Plus Size Bathing Suits

Two of the best plus size bathing suits are tankini swimwear and swim dresses because they effectively skim over the lumps and bumps, "tuckin" in the extras, giving enough support around the bust. And of course, both swimsuit styles provide you with the coverage you're looking for in plus size swimsuits.

Courtesy of SwimsuitsForAll.com

If you want to wear a fashion statement, then a swim dress is the perfect choice! It's cute and feminine all at the same time. Most swim dresses have a subtle flare at the hemline which adds a nice proportion to your figure (think bootcut pants and jeans).

However, if you prefer a two-piece, then a tankini will give you enough coverage to make you feel gorgeous and comfortable on the beach. A tankini is a two piece bathing suit which consists of a top that reminds you of a short halter or tank top. They're an excellent choice if you want a swimsuit that holds in your tummy.

How to Buy Plus Size Bathing Suits

Dress your body shape

By knowing and understanding your body figure, you'll know what swimwear shapes and details to select to ensure that you'll look your best.

A Pear body shape needs details (eg. ruffles, wider neckline) on top to balance out its body frame to help draw attention from the hips. In general, a combination of dark bottom and bright top help improve your body proportions.

An Inverted Triangle body shape on the other hand looks best in bathing suit bottoms that have interest and create curves around the hips, to downplay the wideness of the shoulders.

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Look for elongating and slimming details

The styling strategy to looking your best in a bathing suit is to look for slim details. Basically, we want to make the eye go up and down - creating a streamlined silhouette. Wide details on the other hand tend to highlight the fullness of your body frame.

Examples of slimming details:

Low neckline
Vertical stripes and textures
Vertical prints
Prints with a dark color base
Simple, waterfall ruffles
Pleats
Wrap neckline that drapes around the thinnest part of your waist

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Look for Spandex/Lycra

A high Spandex-count indicates the swimsuit's ability to hold in the lumps and bumps. Spandex is a very elastic, strong and durable synthetic fiber found in swimwear. Also known as "Elastane" and "Lycra."

More fashion advice on Plus Size Fashion & Womens Swimwear:

Shortcut banner to womens swimwear shopping and styling tips

Plus Size Bathing Suits Online

SwimsuitsForAll and Always For Me are definitely two of the best online plus size swimsuit stores who offers super chic bathing suits. I'm not a plus size myself, but I have friends who are and they've all raved about them, saying that they have one of the widest and best womens swim wear selection, from cover ups to tankinis, for size 8 and up. They also offer International shipping!

Boone Ranch Boutique is another great eBay swimsuit store who offers sexy and comfy plus size tankinis and bikinis at very affordable prices.

If you have large breasts you'll find the best selection at Bigger Bras.com

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!