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Plus size swimwear

senior woman on beach

Shopping for swimwear can be overwhelming, so we figured we'd guide you through the labyrinth with some of the insight we've gathered. The plus size market is rapidly growing, meaning there's lots of choice out there to suit all shapes and sizes, so we've saved you the hard work and whittled down the best of the bunch...

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What shape are you?  

four different body types

Knowing what body shape you are is a good place to start. Described below are the four main body types - are you an apple, a pear, a rectangle or an hourglass? 

  • Apple - Shoulders that are wider than hips, and often slimmer legs. Weight is usually stored first around the abdomen.
  • Pear -  Slimmer waist and narrow upper body. Weight is stored more around the hips and thighs.
  • Rectangle - More straight up and down with fewer curves. Weight usually carried more around the middle or buttocks.
  • Hourglass - Bigger busts and hips, more tapered waist. Weight is distributed more evenly, gathers more around backs of the arms or thighs.

 

How to pick the right design for your figure

It's important to feel comfortable and confident in your swimwear. After all, it's the least amount of clothing you'll usually be wearing around strangers, so it can be an unnerving situation for some! Once you know what suits your shape and what you should avoid, you'll make a much more informed choice when shopping for your beach attire. The table below describes the best shapes, colours and details for the four main body types mentioned earlier. 

plus size body shape swimwear chart

For more tips on how to dress plus size figures, head this way!

 

The best of 2018 so far...

We've scoured the latest in over-50 plus-size swimwear, with the famous four body shapes as our focus. Ranging from modest to slightly more risque to super comfy, there really is something for

everyone. With a better understanding of what will you suit your body shape, you're bound to look and feel fabulous on your impending hols. Are you ready for the fun part?

 

Swimsuits

plus-size-swimsuits 

From left to right: Black secret slimming plunge swimsuit, £25, M&S; White and blue striped swimsuit, £45, Debenhams; Blue print blouson swimsuit, £38, JD Williams; Leaf print halterneck swimsuit, £45, Tesco.

 

Bikinis

 all-plus-size-bikinis

From left to right: Floral print non-wired bikini top, £25, and matching high-waisted bottoms, £16, M&S; Black halterneck bikini top, £15.99, and matching bottoms, £12.99, Yours; Abstract print halterneck bikini top, £20, and matching bottoms, £13, Simply Be; Tropical print underwired bikini top, £44, and matching bottoms, £29, Figleaves.

 

Tankinis  

 

plus size tankinis

From left to right: Floral print blouson top, £22, and matching high-waisted shorts, £12, Marisota; Multicoloured striped blouson top, £22, and matching bottoms, £12, JD Williams; Anya Cruise moulded bandeau tankini top, £50, and matching bottoms, £21, Simply Be; Padded palm print tankini top, £30, and matching side-string bottoms, £14, Debenhams.

 

Extras 

plus size swimwear

Clockwise from left to right: Jasper Conran b&w print sarong, £22, Debenhams; Blue mix printed kaftan, £19.50, M&S; Navy Hilor swimming shorts, £11.99, Amazon; Multicoloured striped skort, £20, JD Williams

Prices correct as of 14/03/18

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Images: Shutterstock