The Best Plus Size Swimsuits for Travel and Ocean Lovers

 Let’s be honest, no matter your body size I think that one thing that all women can agree on is that shopping for swimsuits is not always fun. In fact, it can be downright depressing, especially for those of us who don’t look like fashion models.

Despite being a water-lover I used to hate wearing swimsuits. I always felt self-conscious and never felt like anything I wore actually looked good on my body. Part of that was my own negative self-image that I struggled with when I was younger. But another part was also due to the fact that finding cute plus size swimsuits can be pretty hard.

So, for anyone who feels the same, this post is for you. 

These are my personal picks for the best plus size swimsuit brands for travel, beach, pool lounging, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more. I spend my summers living on a lake and am an avid ocean lover and scuba diver, so when I tell you these are cute and flattering and work- I mean it.

Ready to find a swimsuit you feel good in for you’re the summer or your vacation? These are the places to shop.

The Best Plus Size Swimsuits 

Best plus size bikinis if you like cheeky bottoms: The Cheeky Bikini Company

I love supporting small local businesses and that’s what the Cheeky Bikini, located in Ontario, is. Right now it’s a one-woman show and the owner and designer, Erin, has worked to create flattering cuts suitable for different bodies. As you guessed from the name, her bottoms are cheeky (which, fashion says, it’s the most flattering swimsuit cut for every body) and come in different waist heights as well as two different levels of ‘cheekiness’. The tops also come in three different styles. I have two paid of the ‘less cheeky’ high rise bottoms, the uplift plunging bikini top in three colours, and ‘thrive’ high waist bottoms in two colours. The Cheeky Bikini Company goes up to size XXL in various tops and 3XL in bottoms. 

Best One-Piece plus size swimsuits: Ta3

I found Ta3 on TikTok and was intrigued by the shape wear aspect. The corseted back was so pretty and if it sucked me in and made me feel more confident in a swimsuit too- extra win. I got my first suits in 2022 and now have 4 and I love them much. These have quickly become my go-to one pieces. The colours are bold and bright, the styles are slimming and I love that they have different neckline and bottom coverage depending in what you are most comfortable in. The Ta3 suits range in size from XS-4XL and can be purchased online here.

Best plus size swimsuits for bra-sized Bikinis: Adore Me

If you are a busty girl looking for a cute bikini, then Adore Me is my suggest pick. Why? Because their sell their bikinis as separates and some of the tops are actually bra-sized which makes it SO easy to know what is going to fit. I discovered Adore Me in 2021 (and loved them so much that I did some social media campaigns with them) and highly recommend. I’ve got a few swimsuits from here and they have fit really well. Adore Me goes up to 4X and H cups. For me, their bras and bikini tops fit true to size. Check Adore Me products here.

Best Custom Swimwear

I was scrolling through social media one day when I came across Bathing Belle, a custom swimsuit shop located in Toronto. I was intrigued, gave them a follow and several months later they invited me to their store for my own custom swimsuit fitting. As a curvy girl, swimsuit shopping tends to be awful but I felt so safe and comfortable here. They ended up creating three amazing custom suits for me based on my body shape and the styles I like and I’ve been so impressed. They have an online shop as well but if you want custom you do need to visit in-store. I highly recommend it! Check out Bathing Belle here. 

Best plus size swimsuits for all styles: Swimsuits for All

Swimsuits for all is an American website that has the largest range of sizes and styles that I have ever seen. Want a string bikini? No problem. What about a sporty one piece? Again, no problem. You can be a size 4 or 34 and you’ll have plenty of options shopping here and most of the swimsuits come in a very inclusive size range. One of my favourites from Swimsuits For All (that I actually have in 2 patterns) is this cut out one piece. It’s sexy but still supportive and I feel really good and confident wearing it.

Insider tip: Read reviews for sizing since all suits are different. Especially if you are someone with a longer torso.

Best plus size swimsuits for watersports: Waterlust

Another ocean-design brand I love is Waterlust. They also offer swimsuit options but I have, love, and highly recommend the sunsuit. It’s a long sleeve sunsuit that is perfect for water sports and days on the water. This is what I wore the entire time I was snorkeling and scuba diving in French Polynesia. It’s a little thicker so it provided some extra warmth when I didn’t want a full wetsuit while diving in tropical waters. Plus, it offers sun protection: up to UPF 50. Sizes go up to 3XL.

For more of my clothing picks, checking out my list of the best travel clothing for curvy women.  

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance here. If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend SafetyWing. For Canadian readers, take a look at SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend booking.com for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I have used esims around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA- they are super easy and you don’t risk losing your home sim! There are two brands I have used and recommend so I suggest comparing both. 

Airalo: download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase.

Truely: This one is easier in that it’s a one-time download instead of downloading an esim for each country. It also allows you to hotspot and tether- which not all esims do. Check out options here.

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my travel essentials and camera gear if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!