15+ Sustainable Plus Size Swimwear Brands
Heensie Low is a personal stylist with a focus on size inclusion. In this post, she dives into her current favourite plus size friendly swimwear brands.Edited: June 10, 2024
Happy June! Here in Toronto, Canada, the warm weather is just starting to heat up. We're in that in-between phase where we’re still grabbing a light jacket on the way out the door, but we're already daydreaming about patio brunches, sneaking out of work early, and, of course, adorable swimwear. If you’re still wearing that five-year-old swimsuit from Old Navy, it's time for an upgrade!
Plus sized individuals are often limited to shopping at just one or two stores in their local mall, and when it comes to less common items like swimwear, that number often drops to zero. This can feel othering, demoralizing, and frustrating. Something that should feel fun and playful instead makes us feel excluded.
I think a lot about how special life moments are tainted by our interactions with clothing. I hear it a lot about vacations, weddings, birthdays. Many would say these moments are affected by our feelings about our bodies, and I understand that perspective. However, I firmly believe that limited access to clothing and fatphobic messaging are the real culprits that undermine our confidence and enjoyment of these times that should be truly carefree.
My clients who choose personal shopping services are often amazed by the diverse range of brands I introduce them to. But for those who don’t use a personal shopper, discovering them can be a big challenge. It takes time, effort, and expertise to find these hidden gem brands. If you search online for “plus size brands,” you’re likely to see the same big names and fast fashion retailers repeatedly. Google is not much help at all, and there’s a lot more to it.
So, let’s broaden your horizons!
To make your journey of discovering new favourite brands easier, I’m compiling lists of my personal favourites.
With summer on the horizon, I’m starting with my favourite ethical, sustainable, and plus size-friendly swimwear brands.
I don’t share these lists to influence you or gain a commission. In fact, I don’t earn any commission at all via this list.
I genuinely believe that increasing your access to and awareness of brands that fit your body has a positive ripple effect on our community. There are so few places where we feel accommodated and safe, and whenever I can, it’s a genuine pleasure to introduce you to more.
What makes a swimwear brand truly plus size friendly?
Plus size friendly swimwear provides options beyond XXL or women’s size 14/16. Ideally, these brands should offer sizes up to at least 3XL (with a larger size range than this being strongly preferable).
All the brands featured in this list are committed to size inclusivity. To be featured on my page, the brand must carry up to a minimum of 3XL.
A truly size inclusive brand doesn't create a separate "plus size" line; instead, they provide their entire range of products in a broader spectrum of sizes. This ensures that individuals of all sizes can enjoy the same designs, fits, and styles.
Additionally, I’ve prioritized brands that are ethical and sustainable.
Why do I focus on size inclusivity, as well as ethical and sustainable manufacturing?
As a personal stylist and shopper specializing in plus sizing, I understand the challenges of finding great options for plus sized bodies.
I believe that the brands leading the way in terms of genuine size inclusivity are those that also prioritize ethics and sustainability. This is an overlap that I notice time and time again in my personal shopping process. As well, sourcing from ethical and sustainable brands allows us to be more considerate of our planet and all of it’s inhabitants.
These brands offer a marriage of plus size-friendly and high-quality garments made to stand the test of time (and our goal here is to help you buy less, but wear MORE with intentional shopping!).
Heensie’s Top Picks For Sustainable Plus Size Friendly Swimwear (in no particular order!):
Kitty and Vibe: Sustainable swimwear in fun, playful prints. Up to Size 4X, with some styles up to 6X.
Londre Bodywear: Minimalistic, sexy and drapey swim and beachwear up to 3X/4X.
TomboyX: Queer-owned brand creating swimwear for all genders. Up to 6X.
Nettle’s Tale: Ethical and sustainable swimwear created in Vancouver, BC. Playful patterns mixed in with staple colours. Up to 4X.
TA3 Swim: Sleek, modern swimwear with built-in shapewear for extra support. Also offers multiple lengths, cup sizes and an adjustable waist to achieve your perfect fit. Up to 3X.
Free Label: Super comfortable, soft and versatile. Free Label’s pieces tend to sell out quick, so keep them on your radar! Up to 5X.
Unika Swimwear: Luxury eco-conscious swimwear. Minimalistic pieces in a wide range of colours. Up to 3X, with many pieces carried up to 4X.
Thief & Bandit: Whimsical, quirky patterns up to 4X.
Alpine Butterfly: A range of options including romantic, retro and playful styles. Carried up to 6X.
Mimi & August: Classic options and intricate prints are abundant here, with options up to 4X.
DYINSF: Sustainable, Queer-owned brand offering punchy colours and unique prints. Up to 4X.
Chromat: Edgy, modern and subversive swimwear options up to 4X.
Girlfriend Collective: Known for their eco-friendly practices and inclusive sizing up to 6XL. (Note: I haven’t noticed Girlfriend Collective carrying swimwear options yet for 2024 — I am hoping that they bring them back!).
Beefcake Swimwear: Sustainable, gender neutral swimwear options with high coverage. Up to 5XL.
Baiia: Australian swimwear brand renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Offers a range of rich colours, bold patterns and versatile neutrals. Up to US 22, with some pieces carried in a limited size range up to US 18.
Origami Customs: Inclusive swimwear in a variety of prints and colours, up to 5XL and with custom sizing available including options for gusset width!
Altar PDX’s Altar Houseline: Limited swimwear options available, typically in romantic prints with a bit of retro inspiration. Up to 6X.
I’ll be sure to update this page as I discover more sustainable, size inclusive swimwear offerings!
If you’re interested in 1:1 personal styling and shopping with a focus on plus sizing, I invite you to browse my personal styling packages. I’m here to support you!
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