Plus sized swimwear

[Username24680]

Can anyone recommend decent plus sized swimsuits? I’m a size 20 with a 36/38GG chest so need something with decent support.

I carry lots of my weight around my tummy so I struggle with the suits that are just sized by bra size as they don’t tend to fit me anywhere else. And the ones that are just clothing sizes don’t tend to offer much support in the chest 😔

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If you've found this page in search of swimwear that has been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best swimsuits for women useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

A tankini might be your best bet, as you can combine a well-supporting internal bra top with a more adjustable, slightly ruched covering over the stomach area.

And with separate bottoms, you wouldn't be constrained by lack of fit, as is often the case with a one-piece.

e.g.
www.fantasie.com/uk/en/swimwear/tankini-tops/underwire-tankini-tops/luna-bay-glacier-twist-front-tankini-top/p/fs502454glr/

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/bb936?optionSize=36GG

www.curvykate.com/products/curvy-kate-first-class-tankini-top-deep-teal?variant=43073476722843

www.panache-lingerie.com/shop/product/anya-riva-balconnet-tankini/colour-fiery-red/size-38g

Good luck! I'm having similar struggles.

@AutumnalLeaves38 Thank you 😊 I do have a couple of tankinis (both Panache ones - Anya I think they’re called) but I hate that the top rolls up lol. Really hoping there’s a holy grail swimsuit out there that I’ve missed!

I have a halter neck one that was a random purchase from F&F at Tesco years ago and it’s surprisingly supportive for being a cheaper swimsuit! But it’s definitely on its last legs 🙈

I'm a very similar size to you and have just bought a couple of tankinis from curvissa after wearing out the one I bought from there last year. They don't have built in cups but are surprisingly supportive. They wouldn't be good enough for length swimming but are fine for holidays.

How about something like this from Marks?

www.curvissa.co.uk/products/multiway-floral-tankini/_/A-918795_12?PFM_rsn=browse&PFM_ref=false&PFM_psp=own&PFM_lpn=13

I swim a lot and am shaped decidedly more like a seal than a mermaid. My top three suits:

Fantasie: this has an inbuilt bra and ruching over the tummy which gives you more leeway if you are round (I am quite spherical). Downside is it takes ages to dry and isn’t going to win prizes for style.

Deakin and Blue: dress size + boob size means that you’ve a better chance of finding a good fit, tho I find mine is a bit loose round the legs to be a good fit in the tummy. Great designs. Ethical and British made.

Batoko: very trad shape without extra bust support but I don’t find that a problem once im swimming. Bold designs, made from recycled plastics, collabs with enviro charities. Dry really quickly because there aren’t multiple layers of fabric or scaffolding.

ivoryrose.com

@Tangelo
Thanks for the Deakin & Blue recommendation. I'd not heard of them before. Great concept.

I am pretty much the same size as you and find it much better to wear a two piece.

I like the fantasie, Bravissimo & curvy Kate bikinis.

i just bought a black square neck one piece from Next w hidden underwire - surprisingly flattering and not mumsy (i'm a large 16 w 36G boobs and very fussy about support - it does up at back so adjustable)
www.next.co.uk/style/st953442/t25465#t25465

I bought a lovely costume from Tesco yesterday.

Lower leg and good coverage in the bust area.

Also has tummy support.
It was £22.

Well worth a visit to check them out.

@froomeonthebroom Thank you 😊 it really is something for length swimming I’m looking for unfortunately. I have a few tankinis that wear for holidays but they roll up when length swimming or when playing with my toddler in our local pool and it annoys me 😅

@TigerDroveAgain I actually have tried that style on in Marks - they do a tankini version too. Unfortunately it doesn’t fit in the chest area.

@Tangelo 😂😂 your post made me laugh! I am definitely more seal than mermaid too 😂 I’ll have a look at those, thank you 😊

@harryfan37 Thanks, I’ll have a look 😊

@aibutohavethisusername I know 😩 I was hoping that there would be a recurring recommendation for a suit that I hadn’t yet tried 😅 Never in a million year would I wear a bikini but I have a couple of tankinis and the way the roll up annoys the life out of me when I’m playing my whole toddler in the pool!

@Fedupwitheveryone That suit looks lovely, thank you!! I love the shape at the front! The cut out on the back makes me nervous that all my back fat would be hanging out but I might brave it and order one to try lol

@uggmum Ohh, I’ll pop in next time I’m passing a decent one. My local one is useless! Thank you 😊

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 I’ve actually just been browsing on their site! They have a a sale ok just now too. Are their suits true to size? Or would you size up/down? I’ve never shopped with them before

https://snagtights.com/collections/swimwear/products/swimsuit-ill-fly-with-you-black

I've got this suit from Snagtights. I have massive boobs, and they're lifted and supported well in this. It's lovely quality and feels nice on. Not tried their other styles but a big boobed lady on Instagram has reviewed the bikini tops and they seem great!

@Username24680 I would say true to size. Enjoy 😊

Actually, had another think, I would say get your size and the size above, and you can always return? They do charge to return, but I think it’s only about £4 through Evri? I remember I bought loads to try on and kept different things in different sizes. Normally when I try on swimwear, it all goes back, but with Lands End I was spoilt for choice on what to keep.

@Chimchar thanks, I love their tights so I’ll have a look at those 😊

@CherryMaple I’m always the same with different styles too 😊 was just going gauge wether to order size + smaller or size + bigger 🤣

CherryMaple'Just wanted to echo @CherryMaple's suggetion of LandsEnd. I have had good luck with swimsuits, clothing, etc. I wear a 22 a 2X in their sizing. I've bought 3X in sweatshirts, winter coats as I like room for layering. Good Luck!

I'm not sure what went wrong, but LandsEnd clothing size 22/2X,(42/44 DD/DDD) and always feel appropriately covered.