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The 8 Best Plus-Size Swimwear Options for Stylish Summer Fun
Dive in with confidence and support.
Byrdie
Finding cute, comfortable swimwear that will last more than a season or two can be difficult. If you’re plus size, the search can be even more difficult, as many brands don’t make a wide enough size range or consider how the designs translate from small to large frames. Even though the market has changed for the better in terms of size inclusivity, the selection of plus-size clothing isn’t as extensive as it could be.
Yes, there are cute, trendy options, but finding them requires a little more hunting. As Cameron Armstrong, co-founder of size-inclusive swimwear brand Kitty + Vibe, says, there are some tips and tricks to make the process easier. “When shopping for plus-size swimsuits online, look for product pages that showcase plus-size models wearing the swimsuit,” she explains. “You should see your size proudly represented and be able to trust that the brand took care in fittings for plus sizes as well as straight sizes.” If you’re looking to start your search, keep scrolling. We researched the available options, tried a few for ourselves, and spoke with several experts to ensure we’re recommending the best of the best. Ahead, find a list of the best plus-size swimsuits.
Top Picks
Andie Swim The Malibu at Amazon$112$84
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SUMMERSALT The Long Torso Sidestroke at Amazon$95
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Motherhood Maternity Maternity One Piece Swimsuit at Amazon$21
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Swimsuits For All Triangle Bikini Top at Amazon$29
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L.L.Bean Clasp Halter Swim Dress at L.L.Bean$109
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CUUP Balconette Top at Shopcuup.com
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Yonique Bikini High Waisted Two Piece at Amazon$36
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Land’s End Swimsuit Top at Amazon$60
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Best Overall
Andie Swim The Malibu
Size Range: XS–XXXL plus a long torso option as well as cheeky, medium, and full coverage bottoms options | Colors: Black, Cherry Red, Navy, +more
If you’re looking for a swimsuit that will be great for any setting, from a sexy beach vacation to swimming laps to snorkeling, this suit is the right choice. With a fairly inclusive size range, long torso options, and a range of coverage options for the bottoms, this suit is as versatile (and in a way, custom) as it is chic. Plus, the snap front means you can adjust it based on how much cleavage you want to show (or how much sun you’re looking to get).
Best for Long Torsos
SUMMERSALT The Long Torso Sidestroke
Size Range: 2LT–24LT | Colors: Deep Sea, Olive, Sea Urchin, +more
Everyone should try the Summersalt Sidestroke suit at least once. Combining great construction with fun design, the Sidestroke is one of the most popular swimsuits of the last five years, and for good reason. Summersalt also does a great job of featuring a variety of bodies in their swimsuits, which is a bonus.
Best Maternity
Motherhood Maternity Maternity One Piece Swimsuit
Size Range: 1X–3X | Colors: Black
A quick search will tell you that pickings for a plus-size maternity swimsuit over a size XXL are pretty slim. Though this is a simple option if you just want to look classic and feel confident with your bump. Plus, it’s made from UPF 50+ fabric for extra sun protection, so it’s not only fashionable but protective and functional, too—perfect for grabbing your sun hat and hitting the beach!
Best String Bikini
Swimsuits For All Triangle Bikini Top
Size Range: 4–28 | Colors: Royal, Blue Grey, Ultramarine, +more
Here’s a classic string bikini but with a super-wide size range. String bikinis are a must if you’re someone who enjoys a bit more support because they’re easy to adjust to fit your needs. This number (which has triple strings on both the top and full-coverage bottom) is entirely lined and has removable foam cups. One reviewer wrote: “The very best part of this bikini top—each cup has enough fabric to actually cover and support!! It is designed for an actual, real person.”
Best Swim Dress
L.L.Bean Clasp Halter Swim Dress
Size Range: 8-26| Colors: Black, Royal Plum
Made of breathable, quick-drying Italian fabric, this swimsuit is made of two separate parts: a complimentary one-piece suit for comfort and coverage, with a lightweight, smoothing swim dress on top. The suit is chlorine- and salt water-resistant, so it won’t fade or look worn over time.
