Best plus size swimwear: bikinis and swimsuits from our favourite brands

With holidays still a grey area as Covid restrictions loosen, we’re all having to engage our imaginations a little more than usual when it comes to ways to spend our leisure time. The list of green-approved destinations is still woefully small, so staycations look to be top of the out-of-office agenda this summer.

Luckily there are plenty of destinations to choose from right here in the UK, whether you’re planning a country retreat or want to enjoy a break right here in the city.

Really, all you need is a few cocktails, a banging soundtrack and an inflatable or two bopping around the garden to replicate that vacay feel. If warm temperatures and clear skies allow, you may even be lucky enough to enjoy a spot of sunbathing on your balcony or garden.

Of course, you’ll need to be dressed for the part if you hope to achieve a tan worth showing off, and nothing beats swimwear for even, sunkissed browning.

Don’t forget that you should always wear SPF outside, even under the heat of the mild British sun.

The great thing about a staycation is that you can enjoy total privacy, which also gives you the freedom to wear whatever takes your fancy.

If you’re a woman with curves, you may have found plus size options of the past unappealing - typically black and with thick straps, they’re the last things to make you feel free and relaxed.

Luckily, the new season has brought with it fresh styles you won’t want to save for a getaway. From retro swim dresses to crop top bikinis, sleek one-pieces and patterns so bright you’ll need a pair of sunglasses handy, here’s the best swimwear for plus size figures.

See our favourites below

ASOS LUXE Curve 3D flower swimsuit with ruffles in blue

So pretty it could go to prom, this 3D floral swimsuit complete with ruffles is the antithesis of a sporty one-piece. Rather than ploughing in the fast lane, it’s made for poolside lounging or sunbathing in a cabana in a fairytale resort - preferably as waiters refill your margarita glass. Available in sizes 18 - 30, this is a statement twist on poolside luxe.

Buy now £42.00, ASOS

Good American Always Fits One-Piece

Sizes: to 5XL

Part-owned by Khloe Kardashian, Good American is breathing cool into clothes for plus size and curvy women. The swim section is a particular revelation, with endless bikinis, coverups and one-pieces modelled on the women with physiques they’re designed for - hallelujah!

We’re into the retro look of this crinkle look one-piece, with enough stretch to go up a size or down with your body’s fluctuations. Flattering with a low neck top and back, it’s nice enough to pair with jeans as a body suit.

But be warned: there isn’t much in the way of chest support though, so one for poolside lounging rather than thrashing in the water unless you fancy risking an indecent exposure charge.

Buy now £91.00, Good American

Boden Corsica V-neck Swimsuit

Match the colour of the ocean (or you know, your local lido) in a shade of electric blue, as sported on Boden’s V-neck one-piece. Available in sizes 6 - 22, the plunge neck offers a flattering fit and you’ll find silicone tape at the neckline as well as boning on the side seams to offer extra support. Moulded pads further help the look of a more streamlined silhouette and there are adjustable straps for extra comfort too.

Buy now £70.00, Boden

River Island Plus strappy soft plunge swimsuit in animal print

A swimsuit that doesn’t look like a swimsuit? Sign us up. This textured leopard print style is nice enough to wear with a pair of jeans on nights out as well as sunbathing in the garden when the weather allows.

Available in sizes 18 - 28.

Buy now £38.00, ASOS

Tommy Hilfiger Curve swimsuit in multi

Make like you’re in the Hamptons and embrace the 90s retro revival through one of the biggest designers at the time - Tommy Hilfiger. This halter-neck one-piece is offered in a bold and preppy red, white and blue with the brand’s logo emblazoned across the chest and the leg is cut high to make the most of your pins.

Buy now £85.00, Tommy Hilfiger

Ulla Popken Lines & Stripes Print Front Lined Swimsuit

Fun in the sun is all but guaranteed in this multi0hued striped top, available in sizes 16 - 34. The cute cut-out detail on the chest keeps the piece from feeling frumpy.

Buy now £45.00, Ulla Popken

Reclaimed Vintage inspired Plus swimsuit in black and orange floral

It may be the summer of love 2.0, but why not bring the patterns and palettes of yesteryear back for another outing? In pool-terms, this translates to a bold and beautiful swimsuit, covered in a 60s floral pattern. It comes in sizes 22 - 30 with a low back and square neck, giving you plenty of exposure to get a decent tan.

Buy now £25.99, ASOS

River Island Plus black plunge bandage swimsuit

Bringing boardroom style to the pool, this swimsuit, offered in sizes 18 - 28, means business. The sharp monochrome palette combined with a plunging neckline is made for lounging beside city-centre rooftop pools.

Buy now £42.00, River Island

Collectif x Playful Promises Leopard Skirted Swimsuit

We’re yet to meet a leopard print we didn’t like, and this swimsuit is only fanning the flames of our obsession. Offering pin-up style, retro vibes abound thanks to the sweetheart collared neckline and short integrated skirt that skims over the top of the thighs. Wear with a pair of oversized sunnies and a strong red lip to amp up the glam.

Buy now £68.99, Collectif

MAGISCULPT Black Lose Up To An Inch Shaping Swimsuit - Longer Length

If you’re wary of stepping away from the safety of all black, this one-piece will keep you in your comfort zone. It’s the details that make it one of the Best around: a flattering neckline and low-rise legs that sit comfortably at the top of the thighs. The ruching detail will also be welcomed by anyone with tummy self-consciousness.

Buy now, Simply Be

Simply Be Mix And Match Halterneck Bikini Top

Brighten up your swim collection with a contrast peach and blue shell print bikini top. The halterneck design is sold seperately to other coordinating pieces in the collection so you can mix and match the right look for you. Available in sizes 12 -32.

Buy now £19.00, Simply Be