Swimming in New Zealand in summer is something most of us look forward to all year. Whether it's the ocean, a lake, a river or a backyard pool, getting in the water should feel like a good time — not something to dread because finding swimwear you feel okay in is so hard.
The plus size swimwear market has improved a lot, but there's still a real gap between swimwear that exists and swimwear that's actually wearable for different body types and different levels of comfort in the water. Here's what to look for, and a bit about how we've thought about it at Friday Flamingo.
What to think about when you're buying plus size swimwear
Coverage and comfort
The right amount of coverage is whatever makes you feel good in the water. Some women want a bikini. Some want full shorts and a top that covers the torso. Most of us land somewhere in between depending on the situation — a quick lake swim with close friends is different from a public pool or a beach holiday.
Rather than choosing swimwear based on what you think you're "supposed" to wear, it's worth thinking honestly about what would make you feel most comfortable and most likely to actually get in the water.
Fabric and construction
Good swimwear fabric has four-way stretch — meaning it moves with you in all directions — and recovers its shape after getting wet. It should sit flat against the skin rather than puckering or gaping, particularly around the leg openings and bust.
A lining matters in swim tops. A single-layer swim top can become transparent when wet; a lined top stays opaque and gives you a bit more support.
Support
If you need bust support in swimwear, look for tops with adjustable straps, a wide underband, and structured cups or built-in shelf bra. A swim top with a wide criss-cross or tie back tends to provide more support than a straight halter neck. Underwire in swimwear is less common now — moulded or structured fabric cups have largely replaced it and tend to be more comfortable in the water.
Swim shorts for women
Swim shorts have come a long way. A good pair of women's swim shorts should sit at the hip or waist comfortably, not ride up when you're swimming, and have an internal brief or liner so they're practical in the water rather than just for poolside.
Swim shorts give you more coverage and sun protection than bikini bottoms, and they're a practical option for a full day at the beach where you're moving between the water, the sand, eating lunch and walking around.
At Friday Flamingo, the Ivy Swim Shorts are available in black and polka dot. They're designed to be worn in the water as well as worn as part of a casual summer outfit — paired with a tee or a sarong, they work well off the beach too.
Swim tops
A swim top can range from a crop-style bikini top to a longer rash guard or a more structured swim top. For plus size women who want more coverage across the torso, a longer swim top or a swim tee is a practical middle ground — you're covered without needing to wear full togs.
The Rita Swim Top at Friday Flamingo pairs with the Ivy swim shorts. The Soraya swimwear range (available in black and polka dot) offers a more complete swimwear option.
Swim tees and tanks
A swim tee — a short-sleeve or long-sleeve top made from swimwear fabric — gives you the most coverage in the water while keeping you cool. It's UV-protective by nature if the fabric has a UPF rating, and it's practical for anyone who burns easily or who wants to cover up while still being in the water.
Our swim tee in black is designed to be worn directly in the water as part of a swim set, not just as a cover-up.
The Billie Tank (Basic Tank) is a versatile tank that works equally well as a swim layer over togs, a beach top with shorts, or an everyday warm-weather basic. In a swimwear-compatible fabric, it layers easily under a sarong or over swim shorts.
Beach cover-ups and sarongs
A sarong or beach cover-up completes a swimwear set for the times you're not actually in the water. For a beach day that involves lunch, walking to the car park, or sitting in the sun for a few hours, a cover-up is worth having. Our sarongs (available in black and polka dot) tie easily over swim shorts and a swim top and are lightweight enough to keep in your bag all summer.
Curve swimwear in NZ — a few practical notes
Try before summer peak. NZ swimwear stocks are at their fullest in October and November. By January, popular sizes and styles often sell out. If you want the most choice, it's worth shopping early in the season.
Think about the activity, not just the look. Swimwear for open water swimming needs to stay in place when you're moving. Swimwear for a poolside holiday can prioritise style. Most beach days in NZ involve some of both, so a practical swim short and a top or tee that gives you real coverage tends to work better than a purely decorative bikini if you're actually planning to swim.
Check sizing against garment measurements. Swimwear sizing is notoriously inconsistent. At Friday Flamingo we include garment measurements with each product — measure yourself and compare, rather than going by the size number alone.
Browse the full Friday Flamingo swimwear range — swim shorts, swim tops, the Soraya swimwear set, the swim tee and the Billie Tank — designed for NZ sizes 12–32.