Y’all, it’s so hot. After a fairly mild beginning to the summer, the sun is taking its revenge on Texas. With temperatures soaring into the triple digits and sweat threatening with every trip outside, there is only one solution. Get thee to a swimming pool! When I was in college, I avoided pools like the plague. Society had told me over and over to get my body “swimsuit ready,” which always meant losing dozens of pounds and tanning. Neither of those things sounded appealing, but instead of thumbing my nose at society, I cautiously avoided any public contact with water. Living in Texas, that’s required some deft work with excuses.
Somewhere in the past few years, however, I finally learned an important fact: every body is a bikini body. I love my hips and breasts in regular clothes, why shouldn’t I love them just as much in swimwear? This realization quickly led to another one. I am a swimwear maven! After so many years without this garment, it’s all I can do not to buy every cute swimsuit I see.
Unlike some other areas of ready-to-wear fashion, there are some legitimately gorgeous options for curvy swimwear. Gone are the days when the only suit available above a size 12 was black and skirted. Instead, we can have gorgeous fabrics, retro silhouettes, and legitimate bust support. I’ve rounded up a list of my favorite plus-sized swimwear lines from across the web, as well as few patterns for those wanting to jump on the self-sewn swimsuit wagon.
Esther Williams Swimwear (up to measurements of 54-44-56 inches) 
Esther Williams Swimwear is a line started by Hollywood’s favorite mermaid herself. They specialize in retro designs, mostly one-pieces, in a full range of sizes and fabrics. While there is a six week wait when ordering from their direct site, Modcloth also stocks a large range of their plus-sized suits for quick delivery. I actually own two EW swimsuits, including the polka dotted one above. It’s going on three summers of poolside lounging and still looks fabulous on! I’ve found the suits plenty supportive for my 36F chest, but be sure to pay attention to sizing. I usually wear a 14/16 RTW, but take an 18W in EW sizing, thanks to my bust size.
Pinup Girl Clothing (up to measurements of 55.5-48-57 inches) 
The ladies at Pinup Girl Clothing have been catering to retro-loving curvy ladies for quite sometime, but their line of swimwear is a relatively recent addition. It began with the Marilyn swimsuit (directly above), which I own in pink, and has expanded to a full line of both bikinis and one-pieces catered to the curvy figure. While I found my original Marilyn suit to be less supportive than I prefer, it was really cute on. The gathers hid any bumps I was self-conscious about, but really emphasized my waist, and the long bottom was amazingly comfortable. For those who like a tight hold on the girls, however, I would suggest their more structured styles, which get rave reviews from the well-endowed. The bikini above is boned and shaped with foam, for a bra-like support. That’s very good news for busty swimmers!
Swimsuits For All ( some styles up to measurements of 60-55-62.5 inches)
Made famous by their partnership with Gabifresh, Swimsuits For All is a website that specializes in bringing cute swimsuit lines to women of all sizes. For some of the lines, this means going up to a size 36! Awesome, right? Even better are their designs. While you will find some of those dreaded swim mumus, they also have a ton of fashionable choices for curvy ladies. Their lineup really shines in the bikini department, which holds some wonderfully supportive, high-waisted styles that I’m coveting. While I don’t have any firsthand experience with their suits, there are customer reviews accompanying every suit and an in-depth sizing chart, broken down by brand. They also boast hassle-free returns and exchanges, which is a rarity in the swimwear world!
Honorable Mention: Miraclesuit’s Aurora 
I know, y’all. It has a skirt. It’s called–ugh!–a Miraclesuit. Why am I showing you this? Because this is, hands down, the sexiest thing that’s currently in my closet. I don’t know if it’s the crazy supportive bodice, or the flirty little circle skirt, but the Miraclesuit makes me want to prance down the street flaunting my goodies. It nips in all the right places, lifts in all the other ones, and is the perfect color of blue. Unfortunately, it is also pretty pricey in its plus size range and comes with all the baggage of that “look smaller” language that we so hate. For that, I can only give it an honorable mention here. It would be unfair to leave a suit that has brought me so much happiness off the list, however. Get a more enlightened ad campaign, Miraclesuit. I don’t want to look smaller, I just want pretty swimsuits!
Self-Sewn Swimwear If you’re the brave seamstress ready to make her own swimsuit, the options are a bit limited, but still very interesting. Let’s take a quick look shall we?
