The best plus-size swimwear of 2023, tested and recommended by experts

Andie Swim is our number one pick for this vintage-inspired one-piece that combines the modern style of ribbed material with tastefully lined seams that accentuate the bust and butt. Even with a high leg cut, the bottoms offer ample coverage, while the raised sides eliminate side-boob spillage for those who want extra security. Sold through plus-size retailer Dia & Co, this Australian brand expands its size offerings with the Havana one-piece, which fits up to a US 5XL (size 30). 

Having tried it myself, I can co-sign the other reviewers who enjoyed the fit on curvier bodies. However, sizing up is recommended if you're on the bustier side. I picked this suit up in a 3XL and had a little spillage in the square neckline but overall loved the more voluptuous look it gave me.

See our full review of Andie swim to see how the suits look on different body types.

Body Positive Influencer Loey Lane loves this high-waisted bikini set from Amazon for its Legally Blonde-approved vibes and affordable price. "The whole thing feels very plus-size Elle Woods. If you're more of a Vivian Kensington, it also comes in black (along with a variety of other shades)," Lane shared with Insider. The content creator wore this bikini all season last year and said, "It's the first one I'll pull out of my closet for the Spring! I love this pink color with the little heart plastic detail on the top." It's one of the best plus-size swimwear options around.

And don't think you can only wear this to the beach. Throw on a pair of jeans and rock this halter as a regular top. A major plus! This bathing suit set is sold together, so you can save on the cost of separate pieces and buy that cute cover-up or pair of sandals you've had your eyes on. All the reviews indicate that it fits true to size, so your 3X will fit like a 22/24."

Ensuring that your girls (i.e. boobs) are secured through any beach/pool-time activity is a must when choosing a bikini top. Fashion to Figure keeps this in mind with their big-bust-friendly swimsuits, such as this underwire bikini top. The underwire provides an extra lift and, more importantly, helps prevent under-boob spillage. Digital Creator Nori Marshall keeps coming back to Fashion to Figure for the brand's chic and sexy styles that take into consideration all levels of coverage for the best plus-size swimwear. 

"They consider everything from butt coverage to bigger bra cups," she confirmed to Insider. While Marshall's favorites come from the recently sold-out Tabria Majors collaboration, they recommend anything from the brand, especially styles that allow your body to be free and happily displayed.

Target is a haven for fat women to find cute and affordable swimsuits that actually fit! Case in point: this underwire bikini top from the Target-created swim brand, Kona Sol. Plus-size fashion influencer Alysse Dalessandro bought this swimsuit for a sun-soaked trip to Sicily to match the tilework and ceramics found there. "The bottoms are truly high-waisted, which is still the style I prefer. The top has an underwire but it doesn't dig in. This one is definitely made for style and all-day comfort," she shared with Insider. 

The combination of polyester and spandex in this suit's material is responsible for its comfortable and stretchy texture. No matter how wet you get, this bikini stays opaque with the added sewn-in cups that guarantee no accidental nip slips. The bottoms are sold separately and available in plus-sizes ranging from 1X-3X.

Nomads Swimwear is a women-owned and operated swim brand that is now of the best places to buy plus-size swimwear. The brand's swim collections feature classy designs and neutral colors that offer a luxe look for all who wear them. An updated version of the brand's original Wave style, this style has subtle ruching on the sides and criss-cross straps that add to the overall chicness. 

This new design marks the first collection from the brand to be 100% handmade in biodegradable materials at its new Los Angeles-based, woman-owned factory. And yes, you can absolutely wear this style as a bodysuit for post-beach activities, or if you need a cute smoothing top. 

Night Dive Swim has become one of the most popular indie swimsuit brands for plus-size and curvy bodies for its size variety, sustainable practices, and trendy styles. One such lover of the brand is Lifestyle and Travel blogger Rachel Saunders who favors the brand for its size inclusivity and comfortable fit.

 "The Aruba top has a wonderful cinch detail that allows you to control how revealing you want the top to be, which I really like," she shared with Insider. The Aruba Top has removable soft cups for different coverage desires and is made from a triple-lined compression material that contours the body to show off your figure. If you're nervous about wearing a two-piece or bikini for the first time, Night Dive Swim has your back with this fashionable and flattering set (bottoms sold separately).

