In recent years, the swim market has expanded to include a wide range of sizes, styles and fits. Now, the best plus-size swimwear for your body (and budget) isn’t exclusive to specialty stores, but rather, part of the size runs of big-name and size-inclusive retailers, alike. After careful research, we determined Swimsuits For All to be the best place to buy plus-size swimwear online because the suits are extremely well-made and you can filter by styles by neckline, body type and other useful features.
fits, styles and colors.Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
We’ve covered the best swimsuit brands extensively, and to identify top plus-size retailers, we enlisted the help of two experts: plus-size influencer Maddie Touma and Elizabeth Sneed, founder of Curvy Surfer Girl. Whether you’re looking for a one piece, bikini or tummy-control swimsuit, the following retailers offer plenty of options in inclusive sizing. Our picks also have generous return windows and free exchanges, so you can find the perfect fit.
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Sizes: 4 to 34 | Price range: $10 to $140 | Return policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days of ship date
What’s notable: Swimsuits For All offers an extensive selection of swimsuits and frequently runs promotions.
What could be better: The site’s design can be a bit busy and overwhelming at times.
Looking for a one-piece? Prefer a high-waisted bikini? Or maybe you like skirted bottoms. Whatever your needs, Swimsuits For All likely has it, as the brand offers a large selection of high-quality suits that won’t fade or fall apart after a few washes. Named the best plus-size option on our Best Swimsuit Brands list, Swimsuits For All lives up to its name by offering up to size 34 in some styles. You can also filter by body type, color, style, fabric, neckline and price while shopping.
Sizes: 0 to 24 | Price range: $95 to $145 | Return policy: Returns accepted within 21 days with $8 handling fee; free exchanges within 30 days
What’s notable: Summersalt created its best-selling designs based on measurements from real women’s bodies.
What could be better: While exchanges are free, returns incur a $8 handling fee.
While some one pieces can feel snoozy, Summersalt’s styles have details that add interest and flatter curves. The best-selling Sidestroke suit is a prime example. The one-shoulder style creates a fun twist while the diagonal seams elongate the torso. Plus, the compression fabric smooths your figure and feels high-end. Summersalt also offers bikinis and tankinis in up to a size 24.
Amazon
Cupshe High-Waisted Bikini Set
Sizes: XS to 3X | Price range: $13 to $46 | Return policy: Returns accepted within 60 days of shipping date with $8 fee; Free exchanges and returns through Amazon
What’s notable: Cupshe has a variety of on-trend styles in bold, vibrant patterns; a majority of pieces cost under $50.
What could be better: Not all color and pattern options are available on the Cupshe website.
Cupshe is a favorite for high-waisted bottoms and supportive top combos that are great for plus-size women. This set includes a pair of high-waisted bottoms that provide plenty of coverage, as well as an adjustable top with a flattering ruffle hem. Plus, Cupshe’s bikini sets are available in a wide range of colors and patterns—there’s something for every taste.
Sizes: S to 3X | Price range: $15 to $165 | Return policy: Free returns within 90 days of purchase date; free returns for 365 days on Target-owned brands
What’s notable: A majority of Target’s swimsuit options cost less than $50. The retailer also has a generous return policy that makes it easy to try different styles.
What could be better: Sizing can be inconsistent between brands.
Plus-size experts praise Target for its stylish but affordable options. Most swimsuits retail for well under $50, including this highly rated tiered tankini top. In addition to in-house brands Kona Sol, Aqua Green and Wild Fable, Target also carries top-notch, on-trend swimwear from Anne Cole, City Chic, Eloquii, Freya and more.
Sizes: 16W to 24W | Price range: $96 to $216 | Return policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days with tags and panty liner in place
What’s notable: The brand’s swimsuits are made of highly compressive fabric that sculpts and smooths.
What could be better: Miraclesuit’s selections are on the pricier side.
Long before most brands were offering extended sizes, Miraclesuit was creating sleek silhouettes for curvy bodies. While our experts noted that all of its suits are made from high-quality compression fabric, many of the brand’s styles offer extra paneling in the front for tummy control. Not only does this one-piece suit have that panel to create a smoother stomach area, the diagonal pattern creates a flattering effect. Styles like this earned Miraclesuit the “best one-piece tummy control” title in our Best Tummy Control Swimsuits story.
