Plus Size Bikini Swimsuits

When many people hear the words “plus size bikini swimsuits,” they think it’s either a joke or contradiction in terms. But there are gorgeous, sexy and fun bikinis to be had for women of size, and no one should ever be afraid to wear one.

A plus size bikini is sexy and fun.

Why Wear Plus Size Bikini Swimsuits?

There is a certain prevailing attitude, not helped by a lot of the American media, that says that a woman of size should not reveal any skin at all, much less dare to wear a bikini. This unhealthy mindset is comparatively recent – if you look at the beach movies from the 1950s and 1960s, a lot of the stars might be considered plump by today’s skewed standards.

The fact is, if you have curvy assets, you should show them off, and how better to do that than in a bikini? What you want is something well designed and cut properly, so that it sits at the most flattering part of your body and doesn’t cut into the skin. A bit of uplift with a bikini top is a great idea, too!

Bikinis are fun, sexy, comfortable and more practical for a full day in the sun – much easier when you have to go to the bathroom and great when you want to add a sarong but still want to look beachy. There is no reason not to wear one at any size, it’s mostly just about your attitude. If someone has a problem with it, that is their problem. When you’re wearing a leopard-print bikini with a belly chain and pride on full display, you are the beach queen!

Shopping for Plus Size Bikinis

All that said, the attitude that plus size bikini swimsuits should not even exist has had some impact on the swimsuit design industry. Fortunately, plenty of individual designers have come to the rescue and you can go online and find some great choices.

• One site selling bikinis for women from sizes 1X to 6X is Love Your Peaches, which has the extra bonus of cutting swimsuits to fit you, so you can get a custom bikini. You have to choose separates, so you can select a halter top, for example, and a string bottom. They have pictures of fabric swatches to help you make your selection.
• Even sexier choices are available at Big Gals Lingerie, which offers bikinis for women from 1X to 12X. These are also custom made and come in some very wild fabric choices, including holograms. You can also get matching sarongs and cover-ups.
• For something less overtly sexy but still a cute bikini, you can try Big on Batik, which has string bikini tops and briefs in lively colors. You must buy each piece separately.

Retro Swimwear

Old-fashioned swimsuits are fun and flattering, no matter what your size. The Esther Williams collection at Retro Dress has fantastic retro plus size bikini swimsuits up to size 26. Each suit has a flattering gathered bust and a tummy control panel. And as befits the famous swimmer for which they are named, they are also designed to stay in place while you swim – no embarrassing adjustments required. They come in a range of lovely colors and fabrics.

Many vintage stores, online and brick-and-mortar, will have genuine vintage swimwear, but you want to be mindful before buying, as the fabric may be weak. Virtually all swimwear from the 1950s had foam cups that will have deteriorated and need to be replaced. If you find a vintage swimsuit that you love and have to have, you may want to consider using it as a pattern to make a new swimsuit in a modern fabric that will stand up to chlorine and be easier to care for. Save the vintage suit for lounging!

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