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
Best swimdress
www.simplybe.co.uk
You'll win best dressed by the seaside in this gorgeous swim dress. It has a tight fit against your body while the skirt flares out to flatter your figure. Pair with your favourite sunnies, an oversized beach hat and comfy flip-flops, and you'll be all set to hit the beach.
Sizes: UK 12-32
Most inclusive plus size swimwear
snagtights.com
Stand out from the crowd wearing this hot pink swimsuit. You'll be in complete comfort as it has power mesh in the bust area for support. The shoulder straps are wider, and it fastens at the back with an adjustable hook and eye to help you have the perfect fit. Plus, the leg height can be adjusted from full coverage to high leg - wear it the way that feels most comfortable.
Sizes: A/B-J (UK 4-38)
Best plus size swimsuit with removable straps
www.pourmoi.co.uk
Let your wild side out with this zebra print number from Pour Moi. This belted swimming costume has a classic shape, designed to sculpt your curves with its front control panel. If you don't want those pesky tan lines getting in the way of your flawless holiday tan, you'll be pleased to hear the straps are fully removable.
Sizes: UK 10-20
**Tried and tested by Rosie Floyd, Commercial Content Writer: "**Love, love, LOVE the print of this swimming cossie. I personally can't get enough animal prints in my wardrobe, especially when I'm on holiday. I like how the belt detail breaks up the print of the swimsuit and the fact it cinches me in at the waist is an added bonus."
Longer length fit
www.joules.com
The fabric of this poppy print swimsuit gently drapes across to flatter your figure. It has hidden tummy control and a longer length than most other swimsuits, making it perfect for those with taller torsos.
Sizes: UK 10-24
Best for arm coverage
www.simplybe.co.uk
If having your arms out has you feeling a little uneasy, this swimsuit has got you covered - quite literally! It features a high neck and long sleeves in this gorgeous floral print.
Sizes: UK 12 - 32
**
Read our full guide to the best long-sleeve swimming costumes inspired by Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian and Adele.**
Recommended plus size swimsuit
tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
This blue tie-dye swimsuit is perfect for poolside styling. If you're heading on holiday with your children or grandchildren, Tu does an adorable kids' set featuring the same print so you can coordinate together.
Sizes: UK 6-26
Review: "Lovely pattern caught my eye at once, good fit, not too restrictive."
Tankinis
Great for tummy coverage
www.yoursclothing.co.uk
We love the bright clash of floral and animal prints on this tankini. The top is floaty in style with a built-in power mesh inside for smooth tummy support. Yours Clothing team this tankini top with black bikini briefs to complete the look.
Sizes: UK 16-36
Best value tankini
www.bonmarche.co.uk
The perfect print for lounging by the poolside or sitting by the beach in a tropical paradise. Pair with the matching bikini briefs or the swim shorts if you prefer a bit more coverage around your bum.
Sizes: UK 10 - 28
Best plus size tankini with underwire support
www.simplybe.co.uk
This bandeau tankini top just screams holiday to us. A colourful print, underwire cups to support your bust, and detachable straps to stop tan lines - what's not to like?!
Sizes: 34C-44F
Bikinis
www.newlook.com
This black glitter bikini top and bottoms will have you looking ultra-sleek by the pool. We love the subtle sparkle details.
Sizes: UK 20 - 28
Tried and tested by Rosie Floyd, Commercial Content Writer: "I'm not someone who usually goes for a bikini on holiday but I knew I had to keep it once I tried it on. The knickers are super high-waisted so they're great for giving you coverage if you're a bit self-conscious about your tummy. I love how the top is more of a crop-top style too, because who wants underwire digging into you all day on holiday? Not me!"
Wide range of sizes
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
Add a touch of class to your holiday wardrobe with this elegant MAGISCULPT bikini. It features a twisted, underwired front, with both the top and bottoms finished in this lovely blue, white and brown leaf print.
Sizes: 34C-44H
Best for larger chests
No holiday swimwear collection is complete without something pink or leopard print, in our opinion. This bikini ticks both boxes. Designed in a plunge style, this bikini top will give you the same fit and support as Elomi's bra, perfect for those with larger busts. We love the textured look of the fabric too. You can shop the matching briefs here.
Sizes: 36E - 44G (top), UK 14-26 (briefs)
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.