Best plus size swimwear: bikinis and swimsuits from our favourite brands
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After a dud few years courtesy of Covid followed by airport staffing issues, foreign holidays are back with a bang.
The chance to get away and immerse yourself in somewhere brand new is enough to have anyone Googling flights, whether to the Continent or a long-haul destination. That said, there are plenty of UK destinations to choose for a minibreak in the sun, especially in the south-east. When the weather’s on side, you don’t have to go further than your local lido or heck, even your garden to soak up the rays.
Really, all you need is a few cocktails, a banging soundtrack and an inflatable or two bopping around the garden to replicate that vacay feel.
Of course, you’ll need to be dressed for the part if you hope to achieve a tan worth showing off, and nothing beats swimwear for even, sunkissed browning.
Don’t forget that you should always wear SPF outside, even under the heat of the mild British sun.
If you’re a woman with curves, you may have found plus size options of the past unappealing - typically black and with straps thicker than a Bag For Life, they’re the last things to make you feel free and relaxed.
Luckily, a new season has brought with it fresh styles you won’t want to save for a getaway. From retro swim dresses to crop top bikinis, sleek one-pieces and patterns so bright you’ll need to keep a pair of sunglasses handy, here’s the best swimwear for plus-size figures.
See our favourites below
Figleaves Frida Underwired Bandeau Swimsuit Longer Length
With removable straps and underwired cups, you won't be able to wait to show this fun swimsuit off. The good news is that with a pair of shorts and a light shirt, there's no reason you can't wear it to the park - although we imagine it would look best by the beach.
MAGISCULPT Flatter Me Underwired Bandeau Swimsuit
Available in an up to 44DD cup, this monochrome swimsuit delivers highly on style. The simple look is elevated with a timeless cut, which, paired with oversized sunglasses and a red lip, will make you feel every inch the pin-up.
Boden Porto V-neck Swimsuit
You can always count on Boden for flattering swimwear in inclusive sizes. This Porto design is a perfect example, available in sizes 6 - 20, with a deep v-neck complimented with a wide underbust band to keep things secure while still allowing the skin to soak up those precious rays.
M&S Collection Tummy Control Printed Square Neck Swimsuit
For great style that won't dent the holiday budget, M&S comes up trumps. The high street favourite has plenty of size-inclusive options to browse, and as a departure from all-black, this animal print-inspired brown and white number has plenty going for it. Heighten the 70s feel with tortoiseshell sunnies, espadrilles and a floaty cover-up. Available to size 24.
YOURS Curve Black Aztec Print Shirred Tummy Control Swimsuit
Embrace pattern without overdoing it in this Aztec-print swimsuit with built-in UPF25 sun protection. There's full bust support and power mesh across the midriff to keep things in place while stretch fabric ensures a flattering fit. What's more, the straps are detachable so you can remove them to change the look - or simply avoid unsightly tan lines.
River Island Plus black plunge bandage swimsuit
Bringing boardroom style to the pool, this swimsuit, offered in sizes 18 - 28, means business. The sharp monochrome palette combined with a plunging neckline is made for lounging beside city-centre rooftop pools.
ASOS DESIGN Curve ultimate revenge sculpting square neck swimsuit in black
Lady Di may have put revenge dresses on the map, but ASOS is taking it a step further with swimwear that'll stop traffic. While the look may be simple, the design of this sculpting swimsuit is classic with a square neck that will look good on anyone. Find it in sizes 18 - 30.
M&S Collection Padded Scallop Plunge Swimsuit
Scallops aren't just our first choice on a restaurant menu; they're pretty cute on a swimsuit too. The curved trim is the main draw of this swimsuit - the padded cups are the other. Available in black, pink and blue as well as green.
Ulla Popken Textured Monochrome Ruffle Bikini
We’re into the retro look of this ruffled black and white one-piece, with enough stretch to go up a size or down with your body’s fluctuations. Flattering with a v-neck top and back, it’s a playful piece to add to your suitcase.
Simply Be Mix And Match Halterneck Bikini Top
Brighten up your swim collection with a contrast peach and blue shell print bikini top. The halterneck design is sold seperately to other coordinating pieces in the collection so you can mix and match the right look for you. Available in sizes 12 -32.
MAGISCULPT Black Lose Up To An Inch Shaping Swimsuit - Longer Length
If you’re wary of stepping away from the safety of all black, this one-piece will keep you in your comfort zone. It’s the details that make it one of the Best around: a flattering neckline and low-rise legs that sit comfortably at the top of the thighs. The ruching detail will also be welcomed by anyone with tummy self-consciousness.
Reina Olga Lucia Scrunch Swimsuit
If you take a different size chest to the rest of your body, Reina Olga's swimsuit promises to cover, quite literally, all bases. The ultra soft crinkly fabric is complemented with zig-zag stitching (which also aids stretch) to form a classic swimsuit with enough give to allow for the body's natural fluctuations. The empire-line chest offers plenty of support (no falling out of this bad boy) while giving a cleavage to rival Pammy's. The one-size garment spans sizes, from XS to XL (18/20).