My All-Time Favorite Size-Inclusive Swimsuits
I once read an interview with Jennifer Aniston, wherein she was asked — of all things — about why she’d been photographed wearing the same swimsuit year after year. Her answer was something along the lines of, “Uh, because I like it and it’s comfortable, and they don’t make that style anymore, so yeah, I’m going to wear it until it falls apart. Sorry, paparazzi?”
It’s HARD to find a swimsuit that checks all your particular boxes (for me: classic cut, full butt coverage, won’t swoosh off my shoulders when the waves hit). And, of course, there’s the box that all plus-size shoppers have to check: comes in my size. When I find a winner, I hang on, Aniston-style.
Last summer, I found two. Now that this summer is kicking off, I’m so psyched to share them. And since you may have different swimwear boxes to check, I reached out to a couple friends with know-how in this area: podcast producer Mbiye Kasonga and Big Undies newsletter writer Corinne Fay. Without further ado, here are our six tried-and-true size-inclusive swimwear recs…
Old Navy Textured Swim Romper
Size: 00-30
This is my forever suit, the one I plan to wear to every beach excursion and pool hang from this day forward. I always thought swim dresses and skirts were just retailer code for: We hate your body; please cover as much of it as possible, thx! But this swim romper makes me feel downright adorable. The fabric is a touch thicker than the average suit and holds its shape through repeated wears and washing. The shorts-style bottom is long enough to mitigate thigh chafing, but not so long that it feels like I’m actually wearing shorts in the water. The straps are strappy but do not dig (and they hold up to the wave test).
Old Navy High-Waisted Retro Swim Shorts + Scoop-Neck Swim Top
Size: 00-30
After the romper woke me up to the wonderful world of swim shorts, I decided to try Old Navy’s separates. (Btw, this isn’t a sponsored post; Old Navy just nails it!) No surprise, these shorts are also cute as hell, and the high, wide waistband makes the fit very comfy. I got them in black last year, and this year I grabbed a pair in a pretty blue and textured 70s stripe — I couldn’t resist. As for the tops, here’s where Old Navy really shines. The scoop necks are supportive enough for lap swimming, but there’s no pinching or digging whatsoever. I miss the longline scoop-neck they sold last year (very curious about this longline deep v-neck), but this year’s shorter cut has the same wide straps and back. I’m in.
Raq Apparel Multi-Way Top + 90s Brief
Size: 30D-42O (top)
Size: 4-20 (brief)
Mbiye’s top rec: Raq Apparel. “I love Raq’s separates,” she says. “Their tops have great support for larger chests, and I like the variations of their bottoms, so I can get more coverage if I want. I often pair the Multi-Way Top with the 90s Brief, but they also have a cute boyshort that I’ve been eyeing.” Raq has great prints and color combos, too (loooove this pink and brown). Adds Mbiye: “I like that these bathing suits aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; you can actually move in them.”
Villa Fresca swim collection
Size: XS-4X
Like me, Mbiye is a longtime fan of plus-size swimwear pioneer Gabi Gregg — who changed everything forever with her iconic fatkinis in the early 2010s. “I’m so excited to shop her new line, Villa Fresca,” says Mbiye. Villa Fresca’s latest collection is beautiful with jewel tones and watercolor prints. “I cannot wait to get my hands on this zebra bikini.”
Land’s End Tugless One-Piece
Size: 00-26
A fan of the classics, Corinne usually goes for “basic, boring styles that I think are timeless. I’m all about utility when it comes to swimwear — I want to be able to splash around at the pool without fiddling with my suit.” (The dream.) Land’s End is great, says Corinne: “I’m still wearing the old model of their one-piece with a front zipper, and plan to replace it with the current version when the time comes. I enjoy a good color or texture, but I love the simplicity of a black one-piece.”
Artesands swim separates
Size: 6-24
“I tend to look for bathing suits that don’t have straps or buckles — which are surprisingly popular in plus-size swimwear,” says Corinne. “While I admire them on other people, I don’t like the way they feel against my skin.” They point to the stylish-but-subtle Australian brand Artesands. “If I were shopping for a new two-piece, I’d look here first. Ultimately, I want something comfortable and long-lasting, and Artesands has a great reputation.”
Big thanks to Mbiye and Corinne for sharing their recs! And if you’re still scoping out options, we featured 5 friends trying on 25 swimsuits in Big Salad!
P.S. 10 size-inclusive clothing brands I love, and a summer capsule wardrobe.
