Whether you call them bathers, togs, cossies, swimsuits or swimmers, when summer hits, there is plus size swimwear available for every Aussie body.
But the thing is, in Australia it is SO hard to find right?! And the chances of trying on garments is slim as most stores only stock bigger sizes online. Sigh. I feel ya sisters
I have put together a list of options from Aussie brands. I haven’t featured brands that stop at a size 18…because if I can’t physically fit into those brands then there’s no point me mentioning them.
BRANDS IN AUSTRALIA
Beyond The Sea Swimwear – Up to a size 24
I own two swimsuits and they are seriously supportive & have lasted for many years. The owner Kylie is based in Melbourne and is also the pattern maker for Camilla so she knows her stuff.
Naked Curve – Up to a size 24
Very impressed with how many styles are available in fun prints. Hardly and black or nanna floral. It’s refreshing to see colourful options available in plus sizes. Cost wise they are mid range.
I would buy swimwear from this brand (and plan to) purely because they have used a diverse range of models. Whilst you are there check out their lingerie too, I have a whole drawer full of their underwear.
Big Girls Don’t Cry Anymore – Up to a size 24 / JJ Cup online and instore
Honestly I cannot reccomend this brand enough. Their store in Brisbane is HUGE (go in the morning though because theres no aircon) and they also offer virtual try on sessions. The staff are friendly and go above and beyond to help.
They stock these brands Cake Maternity, Curvy Kate, Dixie Bell, Dominique, Elila, Exquisite, Elomi, Elomi Swim, Fantasie, Fantasie Swim, Freya, Freya Swim, Goddess, Glamorise, Hotmilk, Leading Lady, Panache, Panache Sport, Panache Swim, Royce and Sculptresse. Some of these international brands are exclusively sold at Big Gals.
City Chic – Up to a size 22 Online & instore
Firstly I’m kind of shocked to see that their swimwear only goes to a size 22 especially considering they are Australia’s number 1 plus size retailer.
Out of all of the Aussie brands City Chic has to be the most fashion forward and daring with its styles. They offer the standard leopard print and black but also some fun prints & colours. I’m all about wearing colour so I own quite a few pairs including the one piece pictured below. Can guarantee you will be able to wear these for years. I still wear a pair from 7 years ago
Best & Less – Up to a size 26 online & in store
B&L are by far the most cost effective option. Their range isn’t huge but you’ll find that their sizes are generous and they always sell cute shorts & dresses.
Taking Shape – Up to a size 24
Whether you’re after a swimsuit, tankini, bikini, swimdress or board shorts, you’ll find something to wear. The styles are more on the modest side as their customer demographic is generally 40+.
I do own a pair of their swimmers and often pop into store each season to see what they have. Love to see they have used a decent sized model for their website as they seem to not shoot products on models larger than a size 12-14. In my opinion if you are going to sell clothes for larger women then use large women as models. As customers we want to relate to the model and picture the clothes on ourselves.
Artesands – Up to a size 24 / F Cup
If you are into animal print and florals then this is the brand for you. There’s a number of options that go up to a size 24 including swim dresses.
I haven’t personally tried this brand due to my bust size not fitting within their size range but have heard good things.
Birdsnest – Up to a size 24
I’m a long time customer of Birdsnest and it’s exciting to see them grow their stocklist and size range. I can assure you that every item of clothing they have on their site is of a high quality.
Brands have supplied the swimwear images so not throwing any shade re model sizes because for their clothing lines they sometimes shoot using visibly plus size women. It’s worth signing up for their mailing list as they have some decent sales. Postage is very quick and the returns process is very simple.
Exotic Athletica – Up to a size 26 + custom made
Pleasantly surprised to see swimwear stocked on their website. I haven’t tried this brand however quite a few of my friends rate them.
Not too sure if their designs would fit a bust like mine but if you are under a G cup it’s worth checking them out. There’s lots of fun prints and style to choose from.
BeMe – Up to a size 26
They stock a few items. Allow up to 10 days for postage if ordering swimwear (that’s how long my package took to arrive)
Zoogs (Active Swimwear) – Up to a size 26
Pre warning you there are ZERO curve or plus size models used on this site. The styles are more suited to an active lifestyle and are very simple.
I could only find three items that went to a size 26 but was pleasantly surprised to see they had some larger items for men & modesty suits up to a size 22. (this is where your body and head is covered in material)
The Iconic – Up to a size 28
This is a one stop shop featuring quite a few of the brands listed in this post. Shipping is generally super fast. Personally I do try to buy directly from the brands rather than a third party supplier but its handy if you want to buy from different brands. The sales are also very generous. I didn’t buy from the iconic for a long time due to the tiny sized models they used. It’s nice to see the models are getting slightly larger….not in bust size but body size.
Capriosca Swimwear – Up to a size 30
The team at Capriosca beleive every woman should be able to wear a beautiful swimsuit that makes her feel beautiful, confident and stylish while offering adequate support and comfort. They have designed a range called the “ Honeycomb Collection” which is available up to a g cup size!
If you aren’t into wearing a figure hugging swimsuit they also have swim dresses & shorts available. Also love how visibly plus size models are used.
Saint Somebody – Up to a size 20
Personally I haven’t tried this brand nor seen visibly plus size women wearing them. (AKA fat women) I’m not too sure I would fit into the styles but if you are an inbetweenie this could be a great brand to try
A big selling point for me is that the products are ethically made in Bali and the brand is environmentally conscious in both production and distribution
Totally respect that some brands are just starting out and haven’t been able to extending their sizing. If you are a brand and would like to be added to this list please email me hellocurvysam@gmail.com
