Shopping for a plus-size swimsuit doesn’t have to mean compromise. These 15 fabulous maillots, two-pieces and swimdresses couldn’t be cuter — or more flattering:
Orange crush
Side panels, strategic ruching and a sweetheart neckline sculpt a svelte hourglass silhouette. Plus, the color reminds us of our favorite summertime indulgence — orange soda served with a swirly straw! (Liz Claiborne shirred halter swimsuit, on sale for $63, jcpenney.com)
Island attitude
This might just be our holy grail swimsuit: The halter neckline provides lift and shows off our shoulders, mesh lining provides comfortable slimming and cutout details add a kiss of sex appeal. (Forever 21 ‘Tropical Dream’ swimsuit, $29.80, forever21.com)
Peek-a-boo
We love the placement of the cutout on this printed suit—it shows just a hint of skin without sacrificing support or coverage. Sexy smart! (Forever 21 swimsuit, $27.80, forever21.com)
Fancy fruit
Tropical prints don’t have to be bright and bold — these pineapples are downright chic in a black, white and green color scheme. (Forever 21 ‘Pineapple Dream’ swimsuit, $29.80, forever21.com)
Split screen
Colorblock doesn’t just look cool. In the case of this suit from ModCloth, the design is also flattering as heck. (Esther Williams ‘Sashay to the Sea’ swimsuit, on sale for $62.99, modcloth.com)
Wild cat
Competitive swimmer and actress Esther Williams swam her way to stardom in the 1940s and '50s — and her namesake swimsuit line is just as sexy and sweet as she was. (Esther Williams ‘Sashay to the Sea’ swimsuit, on sale for $62.99, modcloth.com)
Flirt alert
The ruffles on this sleek black suit serve double duty — they look cute and provide a bit of extra coverage around the tummy. (Forever 21 ruffle swimsuit, $29.80, forever21.com)
Tasty delight
We’re smitten with this fruit print from Forever 21, which looks like it came from a Milanese fashion house. The high-waisted styling and feminine flounces aren’t bad either. (Forever 21 ‘Fruit Frenzy’ bikini, $20.80, forever21.com)
Mint condition
Who says you can’t get supportive structure and designer details in an affordable suit? This ruched number has it all, including hidden boning. (Forever 21 ‘Posh’ swimsuit, $29.80, forever21.com)
Skirt the issue
Hurray! We found a swimdress that’s sexy — not frumpy — so you can cover up without sacrificing style. (Cacique skirted maillot, $74.50, lanebryant.com)
Maraschino moment
This suit looks like it stepped out of a vintage Coppertone ad — ideal for vintage connoisseurs who prefer their swimwear brand-new. (Esther Williams swimsuit, $66.99, modcloth.com)
Precious jade
Forever 21 fittingly calls this their "bombshell"—— bikini: Artful shirring, supportive boning and screen-siren styling turn any woman into a man-eater. (Forever 21 bikini top, $12.80, forever21.com)
Steel magnolia
Retro lines meet modern color in this curve-enhancing suit from ModCloth. (Esther Williams swimsuit, $66.99, modcloth.com)
Just an illusion
It’s so cool to see one of our favorite bridal and evening gown details — sheer illusion necklines — as part of a super-flattering, tummy-control suit! (Dressbarn sweetheart swimsuit, on sale for $62.30 at dressbarn.com)