Best plus-size swimwear for women: find swimsuits, bikinis and tankinis

There’s an art to getting plus-size swimwear right. Just like any swimwear it has to perform well, stand up to chlorine and salt water and suit your personal style. But plus-size swimwear also needs to support your curves, so you can switch off and relax on the beach. No one wants to worry about a boob popping out or feeling uncomfortable because your swimsuit is cutting into your thighs.

We’ve hunted high and low to find the best plus-size swimsuits that will support you, fit your body and bring you joy with a range of colours, prints and styles. As always, we started our research by finding out which brands our Mumsnet users go to to help them feel their best when they go swimming or sunbathing. We used this information, alongside expert reviews and consumer feedback, to help us come up with a list of the best plus-size swimwear. From swimming costumes to bikinis and tankinis, there’s a perfect swimsuit option out there for everyone.

Gone are the days when being plus-size meant hiding out in a black one-piece. We’ve found plenty of gorgeous swimsuits in bright colours and bold prints for you to add to your wardrobe this summer. 

Here is the best plus-size swimwear to buy in 2024.

If you're in need of other wardrobe essentials this season, don't miss our guides to the best leggings, best strapless bras, best women's socks, the best lingerie, best boob tape and even the best underwear for women.

Best plus-size swimwear for women: quick glance

• Best overall plus-size swimwear: Lands’ End Women's Plus Tugless Swimsuit, from £30

• Best budget plus-size swimwear: Asda Black Shaping Swimsuit, £16

• Best underwired bikini for larger busts: Ann Summers Riviera Underwired Bikini Top, £21

• Best plus-size swimwear with tummy control: Derssity Tummy Control Swimsuit, £20

• Best plus-size swimsuit dress: Bon Marche Abstract Jungle Print Tab Detail Swimdress, £25

• Best swimsuit suit from a plus-size brand: Snag Fortune & Glory Swimsuit, £36

• Best plus-size tankini top: Fantasie Halkadiki Tankini Top, £80

• Best fitting plus-size swimwear: Deakin and Blue Essential Swimsuit, £95

• Best plus-size swimwear for big busts: CURVY KATE Sundown Reversible Non-Wired Swimsuit Black Print, £52

• Best plus-size bikini from Amazon: Elomi Women's Kambuku Plunge Underwire Bikini, £26

1. Best overall plus-size swimwear: Lands’ End Women's Plus Tugless Swimsuit

Price on writing: From £30 | Buy now from Lands’ End

Key specs

Size range: 8-30  | Material: Nylon and lycra | Washing: Hand wash 

What we like

• Nice range of colours and patterns

• Doesn’t ride up or move out of place

• Fully lined fabric

What to know

• Some wearers say the colour faded 

What Mumsnet users say

“Lands End is brilliant. I’m a similar size to you - great cuts and really flattering. I feel I look great on the beach, after years of looking terrible in swimwear.” CherryMaple 

“Lands End Clothing do plus-size swimwear with good coverage.” Peridot1

Our verdict

Lands’ End is a brand that comes up frequently on our forums and we can see why. If you get sick of pulling your swimsuit up or out of places it shouldn’t be, this Tugless Swimsuit is designed to prevent it from riding up or falling down, whether you’re lying on the sun lounger or playing around in the swimming pool with your kids. 

The swimsuit comes in a range of gorgeous and colourful prints for embracing the summer season. The swimsuit is fully lined and provides a very flattering and comfortable fit, with a scoop neck and back and soft cups, so you can look good and feel comfortable at the pool. The UPF 50 fabric has been designed to resist breakdown from chlorine, sunscreen and heat, but some wearers did say theirs faded.

2. Best budget plus-size swimwear: Asda Black Shaping Swimsuit

Price on writing: £16 | Buy now from Asda

Key specs

Size range: 8-30 | Material: Polyester, elastane

What we like

• Tummy control

• Adjustable straps

• Flattering shape

What to know

• Quite low cut

What Mumsnet users say

‘I am a size 18-20 and the best swimsuit I’ve found this year is from Asda for £18 - their body sculpting range. I got it to replace my similar one from M and S which was £35ish and I actually think the Asda one is better!’ Xrays

Our verdict

This swimsuit from Asda is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a costume that is shaping, comfortable and holds everything nicely in place. In classic black, the swimsuit has a gorgeous wrap around neckline for adding some extra detail and providing a flattering fit.