(Photos via: Raq Apparel, Old Navy, Villa Fresca, Land’s End, and Artesands.)
Comments
68 commentsThis is such a great roundup! The struggle to find something that is both active friendly and genuinely cute is so real. I’m definitely taking notes on a few of these recommendations for next season xoxox
Making your own swimwear can also be an amazing option too if you are up for it!! Many indie sewing pattern designers make size inclusive patterns, there are some gorgeous swim fabrics out there and what could be better than made to measure!!
Target has a romper bathing suit that I LOVE and recommend to everyone I know. It’s adorable, comes in a bunch of colors (I have three!), and it legitimately looks good on everyone, no matter their size. https://www.target.com/p/aqua-green-women-s-keyhole-blouson-romper/-/A-1005632685?preselect=1005632822#lnk=sametab
I have a swimsuit I bought pre-having-a-baby from Target, and thankfully it honestly fit okay through most of pregnancy and postpartum, but my issue is that I like it SO well that I wish it came in other colors. I have looked and LOOKED and I cannot any beyond one the deep green one that I have. I’m eyeing a similar yet different branded suit on Amazon right now, but haven’t made the leap. The new one is also a one-piece with a deep (deep!) v, but it’s rouched around the v and not overall ribbed like the original one. Thinking I may splurge and order the lookalike in Barbie pink to match my toddler’s swimmie that she’s been wearing to her lessons and break out our matching looks in the backyard with the hose-powered splash pad that we haven’t gotten out of the box yet.
Thank youuuuuuu! I will give the Lands End suit a try. I am so thankful to be an adult with money (though not a lot) and the ability to purchase swimwear. I was nearly six feet tall with a looooong torso middle and high school and from a conservative community where one piece suits were expected. I remember my mom struggling with the cost of a modest one piece in “tall” from J Crew, the only retailer who made them then. “Tall” cost extra. Size inclusivity has come a long way, in all the sizes
Love this post! I represent a rare to me body type: petite/short (5’0), curvy (38D, 43″ hips) and recently more round than hourglass (went from 28″ to 32″). I’m between a size 10-12, M-XL, depending on the brand. My pelvic floor is nonexistent at the moment, so my stomach just hangs… I’m a mom of 2 littles and so keeping myself contained, but comfortable is so important. Left on Friday has my perfect combination: The Double Scoop Top in size Large (probably on the verge of XL these days) and Hi Tide Bottom in size Large. I have 3 of each in matching colors, but mix and match the tops and bottoms ALL the time, and my favorite combo is like the first photo at the top – Double Scoop Top in Chili Red and Hi Tide Bottom in Aloha. I feel like I look like a beach ball, but get compliments on the suit all the time! For my body type the Andie’s Amalfi suit in Black, large, classic length, medium bottom is also wonderful. I want to get one more in the full bottom because the medium is cheeky on me.
Speaking of non-existent pelvic floors, does anyone have any tips of how to hang out in a swim suit with a panty liner when you go into the water? Or how not to wear a panty liner? I’m guessing Kegels and PF therapy.
Thank you so much for these inclusive swimwear posts (both here and on Big Salad!) I’ve always felt so self conscious about my body and have never worn a two piece bathing suit but have always wanted to – looking back at photos of myself in my 20s I’m like ‘why did I NOT wear one’ and these swimsuits all look so cute I think I’m finally diving in with my current body that I just want to enjoy and love and have fun in
I just wanted to say, I’m reading through this article, clicking on links leading from one suit to another, and my five year old daughter is sitting beside me and with each photo of women in their swimsuits she says, “wow Mama, thats a really beautiful lady!” and I was suddenly so glad that she is swimsuit shopping with me. To be so casually confronted with NORMAL women’s bodies, (bodies, may I add, that look more like mine) normalizing that all sizes are beautiful. We talked about color combos, styles that I preferred over others, but never once did she mention their bodies; just seeing them and knowing immediately “they are beautiful”. Thanks for that, CoJ!
I’m not sure abt their size inclusivity but as a mid-40s mom of 2 littles I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Dick’s Sporting Goods Calia brand. I have zero idea how I found it, but the suits were on super sale and are cute, well-made, and tugless.
I don’t think I’ve ever shopped there, but I just bought a few Calia rash guards from Dick’s and I LOVE them. Really cute, affordable, and comfortable.
Yea, they’re really comfortable and also spf 50. forgot to mention they also do free shipping & returns on swim.
