Plus-Size Tankini Swimsuit Review: Comfortable

The Shorts Are the Whole Story

This is probably the first bathing suit I’ve tried in a long time where I actually really like the shorts. My thighs are the reason most swim bottoms get returned, they pinch, they ride up, they won’t pull all the way over. This striped tankini was sent for my review, and the size 18 shorts cleared that bar without a fight. You can check the current price and availability on Amazon here.

Here’s the thing about swim shorts. Most of the ones I’ve tried are super long. They’re comfortable, sure, but the length is just not what I prefer. These are different. They’re definitely the right length that I like on shorts, and there is a lot of stretch in them.

What You’re Working With

The tankini pairs lined shorts cut short enough to fit larger thighs with a flared top long enough to read as a dress, two pieces, not one. I tried the size 18, and I am an 18. The material is a four-way stretch polyamide and elastane blend, so it moves with you instead of fighting you.

The top has short ruffled sleeves, a V-neckline, and a removable padded cup so you can set it up the way you like. There’s a cross detail underneath the bust that pulls everything in. Here are the specs the listing confirms.

The Thigh Test It Actually Passed

The thigh is where every other swim short has failed me. If a bottom pinches, rides up, or won’t pull fully over the thigh, it goes back, no second chances. That’s the only test that matters, and it’s why I’m leading with it.

These fit really great. The four-way stretch is doing real work here, and combined with that shorter cut they sit where they should without digging in. I’ve tried other shorts that were comfortable but way too long, so getting both the right length and the right fit on the thigh in one piece is not something I’m used to.

The cross detail underneath the bust is the other thing I like. It kind of snatches that waist in a little bit, so you get some shape instead of the suit just hanging straight down. Super comfortable across the board.

The Top Runs Long. Know That Going In.

It’s so long it kind of looks like a swim dress. That’s the one thing I keep coming back to. The top is not attached to the bottoms, so you still have those two separate pieces, which is something I prefer over a full swim dress. But the length itself is a little bit long for my liking.

That’s not a flaw so much as a thing to know. If you’re after more coverage, this is a win, you’re obviously getting all of that full coverage over the hips and stomach. If you’d rather see a bit more leg, the flared skirt length might feel like more than you wanted. The sleeves are the same kind of trade-off. I like that you have a little bit of a sleeve because I don’t love showing my arms, but it is still on the shorter side, so don’t expect it to fully cover the upper arm.

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Striped Plus-Size Tankini Swimsuit

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Who This Tankini Is Built For

If you’ve ever skipped buying a swimsuit because the bottoms never fit your thighs, this is the one I’d point you to. That’s the exact problem this solves at a size 18 without the usual pinch or ride-up. The stretch and the shorter short cut work together, which is rare.

It’s also for anyone who wants coverage without committing to an attached swim dress. You get the long, modest silhouette but keep two separate pieces, which makes getting in and out a lot easier. And if you, like me, don’t love showing your arms, the little sleeve takes the edge off even though it stays short.

The black base with a stripe pattern is low-key enough that it doesn’t fight whatever cover-up you’re already throwing on over it, which matters when you’re not starting your beach day by rethinking your whole outfit.

Two Pieces vs. a Full Swim Dress

I’ll take two separate pieces over a full swim dress every time. This one tricks you because the top is long enough to look like a dress, but it isn’t sewn to the bottoms. That matters more than it sounds.

A true swim dress gives you that same coverage but locks you into one shape, and adjusting anything mid-day is a whole production. With this tankini you get the coverage and the look without losing the flexibility. Where a one-piece swim dress wins is the no-gap, no-shifting factor between top and bottom. If that’s your priority, that’s the trade you’re making here. For me, keeping two pieces was worth it.

What I’d Tell You Before You Order

Order your true size. I’m an 18 and the 18 fit really great, with plenty of stretch left over. With that thigh fit being the make-or-break for me, I wouldn’t size up unless the brand’s size chart tells you to, and there is a full chart with bust, waist, hip, length, and bottom length across all seven sizes.

Go in knowing the top is long. If you want more leg showing, this isn’t the suit. If you want full coverage, it nails it. The padded cup is removable, so set that up before your first swim. And it’s machine washable, which makes the whole thing low-maintenance once you’ve got the fit dialed in.

Pros

• Shorts that finally fit larger thighs at a size 18, with lots of stretch
• Swim shorts at the shorter length I actually prefer
• Cross detail under the bust cinches the waist for some shape
• Full coverage with a little sleeve, and still two separate pieces
• Super comfortable, cute striped black design, machine washable

Cons

• The top runs long, a little long for my liking and looks like a swim dress
• Sleeves stay on the shorter side, so they don’t fully cover the upper arm
• Not the suit if you want more leg showing

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tankini run true to size?

Yes. I’m a size 18 and the 18 fit really great with stretch to spare. There’s a full size chart with bust, waist, hip, and length across all seven sizes, so check your measurements rather than guessing if you’re between sizes.

Will the bottoms fit if I have larger thighs?

This was the standout for me. My thighs are usually the reason swim bottoms don’t fit, and these fit great. The four-way stretch and shorter short cut work together so they don’t pinch or ride up.

Is it a one-piece swim dress or two separate pieces?

Two separate pieces. The top is long enough that it looks like a swim dress, but it isn’t attached to the shorts. That’s exactly why I like it, you get the coverage without losing the flexibility of a tankini.

How long is the top exactly?

Long enough to read like a swim dress. I found it a little bit long for my liking. If you want full coverage that’s a plus, but if you’d rather show more leg it might feel like more than you wanted.

How do I wash it?

It’s machine washable. To keep the shape and color longer, rinse out chlorine or saltwater after wearing it and let it air dry rather than tossing it in a hot dryer. The stitched bottom hem is built to extend the life of the suit.

Does the padded cup come out?

Yes, the top has a removable padded cup. Set it up the way you like before your first swim so you’re not fiddling with it at the pool.

Do the sleeves cover your whole arm?

No. The ruffled sleeves are short. I like that there’s a little bit of a sleeve since I don’t love showing my arms, but they stay on the shorter side, so don’t expect full upper-arm coverage.

Is it good for both pool and beach use?

Yes. The fabric is built to hold up in chlorine and saltwater without losing shape or color, and it’s quick-dry. The striped pattern also pairs easily with any cover-up you already own for beach days.

What sizes does it come in?

It runs from 16W to 28W, so seven plus sizes total. There’s a size chart with measurements for every size, which I’d lean on before ordering.

Get it now

Striped Plus-Size Tankini Swimsuit

Get the best price on Amazon →

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.