The Absolute Best Swimsuits for Curvy Women, According to Curvy Women and Stylists
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Our top picks include Andie Swim, Cupshe, and more
People / Brian Kopinski
Warm temperatures are on the way, so it's time to start thinking about spring break, summer vacations, and making poolside memories (while wearing plenty of sunscreen). However, the season ahead can also spark angst and negative dialogue about "summer bodies" and the feeling of not being perfect enough to wear a swimsuit.
Due to some health issues, I’ve gained weight in my chest and hips, and finding a swimsuit that makes me feel confident has been an uphill battle. Once I found the right fit that complemented my shape (a Brandon Blackwood two-piece that’s tragically out of stock), I instantly felt like myself again.
In an effort to shelve negative self-talk before it starts, we’re sharing swimsuits that serve and celebrate curvy bodies. Read on for PEOPLE's top picks for the best swimsuits for curvy women, according to experts, testing, and research.
Best Overall: Andie Tulum One-Piece Swimsuit
Andie Swim is popular among celebrities and stylists alike: Even Mindy Kaling launched a collab with this swimwear brand last year. This Andie one-piece swimsuit is one of my favorites because it seamlessly lifts and sculps, making me stand taller and feel like a '90s supermodel! The open back, crisscross straps, and removable soft cups feel comfortable and supportive without being too tight or restrictive. It comes with two fabric options, but I prefer the smooth fabric over ribbed for a sleeker look.
You also have options in torso length with the ability to choose between “classic” and “long torso”. The swimsuit has a wide size range and comes in a variety of bold colors like Cherry Red and Navy. If you go for the white one-piece, give it some '90s flair with an oversized, cotton button-down like this one from Ann Taylor Loft.
Sizes: XS (0-2)–3XL (20-22) | Materials: 82% nylon, 18% spandex | Care: Hand-wash, lay flat to dry | Colors: Black, Cherry Red, White, Navy, Papaya | Fabric: Eco-Nylon and Ribbed
Best Tummy Control: Cupshe Midnight Elegance Tummy Control One-Piece
Former editor turned stylist Ashley Afriyie tells PEOPLE she scouts swimsuits that allow for coverage in areas of insecurity and that emphasize your favorite body parts, as well as finding “the perfect color.” Wearing black to the beach might feel like a drab choice, but Afriyie says black is always a “do” because it looks great on everyone.
A reviewer favorite is this one-shoulder Cupshe suit boasting an asymmetrical neckline, ruched fabric, and tummy control support. These are all the design elements Afriyie says can make a swimsuit ultra-flattering on a curvy frame. This piece also comes with removable soft cups and is an excellent option for anyone seeking medium bust support and full coverage for your rear.
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Care: Machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle, and line dry | Colors: Black
Best Budget: Old Navy Tie-Back One-Piece Swimsuit for Women
For budget-friendly one-pieces, Old Navy is one of Afriyie's favorite brands. "They have extended sizing, and you can't beat the price," she says. If you want a fun print with chest support, this one-piece comes in five patterns. With a plunging V-neck, cross-back straps, removable pads, and an adjustable hook closure, this suit is sexy and supportive. The sizing options are plentiful — ranging from XS to 4X — and reviewers say it runs true to size, so you don't have to worry about making multiple exchanges.
Sizes: XS–4X | Materials: 83% recycled polyester, 17% spandex | Care: Hand wash | Colors: Brown Animal Print, White Palm Print, Warm Sunset, Wild Pink Cheetah, and Black Jack
Related: The Best Places to Buy Swimsuits Online for Every Size, Style, and Budget
Best Ruching: Tempt Me Retro High-waist Two-piece Swimsuit
This PEOPLE-tested pick brings a vintage elegance to the two-piece swimsuit. Sized up to 22 plus, with 44 color options, the Tempt Me Women double-layered suit was a favorite among our testers. We found the material to be thick, soft, and durable, with a nice amount of compression to keep everything in place. As for the fit, testers found this suit was well structured, provided excellent coverage, and accentuated hourglass shapes to a tee. And it offers plenty of ruching to mask parts of your body you’re less comfortable with.
Size range: XXS–22 Plus | Material: 82% nylon, 18% spandex | Care: Hand wash | Colors: 44
Best Bottoms: Skims Dipped Tie Swim Bottoms
Our team tested these swimsuit bottoms, which earned high marks for their stretchy, durable, and body-molding fabrics. There are seven color options and a size range that goes up to 4X. And if you’re peeking at the matching top, we’ll caution you: While it has a secure band, with plenty of stretch, and moves with the body without slippage, it might not provide satisfactory coverage for larger breasts.