Yes, Land’s End! I’m not even that tall (5’7″) but apparently being a D cup is enough to stretch the front of most one piece suits farther than they want to go. So I end up hunting for long torso options and/or D cup+ specific sizing. Land’s End does both. I just looked and there were 218 general swim options and 97 of them came in long torso. Amen!
I got a couple of swimsuits from YouSwim about a year ago – although, warning, they are NOT CHEAP. But as someone whose size really fluctuates a lot, I feel like these are good options, and I think they’re going to last me a long time. They’re designed to fit sizes 2-12 or 14-24, so pretty size inclusive!
Kelsey, does the Old Navy swim romper have much boob support? I am loving it in green with the tiny floral design but am worried my boobs will be flopping. LOL.
Ooh, I’m glad you asked! I definitely find it supportive enough for running around on the beach with my kid, but it doesn’t have underwire or a super structured bra lining (though it does come with cup liners, which I took out). But one thing I really like about it is the straps are easily adjustable (it’s a drawstring-style strap that ties at mid-back). I find that really helpful in tightening up the top if I feel I need a little extra support.
If you’re looking for gender inclusive and size inclusive swimsuits, I highly highly recommend Tomboyx (tomboyx.com/collections/swim). I splurged on their Unisuit last summer (they also often have sales, so mine was a bit less than stated) and it’s super comfortable, looks good (covers everything!), and you can be nice and active in it. And they’re long lasting and hold up super well. I’ve worn it to pools, beaches, lakes. I’ve even hiked in it! Their sizes go from XS to 6X. And they’re queer owned!
Shouting more praises for Land’s End. First off, the suits are terrific quality. I get many years out of my suits and I swim ALOT. I love that have different styles from tanks to swim shorts and skirts to swim dresses. Many of their swimsuit tops offer underwires for larger bra sizes (a swimsuit with actual chest support? YES!), wider straps that don’t dig into your shoulders, and they have cute styles and patterns. I actually feel flirty in their suits instead of dowdy and matronly. Highly recommend
I hope it’s ok to highjack this thread to recommend swimwear for standard sizing. I know it’s not hard for us to find swimwear, but for many of us it’s hard to find swimwear that we feel confident in. I just got CRZ Yoga swimwear and it is SO COMFORTABLE and makes me feel good. I got these bottoms that make the coverage adjustable and the bum coverage is good. They go up to a size XL which is a US 12. https://uk.crzyoga.com/collections/swim-bottoms/products/ry058pu1
Might I suggest using the phrase “include in this thread” as opposed to the word hijack? The use of the word “hijack” implies that you, who I’m assuming is a smaller, not standard-sized person, would seize control of the entire comments section by including a link to a product/brand that’s not size inclusive, suggests the very thing that I think you’re trying not to do. Seems like your intent is sincere but words and framing matter a lot, as I know this group well knows.
@Chandra yes your phrasing is more accurate for my intentions, thanks.
I also bought a CRZ yoga swimsuit this year and was really impressed for the price! I got this top which comes in D-DD sizing (which is not easy to find!). I’m 34D and the Medium D-DD fits me really well, and for 28 dollars, I’m thrilled! (It’s not supportive enough for like, beach volleyball or something, but more than adequate for swimming and pool days). https://www.amazon.com/CRZ-YOGA-Adjustable-Spaghetti-Camouflage/dp/B0C2Q1J9B7/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?th=1&psc=1 I also got high-wasited cross waist bottoms and they’re very flattering.
M&S also has beautiful long torso swimsuits (thank yoouuuuuuu :)): https://www.marksandspencer.com/fr/maillot-de-bain-style-caraco-à-décolleté-rond/p/P60774559.html?dwvar_P60774559_color=OU&pid=P60774559&quantity=1#index=0 https://www.marksandspencer.com/fr/maillot-de-bain-rembourré-à-encolure-carrée-avec-cordon-sur-le-côté/p/P60783545.html#index=0 https://www.marksandspencer.com/fr/maillot-de-bain-texturé-effet-ventre-plat/p/P60774534.html?dwvar_P60774534_color=GN&pid=P60774534&quantity=1#index=0 https://www.marksandspencer.com/fr/maillot-de-bain-thermocollé-à-col-montant/p/P61225217.html#index=0
I’ve always liked Lands End for this, especially as a woman with a long torso. I’d also like to suggest Bravissimo swimsuits (particularly the collabs with Speedo)–they have true, bra-like support, something that I feel too many plus-size suits are sorely lacking.
Full. Butt. Coverage. Why is it so hardd?!
