Flattering Swimsuits and Beach Outfits for Plus Size Women

Flattering Swimwear Styles for Plus Size Women

Finding cute and flattering beach outfits can seem daunting when you have a curvier figure. However, with some strategic styling, you can rock the beach or poolside with confidence this summer. The key is choosing styles, colors, and prints that enhance your best assets.

Focus on Fit

Fit is paramount when choosing swimwear. Look for styles that smooth and shape without being too tight or restrictive. The best swimsuits for plus size women sculpt the body with strategic seaming and structure while still being comfortable. Here are some tips for finding a great fit:

• Look for swimsuits with underwire support, power mesh panels, or built-in bras that provide lift and coverage.
• Try on a few different sizes to ensure you get the right fit - too small and you'll spill out, too big and the suit won't be supportive.
• Pay attention to Torso length - some brands offer longer lengths that prevent pulling or wedgies.
• Boy short and high waist bottoms stay in place and minimize the stomach.
• Adjustable straps and multiple hook closures allow you to customize the fit.

Flatter Your Shape

Choosing styles that flatter your body shape helps disguise problem areas and play up your assets:

• Pear shape: Aim for swimdresses, skirted bottoms, and plunging necklines to balance your shape. Solid darker colors on bottom help slenderize.
• Rectangle: Ruched fronts, belts, and bold prints add shape. Curvy cuts and balconette tops enhance your bust.
• Hourglass: Supportive underwire tops and high cut legs elongate your silhouette. Wrap styles cinch at your narrowest point.
• Apple: Look for tummy control panels, wide straps, and sporty racerback or halter tops. A scoop neck flatters your figure.

Flattering Colors & Prints

Color and print can influence how slim and stylish you look in your swimsuit. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Solid black is universally flattering and slims the silhouette.
• Darker colors like navy, charcoal and eggplant can slim down your shape.
• Lighter neutrals like stone, blush and tan work well for pale skin tones.
• Vibrant colors like red, turquoise and emerald green draw the eye and brighten your complexion.
• Mixing prints is trendy - pair classic polka dots with bold florals for a stylish mismatched bikini.
• Vertical stripes and paneling help elongate your frame. Avoid horizontal stripes.
• Smaller overall prints help diminish size. Steer clear of big, oversized floral prints.

Don't be afraid to break out of the norm with different colors, prints and details like lace-up accents, ruffles and Mesh inserts. The right swimsuit can make you look and feel amazing!

Beach Cover-ups & Dresses

A cute cover-up or beach dress is the perfect way to stylishly take you from the water to the boardwalk. Look for lightweight fabrics like chiffon, crochet and gauze that provide coverage while still allowing airflow. Some flattering options include:

• Maxi dresses and sarongs - Long, sweeping silhouettes are universally flattering.
• Tunics and caftans - Loose and flowy styles disguise lumps and bumps.
• Swim skirts - Skirts with a bikini or tankini visually balance your shape.
• High low cover-ups - Cover the rear while showing some leg.
• Kimono and duster cardigans - Light layers conveniently cover up.

Aim for prints and colors that complement your swimsuit rather than compete with it. You can choose pieces that are matching sets or mix and match solids and prints for a stylish beach look.

Pick the Right Beach Bag

Don't forget to choose a beach bag that fits your needs! Look for water-resistant fabrics that won't get ruined by damp swimsuits and saltwater. Mesh and neoprene dry quickly and resist mold. A spacious tote with multiple interior pockets keeps all your essentials organized.

Some key features to look for include:

• Shoulder straps - Carry hands-free.
• Water bottle pocket - Keep your water at the ready.
• Key clip - Don't lose your keys in the depths of your bag.
• Zipper closure - Seal out sand and water.
• Compression straps - Cinch it down when not in use.

Your beach bag should reflect your personal style. Bold prints or bright colors make a fun accessory. Quirky shapes like round, novelty bags stand out from standard totes. Don't settle for boring - let your beach bag make a fashion statement.

Flattering Swimsuits for All Body Types

Best Swimsuits for Pear Shaped Bodies

If you have a pear shaped body with a smaller bust and fuller hips/thighs, choosing the right swimsuit can be tricky. You want to balance out your shape and draw eyes upward. Here are some of the most flattering swimsuit styles for pear shapes:

• High neck or halter tops - These styles highlight your upper body and shoulders.
• Push-up tops - Give you a little extra lift and cleavage.
• One-piece suits - Look for longer torso lengths and strategic color blocking.
• Skirted bottoms - Hide wider hips while cinching in your waist.
• High cut legs - Give the illusion of longer legs.

Best Swimsuits for Rectangle Shaped Bodies

Rectangular or straight body shapes often lack definition at the waist. The goal is to add curves and femininity. Useful swimsuit options include:

• One-piece ruched suits - Ruching at the abdomen defines your waist.
• Bandeau and halter tops - These styles flatter your straight shoulders.
• Swim skirts and dresses - Cinch at the smallest part of your waist to add shape.
• Bold patterns and prints - Camouflage a straight shape.
• Belts and sashes - Draw attention to your midsection.

Best Swimsuits for Hourglass Figures

If you have curves in all the right places, flaunt them! Show off your stunning hourglass shape with these swimsuit ideas:

• Supportive underwire tops - Lift and accentuate your bust.
• Retro inspired high-waisted bottoms - Make legs look miles long.
• One-piece suits - Look for styles with cinched waist detailing.
• Cutouts and mesh panels - Reveal a peek of skin at your narrowest point.
• Bold colors and prints - Draw the eye to your phenomenal shape.

