2015 Bathing Suit Trends: Cover Ups for All Shapes and Sizes

2015 Bathing Suit Trends: Cover Ups for All Shapes and Sizes

Via Title Nine

In my teens and 20s, the idea of a cover up never occurred to me. What else would you need by the pool or at the beach but a towel? Now, in my 30s, I love a good cover up. Not just because my life tends to lend itself more to going from one activity to the next, and not just because I'm more concerned about sun exposure (which I am), but also because I've realized how stylish they are. They're what makes an ok swimsuit feel special. 

Here are some of my favorites for you to consider!

My Favorite Plus Size Bathing Suits for 2015

My Favorite Plus Size Bathing Suits for 2015

The retro styling! The stripes! The high waist!

I work with several clients who identify as wearing plus size or curve size clothing. I try to be careful not to separate styles into sizes because I truly believe that most styles work regardless of your age, height, weight, etc. However, I am sensitive to the fact that many women think carefully about swimwear and how it fits because it's so vulnerable to be nearly naked. 

For that reason, I'm spending a bit of time talking about curve sized swimwear today. That and there are so many great options! My recommendations for swimwear options in curve sizing are: Torrid, Swimsuits for All, some Asos, Macy's, and ModCloth.

First, Swimsuits for All. You must check these out, especially the Gabi Fresh line! They're incredible, sexy, and look supportive in all the right places. I adore them. Here's a look at them on Gabi Fresh herself.

The patterns! I can't get enough of that green print! And I love the high waists on these two piece suits, don't you? 

Macy's

So, if you like the flattering cut of a high waist but don't want to show off your midriff every single time you wear a swimsuit,

2015 Bathing Suit Trends: When Did Bathing Suits Get So Cool?!

2015 bathing suit trends: when did bathing suits get so cool?!

First off, please do something. Can you please visit this buzzfeed article on models without makeup? Next, please look at this article on the worst photo shop of the year-and it's everywhere! And lastly, this photoshop video. I just find that when i look at lots of bathing suit pictures, it helps to keep in mind that these are not always accurate images of women, and their look should not impact how i feel about my body. Need more? Try 4th trimester bodies.

Ready? Ok, great. Bathing suits for 2015 are way cooler than for any other year that i can remember. It's been happening slowly, but this year it's notable across the board for bikinis, one pieces, cover ups, and everything in between.

get out there!

In the spirit of being done with winter, i've decided to make this bathing suit week. So grab a fruity drink, crank up the heat, and let's pretend that we're poolside. I have so many fun swim ideas to share with you! 

hello high waist and supportive strapless!

Today, let's start with an overview of the trends. This week, i'll focus on my favorites for plus sizes and also give some ideas for petites since it can be tricky to find a great suit for curves as well as for a small frame. 

I have a few favorite stores for buying bathing suits in sizes 4-12/14. Later this week, i'll share my petite and curve size sources, too. 

1. Everything but water

a plunge is actually easier to wear than you might think!

this is not a cheap store. But here's what i realized a few years ago: i was buying many cheap swimsuits that i hated on me that didn't last. What was the point? It made much more sense for me to buy some more expensive, better fitting tops that supported my chest. Then, i bought bottoms at cheaper places and mixed and matched them with my tops. If you have more specific needs from a bottom of a suit, you might try the opposite.

That being said, ebw is my favorite place to shop for two piece and one pieces (like the trina turk above). They get what looks good on a woman's body, including ruching, support, a waist that hits higher up, etc.

this one is gorgeous!

And at ebw, you can even find suits that you can swim or surf in! And yes, they have cup sizing for

Friday Round Up: Favorite Swimsuits for 2014

Friday Round Up: Favorite Swimsuits for 2014

I'm rounding up a week that included a few summer and beach posts with my round up of current favorites. Some are affordable, others are pie-in-the-sky suits. But, I will say this: they're all gorgeous. I think no matter how much you're spending on a swimsuit, you're more likely to want to wear it if it fits well and is beautiful. And I'm all about getting everyone in the water and romping on the beach!

B&W Beauty

Not only does this suit by H&M have a gorgeous high-waisted bottom that goes along with it, it could also easily be paired with your favorite black, white, or bright bottom. Divine! Want a print that's not B&W? You can't beat this leopard print number.

Even just picking something like black and white can help to narrow down your choices, which might make trying on bathing suits less daunting. Kohls has some great, mid-range options this season! I love the dotted one piece above. I especially like how Kohls has talls and maternity suits, too.

Not Your Teenage Daughter's Tankini

This top is so cute! I've written about my love for layers on a bathing suit before, and it has not waned! As a woman with a chest that needs a bit of support, I used to shy away from strapless, but I have a suit from this store that stays up very well. I think with the middle covered, it can be nice to have a bare shoulder. Also, this is a pricier top, so I'd skip the bottom it comes with a sub in any black bottom (or a red for fun!). If you're looking for straps, this one seems to come in a D cup, too. This Magicsuit tiered ruffle is still my personal favorite-I wear my hot pink one with unmatched bottoms all the time. Kohls has a similar one for far less (in plus sizes, too!) in more patterns. I'm pretty fascinated by this one, too.

Want a strapless bikini and don't need much support? This one is stunning. 

Boho on the Beach

 

The crochet racerback on this pistachio colored suit is what makes it incredible. I can't seem to save that image, but it's worth clicking through to see. Looking for a louder print? Try JCrew.  

Sporty for Petites

I love that this bikini looks like it would actually stay on during swimming, and the smaller cup size is great for my A and B cup friends. But, it's the color and that cool shoulder action that really caught my eye!

A similar show stopping option for A or B cups here or try Old Navy's balconette.

One Piece Marvels

There are so many cute one pieces that I just adore this season! But, pressed to pick a favorite, it would be a polka dot like this one from ModCloth. But, I also love the draping on this beauty from H&M! And this ruched tank from JCrew is just gorgeous.