Tellar
Search

đź’§ Best Plus-Size Swimwear 2025 & Style Tips

Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025

By Tellar.co.uk | 11 July 2025

Looking for plus-size swimwear that’s stylish, supportive, and confidence-boosting? You’re in the right place. This guide breaks down flattering cuts, fabric types, shopping tips, and how Tellar helps you find the perfect fit—no returns, no guesswork.


1. What Makes Great Plus-Size Swimwear?

1.1 Support & Structure

Look for built-in underwires or molded cups in one-pieces and bikini tops. Wide straps, adjustable halternecks, and control panels enhance comfort and shape retention.

1.2 Flattering Silhouettes

  • Square and V-necklines elongate the torso and draw attention upward.

  • Wrap-style and ruching across the midsection create flattering drape.

  • High-waist bikini bottoms define your waist and offer tummy coverage.

  • Longline styles extend the body line for a sleek look.

1.3 Coverage & Versatility

Choose suits with optional skirts or tonal high-waist bottoms. These allow mix-and-match options and upgrade versatility when you leave the pool.


2. Top Plus-Size Swimwear Styles (with Tellar Fit Notes)

2.1 Full-Body Swimsuit with Control Panel

  • Style: One-part suit with tummy-shaping fabric and slightly high neckline.

  • Why it flatters: Creates a sleek silhouette with support across the midriff.

  • Tellar Tip: Identify whether the suit runs true to size or if a size up/down is recommended for bust/hip measurements.


2.2 Underwired One-Piece with Deep V-Neck

  • Style: Structured bust with underwire and wide adjustable straps.

  • Why it flatters: Offers lift and comfort, while the V-neck elongates the neckline.

  • Tellar Tip: If you’re bust-heavy, Tellar may suggest a size up—even if your waist matches your usual size.


2.3 High-Waist Bikini with Ruching

  • Style: Full-coverage bottom and ruched or wrap-effect briefs.

  • Why it flatters: High waist defines your midsection; ruching camouflages and sculpts.

  • Tellar Tip: Choose your usual size—ruched panels tend to stretch and adapt.


2.4 Tankini with Longline Top

  • Style: Fitted top that covers the waist and meets high-waist briefs.

  • Why it flatters: Offers modest coverage with the look of a bikini top.

  • Tellar Tip: Most tankini tops have generous bust and hip measurements—true to size typically works well.


2.5 Swim Dress with Flared Skirt

  • Style: A-line mini dress with shelf bra or underwire.

  • Why it flatters: Skater-skirt style hides hips and thighs while accentuating the bust.

  • Tellar Tip: Depending on length preference, tall-sized options may be recommended by Tellar.


3. Choose the Right Fabric & Print

3.1 Fabric Textures

  • Ribbed fabrics: Signal structure and stretch, ideal for shaping pieces.

  • Power-mesh control panels: Great for tummy support without sacrificing comfort.

  • Recycled polyamide/lycra blends: Durable, chlorine-resistant, and swim-friendly.

3.2 Print & Color Tips

  • Solid dark colors (navy, charcoal, black) streamline and create length.

  • Strategic color-blocking draws the eye vertically, slimming the figure.

  • Small prints or monochrome geometric patterns are more flattering than large florals at scale.


4. How Tellar Helps You Find the Perfect Fit

  1. Create a free profile with your measurements and body shape once via Tellar.co.uk create profile.

  2. Browse plus-size swimwear brands—Tellar shows if a style runs small, large, or true to size.

  3. Use volumetric fit advice for structured pieces like underwired or control-panel suits.

  4. Check length options—some plus-size suits come as “tall” fits, and Tellar highlights this.

  5. Save your favourite sizes and styles for stress-free shopping next time.


5. Store & Brand Recommendations

Here are some plus-size swimwear options that frequently appear in Tellar’s fit tool (UK 14+):

  • High-Waist Bikini with Ruching: Often true to size—Tellar notes give 1 cm stretch.

  • Underwired V-Neck One-Piece: Run true in waist/hips—bust may need +1 size for fuller busts.

  • Swim Dress with Shelf Bra: Tall options get 3 cm extra length per Tellar data.

  • Full-Body Control Suit: Bust may feel tight—Tellar suggests sizing up if over 38″.

💡 Tip: Check Tellar’s notes—“runs small on bust” or “generous in hips”—and adjust size before you buy, not after.


6. Plus-Size Swimwear Fit Checklist

Post Image

✔️ Underwire straps adjustable?

✔️ Built-in tummy control panels?

✔️ Full bust support (cups/underwire)?

✔️ High coverage across shoulder/back?

✔️ Enough leg coverage to feel confident?

✔️ True-to-size or needs adjustment via Tellar?


7. Real-Life Styling Tips

7.1 Add a Sarong or Pareo

A lightweight sarong in neutral tones adds elegance and coverage from waist to knee.

Tellar Fit Note: Measures 160 × 110 cm—ideal for most plus-size frames.

7.2 Top with Flowy Kimono

Look for long-line kimonos with side vents and 3/4 sleeves to float over curves.

7.3 Choose Supportive Swim Tops

Sports-bikini tops with hook-and-eye backs offer secure fit during movement—great for water activities.

7.4 Sun Shirt Overlay

A boxy sun shirt with oversized buttons helps protect your shoulders and arms.

Tellar Suggestion: Size true to chest measurement for relaxed fit.


8. Maintenance & Care

  • Rinse after use in laundered water; hand-wash delicate ribbed panels.

  • Air-dry flat to keep shapes (especially underwire and power-mesh).

  • Avoid rough surfaces to prevent snags—important on textured fabrics.


🔚 Final Thoughts

Great plus-size swimwear is about support, silhouette, and confidence—and with Tellar, you can size each piece accurately on your first try. Whether it’s a structured control suit or a stylish swim dress, your shape and preferences guide the fit.

  • Create your profile once: Tellar.co.uk create profile

  • Use fit notes for bust, waist, hip, length

  • Filter by shape style, structural needs, and coverage

With Tellar, your next beach look will be flawless—in fit, feel, and fashion. Enjoy the sun! 🌞


Stay Connected with Tellar

For more fit advice, styling inspiration, and plus-size updates:


Shop confidently, shape confidently—because with great fit, confidence always follows!

The Tellar Fashion Hub is the UK's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library. Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.

No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.

We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.

Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.