Swimwear 2011

May 17, 2011

Another reader question today which has to do with one of my favorite topics: fashion!

Lindsey asks: One major question and issue I am facing is bathing suits – where do you go for them, especially ones that fit well and cover but don’t look dowdy! Summer always brings up this same dilemma!
I’ll share some of my picks for this season below, but here are some rules I typically follow when looking for plus size swimwear:
  1. No matter how cute the suit, if it doesn’t support your “girls” properly, don’t get it. If you have a particularly large chest, look for wider straps and underwire support.
  2. Consider the activities you’ll be doing while in the suit. Some are really pretty in neat fabrics (like metallics) but they’re not all practical for spending in the water all day. If there is no chest support, you don’t want to play water volleyball at your all-inclusive honeymoon resort (as I learned).
  3. Don’t be afraid of color all over, and don’t be afraid of patterns on the top. Tread lightly if you go for a patterned bottom or one-piece that might do funny things to your stomach or butt.
  4. Want to feel more fancy in your suit? Remember to accessorize. Oversized sunglasses, straw hats, bangle bracelets, cute cover-ups. These improve even the most basic of black swimsuits.
  5. Places that have good plus size suits: Target, Old Navy (online only), Kiyonna, Monif C., Always for Me, Lands End, Swimsuitsforall.com, Macy’s (primarily online)

I had to get two swimsuits for my cruise late last year and searched for.ev.er. These are the ones I ended up with:

 

basic black tankini. Ruched, adjustable length sides on the top, swim skirt on bottom from Lands End. Excuse the exhausted face - just finished my jet skiing adventure!

blue tuxedo dress swimsuit from Always For Me

I haven’t announced this formally as it’s just something I put together over the weekend, but I’ve got a new blog about plus size fashion since a lot of people seem to ask me for advice (totally flattering because I often don’t feel like I’m dressing as nice as I could).

To see my swim picks for 2011, hop over to my new plus size fashion blog, Emmie Loves. <3

  • http://www.vikarbureauer.com Julie

    That blue swimsuit looks good on you. I might look for royal/navy blue (block color or striped w/ white) because it looks classy and sexy. :D

  • Pingback: Buying in « My Fizzy Water

  • http://BrokenARanch.com Liz

    LOVE the blue suit! I will bookmark your new site as well :)

  • http://facebook Nicole Goins

    Love love did I say love the tuxedo swim dress!

  • http://Buffalopeach.com Buffalo Peach

    I love the Tuxedo swim dress… I am excited to check out the new site. Yay!

  • http://simply-sarah.me Sarahbear

    I love the blue swimsuit on you. I’ve had a lot of luck with Old Navy and their two pieces. I was pleasantly surprised with the coverage I got from their bikini cut bottoms when I found out they were sold out of the boyshort. I paired it with a halter tankini and it was perfect.

    Off topic, but I love the color of your bathroom(?).

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      I agree with the fit of old navy. Didnt see any designs that stood out to me this year so far.
      That paint I’d my favorite, and it’s also in my dining room under the chair rail. It’s called “strawberry pot blue” by martha stewart.

  • Lisa

    I like the teal one–the top is really pretty! I’ve found some good suits for water aerobics at Junonia dot com. They are very supportive. Can you share the name of your fashion blog with us yet?

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      I love Junonia also for workout suits. The blog should be linked up there with the image, but it’s called http://skinnyemmie.com. Not much there yet, but it should be a fun project!

  • http://www.losingitandlovingit.com/blog Angie (Losing It and Loving It)

    I have had the hardest time finding swim suits that I truly feel comfortable in that is until I found Always for Me. I have the blue tuxedo swim dress too and a purple and black one from them and they are the best suits I have ever had. They are heavy though when wet but I don’t care, I will always buy from them until I can no longer wear their sizes *wink*

  • http://adamandtarablack123.blogspot.com Tara Cooper Black

    You look absolutely darling in the blue swimsuit. Love the color on you. Also, I, too love the color of your bathroom. :)

  • http://losinghalfmyweight.blogspot.com jayme @ losinghalfmyweight

    If you’re wanting something more fitness swimming type, Speedo has plus sized suits (in the UK at least, but I think they do international shipping). I reviewed one of their suits (http://losinghalfmyweight.blogspot.com/2011/05/swimsuit-review-speedo-endurance.html) and will definitely look into getting another one. Although, I’ll admit that for bigger-busted women (I wear a C cup), they may not have the kind of support you might need. It’s fine for me but I could see where DD+ might have issues.

  • http://thestruggle2011.blogspot.com Susana

    Hi,

    My favorite is the blue one also. :)

    Great advice!

    Susana*

  • http://tudor-rosy.blogspot.com Tudor Rose

    Ooooh! Love the second one!

    I’m in the market for a new swimsuit. I went to an indoor water park a few weeks ago and felt super self-concious in mine. I want one with a skirt or boy-short-bottom!

  • http://fatfatalefashion.blogspot.com Ariana

    Thanks for the tip! Land’s End has some really cute ones!

  • http://debbidoesdieting.blogspot.com/ Debbi Does Dinner Healthy

    Both suits look good. I like the tankini’s. Much easier to pee when you have a 2 piece. They have some decent ones that cover the tummy. I just bought one at Walmart and it’s tighter than I usually get but I think I’ll deal with it.

  • http://www.gingerlemongirl.com carrie @ gingerlemongirl.com

    AWESOME! Thank you so much! I was at a loss as to where I could find a good lap suit for my body type! Perfect! and I found one in purple! You should have gotten commission!! :-) (((hugs!))))

  • http://katologism.blogspot.com Kate B

    Yay, I’m excited for your fashion blog. Got any advice on nice plus-size dresses suitable for a bridesmaid? :)

  • http://amerrylife.com Mary (A Merry Life)

    Yay! I always thought you should have a plus size fashion blog. Love the blue suit!

  • http://www.bellainlapbandland.com Bella

    I found my favorite swimsuit (bot for fit and for fashion) at http://www.esther-williams.com/shop/ I love the retro look of her suits, and that they offer so many choices in terms of fabric/style.

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