Flattering plus size swimwear for curvy women

We know that even the thought of wearing swimwear when you're plus size can be quite a daunting prospect, but here at Yours, we want to help you find that perfect piece of swimwear to help boost your confidence and flatter your curves. Here's everything you need to know about the best plus size swimwear.

Whether you're travelling abroad or enjoying a relaxing holiday closer to home, we can assure you that when it's hot and all you want to do is dive into the water to cool down, how you look in your swimwear will be the last thing on your mind. So don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and wear the swimwear that makes you feel happy.

How to feel confident in your body

For years, plus-size women have had it tough trying to find swimwear that is made for their shape while being super stylish. While the number of options available isn't quite comparable to straight size ranges, swimwear collections for plus-sized women have come on leaps and bounds, and there is so much more to choose from.

There is a lot of pressure on women to lose weight every year to get their body bikini ready, but we believe that every body is a summer body, regardless of weight and body shape. We know that being completely confident while wearing swimwear isn't something that's going to change overnight. Just know that you don't need to change a single thing about your appearance to feel body confident.

We have some small pieces of advice that will go a long way in helping you feel more confident in your body.

Be kind to yourself

How often do you look in the mirror and start pulling apart everything you don't like about yourself? It can be hard to silence your inner critic, but try to be more kind to yourself! Instead of concentrating on the bits of your body that you don't like, pick just one thing every day that you do.

If you find self-reflecting hard, ask friends and family members you trust to write down what they think your best features are. You may be surprised to find the bits of your body you don't like, might be regarded as your best feature by someone else. It's also worth seeking out some body positivity quotes too.

Be grateful

Yes, you may have bits of your body that you don't like how they look but think about all the things your body does for you every single day. Regardless of how your body looks, it's doing the job it needs to: that is keeping you alive.

Enjoy some self-care

If body hang-ups are getting you down, pick yourself up with self-care. It's not going to change what you dislike about your body, but it will feel good to give your body the pampering it deserves. It's amazing what going to get your hair done, painting your nails, or popping on a bit of self-tan can do for giving yourself a bit of a confidence boost.

Related: The best anti-chafing shorts to wear under dresses and prevent inner-thigh pain

Shop: best plus size swimwear 2022

Whether you're looking for a swimsuit, a tankini or a bikini, our plus size swimwear guide has got you covered.

Swimsuits

Tankinis

Bikinis

Where can I buy plus size swimwear?

Still not found the perfect swimsuit for you? Here are all the best places to pick up plus size swimwear.

Simply Be

From swim dresses that provide extra coverage or bikinis that provide additional support, Simply Be's swimwear collection has it all. It is known as a plus size retailer but also offers smaller sizes as its wide range covers sizes 6-32.

Yours Clothing

Yours Clothing knows a thing or two about styling curves. Their swimwear range starts from a size 14 and goes up to a size 40. It's designed with plus-size bodies in mind.

Bonmarché

Bonmarche's swimwear collection features a wide range of colours and prints. They want you to feel most confident in their swimwear, so that's why their swimwear has features like hidden tummy shaping, detachable straps and moulded cups for your comfort. Size range 10-28.

Snag Tights

Snag Tights started out by creating tights in a wide range of sizes, and they've recently branched out into clothing, including swimwear. We love their inclusive styles and they display their swimwear on a variety of models so you can truly visualise how it will fit on a curvy body. Available in sizes 4-38.

Marks & Spencer

With the M&S swimwear range being available in sizes 6-24, M&S doesn't have as wide a size range as the brands we've mentioned above; however, they still have some lovely pieces for plus-size women. Think high-waisted bikinis in gorgeous prints and swimsuits that will look just as nice for sitting by the beach as they do swimming in a pool.

What swimwear should I wear if I have a big stomach?

Here at Yours, we want to encourage you to be more body positive and to love the skin you're in. However, we know everyone has hang-ups about their bodies. It can make you feel a bit insecure, especially when it comes to wearing swimwear. If you're someone that struggles with body confidence, you're not alone.

If your stomach is part of your body that you're a little self-conscious of, there are certain types of swimwear you can wear that are more flattering on your tummy area. Look for swimsuits and tankini tops with tummy control panels and ruching. Control panels are designed to give the stomach a smoother appearance. On the other hand, Cleverly placed ruching helps to give the illusion of a smaller belly.

Prefer to wear a bikini? Get some high-waisted briefs on. They'll come up higher on your stomach than mid and low-rise bottoms, giving you some extra coverage on the area you're feeling worried about.