Swimsuit Styles that Flatter Petite Plus Women

Looking for the perfect swimsuit involves a lot of considerations for every person, regardless of height or body shape. Since everyone is unique in their proportions and measurements, a swimsuit that flatters one person may not look the same on another. This rings true for regular, petite, plus, juniors sizes, and beyond.

When you're petite and plus-sized at the same time, you may wonder what “rules” you have to follow. The truth is that when there are so many swimsuit styles that professional stylists recommend for your shape and height, you won’t feel restricted at all. What are the swimsuit styles that look the best on petite plus-sized bodies? Here are some ideas — but don’t let yourself feel restricted by this list. If you see something you like, try it on. You never know what your next favorite swimsuit will be!

What Is Petite Plus?

In the fashion world, petite refers to any adult under 5’4″ or 5’3″. It doesn’t refer to weight, so the sizes can range from XXS to extended. Plus sizes fluctuate depending on the brand you wear, but usually include sizes 18 and up or 1X-6X. So, when you're both under 5’4” and fall within these size ranges, you can proudly call yourself petite plus. Now, you can explore your bathing suit options with confidence.

Body Type: Another Consideration

To add to your swimsuit selection process, it’s important to consider that not all petite plus bodies are the same shape. You may have a full bust, small waist, and full hips as an hourglass figure. Or, you may have narrower shoulders and bust with larger hips as a pear. Other body shapes like an inverted triangle or rectangle can influence your swimsuit selection. The same principles apply to people in extended, regular, and tall size brackets. By shopping for your size, height, and body shape, you will find many flattering swimsuit styles that will make you want to book your next cruise stat!

Keep the Focus on Your Upper Half

When you're below 5’4”, you want a petite swimsuit to maximize your height. The best way to do this is to keep everyone’s eyes focused on your face, shoulders, and top half of your body. The best petite swimsuits bring attention to your face or chest. Here are the styles that do this easily:

High Neck Tankini — When you’re petite plus, a high neck swimsuit top will always look good with whatever bottoms you choose.
Halter Tops — This cute and flirty top always draws the eye up. Works well as a swim separate or a one-piece style.
Wrap tops — This draws attention to the bust and creates more curves. If you're an inverted triangle or ruler-shaped person, this is a great option for you!
Underwire swimsuits — when you're full busted, having plenty of support will give you the best figure on the beach.
Off-the-Shoulder tops — This look is great for pear-shaped women and petite heights because it draws attention to the chest and face.

Elongate the Torso

Since most petite women have a shorter torso, your swimsuit should have an elongating effect on this area. You can achieve this look in quite a few ways.

Belted Swimsuit — A swimsuit with a belt creates a defined space to add more definition and height. The best possible style is a belt that sits right below the bust or high on the natural waist.
Vertical Prints — This doesn’t just have to be solid stripes, but it can be vertical floral prints or color block styles. Whether you want to wear a one-piece or swim shorts, vertical prints do the job.

Elongate the Legs

The final task petite plus swimsuits should achieve is to elongate your legs. There are subtle ways to create this effect. Here are some of the best styles to give you an inch or two to your leg length:

High-waisted bottoms — Anything that defines your natural waist is going to make your legs look like they start higher… which is what we all want!
High-cut bikini bottoms — Pair these with a petite-plus top to give you the best support and figure enhancement.
High cut one-piece swimsuit — This isn’t just great for smoothing out the tummy and back, but it’s great at adding more length to your legs.