Cute Swimsuits for Curvy Ladies on a Budge

Hello ladies (and I would venture to say that most of my male readers are probably not interested in today's post)!

Swimsuit season is just around the corner. Yes, I know. And thus begins the yearly drama of finding a swimsuit that fits, flatters and doesn't break the bank. Swimsuits for curvy or plus-sized ladies have come a long way over the course of the last 5 years or so. I mean, sure you can still find those god-awful tropical-printed, blouson topped, black bottom swim dresses at many retailers, but I think we should all aim to step it up a bit in this department. (And I would be okay if you also wanted to take said horrid swim dresses when you find them and hide them in the store so no one can actually find them and buy them. Okay, not really. But...)

[Rant break. Can I just tell y'all how ridiculous it is that so many retailers want to put curvy or plus-sized ladies in swim dresses? I DO NOT WANT TO WEAR A SWIM DRESS! Or swim shorts. Or any other derivative of that. Not to mention how my selection of "cute" swimsuits diminishes considerably once I click "plus sizes". It's ridiculous. And sites that cater to plus sizes only like Torrid and Asos Curve charge ridiculous prices, in my opinion, for their suits. But I will say that for many retailers, being up to a size 16 is considered regular sizing, so plus sizes technically refer to size 18 and above. End random rant.]

Anywho, I'm not someone who has ever really been comfortable in a swimsuit. Part of this is a natural modesty/privacy I tend to have and the other part is due to body image and/or a struggle with finding a flattering and confidence-boosting swimsuit. I know I can't be alone in this thinking.

But the other part of me refuses to pay $70, $90 or over $100 for a swimsuit that I probably wear 4 times a year. I'm way too frugal for that. Most of the large box retailers that carry said swim dress atrocities are at my price point...so I could only get the style I want if I'm willing to pay the hefty price tag, right?

NOPE!

First up is Target!

These are just 4 of the many, MANY adorable swimsuits at Target. Out of all the retailers I checked out their selection was, by far, the most impressive and modern in terms of style. They have great tankinis, bikinis and one-pieces for curvy ladies. My absolute favorite tankini top is from here. I've blogged about it before but I bought two of them to go on our honeymoon. I can't wait!

Even if there's not a Target store near you, I've had great luck ordering online with them, so it's worth it! And the prices cannot be beat! Shop here.

Side note: Target has apparently come under some scrutiny for their blatant swimsuit model photoshopping...however, that doesn't bother me because I'm not shopping in the teen girls section nor am I aspiring to look like a tween. They have a great selection of women's sizes and styles, so you won't see me stop shopping there.

Which brings us to Forever 21.

I applaud Forever 21 for not only being blatant about having all styles of bathing suits available for plus sizes (meaning there are bikinis and one-pieces) but also for putting actual plus-sized models in them. Lots of times you see plus-sized suits on regular models and the mention is that the suit is available in plus sizes. I love being able to visualize the suit on someone who looks a little more like me. Other times, these plus-sized models are industry plus-sized...so they are like a size 10. No offense, but that doesn't scream plus-size to me. Bravo Forever 21! Shop here.

Those are the only two retailers that had the best suits. Slight nods to Old Navy for having a great price point..but overall I was a little disappointed with their selection. However, they might be right up your alley! Shop here.

I hope this helps some of you that are looking! Happy Shopping!