The use of smoothing shapewear material in your swimwear that is already compressing may seem unnecessary, but I'm here to set the record straight—Shapermint does it right. Don't worry about this swimsuit squeezing your body like a poorly-fitted girdle because the actual fit is much more comfortable. If you're looking for the best plus-size swimwear, this is it. 

I wear a 22/24 and got this one-piece in a 4XL and could have easily sized down. The sleek swimsuit slipped on with ease and fit snugly around my breasts and wide-set stomach. I love the chic look of this basic one-piece that features added paneling over the upper thighs for extra coverage.

Lane Bryant is a godsend for finding some of the best plus-size swimwear. Feel glamorous at the beach with this vintage-inspired one-piece that will make you want to don a big hat and oversized sunglasses for a true Hollywood icon moment. Thanks to the no-wire design, you can lounge comfortably while still enjoying support from the hidden shelf bra that flatters your figure. Lane Bryant stays on trend with the playful ruffles and shimmering fabric of this swimsuit, which will ensure you sparkle in every group photo or selfie.

If you're looking for a swimsuit that offers moderate coverage of a one-piece with the open comfortability of a two-piece, tankinis are the way to go. Your stomach will have a chance to breathe in this tankini from Old Navy that features a billowy empire waist that won't squeeze and adds a touch of sophistication with the subtle pleating. 

This top offers a customizable fit with added cup padding that can be easily removed and adjustable shoulder straps that can be crossed in the back. Complete the look with matching swim bottoms or opt for a different pattern that fits your style—Old Navy has endless options all at an affordable price that's usually lower with the retailer's revolving sales, making it one of our favorite options for buying the best plus-size swimwear at a lower cost. 

Avoid the pesky strap tan lines that not even hourly applications of SPF 30 can prevent, and try this bandeau tankini top made from UPF 50 protective fabric. For my fellow busty friends, there's no need to fear accidentally flashing the entire pool with the soft built-in bra that doesn't dig and adds a little lifting. And if you still need extra support, removable straps are included for a customized style. 

Savvy shoppers will love Lands' End's constant sales, which allow you to purchase this bandeau and equally fun patterned swim bottoms at a discounted price.

Kitty and Vibe offer a wide range of eco-friendly and lively patterned swimsuits for fat and curvy bodies with a unique size guide that's mindful of larger bottoms and breasts. According to the brand, "If you have a band size of 38+, we suggest shopping the standard range, as they already cater to wider band sizes." My band size fluctuates between a 44 and 46, so based on their size guide I ordered this swimsuit top in a size G.

I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and comfort of the thick adjustable straps that kept the fabric from digging into my body. Swim bottoms are sold separately and offer medium coverage that still shows off your behind. The best part is the coverage offered from the band in the back that keeps my side rolls secured for the days I want that. Keep an eye on Kitty and Vibe for their summer 2023 collection that'll feature fun new prints from the mind of Emmy-nominated Comedian Nicole Bryer. 

Long gone are the days of having to be a certain size to wear a string bikini, and the London-based brand We Are We Wear proves this with this size-inclusive, sustainable, and affordable bikinis. Founded by Chelsea Williams and Natalie Paul in 2019, the brand states that 70-80% of its fabric is sourced from recycled materials, surpassing the 50% that is legally required for an item to be marketed as such. The fit is what really keeps people coming back, with chic looks that cover all the right parts without riding up uncomfortably. 

Naomi Native, a plus-size fashion content creator and model, purchased this reversible bikini for its style and fell in love with the coverage it offers. She shared with Insider, "Finding a barely-there triangle bikini that also manages to keep my G cups covered is like gold dust! Its reversible nature is great for hand luggage-only trips, with two styles in one." The bottoms are sold separately and made with the same reversible material and thorough coverage.

Long gone are the days of having to be a certain size to wear a string bikini, and the London-based brand We Are We Wear proves this with this size-inclusive, sustainable, and affordable bikinis. Founded by Chelsea Williams and Natalie Paul in 2019, the brand states that 70-80% of its fabric is sourced from recycled materials, surpassing the 50% that is legally required for an item to be marketed as such. The fit is what really keeps people coming back, with chic looks that cover all the right parts without riding up uncomfortably. 

