Best plus size swimwear to ensure you feel confident and supported this season

If the hunt for the best plus size swimwear feels you with dread, fear no more. The market has drastically improved in recent years, and while plus size swimsuit options used to be limited and at best a little frumpy, the growing plus size fashion market has made brands sit up and take notice. 

The best plus size swimwear is a broad topic, with lots of factors to consider. It's not just about the size on the label, but it's also about deciphering the best swimsuit for your body type and finding plus size swimwear that supports your silhouette, so you can feel great in what you're wearing. Once you've deciphered if you have a pear-shaped body, an hourglass silhouette, or an apple-shaped body, you can more easily navigate which cuts and shapes will offer you the best lift and fit.

Swimwear is a notoriously tricky item and something that many women, regardless of size struggle with. But like lingerie shopping, when it comes to swimwear, whatever your size, we're all looking for items that will enhance our figures, offering just the right level of contour and shaping. With a growing number of fashionable options both in the two-piece and one-piece arenas, finding the best plus size swimwear has never looked or felt so good. 

The best plus size swimwear - selected by our fashion expert

The pieces in this list have been selected for their fit, quality and style. We have chosen a mixture of one and two pieces in a range of cuts to suit all body types so that you can find flattering plus size swimwear that will make you feel great.

Just remember, everyBODY deserves to wear and feel good in swimwear this summer, so whatever swimwear you buy, wear with confidence, as that's the only accessory you really need. 

The best one piece swimsuits will offer just the right amount of coverage to help you feel your best on the beach. If you traditionally wear an all in one, but have been tempted by a two-piece, then this block color and print swimsuit, with midriff cut out detail is an ideal way to dip your toe in the water. 

With plenty of coverage across the bum and through your torso, the block print top, paired with a black brief bottom creates the look of a two piece, with the cut out detail giving just a hint of skin. The deep V-neck line helps to lengthen your silhouette and frame your bust line. With built in bust support for great uplift and the use of power mesh fabric throughout for contour, this lightly shaping swimsuit delivers a vintage swimsuit feel that's super chic. 

Tapping into this season's swimwear trends, look runway ready in this sleek one-shoulder bikini. The asymmetrical cut, coupled with a bowed shoulder is reflective of summer fashion trends and this pretty pink hue is directional too. 

Available in several colorways, there is a matching mid rise brief, for those who prefer something to sit below the belly button. With a distinctly feminine feel, this bikini is crafted from the brand's signature compression fabric, offering natural lift and support without the need for underwire or built in sculpt.

When it comes to the high waisted swimwear, this swim skirt is up there with the best. With a pair of bikini bottoms attached, this silhouette is ideal if you prefer a skirt fit over hips and thighs, offering a less clingy fit to standard swim briefs. The skirt shape is super cute, featuring a high waisted cut to nip you in. 

Available in four colorways, this is a great basic to have in your travel capsule wardrobe, as you can mix and match the classic colorways with other tankini or bikini tops in your summer capsule wardrobe. Retailed from size S to size 4XL this is a size inclusive swim piece.

Miraclesuit is a brand that specializes in swimwear that sculpts and shapes. Working in the same way as the best jeans for curvy women, Miraclesuits live up to its name with some serious skimming and lifting abilities. While not the most fashion-forward of options, the classic styles won't date and the thick fabric offers added support and comfort. Ideal for those looking for a Quiet Luxury swimsuit, the ruched style across the midriff ensures this is a flattering design and it's one of the plus size swimsuits for those conscious of their middle. Contouring your shape throughout, the deep V-neckline will help to frame a fuller bust. 

There are a number of iterations of this one piece available in muted tones, but one thing is for sure, this is a wardrobe essential.

If you're conscious of your middle and usually opt for the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy, then this might be the swimsuit that gives you the confidence boost you need. One of the best black swimsuits, the front ruffle paneling will help skim over your midriff, while the innovative Magisculpt fabric helps to contour and shape your silhouette. 

