I’d be remiss not to mention these fantastic plus-size options, all tried and true personal favorites:
Best for pretty feminine swim created with plus bodies in mind: Alpine Butterfly
One of my all-time favorite swimwear brands, this size-inclusive label has been making cool, cute plus-size swimwear for years and is often one of the first labels to show styles that then go on to be major trends. Alpine Butterfly latest collection is fantastic — I am particularly into the rosette-adorned off-the-shoulder one-piece. I appreciate that it offers a variety of coverage options, ranging from skimpy bikinis to adorable sleeved options in each cohesive collection. The quality and durability is excellent, and its fit tends to be true to size.
Best fashion statement swimwear: Villa Fresca
Founded by plus-size swimwear pioneer Gabi Gregg (who created the game-changing viral #fatkini hashtag movement), this size-inclusive swimwear brand offers the type of cool, fashion-forward designs I’ve come to expect from Gregg. The sizing is spot on. Gregg is also very mindful of functional fit, particularly when it comes to bust support, so this is a brand I always recommend for those who are fuller on top.
Best for gender and size-inclusive swimwear: Chromat
One of my favorite designer labels for over a decade (I fully fell in love when Chromat made history by sending multiple plus models down its NYFW runway all the way back in 2014!), Chromat has continued to evolve as a label throughout the years, with thoughtful size expansions and continuing to innovate ways to be more inclusive across the board. Its latest collaboration with trans artist Tourmaline provided fit options for a broader range of gender expressions. The designs are also just downright sexy and generally run true to size. Founder Becca McCharen just hinted that new designs will be coming soon too.
Best for affordable, trend-driven swim styles: Eloquii
This plus-focused brand is all about making actually fashionable options for plus-size figures, and it does so very well. Eloquii carries styles I haven’t seen elsewhere in plus, with cool coordinating coverups and resort wear — including these gauzy polka dot pants and an open-weave crochet bolero. Eloquii has frequent sales, too, so if you see a style you love but it is out of your budget, keep an eye out for markdowns.
Best for butt-sized swim options: Kitty & Vibe
I am always so appreciative when I see brands being thoughtful about fit issues, whether those issues personally impact me or not, because everyone deserves a swim that fits them right! So I love that the inclusive swim label Kitty & Vibe offers options for smaller and larger “booty sizes” in its swim bottoms, as well as long torso one-pieces.
Best for full-on shapewear swim: Miraclesuit
This is a brand name any department store shopper is probably familiar with but also might have preconceived notions about. I’ll admit that I did, and it was not a brand I really considered for myself until I saw some of its updated silhouettes in person at an event. Seeing this cool, draped, coppery brown suit on curves got my attention, and I ended up getting one of my own. Miraclesuit’s plus options are relatively limited, but if you want a classic maillot that gives full-on shapewear structure, it has some really pretty options, including the best-looking swimdress I’ve seen in ages. I got my usual size, and it fit well, but it did take some wiggling and maneuvering the first time I put it on (so allot time accordingly!)
Best for one-stop swim shopping: Swimsuits For All
With styles ranging from trendy cutout monokinis to full coverage chlorine-resistant suits for lap swimming, Swimsuits for All is a great place to start if you are looking for something specific or need to order swim for a variety of occasions. Its latest styles have been really catching my eye, and I will probably be placing an order soon.