The ruched sides offer tummy control for extra shaping and the adjustable straps allow you to alter it to get the best fit and support for your bust. It is lower cut though, so some wearers say that it doesn’t offer as much support or coverage for women with a bigger bust. 

3. Best underwired bikini for larger busts: Ann Summers Riviera Underwired Bikini Top

Price on writing: £21 | Buy now from Ann Summers

Key specs

Size range: 30A - 44H  | Material: Polyamide, elastane

What we like

• Underwired for supporting bigger bust

• Gold detail

• Fashionable design

What to know

• Some wearers say it is a smaller fit

Our verdict

With a white ribbed fabric, cut out detail and gold chain straps, this Ann Summers bikini looks modern and fashionable while still keeping everything in place. The cups are fully lined with underwiring to provide support for women with a bigger bust.

The top comes in larger sizes up to 44H, although some wearers do say it is on the smaller side. There are matching bottoms available to complete the look and they go up to a size 24. Pair this bikini with a floaty kimono and wedges for a gorgeous summer holiday look.

4. Best plus-size swimwear with tummy control: Derssity Tummy Control Swimsuit

Price on writing: From £20 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size range: S to XL | Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester 

What we like

• Adjustable straps

• Ruched panel

• Range of colours available

What to know

• No underwiring

• Some wearers say the colour fades easily

What Mumsnet users say

“This [Derssity swimsuit] was surprisingly flattering when I needed to quickly lay my hands on a costume recently. I was worried it would be a bit old fashioned but the colour seems to lift it (I got purple) and the ruching isn’t too much.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user 1frenchfoodie)

Our verdict

This Derssity Tummy Control Swimsuit comes in a huge range of colours so you can find the perfect style for you. We love the dark purple shade which is simple enough for the local pool but wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury resort either. This one-piece has been made to help flatter your tummy with ruched fabric all across the middle.

The plunging V-neckline and supportive straps are brilliant for fuller busts and the cross back, adjustable straps mean you can find the perfect fit. Some wearers claim the colour faded and the fit can be a bit loose around the tummy, but were impressed by how well supported their bust was in this suit.

5. Best plus-size swimsuit dress: Bon Marche Abstract Jungle Print Tab Detail Swimdress

Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Bon Marche 

Key specs

Size range: 10-28 | Material: Nylon, elastane | Washing: Machine washable

What we like

• Nice print

• Tummy control

• Good length

What to know

• No underwiring

What Mumsnet users say

“Mine is also from Bon Marche. Currently on my second one from there. Also have a swimsuit and tankini top combo that I use for the beach as easier to go to the loo when needed!” Meredusoleil 

“I feel way more confident in a swim dress. Mine is from Bon Marche of all places but it's great. I would not feel confident in anything skin tight. The swim dress just skims the bits that stick out.” Mumof1andaca

Our verdict

If you prefer a costume with a bit more coverage, a swim dress sits just below the hips and bum. A one-piece swimsuit provides support and shape underneath, while the dress overlay adds a bit of style and coverage to your beachwear. We love the colour and bold abstract jungle print of this swimsuit by Bon Marche.

Everything is still held nicely in place by hidden tummy control and the soft v-neck design provides added shape. There is no underwiring but the thick straps should provide plenty of support when you’re bobbing about in the waves.

6. Best swimsuit suit from a plus-size brand: Snag Fortune & Glory Swimsuit

Price: £36 | Buy now from Snag

Key specs

Size range: A to J (Snag do their own sizing system - more info here) | Material: Polyester, nylon and elastane | Washing: Machine washable

What we like

• Power mesh lining

• Animal print design

What to know

• No underwiring

 What Mumsnet users say

“Snag now do swimwear.” (Brand suggested by Mumsnet user JackieWeaversZoomAc)

Our verdict

Snag Tights are true champions of plus-size bodies. This animal print halter neck design is gorgeous and playful; its contrasting prints will boost your confidence as you get ready for a dip. Or, if you fancy something a little more subtle, then there’s also a gorgeous teal suit we’ve got our eye on. The swimming costume is also lined with the brands’ signature ‘power mesh’, a clever lining that means you feel supported. The range of swimwear goes up to a size 38, with plenty of bright, fun patterns to choose from.