Sizes: XXS–4X | Materials: 76% recycled nylon, 24% spandex | Care: Hand wash, hang to dry | Colors: 7
Best Thong: Relleciga Low-Back Thong One-Piece
If you're ready to show a little extra skin, this Relleciga thong swimsuit is the perfect cheeky style. The adjustable straps allow swimmers (or sunbathers with SPF, of course) a more customized fit. This one-piece swimsuit has such a classic silhouette, so we love that it’s available in 44 different colors and prints. Since it’s so budget-friendly, you could grab a few different colors for your next beach vacation.
Sizes: S-XXL | Materials: 80% polyamide, 20% spandex | Care: Hand wash, line dry | Colors: 44
Best Underwire: Aerie Wide Strap Unlined Underwire Bikini Top
Aerie bras are shopper favorites for the high quality and attention to detail, which is also extended to the brand’s swimwear. Made with 80-percent recycled nylon (saved from leftover fiber scraps), this bikini top offers a sustainable choice that will make you feel like the best version of yourself at the beach or relaxing by the pool. It has UPF 50 sun protection, wide adjustable straps, and incredible underwire support that has garnered praise from shoppers with large chests. And for bottoms: The high-cut cheeky bottoms are a paired favorite, so go ahead and add them to your cart, too.
Sizes: 32A–36DD | Materials: 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane | Care: Hand wash | Colors: True Black
Best Shaping: Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge One Piece
Spanx pioneered shapewear, and now you can get their shapewear technology in a swimsuit. This editor-loved one-piece has the brand's signature double-layer fabric which our team found to be supportive and seamless. This Spanx swimsuit provides a high-quality and sturdy feel, while offering non-restrictive comfort.
Sizes: XS–3X | Materials: 91% nylon, 9% Lycraâ® elastane | Care: Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry | Colors: Tropical Turquoise, Very Black, Mulberry
Best for Hourglass Illusion: TA3 Swim Lifty One-Piece
When a product goes viral on social media, it's not always easy to discern whether it is truly worth the hype. However, this PEOPLE-loved suit lives up to every positive review. Whether you've got an hourglass figure (a proportionate top and bottom with a smaller waist) or want the illusion of an hourglass figure, TA3's Swim Lifty one-piece hugs your curves tightly to create this shape. Featuring underwire and TA3's signature waist-snatching shaping panels and lacing, your curves will be the main event.
Sizes: XS–4X, (Cup) A, B/C, D/DD, F/G, H/I, (Length) short, reg/long, x-long| Materials: 75% nylon, 25% spandex | Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry | Colors: 6
Best for Long Torsos: J. Crew Long Torso Ruched Bandeau One-Piece
Anyone with a long torso (myself included) knows it can be a difficult task to find a swimsuit — and that’s before adding curves to the mix. But J. Crew, another favorite of Afriyie's, offers many of their suits in “classic” and “long torso” lengths.
This one-piece, made with recycled nylon and elastane, features built-in UPF 50 sun protection, and removable padding and straps. Plus, it’s a great choice for us curvy women because it has ruching which provides better stomach coverage than flat materials.
Sizes: 0–24 classic, 0–16 long torso | Materials: 82% recycled nylon, 18% elastane | Care: Hand wash | Colors: 14
Best Support: Mara Hoffman Liri Bikini Top
Mara Hoffman is another top recommendation by Afriyie because the brand offers some swimwear in extended sizing and has "great shape." This new custom floral Olea printed bikini top is fully lined and features a scoop neckline and wide straight back straps (great for supporting fuller busts). For sizes XL-3X, the top has an interior shelf bra for additional support. You can grab the matching bottoms, too, which have a high-waist cut and moderate coverage.
Sizes: XS–3X | Materials: 49% recycled nylon, 32% nylon, 19% elastane | Care: Hand-wash | Colors: Multi-print
Best for Nursing Moms: Andie Swim The Malibu
This suit is a winner for nursing moms because it provides maximum bust support (with removable soft cups) and an adjustable seven-snap button front (ideal for breastfeeding access). It also has sculpting, compressive fabric which could provide more coverage for new moms adjusting to postpartum bodies. You can snag this suit in a “classic fit” or “long torso.”
Sizes: XS–3X | Materials: 80% recycled nylon and 20% spandex | Fabric: Smooth and Ribbed | Care: Hand-wash, Lay flat to dry | Colors: 7
Best for All Day Wear: SummerSalt The Ruffle Backflip
This chic suit will garner tons of compliments and can easily be paired with a white, high-waisted, flowy pant to take you straight from a resort brunch to the pool. The ruffled-adorned one-piece has built-in soft cups for extra coverage with a deep V-neck and an open back. You don't have to worry about keeping your chest in place or adjusting your swimsuit throughout the day because the brand's signature compression fabric will keep everything secure!
