Times, they are a-changing, and we couldn't be more thrilled. In the past, plus-size women have had to settle for whatever oversized, floral, and frankly not-so-cute bathing suit they could find, but it’s 2016, and swim designs for the size 14-plus set are finally on-trend.
As awesome as the variety is, it can be daunting to rifle through so many sites and racks to find the best piece. That's why we’ve curated a collection of the styles we're loving this season. Whether you’re all about embellishments or live for minimalism, there’s something for every style, budget, and body. Find yours ahead; it’s time to take back the beach.
Cutouts
Cutout swimsuits are dominating summer style, and thankfully there are options for every comfort level, from teeny-tiny slices to full-on lattice work. If you're worried about funky tan lines, we'd say this trend is worth it.
Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All Liaison Swimsuit, $109, available at Swimsuits For All.
A basic black bikini gets a boost with a center cutout.
Old Navy Twist-front Plus-size Bikini Top, $20, available at Old Navy; Old Navy Bikini Plus-size Bottoms, $27.50, available at Old Navy.
Jackson Pollock would approve.
Monif C Havana Bandage Plus Size Swimsuit, $118, available at Monif C.
Bond(age) babe.
GabiFresh for Swim Sexy The Sovereign Swimsuit, $68.60, available at Swimsuits For All.
Minimalist
Minimalist bathing suits can be surprisingly challenging to find in plus sizes, as so many brands feel the need to add ruching, twists, or some sort of fabric detailing. Think of this as the palate cleanser to all other swim trends this season. To pull it off, stick to solid colors, avoid ornaments, and look for designs that cut higher up on your hip.
Rebdolls "Nobody's Angel" One Piece Swimsuit, $34.99, available at Rebdolls.
A black one-piece is timeless for a reason.
Old Navy Cross-front Control Max Swimsuit, $45, available at Old Navy.
Give ‘em some hip.
Rebdolls "Seashore Stunner" Swimwear Tube Top, $19.50, available at Rebdolls; Rebdolls "Seashore Stunner" High Wait Swim Bottom, $28, available at Rebdolls.
Laces & Ties
Lace-up pieces are still majorly popular, so there’s no real surprise that this trend has infiltrated swimwear, as well. Many designs feature laces on the hips or back, though there's nothing wrong with a lace-front style that calls to a certain spring dress you can't stop wearing.
Old Navy Lace-up Back Plus-size Bikini Top, $34.94 $24, available at Old Navy; Old Navy High-waist Plus-size Lace-up Bikini Bottoms, $32.94 $24, available at Old Navy
Take the plunge.
Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All Secret Agent Siren Swimsuit, $109, available at Swimsuits For All.
One you could wear as a layering piece, too.
Torrid Lace Up Front One Piece Swimsuit, $88.50, Available at Torrid
Mesh details and a lace-up front add a flirty touch to this two-piece.
Forever 21 Plus-size Geo Bikini Top, $19.90, available at Forever 21; Forever 21 Plus-zize Geo Bikini Bottoms, $17.90, available at Forever 21.
Mesh Layers
If you’re loving the cutout trend but are stressed about exposing so much skin, consider mesh-lined swimsuits your solution. Mesh is like entry-level skin-baring. Plus there’s just something about that fishnet look that belongs in a body of water.
Addition Elle Cactus V Neck One Piece Swimsuit, $100, available at Addition Elle.
Sheer mesh gives that cutout look while still providing more coverage.
ASOS Curve Mix and Match Mesh Insert Underwired Bikini Top, $28, available at ASOS; ASOS Curve Mix and Match Mesh Insert High Waist Bikini Bottom, $25, available at ASOS.
Like a sports bra, except better.
OneOneThree Denim Bikini Top, $43, available at OneOneThree; OneOneThree Denim Bikini Bottom, $37, available at OneOneThree.
Is cobalt the new black?
Lane Bryant Fishnet High-neck Bikini Top with Built-in No-wire Bra, $58.50 $35.10, available at Lane Bryant; Lane Bryant High-wait Swim Brief with Fishnet Inserts, $56.50 $28.25, available at Lane Bryant.
Swingy Ruffles
Ruffles are everywhere, so it’s no surprise they're taking their talents poolside. There’s something inherently girly about flouncy fabric, but these frills are decidedly less froufrou.
Moxi Blu Ruffle Bikini Top, $19.88 $14, available at Walmart; Moxi Blu Skirted Swimsuit Bottom, $19.88 $11.50, available at Walmart.
For a more creative texture, try crochet.
Yandy Crochet Bikini Flutter Top, $25.95, available at Yandy
Off-shoulder ruffles double down on summer trends.
Rue107 Moko One-piece, $92, available at Rue107.
Draw eyes up with some purple flounce.
Lane Bryant Flounce Swim Tank with Built-in No-wire Bra, $64.50 $38.70, available at Lane Bryant.
One-Shoulder
Always cool and edgy, asymmetry is in this summer, and we couldn’t be happier. There’s no quicker way to dial up your look than with something a bit off-kilter, and these swimsuits nail that. Many one-shoulder designs also dip into other trends, so chances are you’ll be able to get your fashion fix with any of these styles.
Rebdolls "Frolic" One Shoulder Ruffled One Piece Swimsuit, $39.99, available at Rebdolls.
Shoulder detailing: The key to amping up your one-piece without going too crazy.
Lane Bryant One-shoulder Swim One Piece with No-wire Bra, $120.50, available at Lane Bryant.
Bikini in the front, one-piece in the back.
Sophie Theallet One-shoulder No-wire Monokini, $128.50 $77.10, available at Lane Bryant.
Missoni vibes (but at a fraction of the price).
Tropiculture Moorea One-shoulder Mesh Swimsuit, $32.80, available at Swimsuits For All.
Zip-Ups
This might be one of the easiest trends to get into, literally. It's fashion-meets-function at its finest, and its versatility allows you to expose as much (or as little) skin as you want.
OneOneThree Marble Zip Front Swimsuit, $66, available at OneOneThree.
How to get a dose of sun while still staying in the shade.
Rue107 Abigail Bikini Top, $58, available at Rue107; Rue 107 Abigail Bikini Bottom, $46, available at Rue107.
Looks best when paired with all your beach jewelry.
Forever 21 Plus Size Zipped Bikini Top, $17.90, available at Forever 21; Forever 21 Plus Size Cutout Bikini Bottoms, $17.90, available at Forever 21.
Functional doesn't mean unflattering. This sporty pick proves a swimsuit can be both.
Robyn Lawley Mint Chlorine Resistant Zip Swimsuit, $104.96, available at Swimsuits For All.
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