Dive into Plus Size Swimwear: Suits for Every Body Shape

When it comes to choosing the right plus-size swimwear or maternity swimwear, the most important thing is knowing your body type. When you know this, you'll be able to choose the best swimsuits for your body and play up your best assets while downplaying any part that makes you feel self-conscious.

It's not about not being able to find big-bust swimwear, but it's about which one you'll choose because today there's just so much design variety. Here, the number one rule is - don't shop for what's trending or what swimsuits look amazing on others - shop for your body shape and what will enhance your best features so you can rock your plus-size bathing suit with confidence.

When shopping for new swimwear, don't be afraid to try on different styles, colours, cuts, and patterns before committing to buying.

"But how do I know my body shape?" you ask. Easy. Check out the simple body shape descriptors below to help you choose some flattering plus-size swimwear just for you.

If you're an apple shape, you carry your weight in your bust, tummy, and hip areas, making your legs look smaller in comparison. Many women will die for your voluptuous figure, which is why you've got to own what you've got and make the most of it.  

When looking for big-bust swimwear or tummy control swimwear, look out for swimsuits that will highlight your assets - in other words, your cleavage. Opting for cleavage emphasizing bikini tops and swimwear will also help draw attention from other areas that may make you feel less confident in yourself, such as your tummy.

Many apple-shaped women will most likely immediately discount shun triangular-shaped bikini tops because of gravity, but this doesn't have to be the case - bigger busted, curvier women can also don the classic triangle bikini top. Look for more supportive versions that boast high-apex sling cups that will hold everything in place and offer a relaxed feel. If you feel like you can't hack the triangle trend, go for a sportier swimsuit style instead.

We recommend going a bit retro for the ultimate tummy control swimwear and investing in a pair of waist-defining high-waisted bottoms.

And when it comes to a plus-sized one-piece, don't be afraid to show off your killer legs. Vertical and curved stripes are your friends. Vertical stripes elongate the body, giving the illusion of height, whereas a slightly curved stripe will help redefine the waist area.

Your weight tends to collect around your hips and bottom areas. As a result, your waist and shoulders are slighter in comparison.

Since the lower part of your body is bigger, you need to balance it out, and one of the best ways to do this is to emphasize the upper part of your body. Detailed bikini tops, frills, and ruffles work a treat - and with so many mix-and-match bikini options, it would be easy to pair with some plain bikini bottoms.

Bikini briefs should remain plain and unbusy. Avoid boy-legged bottoms, and high waists as too much fabric will further emphasize the shape of your hips and legs. High-cut bottoms are flattering, as are simple tie bikini briefs. If you want a simpler style, plus-size swimwear with a halterneck top can achieve the same effect.

If you're curvier all over with a wider bust and hip area but have a smaller we-defined waistline, you've been blessed with the classic (and very feminine) hourglass figure.

For plus-size bikini tops for the hourglass figure, almost anything goes. Bandeau tops, triangle-shaped tops, balconette bikini tops, choose what you love and feel comfortable in.

One of the biggest 2021 plus-size swimwear trends right now is the sculpted underwire bikini top, which will give you a good lift in the right places. Don't be afraid to add a pop of colour or other details, such as animal prints and fringes.

To accentuate your enviable curves even more and go for that Marilyn Monroe look, high-leg Brazilian cut bikini bottoms are the way forward! 

To channel your inner Marilyn even further, choose a well-supported plus-size bathing suit with a bandeau top that boasts a slight sweetheart neckline. Frill detail to the leg will add a touch of flirty youthfulness to your look - and as far as brands go, we adore Tacoola - an Australian swimwear brand with serious vintage vibes and good sizing.

If your shoulders, hips, and bottom form a straight-ish line and you have little waist definition, you have a rectangular-shaped body.

For rectangular-shaped plus-size women, the key is to look for swimwear and bikinis that add more definition to your waist area while adding curves and volume to your upper and lower parts of the body.