Best for Large Chests
CUUP Balconette Top
Size Range: 30–42 band; A–H cups | Colors: Fern
No, this cup-sized bikini top doesn’t feature every bra size on the planet, but it does come in a wider range of sizes than the average bikini top, including bikinis for larger busts. You also know that the top is sure to fit well since the brand specializes in undergarments. You can choose your favorite bottoms to match and grab a cute cover-up for a chic poolside day.
Best on Amazon
Yonique Bikini High Waisted Two Piece
Size Range: 12–28 | Colors: Black, Neon Orange, Leopard, +more
Fans of Amazon swimsuits should try this two-piece that’s all about balance, comfort, and style. The V-neck top has adjustable wide straps to support large busts, while the high-waisted bikini bottoms are ruched for a flattering fit. Choose from more than 20 colorways, or buy a few of your favorites to alternate, given the affordable price.
Best Tankini
Land’s End Swimsuit Top
Size Range: 16W-26W with DD, DDD, and G cup sizing | Colors: Blackberry, Black, Navy, +more
This tankini top is a game-changer for those who hate having to apply (and then reapply) sunscreen on your midsection. The built-in bra comes with your choice of either underwire or soft cup styling as well as a compressive option that sculpts the hips and accentuates the bust. Best of all, the fabric is chlorine-resistant and has a UPF of 50 to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, wherever the day leads.
What to Look for in Plus-Size Swimwear
- Fabric: Searching for the right fabric for swimwear can be tricky. For starters, Katie Murphy, the Head of Fashion for 11 Honoré at Dia & Co., highlights a few key features to look for. “They must be quick-drying, colorfast, and have a certain amount of elastane, or stretch,” she says. “Fabric is meant to stretch to fit all those gorgeous curves and for us to be comfortable. It also needs to be able to both hold its shape when wet and to dry easily and quickly.” No matter the swimwear brand, you’ll often find most suits made from polyester or a polyester blend because it’s one of the few fabrics that’s able to maintain its color while being able to withstand chlorine without shrinking and fading. (It also happens to be the most long-lasting and durable.) Polyester can protect your skin from UV. However, cotton, spandex, nylon, and LYCRA® are also popular options for their qualities of softness (cotton), stretchiness (spandex), and quick-drying (LYCRA®).
- Construction and Fit: “When shopping for plus-size swimwear, you should look for product features that provide the proper level of support,” Armstrong says. “Some swimsuit brands include an extra layer of power mesh in between the liner and the swim fabric so the material isn’t overstretched when the breasts are heavier.”
- Design: Every plus-size body is different, so what works for one body type may not work for yours. Whether it’s a bikini or a one-piece swimsuit, it’s important to prioritize the fits and silhouettes that will make you feel best in your body. “Crowd pleasers in swimwear are one-shoulder tops or one-pieces,” says Murphy. “These work for large and small busted bodies as well as accommodate different shapes on the bottom.” But what’s most important to her is to “embrace the curves and wear what you feel best in.”
Meet Our Experts
To gain further insights on how to nab the best plus-size swimwear, we turned to the following experts:
- Cameron Armstrong is the co-founder of swimwear brand Kitty + Vibe, which sells size-inclusive swimsuits and the first bikini bottoms that are sized based on butt size.
- Katie Murphy is the Head of Fashion for 11 Honoré at Dia & Co., a plus-size clothing company that carries sizes 10-32.
Why Trust Byrdie
Olivia Muenter is a fashion contributor for Byrdie and a full-time beauty and fashion writer. Her search for this piece covered retailers of all types. For criteria, she evaluated customer reviews, size range, versatility, and style.
Madison San Miguel is a fashion contributor at Byrdie, covering fashion, beauty, and style, everything from the latest trends to the best Amazon finds.
Amanda Rosenthal
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