The 9 Best Plus-Size Bikinis of 2022

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Heading to the beach is a celebration—when warmer temperatures hit, there’s no better place to be than taking in the breeze from the sand and snoozing to the sound of waves. As you’re participating in this ultimate ode to summer, staying comfortable (and feeling great) is key. And while beautifully designed plus-size swimwear is still, sadly, hard to come by, some standout brands have options for all kinds of bodies. 

There are a lot of factors to consider as you look to buy a new bikini. Make a list: Are you looking for added sun protection? Extra support? Zany prints? Something classic? Once you have an image of the ideal bikini, it’ll make wading through the options much easier. And beware: Many brands may market themselves as “plus size” or “size-inclusive” while only offering up to a size 12 to 14 or XL. Don’t lose hope—look to places like Nomads Swimwear, Lime Ricki, and Kitty and Vibe Swimwear to boost inspiration. You do not have to choose between style and a good fit.

Ahead, you’ll find a whole world of plus-size bikinis, from high-waisted styles and tops with extra chest support to crop tops and cheery prints.

The Rundown

Best Bikini: Nomads Swimwear Bay Top and Bottom at Nomads Swimwear

"The Bay top and bottom is a fun twist on the traditional one-shoulder designs."

Best Print: Kitty and Vibe Dakota Bikini at Kitty and Vibe

"This modern take on animal print almost looks tie-dye for a playful print bikini."

Runner Up, Best Print: Nettle's Tale Bonnie Top at Nettle's Tale

"A pop of confetti spruces up this top that doubles as a sports bra."

Best Chest Support: L*Space Parker Bikini Top at Backcountry

"The convertible top, coupled with the wide shoulder straps, gives you control."

Best Budget: Curvy Fox Catch 2 Piece Bikini at Curvy Fox

"Heavy on the details, light on the price, the Catch Bikini packs a punch."

Best Crop Top: Lime Ricki Black Gingham Bikini at CoEdition

"The knotted detail on the top makes it easier to control the fit of this gingham suit."

Best Strapless: Swimsuits For All Valentine Ruched Bandeau Bikini at Walmart

"You can't go wrong with this classic sweetheart bandeau top that's fully lined."

Best for Sun Protection: Nomads Swimwear Isle Bikini at Nomads Swimwear

"The super-durable tricot fabric acts as a protective shield from harmful UV rays."

Best Mid-Rise: Summersalt The Diagonal Mid Rise Bottom at Summersalt

"Coming in eight colors, this mid-rise bottom can be mixed and matched with any top."

Best High-Waisted: Swimsuits For All GabiFresh Wrap Underwire Bikini at Walmart

"With built-in underwire bra cups and wrap-front ties, this is far from your classic high-waisted bikini."

Runner Up, Best High-Waisted: Andie High-Waisted Cheeky Bottom at Andie

"A cheeky cut makes this high-waisted bottom a great fit for all body types."

Best Design: ASOS Design Curve Frill Bikini at ASOS

"The slight frill on this brief-cut two-piece is so fun without taking away any comfort or mobility."

Runner Up, Best Design: Andrea Iyamah Yassa High Waist Bikini at Andrea Iyamah

"If you tried to capture the essence of summer into a bikini, you'd come up with this design."

Best Rash Guard: Chromat Contour Rashguard Top at Chromat

"With a front-zip closure, it's easy to control the amount of support you're getting in this rash guard."

The Rundown
Table of contents

Best Bikini: Nomads Swimwear Bay Top and Bottom

Nomads Bay Top and Bottom

Courtesy of Nomads

What We Like
  • Doubles as a crop top

  • Flattering contrast panel at waist

  • Sheer-proof

What We Don't Like
  • Armhole is quite small

Founded by plus-size model and fashion designer Taylor Long, Nomads Swimwear brings something to the plus-size bikini game that we haven’t really seen yet: stunning, artistic designs in comfortable silhouettes. There are a few choices available in the debut collection, inspired by the scenes you would find in Sydney, Australia, but the Bay Top and Bottom is a fun twist on the traditional one-shoulder designs. Available in sizes up to 5X.

Price at time of publication: $75

Sizes: XS to 5X | Materials: 81 percent nylon, 19 percent elastane | Sustainability: N/A

Best Print: Nettle’s Tale Bonnie Top

Nettle’s Tale Bonnie Top

Courtesy of Nettle's Tale

What We Like
  • Reversible

  • Doubles as sports bra

What We Don't Like
  • Runs small

Canadian company, Nettle’s Tale, is about proving that there doesn’t have to be a difference between activewear and swimwear and looking and feeling great. The Bonnie Top comes in two different designs, but we’re partial to the forest green top with a pop of confetti. Available in sizes up to 3X.

Price at time of publication: $67

Sizes: XS to 4X | Materials: 92 percent recycled polyester, 8 percent spandex | Sustainability: Recycled materials

Best Chest Support: L*Space Parker Bikini Top

L*Space Parker Bikini Top

Courtesy of L*Space

What We Like
  • Versatile wear

  • Stays in place

What We Don't Like
  • Lots of shoulder coverage

Not only do we love the streamlined design of this bikini, but we also love that the convertible top can be worn as a V-neckline or square neck silhouette, allowing you a bit of control over how much support you need getting. This, along with the wide shoulder straps, ensures ultimate coverage. Available in sizes up to D.

