The Best Plus-Size Swimsuits for Women with Short Torsos
When you're both plus-size and petite, it may take a bit of extra searching to find swimwear with the right measurements. Luckily, there are several swimsuit options that flatter plus-size women with short torsos. By looking for thoughtful cuts that elongate the torso while also giving you the coverage you need, you can swim and lounge in style this summer. Next time you're in the market for a new swimsuit, look for options with these features that complement both short torsos and plus-size frames:
High-Cut Legs
When you have a short torso, you can add the illusion of height by picking women's swimsuits that elongate your whole frame. High-cut legs create sweeping diagonal lines on the body that draw the eye upward. They give the appearance of long, slender legs and enhance the natural curve of your hips. High-cut swim bottoms come in a variety of styles, so you can pick between a high-waisted option that gives more coverage to the midsection or an adjustable string bikini to minimize your tan lines.
Sleek Swim Skirts
Swim skirts provide a feminine silhouette, and there are plenty of lengths and styles to choose from. If you have a shorter torso, you can pick a high-waisted plus-size swim skirt for a classic vintage-style profile that disguises your tummy and emphasizes your natural waist. Consider looking for swim skirts that come with adjustable shirring on the sides, allowing you to lengthen or shorten the skirt based on what flatters your unique body shape. Other details like a ruffled trim or a side slit can create visual interest that lengthens and defines your torso.
Tankinis
When shopping for a plus size tankini, look for fitted options with ruching or pleating to add shape and definition to your midsection. Fitted tankinis pair well with low-rise bottoms, allowing you to elongate your torso while enjoying a more modest look. A twist, tie, or cutout at the bust can be just the attention-grabbing element you need to elevate a tankini from basic to stylish.
If you prefer a more relaxed look, try matching a loose, flowy tankini with a pair of high-waisted swim bottoms. Matching a tankini with shorts adds a fun bit of movement to your swim ensemble while still visually breaking up the torso for a bit of length.
Peplum One-Pieces
You may be familiar with peplum tops, but did you know you can take this flattering style to the pool? By adding a fun ruffled flare that accentuates the waist area, peplum silhouettes are naturally flattering to both plus-size body types and women with short torsos. Peplum one-pieces have the flowy, feminine appeal of a swim dress while elongating the legs and adding more drama to your natural curves. They flare out at the hips, but are form-fitting on the top and bottom for a comfortable, sophisticated poolside look.
Plunging Necklines
Opting for a plunging neckline is one of the easiest ways to elongate your torso and attract attention upward to your face and shoulders. V-neck one-pieces, wrap-style tankinis, and halter bikini tops are all flattering ways to incorporate a plunging neckline into your swimwear. For a more modest style that creates the same visual effect, look for swimsuits with Grecian-style draping with sweeping vertical and diagonal pleating.
Adjustable One-Pieces
For women with short torsos, having adjustable straps on one-piece swimsuits is a must. Start by looking for swimsuits that offer multiple options for torso length so you can feel fully confident in the fit. Next, look for straps that you can adjust, whether by using a slider or by tying the straps to the desired length.
String Bikinis
Because you can tie string bikinis in different ways to create different fits, they're a flattering option for plus-size women with short torsos. You can tie the bottoms higher on your hips to add more coverage for your midsection and elongate the legs, or adjust the ties to be lower on your hips to lengthen your torso. By adjusting the straps around your bust and shoulders, you can decide on the perfect amount of support. Try pairing your string bikini with a mesh swim top or a sheer plus size cover-up for a fun peek-a-boo moment.
Dramatic Swim Tops
Add a bit of drama and flair to your swim top to emphasize your neck and shoulders. Upper-body embellishments can add the illusion of height and complement a short, curvy torso. Go for something timeless like a high-neck tankini or one piece, or find a swimsuit with a ruffled bust or detailed embroidery.
When picking out a swimsuit, focus on choosing styles that are comfortable and fit your fashion sense. Any of these styles are especially flattering for plus-size women with short torsos, but feel free to experiment with different silhouettes. Once you find a swimsuit that you love, try mixing-and-matching pieces from different sets or adding fun swim accessories.