Image via LandsEnd.com
Few people love shopping for swimwear, but I’ll admit to feeling a rush of excitement when the Land’s End catalog arrives each spring, because I know there will be several swimsuit options for my shape and size. Not that I buy a new swimsuit every year–the quality that goes into these suits usually means I don’t need a new one for at least three summers, which is great because these babies don’t come cheap.
However, filing under “you get what you pay for,” Land’s End stands by their products from cradle to grave, offering a money-back guarantee with no questions asked. They even throw in free shipping for returns on re-orders, or you can return your items at any Sears store. If you’re a risk-taker, waiting till Memorial Day or after (including now) means you can find many items on sale, provided they don’t sell out.
All of those things are great, but here’s what keeps me coming back to this company: Land’s End makes suits that actually fit plus size bodies. Even better: they offer enough styles, colors, and patterns to satisfy just about everyone. Plus size swimsuit seekers can choose among flattering, slimming one-piece numbers to mix-and-match separates and cover-ups in a variety of fabrics and patterns that are actually cute rather than a couple of token “Perhaps This Obnoxious Pattern Will Distract You From Noticing That I’m Fat” styles.
This year, I bought the Kaleidoscope Print V-Neck Swim Top (pictured, above) paired with the SwimShape Separates Solid Swim Mini™ in slimming black, and it looks and feels fantastic. The SwimShape Separates SwimMini™ has a tummy control panty built in that does its job while still allowing me to actually move around both in and out of the water. Last year I’d ordered the Beach Living Tummy Control SwimMini™, but found it ran a bit too short (14.5″ length) and flared, giving that “hippo in a tutu” look from Disney’s Fantasia we all know and hate. (Your mileage may vary if, unlike my body type, your thighs are slimmer at the top).
I returned last year’s skirt without hassle and also tried the Women’s Plus Size Beach Living Tummy Control Swim Shorts, but found they rode up my inner thighs when I walked; not the effect I wanted while strolling around poolside. (Again, if your legs are on the straighter side, the shorts will probably work really well for you).
I feel so confident and cute in the top and skirt I kept this season that I even waltzed into our public library to return books on the way to the pool while wearing it! I haven’t had that experience since childhood. Tee is trying to convince me to post a photo of myself in this year’s swimwear; what do you think? A few librarians vs. The Internet; how bad could it be?
Have you found a swimsuit you love? Share your favorite places to shop for swimwear in the comment section.
