Plus size swimwear: Celebrating progress while poking fun at questionable designs

As summer approaches, many people are gearing up for trips to the beach or pool parties. However, for those who don’t fit into traditional “beach body” standards, finding swimwear that fits and flatters can be a struggle. That’s why it’s encouraging to see more and more designers offering plus size options for their swimwear lines.

But let’s not kid ourselves – the fashion industry still has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity. So while we celebrate the progress being made in this area, let’s also take a moment to poke some fun at some of the less-than-perfect attempts at creating plus size swimwear.

First up on our list is the classic one-piece swimsuit with strategic cutouts. Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with cutouts – they can add visual interest and break up large areas of fabric. But when done poorly on plus size swimsuits, they can end up looking like someone took scissors to an ill-fitting garment and hoped for the best.

Another trend that has gained popularity in recent years is high-waisted bikini bottoms. These can be a great option for those who want extra coverage around their midsection without sacrificing style. However, some designers seem to have gone overboard with this trend by creating bottoms that practically reach all the way up to the model’s armpits.

Then there are the rash guards – essentially tight-fitting shirts designed for swimming or surfing that provide sun protection as well as modesty. Rash guards come in all sorts of colors and patterns these days (including some pretty cute ones!), but again, there are some missteps that make us scratch our heads. For example: why would anyone want a rash guard covered in sequins? We’re pretty sure no one needs that much sparkle while catching waves.

Moving on from questionable design choices, let’s talk about sizing issues – arguably one of the biggest hurdles facing plus size shoppers. It’s not enough to simply offer a larger range of sizes; those sizes need to be consistent and accurate across different styles and brands.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Plus size shoppers often have to deal with inconsistent sizing between lines or even within the same line. For example, one designer’s XL may fit perfectly while another’s is too tight or too loose. This can make online shopping especially tricky, as customers may have to order several sizes in the same item just to find the right one.

Despite these challenges, it’s heartening to see more designers recognizing that plus size women (and men!) deserve stylish options when it comes to swimwear. There are some truly gorgeous pieces out there that celebrate curves instead of hiding them – from colorful bikinis with playful prints to retro-inspired one-pieces with ruching and tummy control panels.

Of course, we still have a long way to go before the fashion industry fully embraces inclusivity and diversity. But for now, let’s raise a Pina Colada (or your beverage of choice) to all the designers who are making progress in this area – even if they occasionally miss the mark with some questionable design choices along the way.