I once read an interview with Jennifer Aniston, wherein she was asked — of all things — about why she’d been photographed wearing the same swimsuit year after year. Her answer was something along the lines of, “Uh, because I like it and it’s comfortable, and they don’t make that style anymore, so yeah, I’m going to wear it until it falls apart. Sorry, paparazzi?”
It’s HARD to find a swimsuit that checks all your particular boxes (for me: classic cut, full butt coverage, won’t swoosh off my shoulders when the waves hit). And, of course, there’s the box that all plus-size shoppers have to check: comes in my size. When I find a winner, I hang on, Aniston-style.
Last summer, I found two. Now that this summer is kicking off, I’m so psyched to share them. And since you may have different swimwear boxes to check, I reached out to a couple friends with know-how in this area: podcast producer Mbiye Kasonga and Big Undies newsletter writer Corinne Fay. Without further ado, here are our six tried-and-true size-inclusive swimwear recs…
Old Navy Textured Swim Romper
Size: 00-30
This is my forever suit, the one I plan to wear to every beach excursion and pool hang from this day forward. I always thought swim dresses and skirts were just retailer code for: We hate your body; please cover as much of it as possible, thx! But this swim romper makes me feel downright adorable. The fabric is a touch thicker than the average suit and holds its shape through repeated wears and washing. The shorts-style bottom is long enough to mitigate thigh chafing, but not so long that it feels like I’m actually wearing shorts in the water. The straps are strappy but do not dig (and they hold up to the wave test).
Old Navy High-Waisted Retro Swim Shorts + Scoop-Neck Swim Top
Size: 00-30
After the romper woke me up to the wonderful world of swim shorts, I decided to try Old Navy’s separates. (Btw, this isn’t a sponsored post; Old Navy just nails it!) No surprise, these shorts are also cute as hell, and the high, wide waistband makes the fit very comfy. I got them in black last year, and this year I grabbed a pair in a pretty blue and textured 70s stripe — I couldn’t resist. As for the tops, here’s where Old Navy really shines. The scoop necks are supportive enough for lap swimming, but there’s no pinching or digging whatsoever. I miss the longline scoop-neck they sold last year (very curious about this longline deep v-neck), but this year’s shorter cut has the same wide straps and back. I’m in.
Raq Apparel Multi-Way Top + 90s Brief
Size: 30D-42O (top)
Size: 4-20 (brief)
Mbiye’s top rec: Raq Apparel. “I love Raq’s separates,” she says. “Their tops have great support for larger chests, and I like the variations of their bottoms, so I can get more coverage if I want. I often pair the Multi-Way Top with the 90s Brief, but they also have a cute boyshort that I’ve been eyeing.” Raq has great prints and color combos, too (loooove this pink and brown). Adds Mbiye: “I like that these bathing suits aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; you can actually move in them.”
Villa Fresca swim collection
Size: XS-4X
Like me, Mbiye is a longtime fan of plus-size swimwear pioneer Gabi Gregg — who changed everything forever with her iconic fatkinis in the early 2010s. “I’m so excited to shop her new line, Villa Fresca,” says Mbiye. Villa Fresca’s latest collection is beautiful with jewel tones and watercolor prints. “I cannot wait to get my hands on this zebra bikini.”
Land’s End Tugless One-Piece
Size: 00-26
A fan of the classics, Corinne usually goes for “basic, boring styles that I think are timeless. I’m all about utility when it comes to swimwear — I want to be able to splash around at the pool without fiddling with my suit.” (The dream.) Land’s End is great, says Corinne: “I’m still wearing the old model of their one-piece with a front zipper, and plan to replace it with the current version when the time comes. I enjoy a good color or texture, but I love the simplicity of a black one-piece.”
Artesands swim separates
Size: 6-24
“I tend to look for bathing suits that don’t have straps or buckles — which are surprisingly popular in plus-size swimwear,” says Corinne. “While I admire them on other people, I don’t like the way they feel against my skin.” They point to the stylish-but-subtle Australian brand Artesands. “If I were shopping for a new two-piece, I’d look here first. Ultimately, I want something comfortable and long-lasting, and Artesands has a great reputation.”
Big thanks to Mbiye and Corinne for sharing their recs! And if you’re still scoping out options, we featured 5 friends trying on 25 swimsuits in Big Salad!
P.S. 10 size-inclusive clothing brands I love, and a summer capsule wardrobe.
(Photos via: Raq Apparel, Old Navy, Villa Fresca, Land’s End, and Artesands.)
