The 9 best plus-size swimsuits for sunny days ahead

Size range: XS - 5X, runs true to size

This luxe swims brand ticks all the boxes for me: Ethically made, sustainable fabrics, high-quality, size-inclusive, woman-owned, excellent fit, and most importantly, the designs are STUNNING. Founded by plus model Taylor Long after being sick of the sad, off-trend swimstyles she was seeing in plus sizes, Nomads Swimwear is a chic label inspired by travel, with each collection influenced by the energy and aesthetics of beautiful destinations worldwide.

I own Nomads suits from prior seasons, including its signature Bay bikini that I've had for years, so I went into this review with the knowledge that this brand has excellent quality and durability. Nomads is a little more expensive than other picks on this list, but the price point reflects its care and quality of production.

The fact that this Isle One-Piece is reversible — as many Nomads styles are — adds even more versatility to this suit. When I put this suit on, I was blown away by how perfectly it fit (true to size!)., giving shape and a shocking amount of support for a wire-free halter. Paired with the matching full-length pareo, gold-accented sunglasses, and gold hoops, I felt utterly chic and ready for a trip to the Italian coast, which is the vibe this Expressivo collection evokes for me.

I also really appreciate that the material is more breathable than typical swim fabric, so this style can be worn as a bodysuit as well. I am even more of a fan of Nomads after trying this suit, and I am in excellent company: None other than the Serena Williams recently posted a vacation snap wearing a full look from the Nomads Pothos collection!

Sizing info and tips: The brand is available in sizes XS-3X and is best for smaller-medium busts. It runs a little small, so we recommend sizing up one.

If you prefer to have more shapewear built into your swim, the affordable brand Popilush should be on your radar.

I tried the Shapewear Ruched Tummy Control Bikini Set, since the ruched mesh in leopard print felt very of the moment. Worn with the coordinating mesh pareo, I felt glamorous and pulled together. The power mesh built into the high-waisted bottoms fit comfortably and smoothed the lower belly area even after an indulgent vacation brunch. Unlike some shapewear swim, this bikini wasn't overly restrictive and didn't pinch or dig in uncomfortably.

If you have a very full bust, this probably isn't the best suit for you: While I absolutely loved the way I looked in this Shapewear Ruched Tummy Control Bikini Set, I did have some side spillover in the top due to lack of cup depth. I'd suggest checking the size chart before ordering if you feel like this might be an issue for you too. I'm such a big fan of the rich colorway of this fabric, though, so I might have to order the coordinating one-piece to see if that is better suited for larger cup sizes — I don't want to let this look go!

Sizing info and tips: The suits are available in sizes 0-4 (equivalent to 12-28); size down if you are between sizes.

As someone who has had some bad experiences—bordering on "wardrobe malfunction" territory—with styles that are purportedly "convertible," I'm always more than a little skeptical when I see swimwear with that description. But the eco-friendly plus-size brand Melon Bay pleasantly surprised me with its buttery-soft Utopia one-piece.

Melon Bay was "intentionally crafted for mid to plus sizes," and that shows in how it fits. The soft, eco-friendly nylon blend fabric feels great against the skin, and the cut of the suit hits a lovely happy medium between coverage and hotness, with a cheeky-cut bottom and adjustable coverage on top with the wrap closure. The top can be worn multiple ways, and I appreciate that Melon Bay also thought of making the strap height adjustable to help get the perfect fit for each iteration.

If you are unsure of your size, I suggest going with the smaller of the two you are choosing between: I almost got a 3 instead of a 2 based on the Melon Bay size chart, but I think that would have been too big on the bottom. This material has a great amount of give too, and the suit features seamless construction and non-binding edges, so you don't have to worry about it digging in.

I felt comfortable and secure in the Utopia, but I do think it is better suited for a more relaxed day in the sun - I wouldn't play beach volleyball or anything similar in this one! This also is not the suit if you are looking for lots of lift on top, but if you want a cool minimal monokini that was ethically made in LA from an environmentally-friendly fabric (its signature double-layered regenerated eco-nylon is made from ocean-recovered debris), definitely check this one out.

