Featured In This Segment

Swimwear Styles

• Swim Dress/One-Piece
• I know a lot of people aren't interested in swim dresses, thinking them frumpy and the opposite of cool.  And they used to be that way.  All I was able to find as a teen/young adult was frumpy swim dresses in hideous prints and way too large cups that never ever fit me properly.  But swim dresses today are stepping it up.
• Personally, I prefer a swim dress for the extra upper thigh coverage.  I like to feel a bit more covered in that region for my own comfort level.  Swim dresses come in various lengths as well, which helps for height and coverage preferences.
• Today's swim dress options have more youthful, trendy features, come in cute prints, and also come in underwire and wire-free versions.
• As someone with a smaller bust (B cup), I find it difficult to wear swimwear with underwire because it always seems to be made with the idea that larger women have way larger breasts.  That isn't so across the board, so I have to find wire-free options.

• Mix-and-Match Separates
• Mix and match separates are great for those of us with smaller busts, those that are a different size on top versus on bottom, those of us that want more bang for our buck, those that like to change up swim looks more often, etc. etc.
• Whether you love rocking a two piece, need more coverage in the form of tankini tops, or need swim shorts or rash guard tops for more active pursuits, separates come in a variety of styles and options.

• Two-Piece
• I had a two-piece swimsuit when I was 9 or 10 and I wore it to the pool we had in our backyard.  While I have always been a fat girl, my body definitely started changing more when I hit puberty, as it does, and my mom started making comments about my body in the two-piece.  I swore off of them forever.
• So wearing a two-piece is very new to me and something I am still getting comfortable with.
• Like the other styles, there are so many options and styles to choose from within this category as well.  And I'm happy for pushing myself out of my comfort zone, because I love my two-piece suits.

• Torrid
• Size Range: 10 to 30
• Lane Bryant
• Size Range: 12 to 36
• Eloquii
• Size Range: 14 to 28
• Target
• Size Range: 0 to 26
• City Chic
• Size Range: 12 to 24
• Swimsuits For All
• Size Range: 4 to 34
• Fashion To Figure
• Size Range: 12 to 24
• Old Navy
• Size Range: 0 to 26/28
• Her Universe / Hot Topic
• Size Range: 0 to 30
• Amazon
• Size Range: 12 to 24 (sizes vary more widely depending on style and brand)
• Yours Clothing
• Size Range: 12 to 36
• Ulla Popken
• Size Range: 12 to 34
• Simply Be
• Size Range: 8 to 32
• ModCloth
• Size Range: XS to 24
• Penningtons
• Size Range: 14 to 32
• Catherines
• Size Range: 14 to 34
• Alpine Butterfly
• Size Range: 0 to 38
• Curvy Fox
• Size Range: 10 to 28

• Yonique One Piece with Cut-out - Amazon
• Available in sizes 12 to 24
• $35 and available in various prints and colors
• I'm wearing a 24 and find it true to size.  It isn't as fitted, but still makes me feel supported and comfortable.
• Attached brief rise is higher than suits I've tried like it.
• The bust is wire-free with padded inserts inside.
• The ruched portion allows a little bit of customization for the fit and straps are adjustable.

• Side-Slit Swim Dress with Attached Short - Swimsuits For All
• Ruffled style also available
• A variety of prints available in sizes 14 to 34, though Swimsuits For All carries sizes 4 through 34 over their entire website.  
• Usually $104 and currently 50% off
• I am wearing a 24 and find it a little snug because I have gained some weight over the pandemic. If you are between sizes, you should be fine sizing up.
• This suit features attached shorts with about a 5 inch inseam, side slit, shelf bra, and power-mesh lining for support and smoothing.

• Knotted A-line Tankini Swim Top - Old Navy
• Available in sizes XS to 4X (0 to 26)
• $40, but usually some percentage off
• I am wearing a 3X and find it a slight bit small.  I wish it was a little more roomy in the tummy, but it still fits comfortably.
• It features a sweetheart neckline, knotted front detail, molded padded cups
• UPF sun protection

• Active Swim Biker Short - Torrid
• Available in sizes 10 to 30
• $50, but usually 30% off
• I am wearing a 3X and find them true to size.  Very comfortable and easy to move in.
• 9 inch inseam
• UPF 30+ protection

• Sporty Zip-Front Swim Top - Target
• I bought this top a handful of years ago and didn't see a current equivalent online.

• The Little Mermaid High-Waisted Swim Bottoms - Hot Topic
• Available in sizes 12 to 28
• $33, but currently 50% off
• I am wearing a 4 (26) and find it a little more roomy than I expected.
• It is a slightly different style than the current one that features ruched pleating on the sides.
• The "high-waist" feature really just means it fits my lower tummy roll well, but I do have a little extra room at the top and have to roll that down at the waist.
• Still comfortable and super shiny and cute!

• The Little Mermaid Sea Shell Halter Swim Top - Hot Topic
• Available in sizes 12 to 28
• $33, but currently 50% off
• I am wearing a 2 (18/20) and find the straps long enough to tie around me, but the cups are generously sized and way too large for my B-cups.
• I also find the halter neckline to be oddly placed so it pulls on the bra at a weird angle and makes the cups bend inward towards your body.  It could just be that I don't have enough boobage to fill it out.
• Cute, but I wish the execution of it was a bit better.

• Flutter Strap Heart Print Bralette Bikini Top - Target x Stoney Clover
• Available in sizes XXS to 4X
• On clearance for $17
• I am wearing a 3X and love this set!  There is a hook and eye type closure in the back with several settings.  The fabric feels "cheaper" compared to the other suits because it isn't as clingy and supportive, but it still comfortable to wear.  I feel covered and secure.
• Wire-free, sewn in cups
• The ruched feature in the front is very helpful for my smaller bust, and the print and ruffles are adorable.

• Flutter Heart Print Bikini Bottom - Target x Stoney Clover
• Available in sizes XXS to 4X
• On clearance for $15.30
• I am wearing a 3X and love this set!  The description says "high waist" but for me that just means it fits my lower tummy well.
• Higher leg cut and absolutely love the ruffle detail