I have been a “plus” size almost all of my life. I am not proud of that fact, but that is just how it is. Even when I lose weight I’m still considered overweight for my height. Sigh… If only I could be 7′ tall. Then I’d be a perfect weight for my height.
Clothes shopping is not always an easy thing when you are a plus size. I am very grateful for the sites that do carry plus size clothing. I am especially grateful to those clothing companies that create beautiful plus size clothing so that I am not stuck wearing muu muus every day.
Nothing is more horrific for a plus size woman than shopping for a bathing suit. I for one HATE shopping for bathing suits. I also try to avoid wearing one at all costs. If I must wear one I usually throw something over it.
To give you an idea of how much I dread shopping for bathing suits I’ve had the same suit for about 12 years. It was literally falling apart. I even had to use a rubber band wrapped around the straps in the back to keep it from falling off of me.
I could have easily purchased another suit over the years but it was not something I looked forward to.I liked my old bathing suit. Plus some suits that are available for plus size women just didn’t look like something I would wear.
It’s also not easy to find bathing suits in plus sizes. If you are lucky to find a place that sells them be prepared to shell out a lot of money. Plus size bathing suits are not cheap.
Not too long ago I learned about a clothing company called Free Country that carries plus size (and regular size) bathing suits. I checked them out and I was pleased with what I saw. They had plus size bathing suits that were really nice looking. Best of all they wouldn’t “break the bank” like other plus size bathing suits.
Free Country was kind enough to send me a bathing suit to review. It took me a while to narrow down what I liked. There were several pieces that stood out to me.
I opted for the Plus Size Leapin’ Leopards Flyaway Tankini Top and Plus Size Women’s Swim Shorts.
I was a bit “iffy” about getting a two piece bathing suit. After all, I don’t exactly rock six-pack abs. It’s more like a six-pack of muffins (aka – “muffin top”). LOL!
I really liked the top. It’s not a soil one piece. It looks like one piece but the side piece are not attached so there is some “flow” to the top. I think that flow helps to hide the various “rolls” I have around my body.
The under piece is dark gray which helps to “minimize” your appearance, as dark colors usually do. The colorful print on the outside is very flattering.
The chest area features soft cups which add padding and support to the area. The straps are also adjustable.
I was worried that the top wasn’t long enough an wouldn’t cover up my belly. It actually does. It’s hard to tell from the photo but it’s long enough to cover my entire belly area.
I hoped for swim shorts as my bottom piece. I wanted something that I could wear on a boardwalk after I was done swimming on the beach without it looking too much like a bathing suit. I just need to put on a lose top or cover up and it looks like I’m wearing regular clothing, not a bathing suit.
The shorts are a bit more “forgiving” and more “roomy” than the top, but that is OK with me since my bottom area is bigger than my top area.
The swim shorts have a built in brief and three usable pockets. The shorts close with Velcro and a snap closure.
I like that both piece dry very quickly. There is nothing I hate more then sitting around in a soaking wet bathing suit. The material both pieces are made of are lightweight and dry rapidly, especially on a hot sunny day (I’ve worn the suit to our condo complex’s pool).
I would have never pictured myself wearing a two piece bathing suit but I am happy with my choice from Free Country. My suit is flattering, comfortable and “trendy” looking.
Free Country not only sells lovely plus size bathing suits but also “regular sizes” as well as suits for men. Free Country also sells clothing for boys and girls.
Even though Winter is not on the mind of most people Free Country carries some really nice looking cold weather coats.
For more information or to check out the bathing suits visit www.FreeCountry.com. The brand can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube (links found on the bottom of the brand’s home page).
Do you find it hard to find flattering bathing suits? Is it something you dread shopping for? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences shopping for bathing suits.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinion expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.