With a hidden inner bust shelf for light lift and support, this swimsuit will work best for apple body shapes with a smaller bust. The swimsuit also has some light foam padding to give the look of a fuller and rounder bust. While it's another black swimsuit, the frill front renders it trend-ready as well as figure flattering.

A navy and white bikini never dates and this one is ideal if you want to smooth over your midriff but still want to try out a two-piece. Working much in the same way as one of the brand's best shapewear pieces - these tummy control briefs have a high rise, sitting above your belly button to help hold you in securely without feeling uncomfortable. The gorgeous stretch fabric also helps to smooth and sculpt your shape. The matching bra top again calls on Pour Moi's lingerie expertise and offers great lift and fit so you end up with a timeless bikini that you'll feel confident in and around the pool. 

In a classic blue and white print - ideal for what to pack for a beach vacation, try wearing a white linen shirt over the top as one of the best beach cover-ups this summer.

This clever plus size bikini offers a host of dressing tips and hacks. The flirty sleeve offers upper arm coverage, for those that are conscious of that particular body part. The high-waisted brief will help skim and sculpt a tummy, while the bardot style neckline adds fullness to your bust line. The ruffled top will create the illusion of a larger bust but will also help to balance out a pear shaped body by mimicking hip-width up top. This automatically narrows your waistline, creating an hourglass silhouette. The added frill sleeve detail also behaves a lot lie a holiday-ready crop top, meaning if you can make this part of a long skirt outfit idea for a sunny vacation too. 

An affordable swimsuit style from straight-to-market brand River Island, this plus size one-piece packs a punch in a bold zebra print and plunge neckline. Although this swimsuit has no in-built support, the additional halterneck tie will support bust uplift, however if you have a large bust, you may not find this one-piece supportive enough. Offering full coverage across the bum, this is a modern and attractive suit, perfect for pool lazing. 

One of the best swimsuit brands, Magisculpt designs shaping swimwear to help support your frame. Offering skimming properties through the use of Powermesh fabric - which acts like shapewear. This is enhanced with a ruched center panel, creating a longer and leaner frame for a waist narrowing and tummy smoothing effect.

In a trend-worthy purple hue, this chic swim dress flicks out over hips and thighs for a feminine finish, and with in-built swimsuit briefs underneath, this all in one is pool-ready. With contouring throughout, this swim dress also has in-built underwire bust support. 

Neoprene is a super smoothing fabric that's ideal for crafting the best plus size swimsuits. A slightly thicker fabric, neoprene is often associated with wetsuits and this sporty fabric is perfect for beach and pool activities. With a directional scalloped design for plenty of fashion flair, this sky blue hue is also one of the top fashion color trends for 2023.

Crafted from UPF50 fabric for added protection, it is also chlorine-resistant, ensuring it holds its color for longer. Available up to a size 24, this plus size swimsuit doesn't have the size depth that other styles do, but is still none the less a great choice for those in that size bracket. 

You can browse the latest M&S discount codes to save money on your next purchase, too.

The best tankinis are the perfect way to dip your toe into the two-piece water if you're nervous about baring your midriff. A tankini essentially is a swimwear top paired with briefs. As with all swimwear, the styles vary drastically from brand to brand and you can get several iterations that have bra-style tops, offering plenty of support. A tankini is ideal for tummy-conscious apple shapes and this polka dot design will never go out of fashion. The bubble shape on this tankini offers a more relaxed fit around the stomach, offering extra skimming abilities if that's your area of self-consciousness.

With an almost camisole like appearance, you can also file this under what to wear in the heat, for an easy, fashion-ready vest top that won't see you break out in a sweat.

Swimsuitsforall has a fantastic collection of swimsuits and bikinis and really do live up to its brand name. With a plus size collection up to a US 26, they also have collaboration collections with the likes of plus size fashion influencer, Gabi Fresh.