Sizes: 2–22 | Materials: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Care: Hand wash, dry flat | Colors: 14
Best Splurge: Andrea Iyamah Nisi One Piece Swimsuit
Andrea Iyamah is among my top three swimwear brands. Not only do the suits fit my long torso and curves to perfection, but I always get compliments when I wear any of her pieces. I recommend checking the size chart under each style for your best fit — and with this suit, size up! The size chart is accurate, but you can take your measurements to ensure you get an ideal fit. This one-shoulder is among my favorites because it sculpts the waist while the molded, underwire cups lift the chest, and the adjustable shoulder strap can be worn in multiple ways to bring some oomph.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Care: Hand wash | Colors: Wine, Chocolate, Sand, and Ruby
Related: The Best Places to Buy Plus Size Swimsuits Online for Every Style and Budget
How to Pick the Right Swimsuit for a Curvy Body
Choose a Spandex-Type of Material
Material matters when it comes to a swimsuit’s fit, just like every other type of clothing. Afriyie says the best material for swimsuits is a polyester/elastane blend, which is essentially spandex. "Swimsuits should fit snugly, but you don't want them to fit too tight,” she says.“You shouldn't feel restricted, but want to make sure you're 100 percent covered when jumping into a pool [or] in the ocean."
Built-In Shapewear
Shapewear isn't just for underneath your clothes. "If you are looking for comfort or want to enhance your shape, opt for swimwear styles equipped with shapewear technology," Fashion expert and body confidence coach Gabrielle Richards tells PEOPLE. Shapewear technology includes options like the Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge One-Piece, whose textured material offers 360 degrees of shaping. Additionally, swimsuits with compression and tummy control can shape the body.
Style and Support
Our experts told us that high-waisted swimwear styles always flatter curvy bodies. Want to take that up a notch? Add ruching. "[Ruching] creates an illusion that the [tummy] you're trying to hide is not there and that it's the material,” says Afriyie. “There is a reason why women from the 40s and 50s had so much "sex appeal" in their high-waisted halter suits."
Underwire in swimwear? Absolutely! Afriyie also suggests looking for swimsuits with underwire and adjustable straps for large busts. "I need support no matter what," she says. "[Additionally,] I find styles like halter tops, one-shoulders, underwire bikini tops, and one-piece suits work the best for my chest and my "busty" girlfriends."
Price
The pricing of swimwear varies greatly. Our picks range from $27 to $230! It can definitely be worth it to invest in a quality swimsuit that boosts your confidence with each wear like the Andrea Iyamah Nisi One-Piece Swimsuit, but you can also find great options, like the Old Navy Tie-Back One-Piece Swimsuit, without spending so much. Swimsuit must-haves will look different for everyone, so you just have to make the best choice for you and your budget.
Add to Cart
Neutrogena PureScreen+ Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid With Vitamin E
Amazon
If you’re spending a day by the pool, we recommend adding a good facial sunscreen to your cart. We conducted extensive research on the best facial sunscreens for daily wear, and this tinted Neutrogena sunscreen offers good coverage as well as SPF protection. It comes in four shades and can be layered over or under makeup, given its sheer formula. Not to mention it has beneficial skincare ingredients and is waterproof for hours of pool-side leisure.
Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop
Clarks
What swimsuit is complete without flip flops? In testing the best flip flops for women, we grew smitten with these velcro-adjusted sandals. They’re easy to slip on, like most flip flops, but have a really durable and comfortable design that mimics more functional types of shoes. During testing, these sandals earned perfect scores for having a chafe-proof fabric, thicker cushioning, and solid durability — which held up over five months of additional testing.
Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel
Amazon
A beach day is incomplete without a quality beach towel, and the Decomen Microfiber towel took our top spot during testing. This beach towel is ideal for a trip to the beach because it comes with a compact carrying case for easy storage. The microfiber is absorbent but dries quickly, and proved to be sand-resistant — our tester’s car remained sand-free. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly.
Take Our Word For It
Bianca Lambert is a contributing freelance writer for PEOPLE who specializes in beauty and travel writing. She’s well-versed in trending topics, such as the in’s and out’s of the best vitamin C serums and John Legend’s skincare line. For this story, Bianca used her own personal experience with swimsuits as a guide to find the best options for fit and style (not forgetting price). She also pulled from tested insights provided by the PEOPLE team, and interviewed fashion stylist Ashley Afriyie and body confidence coach Gabrielle Richards on what to consider when buying swimsuits for curvy women.
Meet Our Experts
Ashley Afriyie is a former fashion editor turned stylist with over a decade of experience in luxury fashion. She’s worked with mega brands like Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more, while contributing to looks such as Anne Hathaway’s gorgeous style at the 2023 Met Gala.
Gabrielle Richards is a fashion expert, body confidence coach, and brand director for Shapermint and the BodyCon. The BodyCon is a confidence series and Shapermint is a clothing brand that focuses on body confidence with shapewear, swimwear, intimates, and more.
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