Spring break season is just around the corner, and plus-size women in bikinis continue to prove that there's no reason to sit on the sidelines in swim skirts anymore. While there's no reason to hide your body, there are plenty of plus-size swimsuits that can add an extra touch of style.
The past year has seen a huge increase in plus size swimwear offerings, and with that comes a greater selection of swimsuit cover-ups. Like many plus-size beauties, I felt a lot of pressure over the years to cover up my fat body in swimsuits. So the idea of a cover-up sometimes seems like a step backwards. However, I hope next season the cover-up will be viewed through a different lens.
I choose not to conceptualize plus size covering up as something society tells me to hide because I know I don’t have to. I can and should wear whatever I want on my fat body. So this spring break, I'm thinking of a cover-up as a cute swimsuit accessory that I can take with me to a beach hut for a drink, or as a piece of clothing that can double as a top, dress, or skirt because there are some options out there that are so cute, Can not be ignored. Here are 15 of my favorites.
1. Robe
Melissa Odabash Robe, $57, Simple
Any extra long length will probably be too long for my petite plus size frame, but nonetheless, keep admiring the beauty in it. This piece has a lot of visual appeal as it's sheer, lace-up, and patterned.
2. Flower printed sarong
Hibiscus Plus Size Royal Blue Sarong, $25, 1 World Sarong
When I started looking for a traditional sarong, I was delighted to find that this sarong was made by a plus-size model with visible back fat (a win for plus-size representation)! It's also handmade from lightweight rayon fabric, which means this won't make you feel like you're wearing a lot of layers under the hot sun.
3. Jersey coat
The Perfect Tunic, $48, Re/Dress NYC
This isn't necessarily a swim cover-up, but the super-soft recycled jersey robe seems like the perfect garment to pair with a bright and colorful bikini.
4. Transparent and white
White V-ring blouse, $37, Avenue
This is what comes to mind when I think of the word "coverage" - it's nice to know there are options like this available in sizes up to a size 32.
5. Beach Witch Bell Sleeves
Voile bell-sleeve swim cover-up, $48, Hot
Keep your goth aesthetic at the beach with this flattering bell-sleeve cover-up.
6. High slits
GabiFresh for SwimSexy Tsarina Slit Kaftan, $54, a swimsuit for everyone
When blogger GabiFresh released her latest swimsuit collaboration with Swimsuitsforall, it's clear that the chubby queen is branching out in a good way. One way to do that is to add a sexy swim cover-up like this one.
7. Waist tie net
Mesh tunic with adjustable waistband, $62, Mazu Swim
My mom gave me one of her old smocks that had a belt and was mesh and it became a staple in my wardrobe year round. Mesh is a very breathable fabric that makes opening or closing the tie a breeze.
8. Pastel Print
The sun shines on me! Cover-up, $27, Mod Cloth
One way to add color to your swimsuit is with a patterned cover-up. The bold print and loose fit allow me to wear it as a skirt, too.
9. to wear
St. Thomas draped plus size cover-up, $68, Monif C.
Monif C. knows her way around plus-size swimwear, and this draped cover-up is both flattering and simple. The drape makes it versatile and available in sizes 8 to 24.
10. Rainbow bright
Catalina Wrap Cover Up, $25, Totally Beautiful
I am completely obsessed with the bright pattern and colors of this blouse. Add this to a fat kini look and you're bound to see the beach.
11.Zip up
Black Waffle Knit Zip Front Hoodie, $35, swimwear for everyone
I grew up wearing zip-up hoodie style cover-ups and I still think they have a cute yet functional look. The waffle pattern on this fabric is an extra detail that makes it stand out to me.
12. Wide-leg pants
“Kaleidoscope Dream” Trousers, $52, Zelie For She
The Kaleidoscope Dream Pants - and the entire California collection from Los Angeles-based independent designer Zelie For She - are truly dreamy. I can totally see myself mixing and matching these pants and tops with my swimsuits.
13. Floral Kimono
Ocean Breeze floral kimono, $105, Proud Mary Fashion
One of my favorite things about this kimono is its versatility. It's heavy enough that you can wear it in the winter, but the cut also makes it perfect for use as a beach cover-up.
14. Animal Print Robe
Joanna Hope Robe, $49, Simple
Are there any animal prints that I would say no to? Probably not. This giraffe print cover-up has a drapey yet fitted cut that I really love.
15. Extra large
Becca ETC by Rebecca Virtue Twist & Turns Tunic, $88, Everything But Water
It's actually a cover-up, which made me realize that this fashion piece is more than just "covering up your body." The oversized cut and side slit make it a dress I would definitely wear.
Forcing myself to rethink my cover-up allowed me to see that there were many different options. These options aren't actually about hiding your beautiful body, but about decorating it however you want.
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Image: ZelieForShe/Instagram; courtesy Brand
