I love swimwear. I can’t stop buying it. Every time I see a new piece I’ll tell myself I don’t need it then justify the cost (usually small) to myself as an equivalent to a lunch out or something and well, here we are.
I must say I’ve included the buzz word ‘mid size’ in this as some of what I’ll show you does only go up to a 18 so I feel calling it a plus size lookbook exclusively would not be right but I will endeavour to find similar plus size alternatives to the things I’ll feature today and keep linking them at the bottom- for now I’ve posted a few links to plus size sections of the sites I’m loving.
Rust Strapless and Ties – George at Asda Bikini (Sizes 10-18/Cup Sizes top up to 38E/F) (Top £8/Bottoms £5)
I work for Asda so I’ve had a long time love for their swimwear and there is usually a new addition courtesy of George every year so here’s this years! The colour of this is beaut, it’s supportive with or without the tie halterneck and it reminds me of a Triumph one my mum had when I was little so I had to have it for the nostalgia. Downside is the holey section on the briefs- you bet I’ve got little red bits on my white bits from these little bleeders.
Pour Moi Atlas Bikini Set* from UK Swimwear (Sizes 8-18/ 32E-38H) (Top £26.95/ Belted Bottoms £15.95
This one was chosen by me, gifted by the fabulous UK Swimwear. I’d looked at the Pour Moi brand for sometime but had never took the plunge to buy one, but figured I would as I was so kindly being given it and this one stuck out to me by far. It’s such beautiful vibrant colours and I do love a good paisley print. The top isn’t padded and this was a big concern as I hate the whole coming out of the pool and it’s cold scenario but I didn’t put the pads I’d prepared in as I really felt it just didn’t need it as it’s lined which I think helps, and can we just appreciate how well it fits my boobs please and thanks?
I wore it all day and it was so comfy plus being non padded meant it dried much quicker too so I also wore it on my last day for a last min dip in the pool. Ps the bottoms have a tie that you can’t really see thanks tummy- and don’t show my arse crack so wins all round.
Mixed Polka Dot Bikini from River Island (Sizes 6-18/ASOS Tall bottoms sizes 4-18) (bottoms now £8 Tall /Top £26) 
I spied this just before we went away so armed with a discount code in hand it was purchased. As I burnt my shoulders horrifically on the last holiday I wanted a top that gave some shoulder cover so this was perfect. It fastens at the front with the hook and eyes and the band should be flat all round but my belly has other ideas and scrunched it up at the front. I still like it and even though it offers zero boob support (which at 36 I’m so starting to want) I still love it. I also slipped off the straps when sunbathing to help with the zero strap lines aim I had.
I paired it with these high waisted asos hook and eye briefs which just fit amazingly and I want in all the colours they do them in now.
Primark Sporty Red Bikini (Sizes up to size 20) (Top £6/Bottoms £4)
This was a ‘I saw it and I had to have it’ buy. The colour, the straps giving it that athleisure vibes and of course the price. Tenner all in. Super comfy not overly supportive but did give the boobs a boost and even the briefs (which were that) looked great – just a slight essence of bum crack but not builders levels!
ASOS Floral Pom Pom Skirt (Sizes 4-18 /Abailable in Core (30A-38D)and Fuller Bust (30DD to 38G) (Core Top now £16 Fuller Bust Top now £12 Skirted Bottom Now £16 )
By far the most commented on bikini this year for me, the Pom Poms, the frills and of course the SKIRT! Its hard to wear a skirtini and not make it look like you’re trying to cover up the fat I think or look old fashioned in one (I’m thinking 1990’s catalogue style) but this one doesn’t even get near to that! They are a high waisted bottom with the frill skirt over it and the Pom Poms just graze the top of my things and butt. The matching Bardot detail (which can easily be taken off for tanning) adds extra cute points I think don’t you? On and the main straps come off too! This one is perfect for a few days in when my bikini line rash (if you know you know- and no I can’t wax as my pores bleed (tmi?)) is in full force and I need to cover it up. Only downside is that it takes agggesssss to dry out. Not a great one for the pool really!
Pretty in Pink with Peek & Beau from ASOS Top 8B/C to 18E/F (Top now £8.50)
I bought this Peek & Beau bikini top from ASOS in the sale ready for Iceland but it got ditched for the blue one! It took ages to find a pair of bottoms to match it as the ones that do were too too skimpy for me. When I found these from the same brand I was delighted! Major tan lines but boobs looked immense so well worth it. It’s also non padded but I added removable pads from another bikini and just whacked em in to combat it as this Moroccan pool was so so so cold!
Now here’s my fave places to get plus size bikinis, I’ve spotted pineapple prints, more skirtinis and bardots galore but we still don’t have the same choices and I am ‘lucky’ (I use the term as I can’t think of another word and this shouldn’t be a case of luck or otherwise) that I can squeeze into the core range sizes of the ones above. Retailers need to do better.
Hopefully you enjoyed my honest and lengthy bikini post- this isn’t all of them either but I’m saving some for my next holidays!
*indicated item provided for consideration of review. As always thoughts and views are my own.