Best plus size swimwear: From high-waisted bikinis to vintage-inspired one-pieces
These gorgeous swimsuits will show off your curves this summer with high-waisted bikinis, beautiful prints and vintage-inspired one-pieces.
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Getting a swimsuit body is simple, Take your body. Put on a swimsuit and voila, swimsuit body.
The tricky part of this two step process can be finding the right swimsuit, especially if you’ve endured a lifetime of summers where everything seems to be designed for the ultra thin.
However, in recent years, the body positive body movement has prompted brands to expand their cozzie offerings for the curvier customer. Now extended cup sizes, flattering one-pieces, swim dresses and tankinis are kinda the norm — well, almost.
Prepare to make waves in these top picks for the swimmers available in size 16 and beyond that will have you feelin’ yourself this summer.
Artesands Delacroix Arabesque One Piece, $119.95
Specifically designed to complement and flatter fuller figures this Artesands Delacroix Arabesque One Piece is not only stylish and supportive but it’s best suited to a D-G cup size.
Artesands Arabesque Sunsafe Top, $89.95
A good option for the more modest among us is the Artesands Sunsafe Top Arabesque – your sense of style and skin will thank you!
Saint Somebody Name Of The Game, $220
Featuring a rounded neckline, cap sleeves and front tie detail the Saint Somebody Name Of The Game one piece is a seamless design that will have you smoothly transitioning from beach to bar this summer.
Curvy Swimwear Bohemian Sunset Ruched Tankini Top, $120
Gone are the days of daggy tankini tops and this Bohemian Sunset Ruched Tankini Top from Curvy Swimwear proves it. With a cute cut and built-in underwire this is an ultra-comfy cozzie that will have you feeling supported this summer and beyond
ASOS Curve Pleated Frill Crop Bikini Top, $36
Meet by the pool in this scoop neck, elasticated under-bust crop bikini with ruffle trim. Best part? No clasps of buckles for extra comfort.
Peek & Beau Curve Exclusive Frill Underwired Bikini Top, $44.80
This cozzie is basically a unicorn find in the way that it caters to curves with underwire support and adjustable straps but forgoes that pesky padding that ruins so many swimmers.
Simply Be Halterneck Deep Plunge High Leg Sparkle Swimsuit, $28.80
Simply Be goes in for the kill in this fierce Plunge neck, high-cut leg one-piece made of glitter swim fabric that’s soft and stretchy.
Calvin Klein Plus Logo Cut Out Bikini Top, $100
In Calvin Klein tradition, this scoop neck cut-out detail bikini top and matching shorts has the minimalist chic stamp of approval this swim season.
WeWoreWhat Danielle One Piece, $190.61
On the luxe end of the scale this vintage-inspired WeWoreWhat Danielle One Piece is sure to be a big hit with the busty customer thanks to the structured bodice and waist snatching belt feature.
Normani Kamali Twist Mio One Piece Swimsuit, $171.06
With a flattering gathered front twist this chic Norma Kamali suit is a stylish option for your Slim Aaron’s inspired pool party. Pair the look with a chic sarong cinched at the waist and some glam cat-eye glasses, and you’re done.
Marvell Lane Emelie Bikini Top, $189
Featuring a floral print and bust tie detail, you can channel your inner Sophia Loren in this Marvell Lane Camilla suit. With full-coverage style and adjustable straps, it’s designed for the buxom woman in mind.
Lily and Lime Fleurs Aqua Underwire Halter, $80
If you’re after a bikini but want full coverage, as well as, underwire for lift and shape then the Lily and Lime Fleurs Aqua Underwire Halter is your go-to style. With broader cup capacity than other styles it’s also great to manage your monthly fluctuations in the bust.
The One Thing Designers of Busty Swimwear Need to Nail, According to A Busty Swim Designer
Given that the average size of an Australian woman is a 14 the global plus-size apparel market is worth an estimated $US165.2 billion, according to data from Statista, many swimwear brands are keen to dip their toes into the pool of more inclusive designs and extended sizes.
But, according to swimsuit designer Rachael Calvert, founder of Byron Bay label Marvell Lane Swimwear, brands who want to squeeze into that growing market need to understand one fundamental thing.
“Fuller busted women often get classified as ‘plus-size’, when in fact it’s swim designers not fully understanding that often women aren’t larger overall,” Rachael explains to news.com.au. “They merely have curves and require additional support in some areas of a garment and not in others.”
Rachael says the most “complex” issue both designers and consumers need to get their heads around is to make sure they’re investing in the right swimmers is bra fit.
Looking for one-piece swimwear? Find our roundup of best picks of the season here.
And if you’re looking for more styles ideas and fashion staples, check out our Best Of Fashion section
Jessica Vander Leahy is a model, writer and the founder of Project WomanKind. Follow her on Instagram.
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