The 2018 Plus Swim Guide: One Piece Swimsuits
I love a good bikini, but there is something so fun and classic about a sleek one piece suit. This trending style has something for everyone, whether you are going for Hollywood glam, modern minimalist, a timeles maillot, and beyond. Below, find some of my favorite plus size one piece suits I’ve tried recently, and where to find more!
This mega swimsuit shop has sooooo many options, with something in every price point. Better yet, S4A offers suits in sizes from 4-34. I particularly love their ongoing collabs with the creator of the #fatkini movement, Gabi Gregg. This leopard one piece from her latest line is so fun, and perfect for wearing with a pair of cutoffs for a good beach to boardwalk moment. I typically size up one size in Swimsuits For All suits. They also have a really sexy collab with supermodel Ashley Graham, perfect for bringing the heat to a poolside day party. S4A’s clearance section is amazing too, with suits starting at $9.00, so if you are looking for a deal, start here.
Always For Me is another major player in the plus swim e-tailer space. Though they started out with more conservative skirted swimsuits, they’ve recently re-launched and expanded their style selection significantly. I was really impressed when I stopped by their press event a couple of months ago, and couldn’t wait to wear this purple number from newer brand Raisins Curve. The fit is true to size, and the open neckline works surprisingly well for my bust. I also have and love this Bleu plunge front suit in black – I can’t wait to wear it!
I wrote all about Chromat’s recent expansion into plus size here, and they’ve done even more work to improve fit in plus since then. They hosted a massive fit test in their studio, doing a deep dive into what works for their plus customers and what needed improvement. The resulting latest plus drop, which just hit Nordstrom today, is fitting a lot more true to size. I’m particularly excited that the Tidal Suit is now available in plus – it was my favorite, but just a tad too snug in the XL for me. The price point for Chromat is definitely higher, but the impeccable quality and ethical production makes it oh so worth it. Plus, how often can you say your swimsuit was a highlight of NYFW runways?
This British label recently re-launched in the U.S. with an expanded and curated collection for American customers, and I am loving the styles. This 70’s throwback one shoulder suit was a big hit when I was in the Palm Desert for Coachella, and they also have a great selection of coverups. I typically size up one in Simply Be’s swim, and the fit is great then.
Lane Bryant
If you are looking for bra-sized swim, Lane Bryant’s suits have their Cacique bra tech built in. I spent a full day in and out of the pool in Miami in this criss-cross suit and it felt amazing the whole time – plus I got so many questions of where I got it from straight-size girls who were really sad to find it was plus only. I wrote more about the Lane Bryant swim fit here.
Modcloth is a new swim resource for me, but after going to their recent swim press preview and discovering that most of their offerings are available in sizes XS-4X, I had to learn more. This vintage bombshell floral suit fits amazingly, and I am definitely going to be trying more.
For babes on a budget, this fast-fashion giant has a lot of fun one piece options in plus. I particularly love this sequin-adorned flamingo number. Forever 21 Plus swim is definitely a case of get-what-you pay for though: When I did my #inthefittingroom review of this suit, I noted that this is more of a suit for lounging by the pool, not getting in it – I feel relatively certain that this thing would get see-through when wet.
This list is hardly exhaustive, and I will be trying and reviewing more one pieces all summer. There will also be a bikini shopping guide coming soon, so definitely check back for more of the Curvily Swim Guide!