Butterick 5795
Available up to measurements of 54-49-56 AND in multiple cup sizes
Butterick 5795 looks like another matronly swimsuit, until you get a gander of the pattern’s style lines. There is some seriously cute ruching happening in View D, hidden under all that flower power nonsense above. In a cute polka dot or modern print? This would be adorable! Beyond that, this is by far the most size-inclusive swimwear pattern available. It goes all the way up to pattern size 32W, which is pretty wonderful coming from a Big 4 company.
Bombshell Swimsuit from Closet Case Patterns
Available up to measurements of 44-36-46
If you’re looking for the glamour of an Esther Williams suit, the Bombshell from Closet Case patterns is the suit for you. With two cute bodice variations and all-over ruching, the Bombshell looks great on curvy beachside figures. Unfortunately, it is limited in sizing, only going up to an 18. This may be a suit worth stretching your grading muscles over, however.
Simplicity 1374
Available up to measurements of 46-39-48
Rounding out our sewn swimsuit lineup is Simplicity 1374, which is the pattern to turn to, if you want a tankini or a retro high-waisted bikini. This versatile little pattern goes up to a pattern size 24W and features several really cute variations. I could easily see that bikini made up in a cute anchor print, for a nautical flair! Even better, because you are in control of the process, you could add as much support as you need to the base pattern!
Have I tempted you to take a dip yet? It’s so refreshing to see curvy swimwear that is both stylish and supportive, without trying to hide all our assets! Would you ever try making your own, though? I am mighty tempted by Butterick 5795, y’all…
Note: No recommendation or opinion in this post has been sponsored. These are just things I think are neat!
I’ve been making my own lap swimming suits for years now, as I’m very pear shaped and cannot get a good fit off the rack. For total beginners, I recommend the Kwik Sew Swim and Actionwear book. It has master patterns for suits, tights, leotards, and tops, and lots of clear instructions for both sewing them and modifying/personalizing them. The sizing is a little limited, but Kwik Sew fits big, and they also make some plus size patterns. I think Jalie has a few as well.
Those suits are awesome! I actually like skirted swimsuits though and I’ve been wearing them since before I was plus sized. It’s an adorable little dress that I get to go swimming in. Yes please!
Aaaand there’s my original post. Okay that was lame of me to post twice. Seriously, though, thanks for a great post.
Hi,
I tried leaving a comment a few days ago but not sure what happened…. Anyhoo, just wanted to say how much I loved this post and that you actually inspired me to order the Esther Williams polka dot in green. I’m going on vacation next month but wasn’t planning on buying a swimsuit because of the thought of shopping for it. Thank you for the excellent recommendations and inspiration. And big thanks for posting discussions on body confidence. P.S. I’m going to Hawaii and can’t believe I was actually NOT going to bring a bathing suit! 🙂
What an inspiring post – directly inspiring me, that is! I wasn’t planning on purchasing a bathing suit for my vacation next month, but after reading your post I ordered a green and blue polka dot from the Esther Williams line. Thank you so much for the recommendations and for starting a discussion about body confidence! P.S. I’m going to Hawaii and can’t believe I was actually thinking of NOT bringing a bathing suit! 🙂
I reasently made a swimsuit with the pattern from Closet Case Files (Bombshell swimsuit). I put a bra inside the swimsuit for extra support and I’m pleased with how it turned out. The shirring (is that the right word?) on front and back make its very forgivable and makes me feel comfortable wearing it :).
For RTW, Elomi makes suits with real cup/band sizing. They make the best bras in the universe in my opinion so I suspect they are worth checking out.
Oh, I haven’t tried Elomi for either blogs or swimwear. I will definitely check them out for both! Right now, I use Soma for my lingerie needs, but they’ve recently phased out some of my favorite designs. Thank you for sharing this recommendation, Jan!
Jalie 3023 is a great swimsuit pattern as well and it goes to about a 24w which is what they call FF. I’m making the tanking version w the more modest skirt bottom (Cant stand waxing!)
Definitely a pattern to try. I also have the merchwaerdigh swimsuit pattern which has loads of bust support engineered into it.
Here’s the discription found on the etsy store:
Sewing pattern MIX5L from Dutch design Merckwaerdigh with BIG SIZE soft bra, brief with support corset at the front and tankini. The bra is designed with extra wide shoulder pieces and extra straps just above the cups for more support. The extra corset panels at the front of the brief can be adjusted for more or for less belly correction. The tankini top has a partly hidden extra bra band at the back to fit the cups more perfectly.