7. Best plus-size tankini top: Fantasie Halkadiki Tankini Top

Price on writing: £80 | Buy now from Fantasie

Key specs

Size range: 32/D - 42/H | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Washing: Hand wash

What we like

• Good range of cup and back sizes

• Colourful print and design

• Underwiring

What to know

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“I am 5 foot 10 size 14 with a long body and big boobs. I have given up on swimsuits and go for tankini top and high waisted bottoms so there is no tummy gap. Fantasie have good cup sized tankini tops with proper built in bras which are good and I have had a couple of M and S tummy control tankini tops which are comfy for swimming in. For bottoms I need the really high waisted ones - right up to the belly button.” theBeeeeeeeep

“I like Fantasie swimsuits that come in proper bra sizes. Shop around for sale ones.” AuntieDolly

Our verdict

For those of us with a longer body, it can be harder to find a swimsuit that doesn’t dig in or ride up. The answer to that can be a tankini and Fantasie make some gorgeous, flattering swim tops with a brilliant range of cup and back sizes. We love the colour and print of this Halkidiki tankini, with a lovely twist front detail to give a sweetheart neckline.

The lightly padded foam cups, underwiring and adjustable straps provide plenty of support and shape. The swimsuit also has adjustable tie sides to get the right body length and to provide a more flattering finish around the tummy. There are matching mid rise and high waist briefs available, but the set does come at a higher price. However, for that, you get a gorgeous, flattering and comfortable swimsuit that will look perfect on the beach on holiday.

8. Best fitting plus-size swimwear: Deakin and Blue Essential Swimsuit 

Price on writing: £95 | Buy now from Deakin and Blue 

Key specs

Size range: 10-24 | Material: Recycled Polyamide, elastane | Washing: Rinse, then machine wash after 2-3 uses

What we like

• Nice mesh detail

• Swimsuits are designed for different breast sizes

• Designed to last

What to know

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“I have a brilliant suit from Deakin and Blue. Expensive but they are dress and boob sized so you should find a great fit, are made from a double layer of fabric so are brilliantly supportive, and stylish (I have the cross back swimsuit). Would highly recommend. Also designed and made in London.” Tangelo

“Someone beat me to it but Deakin Blue is the best swimsuit I've ever owned. Fits perfectly, supportive and looks great. Designed by women for women.” gubbinsy

Our verdict

While the price tag may be high for a swimsuit, we’re certain you will wear this one by Deakin and Blue again and again. Their range of swimsuits have been designed for different cup sizes so you can find the right one to fit you and your body shape. The Hendricks range is suitable for F-HH cup sizes and goes up to a size 24. 

Wearers love the fit of these suits, with a powermesh detail to add shape and support to the neckline and hips. The Essential Swimsuit also features built-in support for the bust with a medium cut on the leg and full bum coverage. It is a bit longer than other suits so they recommend sizing down if you’re shorter in the body. Wearers say it washes well and lasts through regular use so it may well be worth the investment.

9. Best plus-size swimwear for big busts: CURVY KATE Sundown Reversible Non-Wired Swimsuit Black Print

Price on writing: £52 | Buy now from Curvy Kate

Key specs

Size range: 30 DD/E - 40 J/JJ | Material: Nylon, elastane and lycra 

What we like

• Two swimsuits in one

• Great non-wired support

• Gorgeous print

What to know

• No underwiring

What Mumsnet users say

“This Curvy Kate one is awesome. Provides a LOT of support but isn't underwired so it's very flexible. Plus reversible! You can wear it with the straps crossed at the back to provide more support too. If you get one sized for your body I'm pretty sure it will fit your boobs. I'd say try a few sizes, but probably if you get say a 38 instead of a 36 then it should be fine.” Cinnamonandcoal

Our verdict

Are you jetting away this summer and need two new swimsuits to take away? Well, you get two-for-one with this reversible swimsuit by Curvy Kate. A simple black design on one side and a classy monochrome abstract print on the other, you’ve got two gorgeous swimsuits for taking a dip in this summer. 