Sizes: 18 D/DD to 24 G/H | Price range: $10 to $204 | Return policy: Free exchanges and returns within 60 days
What’s notable: Bare Necessities offers many swimwear styles with cup-specific sizing, running all the way up to a K-cup for certain brands.
What could be better: Sizing can be inconsistent across brands.
For swimwear with supportive styles, lingerie retailer Bare Necessities is a go-to destination. It offers hundreds of swimsuits with underwire support for curvy figures. Since many of its featured brands use cup-specific sizing, you can feel confident knowing the swimsuit will fit your chest like your favorite bra.
Sizes: 8 to 20 | Price range: $26 to $212 | Return policy: Free returns and exchanges
What’s notable: Nordstrom offers swimwear from a wide selection of brands; both returns and exchanges are free.
What could be better: Popular styles tend to sell out quickly.
Nordstrom carries a large variety of higher-end swimsuits for plus-size women. This swimsuit from Artesands sculpts and shapes, while a zipper detail adds an ultra-cool touch. Other designer plus-size swim brands you’ll find at Nordstrom include Good American, Andie, La Blanca and Freya. Whether you want a classic black suit or something with a bold pattern or cool design detail like a mesh panel or removable skirt, the high-end options here are worth browsing.
Sizes: 16W to 26W | Price range: $30 to $210 | Return policy: Free exchanges within 90 days of shipping date; $6.95 shipping fee for returns
What’s notable: Many of Land’s End’s styles are made with fabric that offers UPF 50 sun protection.
What could be better: While exchanges are free, returns incur a shipping cost of $6.95.
For those who prefer more coverage, a swim dress or skirt is a great option, and Lands’ End has a great inclusive range for plus-size women. The brand uses high-quality Lycra for many of its swim pieces, including this one. The material is resistant to the breakdown commonly caused by chlorine and also offers UPF 50, which protects covered areas from harsh sun.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published a wide catalog of fashion stories, which are overseen by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar.
All selections were approved by Molvar, who holds a degree in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
For this story, we consulted with two fashion experts: plus-size influencer Maddie Touma and Elizabeth Sneed, a plus-size surfer and founder of Curvy Surfer Girl, a digital community committed to creating inclusivity and body positivity in women’s surfing.
We regularly refresh this article to ensure all selections are relevant and up-to-date. In April 2024, fashion writer Claire Epting swapped out low-performing styles with new, popular picks.
What To Consider In The Best Plus Size Swimwear
A swimsuit that works for one curvy figure may not work for another. Whether you carry your weight in your bust, your middle or evenly distributed throughout, there’s swimwear that will support your curves and work for whatever activity you’re doing. Here, we outlined what to consider as you shop.
Stretch
If you plan on playing an active game of beach volleyball, for example, you’ll want a different suit than if you intend to lay by the pool and read a book. If you’re moving a lot, Sneed suggests making sure the fabric offers a combination of stretch and firmness. To test this, use two hands to gently pull at the fabric. It should move a little, but not so much that it becomes see-through as you pull. This is generally a good sign that a suit will hug your body and not move around too much as you do.
Support
If you have a larger bust, consider something that has bra-like support. There are plenty of one-pieces and bikinis that have underwire to make sure everything stays securely in place. Also make sure you can bend over in your suit comfortably.
Fabric
If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on a suit, make sure it will last. “Good fabric is the number one indicator of a suit’s quality,” says Sneed. Generally speaking, go for suits that are a blend of polyester or nylon and spandex. These fabrications tend to be durable and hold up to chlorinated pool or salt water. Polyester also tends to hold color very well so your suit won’t fade.
That said, be a bit more wary of cotton blends. While they may feel nice against the skin, they tend to stretch out—something that can be especially problematic for larger bodies.
Style
“A lot of women get caught up on the idea that plus-size bodies can only wear certain types of suits—like a one-piece of tankini,” says Touma. Not true. You can wear any style you want. To push your idea of what looks good on your figure, Touma suggests ordering lots of different styles—even ones you don’t think will work. “You really just never know what you’ll like or won’t like until you try it on,” she says.
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Bethany Heitman has spent over 16 years creating engaging content. She is the former editor-in-chief of PeopleStyle and has held senior leadership positions at Cosmopolitan,Seventeen and Health.