Sizing info and tips: Tops are available in bra sizes in bands 34-44 with US cup sizes DDD-N and bottom sizes 8-22. Often referred to in UK bra sizing, so make sure to double-check that your cup size conversion is correct before ordering (I recommend using Elomi's international size guide)

If you have a very full bust, you already know how stressful bikini shopping can be, particularly if there is a large difference between bust and underbust measurements. With band sizes from 34-44 and cup sizes up to a US N, Elomi is one of the few brands that provides true bra-fit underwire options in styles that don't give "all function and no form."

And just like with bras, the beauty of having the option to get the perfect fit means you also have the freedom to size up or down a bit to get the aesthetic fit you want. I tried a few top sizes in this Plunge Bikini Top — available in the prints Savaneta, Tiger Valley, Sancho Beach and more. While my technically correct size was a larger cup (which separated and fully contained each breast, just like a great underwire bra should), I actually prefer this smaller cup size because it gives me the va-va-voom cleavage I'm looking for in a bright pink tropical bikini like this.

The matching Mid-Rise Bikini Brief (search by print name to find the one you want) is also very comfortable and fits well with no pinching in my standard size. My only qualm is that sometimes the lining peeks out of the top a tiny bit with wear, but that is truly a nitpick for an otherwise fantastic suit.

Sizing info and tips: Available in sizes 0-24 with long torso options, size up if you have a full bust.

One-shoulder suits can be so chic when done right, but that can be a tall order if you don't have the standard torso proportions, whether that means a fuller bust or a longer torso. The female-founded swim brand Summersalt tackled that issue - and a plethora of other swim problems - by looking to data, and a lot of it: A "collection of 1.5 million measurements from 10,000 real women," which informed its design and construction. The innovative details in its swimwear show how that translated to the final product.

My favorite example is the well-positioned double strap in the back of The Sidestroke, its best-selling style. Instead of just sticking with one cross strap in the back, this style has two, which distributes bust weight more evenly and doesn't dig. I was happily surprised that this style worked as well as it did on me, as most one shoulder styles leave me lopsided and uncomfortable. With thousands of five star customer reviews, I'm not the only one who is impressed.

Summersalt describes its recycled polyamide and elastane blend fabric as "beach proof," with UPF 50+ protection and resistance to sand, salt, and chlorine. This one also has compression, so if you are looking for shaping in a classic silhouette with a twist, this is a great option.

For more of our favorite styles, see our full Summersalt review.

Sizing info and tips: Sizes 12-24, true to size

If you want a full coverage one piece that doesn't feel frumpy or dated, this square neck suit from Australian label City Chic is my recommendation. The black background is classic, and the graphic take on tropical print looks more designer and less like your uncle's vacation shirt. (This same print is also available in a bikini and a lightweight maxi dress too). I am a big fan of square necklines, and with the gold toned hardware on the adjustable wide straps, this is a particularly chic one. I got so many compliments on this suit on my first wear, and I felt amazing in it.

I found this Maui Print 1 Piece to be true to size - I ordered my standard size 20, and it fit perfectly. The ribbed fabric of this one piece is substantial, with a nice amount of compression in itself, complemented by power mesh lining in the front panel and bust lining with underband elastic in the top. I felt supported without being squished: Truly ideal, in my opinion! Importantly, for more active beach days, I felt completely contained in this suit, even when I went flying down the waterslide at our resort, so I knew it could stand up to wave jumping in the ocean.

Sizing info and tips: Bra sizes 28D-40M, but make sure to convert from UK cup sizes!

If bikinis are hard to get right for full-bust swimwear, strapless suits are even harder. The sheer amount of technical design and engineering needed to hoist and support larger breasts without straps is intense, and only a handful of brands that offer plus have been able to do so successfully, even when it comes to bras. Curvy Kate's strapless bra is known for its phenomenal support (to the point that there are multiple videos of people being able to do cartwheels in it!), so I was hopeful that this Wrapsody Bandeau Strapless Multiway Swimsuit would offer the same support. Happily, I was not disappointed.