Push-up bikini tops for plus-size rectangular-shaped women work a treat as they help redefine the waist by adding more lift and volume to the bust. To add more shape to your bottom half, look for plus-size bikini bottoms with frills, skirts, ruffles, or busy patterns, such as animal print.

Rectangular-shaped babes look amazing in one-piece plus-size swimsuits with plunging necklines - this will add more definition to the bust and bottom areas. Swimsuits with plunging necklines also happen to be a massive 2021 swimwear trend. We love plunging neckline plus-size swimsuits from one of our favourite Australian luxury swimsuit brands - Sunseeker - a brand that proudly caters to women of all shapes and sizes.

One thing to avoid is vertical stripes as this will just emphasize your straight up and down figure; this doesn't mean you have to avoid stripes altogether - if you've got your heart set on something a little stripy, opt for angled-down stripes that will add the illusion of shape to your waist and hip areas.

Curvy women with an inverted triangle body shape typically are broader at the shoulders than the waist. Inverted triangle shapes tend to be top-heavy rather than bottom-heavy, hence its name - the inverted triangle! This is a typical "athletic" figure, which is why women of this shape often seek out plus-size swimsuits that will create the illusion of feminine curves.

To take the eyes away from your shoulders, focus on highlighting your neck and collar bone areas. Look for styles that are going to accentuate your waist to create more of an hourglass silhouette.

Mixing and matching your bikinis, if done correctly, will be both flattering and stylish. Opt for a plain, dark-coloured bikini top to give the illusion of a slimmer top half and mix it up with some more dramatic patterned plus-size bikini bottoms to add volume. Other than patterns, bikini details like tassels, frills, and fringes can have a similar effect.

If you're more comfortable wearing a one-piece, one-shoulder designs suit the inverted triangle body as they draw the eye downwards. Don't be afraid to wear patterned swimsuits either - a feminine pattern covering the entire swimsuit will mean that no one part of the body is the focal point.

Not too dissimilar to the hourglass figure, the figure-8 body shape typically has a bust and hips that are in proportion and a significantly narrower waist, hence the nickname "the violin."

Finding flattering plus-size swimwear for the curvy figure-8 body shape is relatively easy, thanks to the well-proportioned feminine silhouette. In addition, curvy figure-8 gals suit plus-size bikini tops that show off their attributes, such as a halter-neck top or an underwired balconette top.

You can further enhance your curves with the right pair of plus-size bikini bottoms, the most flattering being high-waisted ones, but if truth be told, you can wear almost any style as long as they're the right size for you.

Fancy yourself a sexy screen siren or pinup gal? How about rocking a one-piece swimsuit instead? There's something dramatically alluring about a figure-8 woman with curves in a one-piece swimsuit. Why not try bolder prints or perhaps another one of this season's biggest plus-size swimsuit trends - the monokini?

We're crushing on the brand Tooshie right now. When it comes to plus-size and tummy control swimwear, Tooshie is killing it. Going up to XXL, there's no reason why curvy women can't enjoy the trending retro swimwear look.

Maternity swimwear used to be like maternity clothes - drab, ugly, and extremely unflattering, but thanks to brands like Hunza G that also has a maternity swimwear range, it's possible for baby mamas to enjoy a babymoon without worrying about what they're going to look and feel like in a swimsuit.

When you're looking for maternity swimwear, maternity one-pieces are the easiest. There are plenty of plus-size and maternity swimsuits out there. Look for adjustable straps that can easily be modified or a supportive tie-up halterneck. Built-in shelf bras are also an option, as these will give you that extra support and lift when swimming.

If you want to wear a bikini when pregnant, you'll likely be able to get away with wearing your regular bikini in your first trimester, so just refer to our body shape plus-size swimwear guide above. Bikini briefs that tie up at the sides will allow you to adjust your size slightly as your bump begins to grow.

One thing to bear in mind when shopping for a maternity bikini top is that your breasts will continue to grow and change in shape as your pregnancy progresses, so choose a bikini top with decent built-in support or if you're unsure, get a professional fitting done.

