5 Best Plus-Size Swimwear to Fill Your Summer Wardrobe With Style
Updated: Apr. 22, 2024
I tried many selections to determine the best plus-size swimwear on the market this summer.
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Summer is about moving around and having fun, and you can’t do that without the best plus-size swimwear. Fringe, mesh and color make for a fun swimwear collection that helps you build a standout wardrobe for your June through August activitiesâand beyond. As a plus-size woman, I decided to do the research and personal testing to find the bathing suits worth your money.
I tend to wear the majority of my swimwear to lounge around beaches and private pools during the summer and visit spas and rooftop pools in the off-season. It’s important for me to feel comfortable swimming laps without worrying about any outfit mishaps. I also always try to have a few modest bathing suit picks on hand that I can wear when babysitting the little people in my life and chatting with my neighbors. Just like plus-size shapewear and plus-size dresses, the best plus-size swimwear now has more options than ever to suit any water-based scenario.
Best overall plus-size swimwear
Daci One-Piece Mesh Cut-Out Swimsuit
Pros:
- Well structured and comfortable
- 31 color and design options
- Affordable
- Easy to pack and versatile
- Mesh doesn't get caught on anything
- Available in sizes small to 28 plus
Cons:
- Clasp can be tricky
- Hand-wash only
Ready for a plunging neckline that doesn’t expose more than you bargained for? The Daci one-piece with mesh inserts is for you. This high-necked swimsuit is thoughtfully designed and can stand up to fun in the water. I wore it on a high-speed boat ride and the clasp stayed secure even as I ran up and down the boat’s stairs, hung off the side and hung off the back, trying to snap photos and videos. It would only come undone once I made an effort to remove it.
The clasp also hasn’t tarnished after several washes. Its mesh is surrounded by strong panels that hold it together, allowing it to look as good as new after those washes. The portion underneath the arm reduces any jiggle or slippage, and the chest area is lined well without being overly padded. Connecting panels keep the back area held together tightly as well.
The Daci one-piece is available in sizes small to 28 plus and 31 colors and designs. It’s a smart option for everyday wear that I’ll be enjoying all summer long. Now all that’s left to do is snag my favorite swimsuit cover-up, sunglasses and sun hat,
Best budget plus-size swimwear
Eomenie One-Piece with Ruffles
Pros:
- Affordable
- Machine washable
- Easy to get in and out of
- Trendy color blocking
- Available in 22 colors
- Available in sizes small to 22 plus
Cons:
- Ruffles can get caught underneath the middle portion
- Hard to fold
Amazon is filled with swimsuits, including the budget-friendly Eomeni one-piece. It has major personality and the ruffles give it a girlish flair. Not only is it comfortable, but thanks to the elastic material, putting it on and off doesn’t require much effort. While some swimsuits have cut-outs that are more intentionally sexy than cute and casual, the lack of drama here works really well.
Its high back is both comfortable and compatible with a range of summer outfits. There’s slight ruching in the front that helps ease the wearer into showing skinâso those who are looking to branch out without leaping into something more skimpy than they’re comfortable with will love this option. The cut-out is not exaggerated, as it’s more than a peekaboo or a keyhole.
The best part about this tummy-control swimsuit is it goes all the way up to a 5X. That’s two full sizes above most plus-size retailers. There are also more than 20 colorways available, providing selections for every palette preference. I prefer color-blocked shades, but it also comes in lively prints like Dalmatian and tropical.
Most supportive plus-size swimwear
Summersalt The Sidestroke
Pros:
- Supports every area of body
- Full coverage bottom
- Modern design
- Retains shape after washing
- Available 12 colors
- Available in sizes 0 to 24
Cons:
- Material takes a while to loosen up
- Not super easy to get in and out of
The Summersalt Sidestroke swimsuit has been labeled a “unicorn” by many in the fashion industry, but it reminded me of the energy of a little black dress. It is elegant, comfortable and stylish. I tried the Lava & Hibiscus & White Sand color option, but I plan on also purchasing the Olive, Sea Urchin and Seaweed & Seaglass & White Sand options, too, because I love The Sidestroke that much.
Similar to Spanx Swimwear, it supported every area of my body, and no cups were floating around that I had to fish out of the chest area. The size range goes up to size 24, and there’s a long-torso style that adds an extra 1.75 vertical inches to the body of the swimsuit. And once you find your perfect size, you’ll be happy to know that the suit retained its magnificent shape very well after washing.
The Sidestroke doesn’t sacrifice color or fun for its minimalist shape. Instead, the added control panels create their own interesting silhouette, which I have rarely seen on the market. Its lower-back portion was not forgotten in the design, eitherâthe interlocking panels meet right at the cusp of the fuller-coverage bottom. This also comes in a bikini option, but the one-piece is a serious winner.
