friend calls with sudden summer plans.
We like the watercolor floral high-waisted bikini set from Torrid. The top has flouncy short sleeves and a surplice neck. With light lining, wire-free padded cups, and UPF 30+ protection, there’s plenty to love. We didn’t even get into the best part of this cute wrap top: the colors! The watercolor florals feature such hues as bright pink, teal, purple, and orange.
The high-waisted bottoms boast a front knot detail that dresses up these cute bottoms even further. The UPF 30+ protection is another great feature, as is power mesh lining for contouring and flattening your stomach, hips, and rear.
Bandeau Bikinis
Bandeau swimwear never goes out of style. Although it can be risky as a plus-size woman to not have any straps supporting your breasts, especially if you have a larger chest, many bandeau tops are supportive enough that nip slips don’t have to be on your radar. You can focus more on having summertime fun.
The Xhiliration blue tie-dye bandeau bikini set from Target is a great one to add to your collection. Available in sizes 14W through 26W, the bandeau bikini top is longline to offer more coverage and support. The top comes with removable straps as well as padded cups. The sky blue tie-dye pattern is super pretty.
The matching bottoms are high-waisted. You can shop sizes up to XL. The hipster fit of these bottoms combined with their higher front leg openings are pretty cheeky, but you’re not displaying an uncomfortable amount of skin.
Bra-Style Bikinis
If bandeaus make bustier plus-size women shy away, then you need a bra-style bikini with underwire, lift, and support. You’ll feel like you’re wearing your regular bra, but you know, one that can actually get wet. Yet bra-style bikinis don’t look enough like lingerie for you to feel uncomfortable hanging out with friends or family at the pool.
Lively’s Busty Bralette has a huge size range, up to DDD. It comes in a variety of patterns, our favorite being the white and sky blue vertical stripes. The nylon used to make this swim top is recycled so you can feel good about buying it. If you wanted to style the Busty Bralette as a top, no one would be the wiser!
Swim Dresses
The last plus-size swimwear style you might consider is a swim dress. Forget the idea that a swim dress has to look like grandma’s swimwear. Women of all ages and sizes have reclaimed this swim style, modernizing it in the process. If you’re self-conscious about the size of your thighs and/or rear or if you have cellulite that you’d rather others not see, a swim dress is a perfect solution.
Torrid’s black side tie swim dress is super fashionable. This swimwear is form-fitting until the middle of the waist where the skirt flares out. UPF 50+ protection safeguards your skin while side mesh lining promotes modesty. Each mesh panel has self-tying knots that you can loosen or tighten as you wish. The top with its scoop neck features lined, wireless cups complete with padding.
5 Tips for Wearing Plus-Size Swimwear
Let’s wrap up by delving into some helpful tips for looking your best in plus-size swimwear. No matter the swimsuit style you chose, these tips will certainly come in handy!
Buying the Right Size Is Everything
First and foremost, we can’t stress enough the importance of properly measuring yourself for swimwear. You should certainly know your bra size, especially considering the bra-like styles of so much of today’s plus-size swimwear. If you haven’t done so recently, you should also measure your hips and waist.
Then use those measurements when shopping for a swimsuit. Keep in mind that, like regular clothing, the sizing for swimsuits is at the discretion of the retailer. In other words, you might wear several different sizes from store to store. For that reason, we always suggest you try on one size larger and one size smaller than what you think you’ll wear.
Well-fitting swimwear doesn’t dig into your skin, nor does it create bumps and lumps. It should fit tight against your body but not be constricting. If your swimwear has gaps or roominess, then you need to size down, as what you’re wearing is too big.
Use Patterns to Your Advantage
As we’ve illustrated throughout this article, nothing guides the eye away from trouble areas more than patterned swimwear. Your whole swimsuit doesn’t have to be patterned if that feels like too much. A patterned bikini top with solid-colored bottoms is great for minimizing your chest and stomach flaws while a printed bikini can mask large hips or a bigger waist.
Wear Ruffles to Guide the Eye Downward
Ruffles, especially tiered or angled ruffles, are featured in a lot of plus-size swimwear for a reason. Layers of ruffles hide trouble spots and direct the eye away from the body part enrobed in the ruffles, which is often your midsection.
Off-the-Shoulder Tops Achieve the Same Effect
If ruffles aren’t your thing, you can always try off-the-shoulder swimwear. Someone looking at you will focus more on the areas of exposed skin than the parts of your body that you’re hiding with your swimsuit.
Shirring Is Slimming
Midsection shirring is another slimming effect you can prioritize as you browse plus-size swimwear online or in the store. Whether you opt for vertical shirring in the front or side shirring, you’ll have more of an hourglass figure when wearing your swim top.
Conclusion
There’s plus-size swimwear for every woman no matter her size and comfort level. We hope this article has helped you find a style of swimwear that fits your body and your personality so you can enjoy summertime with confidence!
