Swimsuit Special 2015: Bikini

I’ve got a long body and my bust and hip measurements are different, so I prefer a bikini that allows me to mix and match my sizes. That way I can get the best possible fit! Here are a few I’ve found this season that have caught my eye – what style do you like?

Elomi has some great mix and match options when it comes to bikinis – there are underwire swim bras, bandeau tops, mid rise bikini briefs, high waisted bikini bottoms and a skirted brief. Honestly, that’s just the beginning! Since I started wearing Elomi bras I’ve wanted to get my hands on one of their swim bras so I can have that same great support while I’m at the beach.

UPDATE: I bought the one on the left today and it’s perfection! I got it from Avokado in Newmarket (they do lingerie and swimwear for D-K cup women) and I can’t wait to wear it at the beach! Stay tuned, I’ll take some snaps next time I go.

SHOP IT: Elomi Essentials Underwire Swim Bra $110.80 from Her Room | Elomi Essentials Underwire Bandeau Swim Bra $123.50 from Her Room

I really like the longer line of this bikini top – styles like this (coupled with the high waisted bottoms) make me feel like I’ve got that bit of extra coverage and support. Available in sizes 0-5 (approx US sizes 12-26/28, NZ 16-30/32).

SHOP IT: Chevron Print Bikini Top, USD $54.50 from Torrid | Chevron Print High Waisted Swim Bottoms, USD $38.50 from Torrid

I’ve had a few people asking me about lower rise bikini bottoms and when I saw this set I knew I had to include it. I really like the string detail and if I could get this with more bust support (it’s made for cup sizes C-DD) I would nab it in a flash. Available in US sizes 10-24 (NZ 14-28).

SHOP IT: Swim Sexy Black Triangle String Bikini, USD $47.60 from Swimsuits For All

I’m always a sucker for a bit of bird print (and I know a few of you are too!), so what could be more appropriate for the beach that a bikini with gulls on it? Available in US sizes 16-26 (NZ 18-30).

SHOP IT: Liz McClarnon Bird Print Bikini Set, USD $49.95 from Simply Be

You’ve seen me wearing Nyata’s clothes before, but they’ve branched out into something new and exciting. They’ve just launched their new swimwear range and you might have seen me share this bikini on my facebook page recently – I love the colour and the contrasting detail! Available in sizes “natural” to “stunning” (12-30).

SHOP IT: Tropic Love Bikini, AUD $110.00 from Nyata

I’m a big fan of Chubby Cartwheels and have a whole bunch of mix and match pieces from her range. I just love the way this mermaid bikini sparkles! Check out some of the other pieces my friends and I have in this shoot we did a couple of summers ago. Available in sizes 1X-5X (approx US sizes 14-32, NZ 18-36) but are made to order.

SHOP IT: Mermaid Bandeau Top, USD $15.00 from Chubby Cartwheels | Mermaid Bikini Bottoms, USD $36.00 from Chubby Cartwheels

Y’all know how much I love GabiFresh’s swimwear line for Swimsuits For All, I’ve talked about some of the pieces before. I think this print is super cute (the only cute jellyfish at the beach!), and the bright contrast of aqua and pink is really eyecatching. Available in US sizes 14-24 (NZ 18-28).

SHOP IT: GabiFresh Sea Reef Underwire Mid Rise Bikini, USD $22.98 from Swimsuits For All

Sometimes a gal just wants something plain black, right? I love the mesh detailing in this bikini set that keeps it sleek and simple but at the same time gives it a little stand out feature. Available in sizes 16-26.

SHOP IT: Black & Mesh Bikini Top, USD $21.00 from Yours Clothing | Black & Mesh Panel Bikini Brief, USD $17.00 from Yours Clothing

If you’re feeling a bit tropical, this swim bra set from Elomi. Like the Elomi Essentials styles I mentioned earlier, this has a bra fit meaning that you’re going to get lots of support – very important for babes like me who have a large bust.

SHOP IT: Elomi Kariba Gathered Bikini, $117.20 from Her Room | Elomi Kariba Gathered Swim Brief, $93.40 from Her Room

I really like the white detailing of this swimsuit, especially at the top – we’ve seen similar details on lingerie but it’s pretty neat to see this carried across to a bikini! Available in sizes “beautiful” to “stunning” (10-30).

SHOP IT: Be A Babe Bikini, AUD $100.00 from Nyata

I’m always a fan of the chevron print, and you can’t beat good old monochrome! This bikini top fits a C-D cup with the padding or a DD-E cup with padding removed and is available in CC sizes XS-XL (14-24).

SHOP IT: Monochrome Underwire Bikini Top, $59.99 from City Chic | Monochrome Bikini Brief, $79.99 from City Chic

This daisy print bikini is a super cute throwback to the 90’s, and while I’m not a huge fan of the 90’s resurgence I do really love daisies so I am getting on board in my own small way. Available in US sizes 22-28 (NZ 26-32).

SHOP IT: Liz McClarnon Daisy Print Bikini Set, USD $49.95 from Simply Be

My past swimsuit purchases from ASOS have been really hit or miss because they’ve used dress sizing for underwired cups, assuming that as a plus size woman I am going to have D-ish cup breasts. I was very pleased to see that they have specified cup sizes with proper underwire support this season, meaning that you are more likely to get a hit than a miss – hurray! I also highly recommend the bikini bottoms – I’ve had several pairs for the last few summers and they are a great fit and have lasted well. Bikini tops available in bra sizes 38D-42F and bottoms in 18-28.

SHOP IT: ASOS Curve 50’s Halter Bikini Top, $43.86 from ASOS | ASOS Curve High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, $35.08 from ASOS

I’m a big fan of animal print bikinis (I have leopard print bikini bottoms!), I think leopard print is my secret power colour or something because it always makes me feel so fierce! Available in US sizes 8-28 (NZ 12-32).

SHOP IT: Beach To Beach Animal Print Bikini Set, USD $24.95 from Simply Be

You know I can’t resist stripes! This is another bikini made for cup sizes C-DD (come on swimwear designers, where are all the rad options for those of us up to a J cup!?) but if it were in my size I would be all over this. Available in US sizes 10-24 (NZ 14-28).

SHOP IT: Swim Sexy Glamour Underwire High Waist Bikini, USD $47.60 from Swimsuits For All

What kind of bikini do you like – halterneck, swim bra, high waisted, low rise … there are so many to choose from!