UPDATED FOR THE 2021 SEASON
I am not a size double zero–nor am I classified as “plus size.” I’m definitely a curvy girl though. I have huge shoulders, big boobs, and mermaid thighs. It can be hard to shop. While most clothing stores have my size, that doesn’t necessarily mean that outfit will be flattering on me. I’ve learned over the years how to dress for my body so that I feel comfortable and confident in what I’m wearing.
Check out my post on how to shop when you’re curvy but not plus-sized here.
Now, shopping for bathing suits is a different story. Even the smallest women in the world dread bathing suit season. So today, I’m breaking down some of my favorite bathing suits for women who are curvy but not plus-sized. I am getting a little older so I’ve moved away from bikinis. I also am not a huge fan of the tankini. So, I’m happy that the one-piece is back in fashion.
I really focus on suits that have a slimming waist line and full coverage. However, I don’t want them to look like an old lady swimsuit so my suits have to have a fun factor. Whether that is a side tie, a cut out, a scalloped edge or multiple colors it has to be fun.
Here is a list of my favorite suits that are perfect for women that are curvy but not plus-sized. I have updated this post for the 2021 season!
Scallop edge one piece: This is my all time favorite suit! I bought it in olive green in 2018, but it is back in black and also green. I am hoping it comes back next year in more colors. This suit is the most flattering suit I’ve ever owned. It has a fun scalloped detail on the neck and is really slimming and flattering. I love it so now I own it in both green and black. *Update for 2021: back this year in black and in a new burgundy color!
Side-tie solid suit: I bought this suit for our beach trip this year. It comes in lots of colors and has a lot of coverage while still being feminine. I love the side tie because it slims the waist and really highlights curves. *Still available for 2021!
Multi-color side-tie: Same concept with this one, but it features three different colors. I have the red, hot pink and white version. I love this suit because it’s so fun! *Still available for 2021!
One-shoulder slimming suit: This suit is so universal and so flattering! It almost works like spanks without being too constricting. It sucks you in and makes you look so slim. They have a lot of different suits on their website that are all very flattering, but I really love this one shoulder suit. *Still available for 2021!
Ruffled edge, low back: I bought this suit YEARS ago and still love it so much. It comes in black and white and has the prettiest low back. I actually have worn it as a bodysuit on more than one occasion. It’s so pretty with a floral tie sarong, or you can throw on a pair of shorts if you need to run into town, but don’t want to change out of your suit. *Update for 2021: they brought this back, but it has a bit of an updated look with a strap across the back.
Cinched waist solid suit: This was a new purchase this year too. I love the cinch waist because you can control how tight you want it. It creates great curves and a really provides great coverage as well. *Update for 2021: they did not bring this back, but it is a similar option.
Which suit is your favorite?