Plus size swimwear has come a looooonnnnnnggggg way! Gone are the days when your only choice was a Swimdress or One-Piece Suit. There are now swimsuits for every body type. So whether you are an apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle, there is a flattering suit for you.  Until recently (2 years ago to be exact), I shied away from all types of swimsuits.  I owned a one piece and a tankini (which let’s face it, might as well be a one-piece). This year I am so excited to share with you some of my picks for trendy, fashionable, flattering swimsuits. I will begin with the most expensive.

1. Monifc.com  ($$$$= $88.00-190.00)

I know what your’re thinking… “Almost $200.00 for swimwear?! Ain’t nobody got time for that?!”  I know it seems like a lot of money for swimwear, but I speak from experience when I say that it is well worth it.  My mom always says that you get what you pay for and that is so true.  Monif Clarke knows the plus size body and whether it is a convertible dress or a monokini, she knows what she’s doing.  The quality of her pieces is unrivaled.  As a large chested woman, I feel comfortable in her bikini tops because of the underwire and the boning.  Her bikini bottoms offer maximum support with a power mesh lining. Bottom Line: Monif C is worth every penny.

2. Independent Designer- Nakimuli.com ($$$-$$$$) 

I don’t know about you, but when I go to the beach or pool, I want to make sure that I stand out for all of the right reasons.  No one wants to show up only to find out that there is someone wearing the same exact suit that you are wearing. Cue independent designers!  Again, you may find that these suits are a little on the expensive side but you must remember that when you are dealing with an independent designer that these items are made by hand.  There is no manufacturer and no retail store. Nakimuli’s Curvy line is different and flattering. There are wider straps and tummy control lining.  I own more than one of her pieces and they are well made and worth the extra money.

Honorable mention: Independent Designer Rue107.com ($$$-$$$$) I wore the following suit this month while on a Cruise. I loved the color and design. Unfortunately, I felt like the straps (although stretchy) were cut entirely too short and it hurt my neck.  Other than that, I liked the quality and the high waisted bottoms were perfect.

3. ASOS.com ($$-$$$)

What I love about ASOS swimwear is that whether you’re looking for a new bikini top, high waist bottom, or cover-up, they have something in every color and size. I love the fact that they have bikini tops that go up to a G cup! How many swimwear companies can state the same?  I own several of these pieces and I must say that I have not been disappointed. ASOS also offers free shipping and free returns/exchanges. Try them out!

4. Swimsuits for All ($$-$$$) 

Swimsuitsforall.com (S4A) does exactly what the name implies; They carry swimsuit sizes from 8-34.  They carry everything from the very modest swim dress to the two-piece bikini. S4A has something for every budget as well. Again this year, they unveiled the a monokini designed by none other than GabiFresh.  If anyone knows a fatkini, it’s Gabifresh.

5. Target.com ($-$$)

If you’re like me, when you go in Target stores, you only see the itty bitty teeny weeny juniors’ bikinis.  I was on target.com looking for a cute white vest that I saw on the Target commercial, when I came across some of these plus size suits. They are all under $50.00! They seem to have a suit for every woman regardless of your comfort level (16W-24W).

6. Forever21 ($-$$)

My last pick for plus size swimwear is the cheapest among them all and seems to offer the greatest variety.  Initially, I considered Forever21 to carry only junior sizes and styles of clothing.  But over the last 2 years, they have offered several different styles of clothing at affordable prices.  Remember what I said earlier that you get what you pay for.  This is not a MonifC suit that offers maximum support, so you must keep that in mind.  Forever21 gives you the opportunity to take part in a trend without investing too much money. Sizes XL-3X.