This illusion paneled swimsuit has a zip front fastening, giving it wetsuit style appeal, while the color block sections create a narrowed waistline, making you look longer and leaner. Ideal for those with hourglass body shapes or for those looking to create one.

This gorgeous Barbiecore pink swimsuit is mainly aimed at women with a fuller bust, rather than being specifically 'plus size'. Serving up to a J cup, Curvy Kate already makes some of the best plus size lingerie, so it's no surprise that they make fantastically supportive swimwear too. 

Featuring a slim belt with a tortoiseshell buckle, this is an ideal silhouette for curvy hourglass shapes. The sweetheart style neckline, coupled with the waist-defining belt will draw the eye down your silhouette and to your smallest part, really enhancing your curves. 

From one of the best plus size clothing brands, Eloquii has an extensive range of fashion-forward, plus size swimwear options that will ensure your beach look is on-point this season. Featuring three slashed panels with ring detailing, this plus size swimsuit has an extensive size range and is the perfect combination of bikini and swimsuit, flashing a little less middle than a high waisted swimsuit. The punchy color combination of pink, lilac and coral gives this one-shouldered design extra designer appeal.

For the ultimate in Quiet Luxury vacation wardrobe, only one of the best black swimsuits will do. This classic, sporty round neck swimsuit will never go out of style, meaning you can hold onto this beauty for years to come. Available up to a size 30, this is an inclusive swimsuit.

This chic black one-piece can be paired with any beach cover up, even being worn as a bodysuit to help you maximize your holiday wardrobe. The straps aren't adjustable however, so if you have a shorter torso, you may find the straps a bit too relaxed.

How to choose the best plus size swimwear

When it comes to selecting the best plus size swimwear, fabric and fit should reign supreme. If you already invest in the best bras for large busts, then you should follow a similar fit mentality when looking for the best plus size swimwear. 

Styles that have built-in bras, underwiring, or come in cup sizes will be among the best swimsuits for large busts, offering the best fit, while a halter neck style or a plus size swimsuit with adjustable straps will ensure you can easily give yourself some added uplift if necessary. 

Many of the best bra brands for fuller figures also have fantastic, curve-flattering swimwear lines and these brands will naturally make some of the most supportive swimwear when it comes to fit as they can draw on their experience from designing the best bras to ensure great coverage and lift.

When it comes to fabric, just like with the best plus size shapewear, you want to feel supported and sculpted. Opt for slightly thicker and heavier weight elastane and lycra and select for your regular size. Buying a size too small will pinch, go too big and you risk your swimsuit shifting in the water - not something any of us want.  

What is the best material for plus size swimsuits?

Polyester is the leading fabric when it comes to swimwear, both for main line and plus size iterations. This is because it is slightly quicker at drying and is less absorbent than Nylon. Polyester would usually be woven with something like Lycra for added stretch as you want a good amount of movement in your swimsuit, but you still want it to contour to your shape. 

What’s The Best Way To Know My Swimsuit Size?

Generally speaking swimwear sizes should correlate to your regular dress size. Alternatively if you are choosing a swimsuit specifically for greater bust support, opt for styles that come in bra sizes. 

As there is so much variation between brands, it is always best to know your hip, waist and bust measurements and compare them to sizing guides online to help you get the best fit. While swimwear does have some stretch, you don't want to find your swimsuit sagging, or pulling. 

What swimsuit stores have the best size range?

Swimsuit sizing varies greatly from store to store, but for plus size swimwear, a great place to start is with fashion brands you already know stock your dress size. Look to the best plus size clothing brands for extensive swim ranges, or alternatively check out brands that also cater for larger busts, as they often carry slightly larger brief sizes too. Examples include Simply Be, ASOS Curve and Good American, all of which usually cater for fuller figures. 

Do swimsuits get tighter or looser in the water?

Swimsuit material absorbs water when in the pull, making the fabric heavier due to the water weight. This can pull on the fabric making it looser in the water, if the suit isn't the right fit to start with. They will also lose stretch over time, as the elasticity goes, making them baggier and less contoured.