How to Choose the Right Swimsuits for Your Curvy Plus Size Shape

Let’s Find the Right Swimsuit for You!

It’s heeeeerrreee….swimsuit season. For some of you, it is the most dreaded fashion time of the year, but it doesn’t have to be. There are more swimsuit styles for plus-size bodies than ever before. Whether tankinis, bikinis, swim dresses, one-piece suits, or two-piece suits, there are thousands of combinations of styles and colors to fit every body shape. But, how do choose the right swimsuits for your curvy plus-size shape that ALSO accentuates and flatters your body? Let’s get your measurements first.

Measuring Correctly for Swimwear

Courtesy of www.swimoutlet.com, follow the marks on the picture and the instructions below to measure your body correctly and determine the correct swimsuit size. When measuring other garments, follow my chart in my blog, How to Determine Your Plus Size Body Shape to Find the Most Flattering Clothes

To ensure your measurements are accurate, it is recommended that you ask a friend to help and double check your measurements. Be sure the measuring tape is held straight and snug (not too tight or loose).

1. Bust*/chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
   *For women, this measurement is NOT the same as your bra band size.
2. Waist: Hold the end of the tape at your belly button and wrap around your waist to the front.
3. Hip: Measure around the widest point of your hips and buttocks.
4. Body Loop/Torso: Start at inner shoulder, come down the front of the torso and go between the legs. Continue up the back to the start of the tape on the shoulder.

Now that you know your measurements, let’s explore swimsuit styles to fit your body and comfort level.

Underwire vs. Non-Wire Swimsuits

Decide upon an underwire or non-underwire swimsuit for comfort and shape. I always choose underwire. Because of the extra support, my girls get the shape and lift they need.

Top 4 Swimsuit Styles for the Curvy Plus Size Shape

According to the website, Swimsuitsforall.com, the following are the four best swimsuit styles for plus size bodies.

One Piece

1. Flatters different types of shapes.
2. Provides great hold for the body.
3. Ruched swimsuits complement the entire figure.

2. Sarong Front Swimsuits

1. The sarong is designed with an extra panel of fabric in the front that drapes loosely over the midsection.
2. Because the additional coverage elongates the whole frame, the suits provide an overall slimming effect.

3. Swimdresses

1. As a result of the flared bottom, swim dresses offer more coverage than the average style.
2. Features include a skirted bottom that glides over the hips, thighs, and rear for a stunning, but comfortable fit.

4. High Waist Bikinis

1. The silhouette lengthens the figure. As a result, the high waist bikini bottom gives off the illusion of both a longer torso and longer legs.
2. The bottom rises slightly above the natural waist; therefore, covering the stomach.

The Most Popular Types of Swimsuit Styles

Two-Piece Suit
Two-piece suits include a bust and bottom. They are either available in one uniform size or with separate sizes for top and bottom. If you have an unevenly sized top and bottom like me, it is best to shop for suits where you can buy a top to fit your bust and bottom to fit hips. I am pear shape and need a smaller size bust and a larger size in the hips. In the above photo, I am rocking a red two-piece swimsuit from Lane Bryant.

Swim Dress
A swim dress unless like a regular one-piece suit includes a flared skirt that gives it the appearance of a dress. I am wearing Roaman’s best-selling swimsuit that features a cute bow embellishment. The sheer cover-up pants were purchased on Ebay. The scarf is from Avon.

One-Piece Suit
One-piece swimsuits come in many designs with embellishments, ruffles, etc. These suits look great on any shape. As a result, they are the most popular and definitely do not need to be boring!

Tankini
A tankini is a two-piece bathing suit that includes a tank top and a bikini bottom.

Swim Bottoms

Swim Bottoms come in multiple shapes and sizes. Because of the wide selection, and based upon your modesty level, you can choose from bikinis, high waisted, swim capris, and swim pants. High-waisted bottoms are great for providing extra support for the larger mid-waist. The swimwear shown are from Swimsuits for All.

Swim Pants

Swim pants are wonders for those who do not want to show their legs or need extra support. They are chlorine-resistant, colorfast with lots of Lycra. We LOVE Lycra! As a result of the stretchy water-friendly material, these swim bottoms are suitable for full immersion in water! From shorts to capris to full leggings, they are ideal for a super sleek and smooth look. The following swimwear shown are from Swimsuits for All.

Unitards

Unitards are onesies that are colorfast and chlorine safe. Pictured is the Rio Aquatard Swimsuit by On the Plus Side.

No matter the style, when you choose the swimsuit for your curvy plus size shape, you should feel confident and beautiful on the beach, in the swimming pools, or just lounging in the sand.

Cover-ups

Don’t forget the cover-up for lounging on the beach or indoor wear. Whether tops or pants, cover-ups provide great style for those who just want to lounge on the beach and look fantastic. My sheer pants cover-up was purchased from Ebay. Don’t forget this retailer for great buys.

Magicsuit Swimwear

I want give a special mention to Magicsuit and Miraclesuit swimwear. Magicsuit promises to make you “Appear Sleeker, Slimmer in Seconds®.” Their brand, the Miraclesuit offers similar results with a “Look 10 lbs Lighter in 10 Seconds™ tagline. Magicsuits carry sizes up to 24W. Their brand is pricier than most others with a retail tag of approximate $192 for the romper.

Tips for Large-Busted Women

If you have a well-endowed bust, consider swimsuits that are underwired and sized by cup. As a result, you will experience more support and greater lift.

Check out these Great Stores For Plus Size Swimwear (in alphabetical order)

Now, that you know how to shop and what to shop, you need to know where to shop. Below are a few retailers with some of the largest selections of swimsuits for your curvy plus size shape. As a result, you will be beach ready in no time.

1. Ashleystewart.com
2. Barenecessities.com
3. Eloquii.com
4. LaneBryant.com
5. Modcloth.com
6. Plusbathingsuits.com
7. Rebdolls.com
8. Roamans.com, Jessicalondon.com and Womanwithin.com (all a part of fullbeauty.com)
9. Swimoutlet.com
10. Swimsuits forAll.com
11. Torrid.com
12. Venus.com

Call to Action

It is swimsuit time. Because it cannot be avoided, just follow the instructions above to measure your bust, waist, hips, and torso for the best swimsuit fit. Choose a style that is flattering to your shape and taste. Use this guide, and whether you choose bikini or unitard, you are going to look fabulous. Be sure to share pictures below and let me know where you are rocking your curves!

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