For this pattern is some experience in handmade lingerie and beachwear needed. Included are sizes:
42A – 54A (EU 95A – 125A) — 40B – 52B (EU 90B – 120B) – – 38C – 50C (EU 85C – 115C) – – 36D – 48D (EU 80D – 110D)
New, directly from publisher with ENGLISH manual.
These patterns are European based which means NO seam allowances included.
Wow, Pam those are both fabulous patterns. Thank you for sharing them and providing such great detail! I haven’t yet come across a Merckwaerdigh pattern in the sewing blog world, but that pattern is really intriguing. That may be one I personally make up for next swim season!
Seconding your suggestion, Pam. I’ve used lingerie patterns from Merckwaerdigh on Etsy, and they’re fabulous — so I have to assume the swimsuit is good, too!
I like Gertie’s suit, but for those who have made it, how is the bra cup seam working out for you? (On the model pic, the bra cup seam goes across the model’s bust.) There was a debate on Gertie’s blog on whether that was a design feature or whether the suit just didn’t fit the model well. According to Gertie, it was a fit issue with the model/sample, and the seam is, in fact, supposed to go under the bust.
In any case, Mary, thank you for posting this! I REALLY like those Esther Williams suits–RTW might be the way for me to go in this case. Mary (or other busty ladies), how did you find the strap behind the neck for this style of suit? I’m concerned that it would be uncomfortable on my back/neck if it’s holding up the weight of my bust.
The under bra cup seam may have been a fit issue for Gertie’s model but the pattern design has it sort of halfway between the nipple and underbreast. Its sort of a built-in push up bra; which I don’t need. And technically that is a fit issue – I up-sized the bra but obviously not enough? The next one I’ll use my bra pattern for the cups and that should probably work better. I really suck at doing “muslins” in in knit fabric.
And yes the strap drove me crazy (can’t stand anything touching the back of my neck) so I’m adding bra strap clips to the back band and securing them there.
Adding some powermesh under the front lining panel helps with control too. Just saying.
I too was wary of the Gertie swimsuit bust detail, which is why it wasn’t included in this line up. Thank you for the info, ReneeAnn! That seam looked to me like it would cut very, very awkwardly across the bust. Incidentally, do you have a preferred source for powermesh? I will definitely add some into whatever swimsuit pattern I eventually try out.
I got mine from Anne St Claire of needle nook fabrics but most bra making suppliers have it.
I am ALL ABOUT curvy swimsuits! I swim laps at my neighborhood pool 2-3 times/week, and I always wear a cute bikini while doing it. I’ve never once had a negative comment, and in fact, I get a lot of girls/women who seem to go out of their way to make eye contact with me and smile. I always hope I’m helping to normalize bikinis for every body type, and the way they smile at me makes me think it’s working. So to anyone who’s afraid, JUST DO IT.
Also, wouldn’t a “let’s all make swimsuits” Austin meet-up be awesome?!? It seems a lot less scary to tackle swimsuits for the first time if everyone is in it together! I’m dying to make a Bombshell.
YES! Nicole, let’s make it happen. Barton Springs would be perfect for a picnic and self-made swimsuit meet up.
I love that you rock curvy swimsuits so often! Women of all body types freely wearing bikinis needs to be normalized so badly. Keep on empowering onlookers!
I love Land’s End swimsuits! They are pricey but I wait for a discount, they always have them if you sign up for the emails. And free returns at Sears! So I ordered a whole bunch in two different sizes and return what doesn’t work. They last forever!
Such a great suggestion, Melinda! I forgot to include Land’s End, but my mother swears by their swimsuits. They definitely seem to be worth the price point!
Love this roundup.
Thank you, Kathy!
Yay for curvy swimsuits! I also really recommend the suits available from the British DD+ retailer http://www.bravissimo.com (they also do bras and strappy tops with hidden bras!). They have a wide range of cup sized swimwear up to a J or so. All my swimsuits are from them! However I am planning on tackling a bombshell soon… Hopefully with an integral bra. Wish me luck!
I added bra cups to mine and it helped I bit. After I finish Gertie’s swimsuit I will let you know how that may work for you as it has boning and such which may provide more stability.