Now you've found the best swimsuit for your curves, it's time to dress it up. And by dressing it up, we don't mean just putting on a pair of flip-flops and calling it a day. It's about creating a signature style that makes you feel body confident when you're lying on the beach or lounging by the pool sipping on exotic cocktails. Fabulous swimsuit accessories will take your swimwear style up a few notches.

Accessorizing your plus-size swimwear involves incorporating beach accessories, such as sarongs, hats, sunglasses, and footwear.

Unsure how to accessorize your new swimsuit or bikini? Here's a quick rundown that will make your plus-size swimwear look extra amazing for your social media accounts. Be prepared for all those notifications to roll in.

Life's far too short to be wearing boring sunglasses. Sunglasses are the most important swimsuit accessories you can own. Not only do they protect your eyes and face from the sun's dangerous rays, but they also hold your hair back perfectly, and with the right pair, you'll look incredible and beach-ready.

From classic oversized sunglasses to retro cat-eye sunglasses, there's a frame to fit every face shape, just like there's a plus-size swimsuit or bikini for every body shape.

Sunhats are just as essential as a good pair of sunglasses when you want to accessorize your swimsuit - they're practical, stylish, and also shield your face from the sun. Whether you choose a large oversized floppy hat with cute embroidered phrases or a classic Panama style hat, sunhats certainly add that certified fashionista touch that we all love and strive for.

Studs, large hoops, or dangly earrings - there are so many options depending on the swimsuit or bikini style you wear. If you're planning on swimming, opt for studs, but if you're just planning on having sundowners at the beach club, go all out and wear a pair of show-stopping earrings that will add a touch of glam to your resort look.

Detailed flats (preferably ones with a bit of bling) or wedges are more glamorous than just a pair of flip-flops. Don't get us wrong - we love flip-flops, but if you want to take your swimwear look to the next level, wedges are great - they also add some extra height, giving the illusion of longer, leaner legs. Jeweled flats are just as comfortable as a pair of flip-flops and they're a great way of showing off your fresh pedi.

A good cover-up, whether it is a kaftan or a sarong, is the perfect accessory for your curves. Wearing a fashionable beach cover-up that slips on easily or ties around the waist will give you a little bit more coverage without having to layer on so many other clothes.

An oversized straw tote or a large beach bag will help keep all your belongings fashionably in one place. One thing to bear in mind is to pick a bag that feels comfortable over the shoulder for longer durations of time and one that's durable enough to withstand the elements. Go for bright, eye-popping colours, especially if your plus-size swimwear is a dark or neutral tone.

For many women out there, the idea of slipping into a swimsuit, whether it's a bikini or a plus-sized bikini, is a daunting thought. But the key is to wear your plus-size swimwear with confidence, but how?

When you put on your beautiful new swimsuit, remember the following and include them as part of your daily mantra.

We hear the words "bikini body" being thrown about all the time. And when we do, we immediately conjure up images of that "perfect body." But there's no such thing - the "bikini body" is a myth. Remember this -there isn't one type of body that deserves to put on and wear a bikini more than another.

The most important thing is to be confident and to feel happy and gorgeous in your stylish plus-size swimwear - and this means you need to love your body. Everyone has their hangups, but your body (your curves included) is perfect! Stop holding yourself up to those unattainable and unrealistic standards set by a society that is also unrealistic. Stop playing the comparison game or ever doubt your beauty.

The best swimwear for the body-conscious is out there. You just need to spend a little time researching what swimsuit style suits you. Look for high-quality plus-size swimwear brands that specialize in larger sizes or tummy control swimsuits like Hunza G and Tacoola. You also need to look out for quality, chlorine-resistant fabrics. Make sure you feel comfortable in it so you can have an amazing time without feeling self-conscious.

Every woman's body type is different. It doesn't matter whether you're size 0 or size 16. Instead, it's important to find the right plus-size swimwear that offers maximum comfort and a sense of carefreeness. Experiment with different tummy control swimwear styles for your body shape, and most importantly, enjoy the sun, surf, and sand and have fun.