Naomi Native, a plus-size fashion content creator and model, purchased this reversible bikini for its style and fell in love with the coverage it offers. She shared with Insider, "Finding a barely-there triangle bikini that also manages to keep my G cups covered is like gold dust! Its reversible nature is great for hand luggage-only trips, with two styles in one." The bottoms are sold separately and made with the same reversible material and thorough coverage.

Monokinis are a great option for those who want the sexy look of a bikini without the hassle of buying separate tops and bottoms. This affordable plus-size one-piece swimsuit really stands out with a cutout above the stomach and in the back for a fashionable flair. 

Lifestyle and plus-size fashion influencer Sierra Holmes bought this monokini for its sultry look and bold colors. "Too often plus bodies are asked to be covered up and draped in dull, underwhelming shades/prints, so I was thrilled to find a suit that embodied my personality and style," she shared with Insider. Holmes also noted that the option to tie the upper back offers more breast support for those with larger chests. 

Ulla Popken is a German-based plus-size retailer that offers stylish apparel for an inclusive range of sizes. Their swimwear selection features vibrant colors, thorough craftsmanship, and a variety of coverage options.

If you're looking for the best plus-size swimwear to surf or do watersports, look no further. This psychedelic-inspired swimsuit is a more sporty option, with long sleeves for maximum upper-body coverage and a slightly cheeky bottom to show off the legs. The swimsuit also has a zip closure in the back and doesn't have any extra padding.

Swim shorts like these from BOLD SWIM are a necessary swim option for those who want more coverage on the bottom without losing any style. The low leg cut falls around the mid-thigh without constricting the legs so you'll be free to do any swim activities or leisure walks—no thigh chafing here. 

Made with moisture-wicking materials, these shorts consist of a recycled polyester and nylon blend with OEKO-TEX®-certified fabric making them chlorine friendly. When it's time to wash these the brand recommends hand washing and air drying to avoid shrinkage. 

When searching for the perfect plus-size swimsuit, there are a few things to keep in mind: the material composition, the brand, and your personal comfort level. Typically, swimwear is made from a blend of nylon, spandex, and polyester to provide the necessary stretch and absorbency for water-based activities. However, not all brands design swimsuits for plus-size bodies, which can result in an uncomfortable and ill-fitting garment. It's essential to be intentional about the brands you purchase from, especially as a fat person, as some designers and retailers don't take into account body fat, belly rolls, side-boob, or large butts.

Plus-size influencer and designer Gabi Gregg stresses the importance of quality and fit in plus-size swimwear. "Something might be cute, but the fabrication isn't nice, or it isn't made well," she tells Insider. Working with the retailer Eloquii, Gregg designed a new swimwear collection that prioritizes comfort and support in her designs. "As someone with a larger bust, designing pieces that are actually supportive is always at the forefront of my mind. If I can't personally wear it, I don't want to sell it." In short, when plus-size people design for plus-size shoppers, you get a swimsuit that fits correctly and looks great.

Caroline Adegun, CEO and lead content producer for The Extended Plus Network, emphasizes individual choice when it comes to selecting a swimsuit. She reminds plus-size folks that their bodies are not anyone else's business and that every body is a bikini body. "Your body is not anyone else's business! It's summer, it's hot outside! We have more fat on our body and as such should be wearing less clothes," she shared to Insider.

When it comes to selecting a plus-size bikini, coverage is an important factor. "The truth is that the plus-size customer is not a monolith – not everyone wants the same thing," says Gregg. Some people prefer more coverage, while others want something skimpier, she continues. With the increase in brands catering to the plus-size market, there are more options available than ever before, which means you're more likely to find something that suits your personal style and comfort level.

• Loey Lane (she/her & they/them), Body Positive Influencer
• Nori Marshall (she/her & they/them), Digital Creator
• Alysse Dalessandro (she/her):Plus Size Fashion Influencer 
• Rachel Saunders (she/her): Plus Size Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger
• Gabi Gregg (she/her): Plus Size Designer and Creative Director
• Naomi Native (she/her): Plus Size Fashion Content Creator & Model
• Sierra Holmes (she/her): Lifestyle and Plus Size Fashion Influencer
• Caroline Adegun (she/her): CEO & Lead Content Producer for Extended Plus Network