Best Swimsuits for Apple Body Shapes

The apple body shape carries weight in the abdominal area, with slimmer hips and legs. Flatter your figure and create balance with these swimsuit ideas:

• Dark solid colors - Slimming and elongating.
• Skirted bottoms - Hide the tummy while showing legs.
• High neck tankinis - Draw eyes upward andcover the midsection.
• Soft cup bra tops - Avoid anything too structured.
• Vertical details - Stripes, ruching, mesh - help visually elongate.

Plus Size Beach Fashion Tips

Maximize Your Assets

Every body is beautiful in its own way. Identify your best assets and choose styles that highlight them. Certain features that can be shown off include:

• Defined shoulders
• Toned arms
• Full bust
• Slim waist and stomach
• Curvy hips and rear
• Toned legs

You want to draw the eye to your favorite features. Don't be afraid to flaunt a little cleavage or leg!

Minimize Problem Areas

Use color, print and strategic tailoring to disguise areas that make you self-conscious. Here are some common issues areas and ways to minimize them:

• Full midsection - High waisted bottoms, dark colors, skirts and dresses
• Wide upper arms - Flutter sleeves, sheer fabrics, loose tops
• Thick thighs - Solid black bottoms, high-cut legs, skirts
• Big derriere - Boy shorts, skirts over bottoms, dark colors

Don't go overboard trying to hide supposed flaws - rock your look with confidence!

Invest in Quality Materials

Beach apparel is best when it's designed to get wet. Look for swimsuit fabrics that are:

• Quik-drying - Less time sitting in wet clothes.
• Colorfast - Resists fading and runs.
• Chlorine resistant - Perfect for pools.
• Stretchy and resilient - Moves with your body.
• UPF/Sun protective - Shields from harmful rays.

For coverups, choose lightweight natural fabrics like linen, cotton gauze, rayon, and silk. Synthetic blends also work well.

Pack Strategically

Make your beach ensemble easy to transport and change by:

• Rolling clothes to prevent wrinkles and maximize space.
• Using packing cubes to organize different items.
• Bringing quick-drying washcloths to remove sand.
• Having a beach blanket or oversized scarf to provide extra privacy and keep dry.
• Wearing a swimsuit under a sundress for quick changes.
• Keeping a foldable hat in your bag for sun protection.

Top Beach Outfit Ideas

Chic Beach Dress

A breezy beach dress is effortlessly stylish. Look for lightweight fabrics with a relaxed silhouette. Options include:

• Maxi dresses - Flowy and feminine.
• Shift dresses - Loose and comfortable.
• Shirt dresses - Tailored yet casual.
• Sundresses with spaghetti straps
• Babydoll dresses - Playful and pretty.

Pair with sandals or flip flops and you've got an easy beach outfit. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses complete the look.

Swimdress Styling

Swimdresses conveniently combine swimwear and a coverup in one. You can wear it multiple ways:

• Over a bikini for a quick coverup.
• On its own as a swim outfit and dress.
• With shorts and a tank underneath for more coverage.
• Open over a bikini for a peekaboo effect.

Look for swimdress styles with tropical prints, lace-up accents, and flirty skirt silhouettes. The options are endless.

Bold Maxi Skirt

Make a statement in a vibrantly patterned maxi skirt on the beach or boardwalk. Pair it with:

• A solid bikini or swimsuit top.
• A crop top or bralette.
• An off-the-shoulder beachy blouse.

A maxi skirt keeps you covered while still stylish. For convenience, find a skirt with pockets to hold essentials.

Swim Coverup Romper

Rompers make cute and casual beach coverups. Look for options like:

• Lightweight linen or gauze
• Nautical stripes or sailor prints
• Low-cut necklines
• Wide flowing legs

Pair your swim coverup romper with sandals and a sunhat post-swim. It also works well with denim shorts and tops for a barbecue or bonfire.

Plus Size Beach Outfit Shopping Tips

Shop Online For Selection

Skip hours searching mall racks and boutiques. Heading online lets you conveniently browse hundreds of options for plus size beachwear. Brands like:

• Swimsuits For All
• Full Beauty
• Torrid
• Eloquii

Offer extended sizes and the latest trends. Check customer reviews and size charts when ordering online.

Don't Overpay

Scoring deals is part of the fun of shopping online! Take advantage of:

• Promo codes and coupon codes
• Joining rewards programs
• Signing up for email lists to get alerts and discounts
• Cash back sites
• Comparing prices across websites

Set up alerts so you're the first to know about sales and clearance items. Sign up for loyalty programs for perks and free shipping.

Focus On Versatility

Since you'll be wearing your swimsuits and coverups in the water, sand, and sun - look for versatile pieces that work for multiple settings. For example:

• Swim coverup dresses that also work as sundresses.
• Basic one-piece suits and bikini separates that mix and match.
• Lightweight kimono coverups that layer over your clothes.
• Swim skirts you can wear over different suit bottoms.

Choose styles and colors that transition seamlessly from the water to happy hour.

Remember the Essentials

Stock up on beach basics to streamline getting ready for seaside adventures:

• Hat - Big brim, floppy style, baseball cap, visor
• Sandals - Flip flops, gladiator, slides, espadrilles
• Sunglasses - Oversized cat-eye, aviator, wayfarer
• Beach bag/tote - Canvas, mesh, straw, nylon
• Sarong/pareo - Versatile lightweight coverup
• Lip balm & sun

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.