Atlantic Swim
All I wanted to do on our Cuban adventure was lay on the sandy white beach, soak up as much sun as I could and swim in the turquoise water. Something most people don't know about me is that I love the water. I love being near it, I love breathing in the salty breeze and I LOVE swimming in it!
When we booked our vacation to Cuba I think I had one sad old tankini from years ago. I tried that bad boy on and quickly realized that it had lived a good life, but had clearly seen its last day in the sun. A need to shop for cute swimwear? Yes please! And since plus size clothing has actually advanced in recent years, my options were abundant.
When shopping for swimwear there are a few things I look for. Support, design, fit and proportion. I have a larger bust, so I need something that can support me like a bra. Underwire is very important. I head to the beach with a golden tan as a goal, so as much as I love interesting lines and cutouts, I'm not a big fan of rocking that design on my skin all summer. I tend to go for strapless, or convertible straps, for support when I have a coverup on, but easy removal when it's time for the sun. Fit and proportion are key. No one wants a suit that sags once it gets wet, and personally I want something with a higher waist, be it the cut of a one piece or a bottom of a two piece.
Luckily most plus size and plus friendly retailers have finally got the message that us ladies want options that are sexy, cute and still functional. I had a really good experience with Torrid, who's suits have serious bust support. Swim Suits For All, not only carry styles for plus, but offer lines by plus size women like Ashley Graham and Gabi Fresh. Their covers ups are also so adorable and work well as easy styling pieces to add to your summer wardrobe.
Sometimes you have to get creative. I found a lot of cute mix and match options at Forever 21+. I even did a little DIY action on a black and cheetah printed one piece that was begging to become a bustier, that worked double duty in and out of the water.
Cuba was a freeing experience. One that Elliot and I hope to have again, and sooner, rather than later. Even though I did stock up on swimwear, there's always room for more.