Swimsuit Special 2016: Bikini

The weather is starting to heat up and my Facebook memories have just started popping up to tell me that this time last year I was swimming in the ocean. That means it’s time to start thinking about swimsuits! My swimsuit special is back for another year, and we’re going to kick things off with bikinis because that’s what I prefer to wear – here are some of my favourite plus size bikinis for 2016, bring on summer!

I basically just want to live in a tropical dreamland and this bikini reminds me of those lush tropical plants that my life in the suburbs is missing. This is underwired and comes in a bra fit, so you’ll get a bit of extra support. Available in sizes 38-44 in a D-G cup, with the bottoms in sizes 16-26.

SHOP IT: Blue Multi Tropical Hawaiian Print Underwired Bikini Top, AUD $36.00 and matching High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, AUD $24.00 from Yours Clothing

If you like halter neck bikinis but also want the bra cup support then this bikini is the perfect solution. I’m always a fan of polka dots and think this suit has a cute retro feel. Available in sizes 38-44 in a D-G cup, with the bottoms in sizes 16-26.

SHOP IT: Black & White Spot Underwired Halter Neck Bikini Top, AUD $36.00 and matching High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, AUD $24.00 from Yours Clothing

If you’re keen on polka dots but want something a bit more colourful, this bikini is a fun pick. You can wear the top as a halter neck or as a strapless bandeau (the attached neck strap simply ties in back), making it a versatile option. Available in US sizes 10-24 (NZ 14-28).

SHOP IT: Swim Sexy The Icon Green Dot High Waist Bikini, USD $43.40 from Swimsuits For All

The palm print on this bikini is swoon worthy, and it’s one of those “can I have it on everything please” kind of prints. This is on end of season clearance so the price is amazing but sizes seem to be selling out quickly. Available in sizes 1X-4X (NZ 20/22 – 32/34).

SHOP IT: High Dive Beachy as ABC Swimsuit Top, USD $14.99 and Bottoms, $13.99 from ModCloth

I really like strappy detailing on things, I think it makes clothes interesting without having to add a lot of frou frou detail. This bikini top is immediately eyecatching and I would buy it in an instant if it weren’t for the fact that it has underwire cups but not bra sizing – this is usually suitable for people who are around a D/DD (sometimes a cup bigger or smaller) but unfortunately it’s never worked for me. Cue epic sadness! Available in sizes 18-26.

SHOP IT: Monif C Black Strappy Bikini Top, $153.55 and Monif C Mesh Insert High Waisted Bottoms, $104.80 from ASOS

If frou frou is your thing then this ruffled bikini might be the one for you. It comes with a detachable halter strap, if you’d prefer it as a halter neck, otherwise is can be worn strapless as shown here. Sizes US 10-16 fit up to a C/D cup; sizes US 18-24 fit up to a D/DD cup, so if you’ve got a bigger bust this is not going to be a great fit. Available in US sizes 10-24 (NZ 14-28).

SHOP IT: Swim Sexy The Heartthrob Underwire Bikini, USD $54.60 from Swimsuits For All

I love the crop top design of this bikini – it’s simple, it’s easy to wear and it’s fuss free. The sheer striped panels on the hip and the crossover straps on the top give this simple black two piece swimsuit an interesting edge. Available in sizes 18-28.

SHOP IT: ASOS CURVE Burn Out Stripe Crop Bikini from ASOS Top $53.62 and Bikini Bottoms $43.87

I saw this bikini on a friend the other day and oh man. It’s such a nice print! As with most of the Swim Sexy range, sizes US 10-16 fit up to a C/D cup and sizes US 18-24 fit up to a D/DD cup, so if you’ve got a bigger bust this won’t give you a whole lot of coverage. Available in US sizes 10-24 (NZ 14-28).

SHOP IT: Swim Sexy The Celebrity Tawny Underwire Bikini, USD $57.40 from Swimsuits For All

It’s kind of a pity that this bikini is obviously too big for the model because this suit is gorgeous! The crop top design might seem a bit unusual but I personally love that it shows off your body without being super revealing. I know a few of us aren’t comfortable showing off our arms so this could be a great solution – I would definitely wear this! Available in sizes 18-26.

SHOP IT: Monif C Black Mesh Sleeved Bikini Crop Top, $136.49 and Monif C High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, $82.87 from ASOS

Some of you mentioned in previous years that you prefer a lower cut bikini bottom rather than high waisted, but there don’t seem to be many around that go up to a 4X. I did find this little leopard number though – super cute with great detailing. Available in sizes XS-4X (NZ 2-30).

SHOP IT: Tiki Leopard Print Bikini Top, USD $64.00 and Bottoms, USD $48.00 from Pinup Girl Clothing

I think this might be my favourite style of bikini top because, aside from the obviously cute design, it also gives you a bit more coverage than your average swimsuit. One of my chief issues with swimwear is that it rarely ever works for a large bust, and I hate the feeling that I’m about to spill out of my bikini top, but this high necked design prevents that while still being strappy on the back. Available in US sizes 10-24 (NZ 14-28).

SHOP IT: Swim Sexy The Charlatan Bikini, USD $57.40 from Swimsuits For All

Judging by the reviews, this is a good bikini if you’ve got a bigger bust (just what I need!). I think the colours and patterns on this are gorgeous and I love the retro design. Available in sizes XS-4X (NZ 2/4 – 32/34).

SHOP IT: High Dive Set the Serene Swimsuit Top, USD $52.99 and matching High Waisted Swim Bottoms, $52.99 from Swimsuits For All

What kind of swimsuit do you like to wear?
Let me know in the comments so I can scout some great ones out for you