The base of this suit is a classic strapless one-piece, with defined, molded underwire cups that provide lift that feels almost gravity-defying. Quite frankly, that would be notable enough in itself, but there's yet another feature that takes it to the next level: The attached long sheer mesh strips that can be worn as sleeves, straps, or a wrap. The versatility this adds is unmatched. You can change the bust coverage and the entire look in seconds, making this a great choice for travel.

For sizing, make sure you are converting from UK sizing. The Curvy Kate website has all the conversions listed in the sizing dropdown menu, so I recommend referencing that no matter where you are ordering from. I found that the bottom of the suit fit well on me when ordering my regular bra size, but if your proportions are different and you aren't sure if that would be the case for you, I recommend checking out the bikini version of this suit so you can size the bottoms separately.

Sizing info and tips: Available in sizes L-4X, Cup Sizes B-J+. For the string bikini tops, you should size based on cup size, as the string back is fully adjustable.

Whereas the last two styles are all about lift and structured support, Curvy Beach takes a very different approach to swimwear - and one that might seem more than a little terrifying if you are not used to it: Celebrating the natural shape of your body. I know when Curvy Beach founder Elizabeth Taylor (yes, that is her real name!) first told me about her philosophy, I didn't think I could "pull it off". Until then, I was all about control, with shapewear piece or underwire bikinis with power mesh built-in being my comfort zone.

So the idea of wearing a suit that showcased my unrestricted figure felt nigh impossible, let alone a full-on string bikini. But Taylor convinced me to give Curvy Beach's signature string bikini a shot, and it was nothing short of life-changing. I remember agonizing over whether I'd even be able to leave the hotel room in something so skimpy, but as soon as I put it on, I just felt hot. That moment was a big one in my body confidence journey too. There is something about seeing your body in its natural state and feeling great that gave me the courage to keep pushing outside of my comfort zone in fashion and better find my one personal style, both on and off the beach.

If you are reading this and thinking you couldn't wear something like this, just know that I had those same thoughts and was so happy to be proven wrong!

I do believe that part of that body euphoria was due to the excellent cut of the suits themselves. Taylor used her ample experience as a plus-size fit model to design the core Curvy Beach styles specifically to work for curves, with details like built-in shape, depth, and adjustable ruching into the triangle cups to allow for as much or as little top coverage as you want, all while keeping everything fully contained. The classic string bottoms are thoughtfully made as well, with a cute ruched back and a modified v-front that offers some lower belly coverage without taking away from the iconic Miami Beach aesthetic. Curvy Beach bikinis also last: This bikini is the exact same one I first tried the brand with in 2017. My body and size has changed in the last 8 years, but I still feel hot and comfortable in it, and it still looks basically new, even after lots of wear and chlorine.

One thing to note: Curvy Beach has an avid fan base, with dedicated customers who have collections of Curvy Beach suits. As a result, new colorway releases often sell out shortly after they are launched, so if you see a color you love, don't wait to buy it!

Size range and tips: XS-4X, fits true to size.

You might have seen these viral waist-snatching swimsuits on social media, and you might have wondered if something as simple as tightening the criss-cross corset back could really have that much of a visible effect on a swimsuit's waistline. As someone who was also skeptical before I tried one, I can confirm that TA3's patented cinching technology does, in fact, work!

And unlike classic shapewear suits, you don't have to commit to being cinched in all day: I love that you can loosen or tighten easily at a moment's notice - for example, I un-cinch my TA3 suits while I'm traveling to the beach and while I'm napping, and snatch it back in when its time for pictures!

"Of you have a large chest, you won't regret buying this suit — as someone with an F cup, it's definitely the most comfortable and supportive one-piece I've ever tried. This suit even topped our list of the best swimsuits for large busts because of the great sizing options and supportive underwire," says Sally Kapla, executive editor, Insider Reviews.

