Have you ever gone on holiday somewhere warm and really looked forward to just relaxing on a lounger with a good book, then cooling off in the inviting pool before heading to the pool bar for a cocktail? But then comes the doubt about lounging around in a swimsuit that doesn’t flatter you. You don’t want to walk around the pool feeling self-conscious. You remember all the women from last year’s holiday parading around in their sexy one-piece swimsuit or even a bikini and you just sigh and reach for the cover-up. I’m talking about myself by the way, but I’m sure there are lots of you out there who also feel the same. We all want a flattering swimsuit to hide that tummy.
As a plus-size body shape I’ve always felt a bit self-conscious in a swimsuit but in the last couple of years I’ve discovered a great option for covering problem areas. For me, problem areas are my big belly and the tops of my thighs, I just feel really uncomfortable with them on display! So when I spotted the swimdress type swimwear I was very keen to try them. The ones I’ve tried are two-piece swimsuits which include a swimdress and a pair of shorts, also known as a tankini top and shorts. They cover me in all the right places. I also felt that at the age of 60 I didn’t want to wear a swimsuit that was too revealing so shorts were an ideal choice.
Below I talk about the different styles of swimsuits available on the market in 2024 that help disguise a large tummy and make the best swimsuits for plus size women. I also share some tips for buying your perfect swimsuit online.
The following are swimsuit styles are an excellent choice if you want to disguise the tummy area, muffin top or belly pooch (whatever you want to call it). So if you’re looking for a new swimsuit that will make you feel extra confident around the pool this summer then read on. If you’re super confident in how you look already, then that’s fantastic but you might still want to take a look as they’re very pretty swimsuits.
Tankinis
These two-piece bathing suits give the illusion of wearing one-piece swimsuits. They give coverage to help you feel confident and stylish for swimsuit season. The first three are ones I own myself.
Flyily Tankini Swimwear Set from Amazon
This full coverage swim set comes in 20 different prints and colours and is made from 82% polyamide and 18% elastane. I did worry that there wouldn’t be enough extra support around the boob area but all the ones I’ve got have built-in push-up bras which are great for larger busts.
You can choose from size Small to 3XL (Sizes 10 to 28) and the adjustable straps come in very handy. The swim dress top has a built in shelf bra which is very supportive and uplifting! It also has removable padding and is very comfortable to swim in. The black shorts are high-waisted and cover the very top of your thighs, giving really good coverage. I bought this in Pink Flower and I also have it in Z-Bigleaf. Both are very comfortable to swim in (and lounge in) and give me a more flattering silhouette.
Bowknot Leaf Print Swimdress from Modlily
I was stunned when I tried this beautiful green, bold floral print swimdress on. The plus size swimsuit was flattering on my body type and the colour really suited my skin tone. As well as green, this swimdress also comes in black and pink. The supportive bra top has removable pads and wide adjustable straps, making it a really comfortable swimsuit. The black shorts included in the set are high-waisted and also comfortable to wear. This tankini set comes in sizes Small to 2XL. Modlily also sell a longer swim-short separately if you prefer a short that comes just above the knee.
Criss Cross High Waisted Leaf Print from Modlily
This gorgeous cyan blue tankini set has wide shoulder straps with an interesting cross-strap detail on the back featuring some cute little polka dots. Again the supportive bra top has removable padding and is wire free. The set comes with the same beautiful cyan coloured high waisted shorts which complete another flattering swimsuit in vibrant colors for ladies who want to cover the tummy area. This swimsuit also comes in light green, pink and black/pink.
You can watch my recent ‘try-on’ swimwear video below to see what Modlily swimsuits look like on a real plus-size woman.
Black Floral Print Tankini Top from Yours
Although I haven’t tried these, Yours also a choice of four tankini sets to flatter and give you that slimming effect.
I especially like this Black Floral Print Tankini Top that comes in sizes 14 to 34 and features a hanky hem and a ladder detail around the plunging neckline. It also has built in bust support with stitched in padding. As well as bold prints, Yours also have a tankini set in the solid color of black. The shorts are sold separately and are black, high-waisted and stop just above the knee.
One Piece Swimsuit with Ruching
Ruching around the stomach area of a swimsuit is a great design for helping to disguise a little tummy bulge and give that slimmer look.
Deep Green Halter Strap with Sweetheart Neckline from Sea Fancy
I love these ruched green tummy control swimsuits from Sea Fancy. It has a self-tie halter strap with removable soft cups and states it is ‘busty friendly’. It’s made from 80% nylon, 20% spandex and has a 100% polyester lining. The ruched detail makes it one of the best tummy-control swimsuits as it gives the illusion of a flatter stomach. The swimsuit is available in sizes small to 2XL and is definitely on my list for next time I go on holiday.
​Wrap Style Swimsuits
As wrap style dresses look great on plus size women, it makes sense that a faux wrap design on one-piece swimwear should be equally as flattering.
​V-Neck Streak Modern One Piece Swimsuit from Meet Curve
This gorgeous black one piece with the striped faux wrap design on the front has a shelf bra top with soft molded cups. The straps aren’t adjustable but are wide enough to give good support to a larger bust. This swimsuit has a mesh tummy control front lining and side mesh inserts giving that confident support around the area we’re self-conscious about. It also comes in sizes Medium to 4XL
Mock Wrap Swimsuit
Black & White Mock Wrap One Piece from Cotton Traders
Cotton Traders have a stylish black and white mock wrap swimsuit with a fixed tie belt. With solid black on the bottom half the block colour gives you the illusion of a slimmer mid area. It also has tummy control to give that extra support that smooths and flatters. Made from 80% polyamide and 20% elastane the swimsuit is available in sizes 10 to 24.
Tips for Buying a Swimsuit Online
It’s always a bit tricky buying swimsuits, even from a physical store, as you sometimes can’t try them on. But buying online is even more tricky. Here are some things you need to think about before adding the ones you like to your basket:
- Check out the reviews if there are any. These are usually a good guide of whether the item is of good quality and a ‘true to size’ fit.
- Always check the size guides for the swimwear you’re looking at. Sizes differ from brand to brand … and sometimes differ greatly! On the Modlily site the sizes can also differ from item to item so check the measurements to make sure you’re getting the correct size.
- If you want a specific feature like adjustable straps then double-check the listing to make sure that’s what you’re getting. Also check if the swimshorts come with the swim dress as they don’t always come as a set.
- For everything you buy online you should always check the store’s returns policies. You don’t want to buy something you can’t return and policies for each store may be different.
​There is definitely more choice for plus size swimsuits these days, and it’s great to see they’re not all black or navy blue. There are a wide range of prints and colours to choose from so there’s no reason for us to hide ourselves away under cover-ups on holiday. Find the style that’s right for you and go celebrate your curves in a swimsuit that will make heads turn.