How to Buy a Plus Size Swimsuit
While for years finding a plus-size swimsuit was a daunting task with limited options, plus-size women now have no shortage of styles and choices when it comes to bathing suits. While we welcome the newfound variety in this category, it can now be just as overwhelming to choose among all the different kinds of swimwear out there for us! How do you actually go about buying a plus size swimsuit? From finding the right style to the amount of coverage, there are endless options out there, and a perfect suit for everyone under the sun. Here at Lands’ End, we pride ourselves on our wide range of plus-size clothing, including our bountiful swimwear collection for plus-size women, featuring every style you can think of and more. In short, we know a thing or two about how to buy a plus-size swimsuit. Here’s our guide.
Identify Your Ideal Silhouette
The first step in the journey toward finding and purchasing your perfect plus-size bathing suit is to figure out what qualities you’re looking for from your suit. Are you looking for a classic one-piece? A suit with maximum coverage, either for modesty or sun protection purposes? It’s all out there, with dozens of options in between.
The traditional one-piece plus-size swimsuit comes in all the colors and patterns you can think of, and is great for any woman looking for a standard swim silhouette with a little more room to be comfortable.
A skirted one-piece plus-size bathing suit is similar to a traditional one-piece plus-size bathing suit, but it features a bit of a longer cut on the bottom, not being quite as long as the swim dress or swim skirt.
The swim dress is a one-piece plus-size bathing suit that’s cut like an elegant, stylish dress, offering you more coverage of your upper thighs and keeping things feminine and comfortable at the same time.
If you’re more interested in separates, there are loads of options for you here as well! The plus size swim skirt can be worn with a bikini top or tankini, and is a convenient alternative to the swim dress with the same amount of coverage on the bottom. The dresskini combines what we love about the swim dress and the ease of separates, giving us maximum coverage while still keeping top and bottom as two different pieces. A UPF rash guard, board shorts and beach coverup are other great options to throw on over your bathing suit or to wear alone for even more sun coverage.
Add On Some Special Features
Once you’ve identified the particular cut you’re looking for, it’s time to decide if there are any other special features that are right for you. A tummy control one-piece or bottom is a great option for someone looking to add a slight slimming effect to their beachwear, helping you to feel your best by the water. Underwire tops are great for anyone who needs a little more support and comfort as well Or perhaps you’re planning to spend a lot of time by the pool this season — a women’s plus-size swimsuit with LYCRA® Xtra Life™ spandex fabric is the perfect choice for you, as it’s resistant to chlorine, sunscreen and even the sun, making it a bathing suit that actually lasts. If you want to stay extra sun-safe, try a UPF suit or rash guard, that protects your skin from the sun’s rays over the long hours you may spend outside. For plus-size women with longer torsos, try a long torso one-piece suit and say goodbye to pulling at the shoulders and leg area, and hello to a suit that actually fits, for good.
Shop Your Personal Style
Now it’s time to go to town expressing your personality through your swimwear, with a trove of options for you to choose from based on what you find the most fun and flattering. Start with the neckline, which is the prominent feature of a bathing suit and brings attention where you want it. A sweetheart neckline is a popular cut, shaped like the top of a heart, that flatters your chest and collar bones and gives off a romantic, elegant vibe. A halter top is a fun, classic swim look that highlights the shoulders and is flattering for many different kinds of bodies. Finding a color and print that suits you (no pun intended) is another fun part of picking out a suit. Go with a more subdued, classic color like black, or choose a bright, fun color or print to stand out on the beach.
Finding the perfect plus-size swimsuit doesn’t have to be a headache. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to finding a suit you’ll love to wear time and time again anytime you’re down by the water. Check out the links below for more tips and tricks from Lands’ End!