Sing it!
I was swim suit shopping this morning and considered starting a petition about it. Even swimsuits that are modest everywhere else and half way to a thong!
PSA: “size inclusive” should also mean petite (and tall!). us shorties pay a tax in the form of tailoring, and a true fit requires way more than just a simple pant hemming.
Yesss! I understand that most – maybe all of us? – have our fit struggles, but I get frustrated at the implication that petites “just need to hem their pants”. I wish!
Does anyone have a recommendation for a maternity swimsuit?
I got a black square necked one piece from Old Navy and I’ve been really happy with it! I’m in my third trimester and my boobs are off the charts in size (I usually wear bra sized bikinis) but it’s been supportive and highlights my bump while providing good bum coverage.
I just finished my second pregnancy and I bought maternity swimsuits from the French brand “cache coeur” both times. They are expensive but really comfortable and actually stylish!
when I was pregnant with twins and swim season corresponded with my second trimester (so more like third for singleton pregnancies), I loved my Athleta tankinis. I sized up in both the bottom and top and just let the top stretch across my belly. of course as the summer wore on, more and more of my belly showed, but it stretched surprisingly well and I was even able to wear it to swim laps (when I wasn’t vomiting). Congratulations!
https://www.marksandspencer.com/fr/maillot-de-bain-de-grossesse-à-encolure-carrée-avec-cordon/p/P60777577.html#index=0?pid_pip13g4r3c3
Has anyone ordered from Livy and Kate and/or Sheila May Swim? I’m perpetually teetering on the top of “straight side”/bottom of “plus size” and struggling with swimwear, and both of these brands have pieces that appeal to me…
Wild isles swim! Designed for an F cup, no underwire, made in USA, women-owned small business. I’ve had my bikini from there for 5 years, not a snag (I don’t live on a body of water though, so limited to pools and the occasional beach trip). Great support, and designed to allow for weight fluctuations. Highly recommend! Sizes 2-24.
It’s so funny that this post came up today. I went shopping for new swimmers (what swimsuits are called in Australia) yesterday and ended up buying the same one I’ve been wearing for 2 years. It’s just a comfortable fit and I feel so good in it. I now wished I bought another one.
As a tall, “midsize” woman, I can attest to Land’s End for long torso one-pieces. The tugless in tall is my go-to for lap swimming, and they come in high leg or the lower leg for more coverage. They have sales ALL THE TIME.
I found Wild Isles swimwear a few years ago and their Dottie Tie Bikini Top is my absolute favorite. I have it in multiple colors and it has never let me down. Super flattering, lots of support, and really cute. Big big fan. Their bottoms – not so much.
I found the Old Navy swim dress last year and love it! I’m a L/XL and really love the bikini line coverage and how comfy I am walking around the pool. I got two in the same print and am all set.
I, too, struggle sooooooo much with finding a bathing suit. I sometimes find myself wishing we could go back to wearing a dress, haha j/k (but not really). I have been known to wear shorts and a t-shirt and if anyone dares ask why I am not in a bathing suit, my ready answer is “I forgot it.” For me, I have a really hard time with how tight they are–how they dig into my skin. I have an aversion to anything tight and too revealing and it completely takes away from my ability to have fun and relax in a swimming situation. So until we are all able to design the bathing suit that is uniquely perfect for us, I will be in a T shirt and shorts–shamelessly and unapologetically I might add! ;)
I love how board shorts and swim shirts/rash guards seem to be more available these days, so more nice, looser coverage (and sun ptotection) in fanrics nicer to swim in.
Lots of great swim shorts + rash guards out there. I wear bathing suits too, but especially if I’m on the water all day swim shorts and a top is what I want to be in to protect from the sun. The fabrics make them much more comfy to swim in than a regular shorts-and-t-shirt set.
You should try Lands End, they have an insanely diverse swim line up – including shorts, skirts, dresses, and long and short sleeve rash guards. You can wear your t-shirt and shorts but in swim fabric.
I honestly just wear a black bra, black undies & a pair of shorts at the beach, and no one blinks an eye! Agree swimwear shopping is a chore.
Unfortunately Raq isnt shipping to the US right now!
We reopened our US Store today!
Yess!! I already have the Land’s End suit and just this weekend had ordered the Old Navy romper! I’m so baffled about why more women’s one-piece suits don’t have that extremely cute romper short-shorts cut (I mean, I know why but come onnnn). I feel cute in this style and when I’m trying to actually enjoying moving on the beach, in the water, with kids, etc… I have zero patience for suits that feel exposed.