I am so excited that you’re going to tackle the Bombshell, J! You will look killer in that suit. What fabric are you planning to use?
Also, thanks to the link for Bravissimo. I haven’t heard of them but just fell down the rabbit hole of fabulous lingerie!
Oooh Bravissimo is DANGEROUS! I actually almost worked there because I was a finalist to be their Marketing Director 🙂 I think when I started reeling off product numbers they were impressed…
For my bombshell I have some cloud print spandex from Spandex House in NYC – it’s the same one Sarai used on her bikini recently, but in a blue/white colourway. Wish me luck!
Oh Mary – I really, really love this post. I so want a new swimsuit that flatters the body I have. I want to feel amazing and not self-conscious and look fabulous. I swear – it’s not asking too much. g
I am so glad you liked this post, GMarie! I feel exactly the same way about swimwear. Looking fabulous and feeling good are not too much to ask! I’m just happy that the curvy market is finally being catered to in a meaningful, fashionable way.
Wow – what a great article about something I feel rather anxious about. Yes, swimsuits. I see all shapes and sizes at the pool but I still cringe at the thought of my thighs being on display. On go the swim shorts. Maybe I could make cute shorts to go with a fab bust enhancing top half!
I used to wear boardshorts with all my togs, before I realised that they actually made me look worse. Obviously it’s not the same for all/may not be the same with you, but I figured they almost drew more attention to my legs, while making me feel less comfortable. I decided that the possibility that someone else doesn’t want to look at my thigh dimples isn’t enough for me to be uncomfortable!
Thanks Sophie-Lee! I worry way too much what other people think.
Poppy – I also thought the same thing about myself, but now I just don’t care!! You could also try a sarong. That would look so chic and provide coverage at the same time!
Awesome idea! I’d be able to elegantly slip off my sarong just before I slip into the water. Yay for curvy lady support! I adore all of the swimsuits Mary has listed. I could have a collection with matching sarongs. I don’t like feeling boyish in my board shorts.
I am also Team Sarong! A well fitting swimsuit paired with a cute cover-up to-and-from the pool really helps with poolside unease, I’ve found. Poppy, a whole collection of swimsuits with coordinated sarongs sounds heavenly!
I plan to start my togs as soon as I have some lining – I have enough fabric for a one-piece and a bikini, just need to sort out the pattern! And, need to sort out the weather (dang you winter)
Ha – you are so right. Five degrees and feels like negative 50 here in Canterbury! Can’t wait to see what you create. I bet you’ll look amazing.
I can’t wait to see which suit you go with, Soph! Whichever you choose is going to look fabulous on you, I’m sure! What sort of fabric are you using? I am so tempted to hit up some of the swimsuit florals that Girl Charlee has right now.
I, too, used to avoid pools and the beach and such, but no more! I made the bombshell suit last year in red and have Gertie’ s new suit cut out right now to make. Can’t wait!
Oooh, let me know how the Gertie one goes! I’ve been thinking about sewing it.
I just made the Gertie suit in pink with white polka dots and a white band – fabric purchased from http://www.thefabricfairy.com – and I love love love it. Unfortunately the directions were horrible and its lucky I know how to sew or I’d probably have dumped the project.
Renee – Thanks for sharing! I will keep the directions in mind when sewing! I’m hoping to make mine this weekend before I go on vacation next week, but we’ll see if I finish it in time!
The layout omits one of the extra bra pieces – can’t remember which one but its pretty obvious. I hate having exposed seams, and the directions have everything exposed – the crotch shield, the bra pieces and the underbust seam. Its relatively easy to get around if you sandwich the pieces instead. Also, I didn’t do it this time but I definitely will the next, but instead of making the bra & the lining separately then putting them together, I will “sandwich” the center curved seam to help stabilize that area and so I can understitch it.
Oh and it was PINK GINGHAM not polka dots. Love the look! The next one will be polka dots.
Renee – I’m really glad that I’ve already made one swimsuit, so it may not be as bad as if I’ve never made one. i will definitely keep all of that in mind!
Lauren- I definitely will! I will probably blog about it one way or another. I hope it works out as I chose some super cute fabric for it!
Tanya, I absolutely cannot wait to see your version of Gertie’s suit! I’ve been somewhat trepidatious about the fitting that its bustline would require, but I’m so curious about how those style lines will transfer to a curvy figure. I bet yours will be stunning on you!