Best bikini plus-size swimwear
Uniarmoire Two-Piece Fringe Swimsuit
Pros:
- Bikini with fringe for added coverage
- Supportive straps
- Full-coverage bottoms
- Available in five colors
- Affordable
- Available in sizes medium to 4XL
Cons:
- Some fringe material fell off after a few wears
Between the fringe and the electric colors, this Uniarmoire two-piece swimsuit really stands out. It’s bright,and it contrasts well with any other primary color. I was surprised at how potent that color was, considering the low price point.
I was particularly impressed with the bust support on this suit. When I put it on, it felt like putting on a traditional underwire bra. I wore it to the pool and the beach, and there wasn’t one moment when I worried about having a wardrobe malfunction. It didn’t feel like it was digging into my skin, but I was always acutely aware that I was wearing it because it was snug without being uncomfortable.
I wasn’t thrilled that when I was playing around in the water I got a few pieces of fringe to the face. I also was slightly disappointed that a few tassels fell off after the third wear, but even after that, their absence was not notable (I experienced the same instance with higher price points in the past, so it might just be a fringe thing).
Best plus-size swimwear dress
Cacique No-Wire Wrap Swim Dress
Pros:
- Modest coverage
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Can be tied in multiple ways
- Easy to get in and out of
- Machine washable
- Available in sizes 10 to 40
Cons:
- Limited colors
I don’t wear swim dresses often, but when I do, I prefer that the extra fabric feels like it’s there to accentuate my figure and not obscure it. The sheer material on this Lane Bryant swim dress felt like it was there to adorn my body. I loved how it flowed but didn’t get caught on anything. I also appreciated that the fabric could be twisted into a bow or sash in the front or the back of the swimsuit.
The width of the straps was a huge selling point with this best plus-size swimwear. Not everything needs to be a spaghetti strap, and I appreciated that this settled into my shoulders without getting twisted or tangled even once. I will be turning to this suit for all of my family activities this summer.
While I love that it’s available in up to a size 40, there are only three colors available, so if tropical navy and animal confetti pink aren’t your thing, you’re stuck with black. Luckily, I’m from New Jersey, so the fluorescent cheetah is one of my four food groups. I’ll definitely be buying another one of these to pair with some chic sandals for women.
What to look for when buying plus-size swimwear
Consider your lifestyle and your plans when selecting swimwear. Just because something is flattering doesn’t mean that it’s practical for you. It’s unlikely that most people will be wearing the same swimsuit on a catamaran in Tulum as they will on a Disney Cruise or to their local community pool. Think about the clothing you’ll wear over the swimsuit, how quickly you’ll need it to dry and how long you need it to remain comfortable.
Types of plus-size shapewear
- One-piece swimsuits are practical, as they’re easy to slip on and will remain in place during summer activities.
- Bikinis are two-piece swimsuits that tend to show more skin. They’re a nice pick for lounging by the pool or going for a swim, but try moving in it before committing to wearing in more extreme water sports.
- Swim dresses start like a regular one-piece and have extra fabric at the bottom to make the final look appear to be a dress.
Why you should trust us
I am a lifelong plus-size shopper who loves swimming, and I’ve been wearing plus-size swimwear since I was a pre-teen. I’m a frequent traveler who rarely agrees to stay somewhere that doesn’t have a rooftop pool. I occasionally take water aerobics, as well.
I’m deeply familiar with the market for plus-size swimwear and how it has changed. I’m also a seasoned commerce writer who has written on plus-size fashion for over 10 years at sites like HelloBeautiful, MadameNoire and Stylish Curves. I prioritize affordability and value in my selections. I have learned a great deal by witnessing the plus-size market evolve and regress and evolve again over the years. I make it my mission to try any product I am considering multiple times so that I can verify it works in multiple scenarios.
How we found the best plus-size swimwear
The Reader’s Digest team started by researching the essentialsâfabric material, design and costâto find the buys worth your time and money. Then, we researched the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we did the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product and if it stands up to the test of time.
We tested the chosen selections in various environments and settings, including gym pools, Brazilian rooftops and speed boat rides. We stretched in them and rocked them underneath cover-ups and leisure wear. After testing eight bathing suits, we narrowed it down to the top five best plus-size swimwear.
FAQ
What style of bathing suit is the most slimming?
If you’re looking to minimize your figure, an illusion suit with cutouts is always your best option. These one-pieces feature strategic mesh portions that accentuate your figure without exposing it. Some swimwear has tummy-control technology, too.
Is it better to size up or down in swimsuits?
While it’s tempting to size up in swimsuits to have room to maneuver, it’s not recommended. Don’t size up or down when it comes to bathing suits: Wear what fits. Opting for a larger size can result in awkward gaps that can cause body parts to spill out or flop around. Choosing a smaller size can cause fabrics to rip and strings to pop. Pick the size that leaves you feeling comfortable in a snug, yet secure, swimsuit.
Originally Published: May 04, 2022