While there is no underwiring, the cups are triple layered giving plenty of support to the plunging, shaping neckline. We also love that the straps can be worn three ways - halter, cross and over the shoulder - for adding some extra versatility. The little keyhole and high belt detail finishes off the look and adds extra shape to your pool-side look. For two swimsuits, the price is great too!

10. Best plus-size bikini from Amazon: Elomi Women's Kambuku Plunge Underwire Bikini

Price on writing: From £26 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size range: 34GG - 44G  | Material: Nylon, elastane | Washing: Hand wash

What we like

• Underwired for supporting bigger busts

• Nice animal print design

• Designed like a bra

What to know

• Hand wash only

What Mumsnet users say

“I like the Elomi swim range too because of the swim bra. I'm long bodied so got an Elomi tankini rather than a one piece but chose the super high waisted briefs so that there is no danger of any flesh on show if the top rides up! There is often discounted last season stock around, worth googling rather than going to Elomi direct.” sunniest

Our verdict

Add a bit of colour to your holiday wardrobe with this gorgeous pink leopard print bikini by Elomi. Great for women with different body shapes, the tops come in different bra sizes and the matching bikini bottoms can be bought separately from sizes 14 to 26. 

The soft, textured plunge bikini top is underwired to provide the same shape and support as a bra and has been designed for larger bust sizes from DD up to HH. The thick straps are adjustable too so you can jump around in the water on holiday without worrying about anything spilling out. 

What are the best plus-size swimwear brands?

There are a wealth of brilliant plus-size swimwear brands out there, but some of the favourites on our Mumsnet forums are Snag and CUPSHE. CUPSHE for their stylish, supportive basics at an affordable price point and Snag for their confidence-boosting, bold designs.

Other popular brands include Lands’ End, Fantasie and Deakin and Blue as well as High street stores such as Bon Marche and Asda, so there’s a swimsuit for everyone, whatever your style and budget.

What is the best style swimsuit for big busts?

If you’ve got a big bust then keeping it contained can be hard when you’re bobbing about in the swimming pool or sunbathing on the beach. A swimsuit with underwiring is the best style for you. Included in our roundup is the Elomi Women's Kambuku Plunge Underwire Bikini and Fantasie Halkadiki Tankini Top which are perfect for lending you the support you need.

Also look out for swimsuits with multiple layers which can provide support in place of underwiring. Adjustable straps and halter neck swimsuits are also good options for keeping a bigger bust in place and providing a more comfortable fit. 

Where is the best place to buy plus-size swimwear?

Thankfully, the current market offers plenty of places that offer good plus-size options. The likes of Snag, CUPSHE and Lands’ End come recommended by our Mumsner users so are a good place to start, but Amazon also has plenty of decent brands and styles, such as Elomi and Derssity, which feature on our list. You can also find good plus-size swimwear at high street stores, including Asda, Tesco, Bon Marche and Ann Summers.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real parents

We started our research by trawling the Mumsnet forums to find out what our Mumsnet users thought about plus-size swimwear. We looked out for any brands that were recommended the most from our seven million users, noting what they thought about the style, size and fit. This helps us to identify which products are the best quality as they will have been tried and tested by our users and cater for different styles and budgets.

Reviews

We then looked at in-depth reviews to see which brands and products impressed the experts the most. This also helps us work out what features are important when it comes to plus-size swimwear, such as underwiring and adjustable straps. Finally, we scoured online consumer reviews on websites such as Amazon and Asda, making a note of both positive and negative feedback, to help us pick the best swimwear.

Celebrated best products 

Finally, we always make sure to look at products that have received awards. This, combined with real parent recommendations, reviews and expert advice, helped us recommend a variety of plus-size swimwear to keep you looking and feeling confident at the pool and beach.

Why you should trust us 

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

About the author

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and copywriter. At Mumsnet, she creates content providing useful parenting advice, information and top products to make life easier – as a mother of two children herself, Gemma knows how important it is to get the right advice.

After working on women’s weekly magazines for nine years, Gemma turned to freelance writing to fit around family life, writing for a range of online and print publications, charities and small businesses. She loves writing about subjects that will be helpful to the reader – and herself! - including recommending top products on Mumsnet that help parents in their day-to-day life. Whether it’s a purchase for herself or her family, she knows how important online reviews are when it comes to buying online, so she always makes sure to thoroughly research every product so we recommend the best ones on the market.