Best Swimsuit Styles for Plus Size Women

If you have a curvier, fuller figure, shopping for swimsuits can feel like a challenge. From discomfort to dread, a range of different emotions can come up. Your main objective is to relax, feel good and enjoy your time at the beach or pool without feeling too covered up — or too exposed. You want to look and feel your best, and the right swimsuit can help you to accomplish this. Consider these swimsuit ideas to help flatter your shape and make the most of your assets:

 

Clean, Smooth Lines

 

If you’re self-conscious about your thighs and midsection, a one-piece suit can help to make you feel more at ease. Go for sleek styles and patterns that can help to smooth out the midsection while defining and highlighting your bust and cleavage areas. Opt for solid colors and sleek fabrics instead of bold or busy patterns. Underwire support in the bust area can help to lift and define your chest for optimal aesthetic effect and body confidence.

 

Think Vertical

 

If you’re drawn to patterned fabric in a swimsuit, go for slimming lines and vertically-striped patterns. Subtly ribbed fabric with the texture running vertically can also contribute to a more streamlined look. Accents such as a colored seam or ruffle that runs vertically down the suit can also add to this visually-slimming effect.

 

The French cut is another way to enhance the illusion of a longer, leaner frame. Try suits that are cut upward at the hips (as opposed to cuts that are more horizontal), and your legs will automatically look longer and leaner.

 

It’s in the Details

 

A bit of interesting detail on a suit can take it from functional and ordinary to extremely stylish. An interesting flourish around the neckline or breast can help to distract from “problem areas” and draw the attention to your neck and face. A small ruffle, a bit of embroidery, some layered fabric or metal accents on the straps can go a long way in drawing attention to your most attractive features.

 

Skirted Suits and Sarongs

 

Suits that have a small skirt attached at the bottom offer a classy way to help conceal and smooth the hips and derriere. If you fall in love with a suit that doesn’t come with a skirted bottom, consider wearing one anyway; choose a fabric type and length that complements your suit and is an ideal length for your body type. While small skirts are a “yes” for fuller figures, avoid “boy shorts” which can make you look boxy and unfeminine.

 

A sarong is another great way to cover problem areas so that you can look and feel your best on the beach. Sarongs are made of light, breathable fabric so you won’t get too hot while wearing it. They are essentially a rectangle of fabric that is wrapped around the hips, then artfully tied at the waist for a casual but classy look. It can be wrapped and tied in a variety of configurations, looks and styles; experiment with different ways to tie your sarong and see what works best with your physique.

 

A day at the beach or the pool should be fun and relaxing; use these swimsuit ideas to flatter your look and feel great while soaking up the sun.

 

Sophie White is a fashion blogger based in Australia. She’s up to date with the latest trend in clothing, hairstyle, shoes and any apparel that can turn heads. Her passion for fashion has inspired her to lead the online marketing campaign for Swimsuits Direct, a women’s swimwear boutique in North Brunswick, NJ.