Read more in our full TA3 swimsuit review.

I'd be remiss not to mention these fantastic plus-size options, all tried and true personal favorites:

Best for pretty feminine swim created with plus bodies in mind: Alpine Butterfly

Sizing: Sizes XS-6X. Runs true to size

One of my all-time favorite swimwear brands, this size-inclusive label has been making cool, cute plus-size swimwear for years and is often one of the first labels to show styles that then go on to be major trends. Alpine Butterfly just dropped its first new collection in a bit, and it is fantastic — I am particularly into the rosette-adorned off-the-shoulder one-piece. I appreciate that it offers a variety of coverage options, ranging from skimpy bikinis to adorable sleeved options in each cohesive collection. The quality and durability is excellent, and its fit tends to be true to size.

Best for shoppers who want their swimwear to make a fashion statement: Villa Fresca

Sizes XS-4X. Runs true to size.

Founded by plus swimwear pioneer Gabi Gregg (the creator of the game-changing viral #fatkini hashtag movement), this size-inclusive swimwear brand offers the type of cool, fashion-forward designs I've come to expect from Gregg. The sizing is spot on. Gregg is also very mindful of functional fit, particularly when it comes to bust support, so this is a brand I always recommend for those who are fuller on top.

Best for gender and size-inclusive swimwear: Chromat

Sizes XS-5X. Runs true to size.

One of my favorite designer labels for over a decade (I fully fell in love when Chromat made history by sending multiple plus models down its NYFW runway all the way back in 2014!), Chromat has continued to evolve as a label throughout the years, with thoughtful size expansions and continuing to innovate ways to be more inclusive across the board. Its latest collaboration with trans artist Tourmaline provided fit options for a broader range of gender expressions. The designs are also just downright sexy and generally run true to size. Founder Becca McCharen just hinted that new designs will be coming soon too.

Best for affordable trend-driven swim styles: Eloquii

Sizes 14-32. Runs true to size.

This plus-focused brand is all about making actually fashionable options for plus-size figures, and it does it very well. Eloquii just dropped its latest swim collection, and it is a good one. It has styles I haven't seen elsewhere in plus and cool coordinating coverups and resort wear, including these gauzy polka dot pants and an open-weave crochet bolero and fringe skirt set. Eloquii has frequent sales, too, so if you see a style you love but it is out of your budget, keep an eye out for markdowns.

Best for butt-sized swim options: Kitty & Vibe

Sizes XS-6X with two butt sizes offered in bottoms. Runs generally true to size.

I am always so appreciative when I see brands being thoughtful about fit issues, whether those issues personally impact me or not, because everyone deserves a swim that fits them right! So I love that the inclusive swim label Kitty & Vibe offers options for smaller and larger "booty sizes" in its swim bottoms and long torso options in its one-pieces.

Best for full-on shapewear swim: Miraclesuit

Sizes 6-24W. Runs slightly small, recommend sizing up if between sizes.

This is a brand name any department store shopper is probably familiar with but also might have preconceived notions about. I'll admit that I did, and it was not a brand I really considered for myself until I saw some of its updated silhouettes in person at an event. Seeing this cool, draped, coppery brown suit on curves got my attention, and I ended up getting one of my own. Miraclesuit's plus options are relatively limited, but if you want a classic maillot that gives full-on shapewear structure, it has some really pretty options, including the best-looking swimdress I've seen in ages. I got my usual size, and it fit well, but it did take some wiggling and maneuvering the first time I put it on (so allot time accordingly!)

Best for one-stop swim shopping: Swimsuits For All

Sizes 4-26, with select styles up to 34. Size up one.

With styles ranging from trendy cutout monokinis to full coverage chlorine-resistant suits for lap swimming, Swimsuits for All is a great place to start if you are looking for something specific or need to order swim for a variety of occasions. Its latest styles have been really catching my eye, and I will probably be placing an order soon.