Price at time of publication: $84 in mellowed rose size L

Sizes: XS to D (cup) | Materials: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent spandex | Sustainability: N/A

Best Crop Top: Lime Ricki Gingham Bikini

Lime Ricki Gingham Bikini

Courtesy of Lime Ricki

What We Like
  • Plenty of support at bust

  • Partnership with Charity Water

What We Don't Like
  • Only available in one color

The gingham detailing on this bikini from Lime Ricki is sweeter than sweet, especially when paired with bottoms that feature a slight scallop along the waist. The knotted detail on the top makes it easier to control the suit's fit, which is why it tops the list of crop top bikinis. Available in sizes up to 4X.

Price at time of publication: $73

Sizes: XXS to 4X | Materials: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent spandex | Sustainability: N/A

Best Strapless: Swimsuits For All Valentine Ruched Bandeau Bikini

Courtesy of Swimsuits For All

What We Like
  • Comes with optional straps

  • Built-in side boning

What We Don't Like
  • Sizing can be tricky

You can’t go wrong with a classic sweetheart bandeau top. This bikini comes in six colors and features a ruched, high-waisted bottom that’s fully lined with a power mesh front panel for extra support. It also comes with removable straps, just in case you plan on battling some big waves. Available in sizes up to 24.

Price at time of publication: $71

Sizes: 4 to 28 (top), 4 to 34 (bottom) | Materials: 82 percent nylon, 18 percent spandex | Sustainability: N/A

Best for Sun Protection: Nomads Swimwear Isle Bikini

Nomads Swim Isle Bikini

Courtesy of Nomads

What We Like
  • Power mesh panels in bottoms

  • Light support without cups

What We Don't Like
  • Only comes in one color

Another pick from Nomads Swimwear, this sleeved bikini is a true statement piece. The super-durable—and ethically made—tricot fabric acts as a protective shield against harmful UV rays. This suit has a UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) of 50+. Available in sizes up to 4X.

Price at time of publication: $60

Sizes: S to 4X | Materials: Tricot | Sustainability: All-over print method

Best Mid-Rise: Summersalt The Diagonal Mid Rise Bottom

Summersalt Diagonal Mid-Rise Bottom

Courtesy of Summersalt

What We Like
  • Pairs with multiple tops

  • Lots of bottom coverage

What We Don't Like
  • May pinch at the waist

The Diagonal Mid Rise Bottom from Summersalt comes in eight design options. The best part? You can pair them with any top from the sustainability-minded brand; they all match up great. Available in sizes up to 22. 

Price at time of publication: $45

Sizes: 2 to 22 | Materials: 78 percent recycled polyamide, 22 percent elastane | Sustainability: Recycled materials

Best High-Waisted: Swimsuits For All GabiFresh Cup Sized Wrap Underwire Bikini

Swimsuits For All GabiFresh Wrap High-Waist Bikini

Courtesy of Swimsuits For All

What We Like
  • Versatile wear

  • Fully lined

What We Don't Like
  • Strappy back may not be for everyone

With built-in underwire bra cups and wrap-front ties, this GabiFresh suit is far from your classic high-waisted bikini. The top has a double keyhole back with three closure options, allowing you to control the fit and support. Available in sizes up to 26 G/H.

Price at time of publication: $58

Sizes: 10D to 26G/H (top), 10 to 26 (bottom) | Materials: 82 percent nylon, 18 percent spandex | Sustainability: N/A

Runner Up, Best High-Waisted

Andie The High Waisted Cheeky Bottom

The High Waisted Cheeky Bottom

Andie

What We Like
  • Cheeky bottom coverage

  • Thick material

What We Don't Like
  • Runs large

High-waisted bottoms are easy to come by, but this design from Andie has become a go-to for all body types—due to the cheeky cut that gives it a more modern vibe than other high-waisted options. This particular bikini bottom comes in five colors and was designed with movement in mind, meaning you won’t be spending all of your time re-adjusting your suit. Available in sizes up to 3X.

Price at time of publication: $46

Sizes: XS to XXXL | Materials: 82 percent nylon, 18 percent spandex | Sustainability: N/A

What to Look for in a Swimsuit

Materials

Basically, all swimsuits will feature a synthetic material like nylon, elastane, and/or spandex. This is a must. You'll want fabrics that stretch and move with you and will dry quickly. Many brands are beginning to utilize recycled materials, which we always think is a good idea as the materials have the same performance but are lighter on the planet.

UV Protection

Speaking of materials, some brands will also use materials with built-in UV protection or add a layer of UV protection treatment. Like recycled materials, we say opt for UV protection when possible.

Price

The price you're willing to spend on a swimsuit is personal. We recommend spending what you can to get a quality item that will likely last longer. We generally think you can get a quality swimsuit for well under $100.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I wash and care for my swimsuit?

    Always consult the instructions on your garment for cleaning. If there are no instructions directly on the garment, we recommend consulting the brand's website. A general best practice is to wash cold on a light spin-cycle and hang dry.

  • What are the best types of swimsuits for plus-size?

    The answer will always be the swimsuit that makes you most comfortable and confident. Try a few different styles out to see which you feel best wearing.

Why Trust TripSavvy 

Erika Owen is a self-identifying plus-size woman constantly searching for sustainable and ethical designers and brands. She has been developing her own plus-size, slow-fashion wardrobe for years and owns the Lime Ricki crop-top bikini (a summer wardrobe staple) mentioned in this article.

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