I struggle with bathing suits as a busty lady with a small band size — halter tops dig in and offer zero support. Shout to Bravissimo for bra size inclusivity and cute designs! Would love to hear any other brands that fall into this checklist…?
Fantasie has bra sizes and great tankinis. I am 36G and have a couple of pieces from them that I love.
Yes to Bravissimo for this issue!
I have the same problem. Panache also makes bra-sized swim that’s structured like a good bra. I have this gingham bikini that’s cute and supportive : https://www.barenecessities.com/products/panache-gingham-olivia-underwire-balcony-bikini-top-sw1722a?variant=42380294881393&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23673919591&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23669351906&gbraid=0AAAAAD_wihhmiCWqXYMRDK0CgJXB10LCx&gclid=CjwKCAjwpK3SBhASEiwAtV1SPLppMCBndx6WFufk57aZYbPM4WN6vtPCiIh3sAmkzlFdFV9C_PVrIxoCSTwQAvD_BwE
Another vote for Bravissimo! I have several great swimsuits including a great Speedo bikini for swimming laps, I love it. I am a 32 I bra (I as in iguana!) and I really can’t mess around with non-bra sized suits.
I recommend Cuup! They have adjustable straps and the cup size goes to H.
32J here! Not cup sized specific but over the past year I’ve gotten both the sleeveless surfy and the squarey from TA3 and I love them. I’ve never felt so supported. The surfy in particular is amazing. If I was going on an adults only escape I could even leave the zipper unzipped and would feel totally secure. But since I’m often at the pool with my 5 year old son, I zip it up to keep everything in place. The bathing suit is snug but I personally enjoy the feeling. I don’t worry about tying the strings in the back very tight.
Brands that start at a US size 6 or 4 are not “size inclusive”!
Considering how the vast majority of brands don’t go about a 12-14, I think there’s plenty for the smaller folks out there
A bathing suit in a size 6 might be “bigger” than you realize. I am a size 0 in street clothes but just bought a size 4 suit…. TLDR; I am not sure buying a suit is easy or fun for anybody -!
Hi Charlotte – do you struggle to find swimsuits size 6 or smaller? If so, perhaps you can share some resources for others. That would be a meaningful contribution.
I hear you Charlotte. I understand why some folks might not see our size range as an afterthought to some manufacturers – don’t get me started on a lack of petite inclusiveness – but being disappointed in our inability to shop doesn’t mean we aren’t happy for them! I’d link some small suits here as Julie suggested, but I don’t presently own any that are still in production.
wow, Charlotte, must be HARD walking through this world as a 0 or 2.
Hi Charlotte. I take your point. In general, I also don’t consider size ranges that end in the low 20s to be truly inclusive. In this case, I did choose to include these two recommendations from Mbiye and Corinne, because they offer particular features and styles that aren’t often available in other lines — and because they are both smaller companies that many readers may not be familiar with, particularly in the US. And I do consider the impact of highlighting brands that include more sizes in the plus range, because those are the sizes with the least availability by far. But I know what it’s like to be excluded even from lines that claim to serve shoppers of all size ranges. Inclusive sizing can be a complicated topic — to write about, and to discuss — but I think it’s important to keep doing both.
It’s hard to tell if you are actually upset or just trying to make a point … but, as a size 4 woman who has never had to worry if brands I’m interested in carry my size – I am genuinely thrilled to see coj intentionally featuring a variety of sizes and size inclusive brands, because that is important full stop. If you are actually upset, perhaps this is a chance to use that as an peek into the experiences that SO MANY people have and to develop greater empathy and understanding, rather than bitterness or faux outrage.
I can attest to Land’s End. I wear it for keep swimming. AND it comes in petite sizing.
…. and they come in tall sizes, most brands don’t. (I probably tried them all and I don’t like a bikini for swimming, prefer a one-piece.) They are great for swimming, not the most sexy, but that’s exactly what I need to swim: no tugging and squeezing.
Ok, now we’re talking! 4′ 11″ over here. I admire two pieces on others, but they’re not for me. Finding a full suit that’s short enough – but isn’t a child’s one with no bust support – feels like a miracle. I’ll be checking them out!
A few years I discovered Knix swimwear (yes, the period brand!). You can get their basic tank suit with or without period coverage. Soooooo comfy, I just keep buying every colour. The xxxxl+ is similar to a 4x.
I second the love for Knix!