Gabbi Hall
It should come as no surprise that shopping for swimsuits as a plus size woman can be frustrating. Not all swimwear is created equal. Not all brands feel their swimsuit should be worn on bodies that don’t look like a Barbie. It’s bull sh**, but it’s true. Not all swimwear brands are evil. In fact, many are making amazing bathing suits for plus size women.
But before we dive into brands, let’s talk about plus size swimwear–especially bikinis–and confidence. In a world where there are brands that don’t make our size, it can be hard to want to slip into something where you’re exposed. I am not here to tell you that you have to wear a swimsuit. But I am here to tell you: YOU CAN. Your weight does not define your value. You deserve to run free in the waves at the beach, unashamed and soaking in the sun’s rays.
How to be a Fat Girl in a Bikini
All bodies are swimsuits bodies. Fat or skinny. All colors. All abilities. Everyone has a swimsuit body. So, what does it take to be a fat girl in a bikini?
Buy a bikini. Put it on your body. The real question is: What bikinis will you like best? What brands fit your curves? Provide the right support for your boobs? Give you the tan lines (or lack thereof) that you’re looking for?
Bathing suits for plus size women are some of my favorite wardrobe items. I have two bins full of them in my closet. Honestly, more than I can wear, but I love having one for all my moods and scenes. And the good news is: while shopping for plus size swimwear can be hard, there are several amazing plus size swimwear brands to shop.
Best Bathing Suits for Plus Size Women by Brand
1. Eloquii
I tried Eloquii’s swimsuits for plus size women for the first time this summer. In fact, I found this new with tags plus size bikini on Poshmark. Here’s why I like it:
- Supportive bikini top. I’m a DD and I like to feel secure when I go to the lake for a day of Truly’s and plunging into the icy cold water. this one fits like a great bra. No risk of flashing anyone in this suit.
- Adorable prints and colors. This bikini is a cactus print and comes with matching pants. Eloquii’s swimwear has great bright colors–not just black–so you can stand out on the beach.
- Sizing. I found this plus size bikini to fit true to size. I wear a 20 in most of Eloquii’s clothes and that’s what size I have in this bathing suit.
Eloquii doesn’t sell swimwear year-round (as far as I can tell), so you have to shop for it in spring/early summer when they release their annual swimsuits. Of course, you can always browse Poshmark listings if you’re on the hunt.
2. Artesands
I had never heard of Artesands swimwear for plus sizes until they DMed me on Instagram about collaborating for the summer of 2020. Now, I want to tell everyone about their swimsuits. The Australia-based company makes plus size bikinis and one-piece bathing suits in gorgeous brings and great fits. Here’s why I like Artesands:
- Fabric. My A’Pois Delacroix Bikini Top and A’Pois Delacroix Bikini Bottom are the softest swim pieces I own. This fabric can’t be beaten by any other plus size swimsuit I’ve tried on. It’s also super high quality and super smoothing.
- Fit and support. The fit–especially of the top–is clearly designed for bustier women like me. I love this bikini top because there is no wire, but I still feel supported, covered, and sexy. Sure, that might sound contradictory, but it’s true.
3. Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All
Swimsuits for All is pretty well known in the world of plus size bathing suits, in large part because of collaborations with Ashley Graham and Gabi Fresh. It took me a while to pull the trigger and buy two of their plus size swimsuits, both from the Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All line. Here’s why I like them:
- Sex appeal. I feel sexy in most of my swimsuits, but these are by far my most sexy. I mean just look at that one with the lace up the front. That’s a lot of boob, and there is nothing wrong with that.
- Low-cut bottoms. Many plus size bikinis have high rise bottoms, which I love 99% of the time. However, I appreciate that plus size women can find more classic, low-cut bikini bottoms from Swimsuits For All.
- Colors and prints. While both my suits are black, both Ashley Graham and Gabi Fresh have lines filled with color and bright prints. There are so many cuts and options.
4. Noelle by Noelle
Noelle by Noelle was launched by influencer Noelle Downing last summer. Unfortunately, it was a limited run, but Noelle has hinted at releasing more plus size swimwear in the future with a more inclusive size range. I wore a XXL in her suit as a size 18/20. I adore the cheeky bottoms and the yellow color.
I also noticed on her website that Noelle is releasing a cozy collection in fall 2020, and I can not WAIT to see it!
5. Torrid
When it comes to plus size swimwear, Torrid has been around the block for a long time. I have been loyal to their swimsuits for years. I mean just look how short and blonde my hair is. That was a long time ago. Here’s what I like about Torrid’s plus size bathing suits:
- Quality. Much like Eloquii, Torrid knows plus size bodies, and their suits are built to hold and support curvy women. Every suit I buy lasts years, so it’s worth the investment.
- Consistency. Torrid’s fit is consistent year after year. I know what will fit no matter if it’s a plus size bikini, tankini, or one-piece.
- Options. Like Swimsuits For All, Torrid makes a variety of plus size bathing suit styles for all modesty levels. Whether you want something sexy or more conservative, they are still available in the same adorable prints and colors.
6. Aerie
Okay, so Aerie isn’t technically a plus size bathing suit brand. Their suits only go up to a size XXL, which fits an 18/20. Aerie, like most brands, has room for improvement when it comes to size inclusivity. That said, I love their high-waisted, high-cut bikini bottoms and scoop neck tops for the price, colors and tan lines. Here’s why I like them:
- Price. Aerie’s swimsuits are super reasonably priced and when they run sales, you can get a bikini for under $30.
- Colors. Hot pink? Bright flowers? Aerie has it. And they are always releasing new looks.
- Styles. Strapless? Halter? Scoop neck? Aerie offers a lot of variety, which is why I hope they’ll ultimately expand their sizes. There are so many options.
Which bathing suits for plus size women do you love? What other brands should we be rocking by the pool? Let me know in the comments below.
Until next time, here goes nothing.
