Best plus-size swimsuits

Editor Ella Foote reviews the latest swimsuits for plus-size swimmers

Zoggs Gemini Zip Front Swimsuit, £42

They say

Time to step up a lane? Our Gemini Zip Front is bound to give you the comfort and confidence to fly round the pool. The sporty-style back and zipped chest offer superb coverage and reduces drag in the water, and the medium leg provides uninhibited freedom of movement. The print front is a bonus and will bring energy to your swim. The fact that it’s made from our eco-friendly and ultra-durable Ecolast™ fabric simply tops it all off.

We say

A zip front if not done right can be a nuisance, but this suit is designed well and is easy to get it on and off. The high neck ensures you don’t scoop water as you swim, which eliminates drag. The leg cut is modest and bust support reasonable. The open shoulder style enables freedom of movement in front crawl. The only downside is that the pattern distorts when stretched over a bigger tummy.

Deakin & Blue X-Back Swimsuit, £120 *BEST FOR BIGGER BODIES

They say

Our modern take on a classic swim piece. Our flattering x-back swimsuit is designed to adapt perfectly from lengths and laps to holiday lounging. With built-in bust support and a flattering scoop back for maximum tan, this piece is fast becoming a summer staple. Made from super soft, high quality, sustainable Italian Lycra® and recycled yarn ECONYL® .

We say

A firm favourite if you are bigger bodied. Ever evolving and researching, the brand work with customers to adapt and design suits that just work. A higher price point, but these suits are worth every penny: long-lasting and good quality. The soft, supportive fabric is ideal for serious swimmers as well as dippers. The open back and scoop neck gives great freedom of movement with good bust support. No red marks or chaffing, it is light and comfortable.

Usual Objections Royal Checked Scoop Back, £105

They say

Criss crossing of royal blue, black and turquoise. Think Scottish tartan but on swimwear. Introducing our new Royal Check swimsuit! Scoop back swimsuit with 3cm straps, a round neck, and our signature neon pink stitching. Fully lined compression fit for support of the bum, stomach and chest. Making you super-fast!

We say

Tackling the everlasting frustration of swimsuits not being long enough in the body, this brand has solved this by offering three different lengths: petite, regular and long. This suit was super comfortable and supportive. The fabric is good quality and the suit is well made; the soft stitching ensured no chaffing, and the pattern didn’t weaken over bigger bits of body. The lovely thick straps did a great job of holding the bust without squashing!

Batoko Jellyfish Scoop Back Swimsuit, £60 *BEST FOR FUN DIPS

They say

Inspired by a bloom of bioluminescent jellyfish floating through deep blue waters. Batoko swimwear is made from GRS certified 100% recycled post-consumer plastic waste. Digitally printed, fully lined, scooped back, excellent bust support and coverage without the need for cups, wiring or shelf bra. Designed to fit a variety of body shapes and lengths.

We say

I see these suits everywhere. Swimmers seem attracted to the fun wildlife prints, and tell us they love their Batoko. Now in extended sizes, it was great to try but it wasn’t love. These suits are fun and simple with no frills. The designs wear well and don’t distort over a bigger belly, but it lacked the body length, which made it busty and tight on the shoulders. When swimming it eased, but the shoulder straps moved with movement. Fun for dipping, but not for longer swim sessions.

Finisterre Anella Reversible Swimsuit, £95

They say

The Anella Swimming Costume, with its sport-style racer back, is the optimum design for flexibility of movement and versatility of style. Every element, from the neckline to the seams, has been carefully engineered to unlock the best possible freedom of movement across the shoulders and legs; ideal for serious swimmers. The Anella doesn’t have ties or aspects that could tangle or interfere with a wetsuit, making it an excellent choice for under your cold water gear.

We say

Finally, Finisterre has extended its sizing! This suit is reversible, so it’s like getting two suits for the
price of one. The fabric is light, soft and comfortable. A simple suit with a sporty back does give great freedom of movement. However, the sizing up is lazy. The design doesn’t consider how a bigger body is different, so it left much of the back and side body exposed. This suit isn’t for the self-conscious.

Speedo Women’s Panel Hydrasuit, £55

They say

Stylish swimwear for swim, surf and stand-up paddleboarding. Sleek and modern, the blue Panel Hydrasuit offers a streamlined, high fashion look and includes panels of our pretty lilac tie-dye print. The high front and back provide increased coverage, while the front zip allows for easy changing. A double-lined bust shelf ensures your comfort and support and includes openings for mastectomy prostheses.

We say

Speedo led the market for a long time, but this was not a great suit for bigger bodied despite the sizing guide and tags saying differently. Held up to other suits in the same size there was at least a 1-2inch difference. It was tight and uncomfortable, which eased in the water. The zip didn’t hold up when getting on and off. The style was otherwise promising, and would make a good suit for slim bodies.

Read more of our swimming gear reviews.

To see all the online content from the June 2023 issue of Outdoor Swimmer, visit the ‘Sea’ page.