Here is a real-life guide to swimsuits all modelled by me!
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle and contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
It’s that time of year again! Now that spring has officially arrived, we’re quickly approaching bathing suit season. While we were in the Bahamas a few weeks ago, I had multiple DMs on Instagram asking for real life photos of bathing suits (rather than the flatlays I usually share). Unfortunately, I didn’t read most of the messages until we got home. So today I’m back with a follow-up (and lots of photos)! I’m sharing a real-life guide to bathing suits, and in particular some swimsuits for curvy women, all from Nordstrom!
Bathing Suit Body
My body is far from perfect in a bathing suit. However, at the end of the day, I want to spend my time having fun and thoroughly enjoying myself and the company around me rather than worrying about how I look. I’ve also learned over the years (especially now that we have a pool), that I’m wearing a bathing suit regardless, so I may as well slap on a happy smile, some cute big earrings, get a spray tan and have some fun! Today I’m going to share a variety of swimsuit styles from Nordstrom to help you find one that may work for your own body type this summer!
Swimsuit Shopping
So often, I shop for swimsuits online because I tend to get frustrated if I go in person. I’m much more comfortable in the comfort of my own home where I can examine everything from all angles! But, it can be so hard to gauge how bathing suits worn by models will look when it arrives in your own home. I’m hoping that by sharing these “real-life” photos, you can examine how these various gorgeous suits fit (from all angles) and find one that you’ll feel confident in on vacation and during the summer months!
Before we jump into the suits, a little background on my body composition for reference. I am 5’8″ and a size 12 on bottom and size medium or large on top in clothes, and have a longer torso than average. With bathing suits, it’s usually suggested to size up one size for the best fit. However, most of my size 12 on bottom is in my hips and booty, I usually don’t have to size down for swim (since my hips aren’t part of the bathing suit equation). I didn’t do any altering to the photos other than to lighten them up and get the colors right. It’s all real-life around here! Clearly I need to text some of my fashion blogger friends for some posing tips too 😉
Swimsuit Quality
I tend to look for bathing suits that are fairly conservative, yet also don’t look “mom-ish”. I prefer a more structured material since I find it a bit more forgiving. I actually ordered a lot of budget swimsuits this year and returned every single one because I found most were wildly unflattering. I’ve gotten to the point I’d rather invest in four or five quality suits a season since I know they’ll get a lot of wear. They can then be used for years to come versus some of the trendy cheap finds that likely won’t make it even until August! Nordstrom always has a huge selection of bathing suit styles and brands and are one of my go-to’s year after year! Not to mention, they have free shipping and free returns, which makes swimsuit shopping from the comfort of your own home so much less stressful!
Let’s jump into the suits I tried! I’m showing each suit from the front, side and back so you can get an idea on cuts and overall fit. Although a few of these aren’t perfect for me, I feel like they were worth sharing since they may work for some of you!
One of my favorite finds is this strapless laser cut one-piece! It also includes straps that can be worn traditionally or halter style! I was torn between this color and the dark navy but both are such fun options for summer! The laser cut pattern couldn’t be cuter and adds a fun twist to an otherwise basic style. I’m wearing a size 12 in the suit and love that it’s fully lined. And side note: I feel my face make-up can fall a bit flat when I get tan, so I’ve been loving this highlighter to add a bit more contrast and bright spots!
Strapless Laser Cut One-Piece | Leather Flip-Flops (Makeup color) | Wood Hoop Earrings
This darling scalloped one-piece was a favorite but, I think it would be better suited for someone with a slightly shorter torso. I feel like the v fell about an inch lower than it was intended. But the suit couldn’t be cuter! I’m shown in a size 12 below.
Scalloped One-Piece Swimsuit | Leather Flip-Flops (Makeup color) | Turquoise Earrings
Although they’re pricey, I decided to give this Miraclesuit a try to see if they lived up to the hype! I actually really like this one on (but feel like I’m posing weird in all of the images). I liked the unique crisscross front! I followed instructions online and ordered up to a size 14 and it’s still pretty snug (but also much more comfortable this way). It definitely doesn’t feel like body shapewear with a larger size. However, I do feel like it pushes the fat around the openings (since it’s sucking you in everywhere else under the suit). But I do feel like it “shaves off” some pounds and making you overall less wide! The back has the fullest coverage on the booty, as well.
Crisscross Miraclesuit | White Sandals | Turquoise Earrings
This red ruffled one-piece has the highest cut legs and cheekiest fit of the suits I ordered, but it is also one of my favorites! I also ordered it in black in a size 12 (shown after this image). I love that it has hidden adjustable straps so it should work well with nearly any torso! The material is also very structured and hides a lot! I’m wearing a size 14 below.
Red Ruffled Bathing Suit | White Sandals | Turquoise Earrings
And here’s the same suit in a smaller size in black. They also offer a beautiful ivory option with black piping! Either suit felt like they fit well but comparing the views from the back, the size 12 was a little too cheeky for my liking! You can see this one was also tighter in the chest.
Black Ruffled One-Piece | White Sandals | Turquoise Earrings
If you’re on the hunt for a classic sporty feel, this rainbow crossback one-piece is super cute! The material and look are very old-school to me. I loved everything about the suit but wished it had some padding in lieu of a shelf bra, and was a bit heavier material so it were more forgiving. And if you haven’t tried these rubber Birkenstocks, you’re missing out! I loved my white pair so much last year I bought this coral pair to use this year! I’m wearing size large in the suit.
Madewell One-Piece Rainbow Swimsuit | Rubber Birkenstocks (Coral color) | Wood Hoop Earrings
I decided to give the high-waisted bikini trend a try. And I’m still not sure it’s for me. But, it’s a great option if you have curves and want to rock a cool two-piece. I do love that I don’t feel like I ever have to suck in though (it definitely hides a lower belly pooch). And this bikini top is so cute in person! I love the embroidery detail. I’m wearing a size 12 in the bottoms (but should have sized up in this brand) and a large in the top.
Bikini Top | High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms | White Sandals
I ordered this crocheted one-piece suit simply because it was one of the hottest suits of last summer. Honestly, I expected to hate it on me because it felt a bit scandalous. However, it’s actually really cute on and feels a lot less revealing than I expected it to! I’m wearing a size large but because the material doesn’t stretch a ton, I should have sized up in this one. You can find very similar options here, here and a tankini version here.
Crocheted One-Piece Suit | Pink Bead Earrings | Leather Flip-Flops (Makeup color)
I’m a huge tankini fan (likely because my longer torso works better with them). This reversible striped tankini is one of my favorite finds ever! The colors are so flattering, the fit is super comfy and it’s basically two suits in one since it reverses to a solid! Unfortunately the matching bottoms didn’t arrive in time for the photos, but these reversible bottoms actually look so cute with it! I also bought the matching bikini top and love both for pool days in the summer. The bikini set is a bit skimpier but such a cute set! I’m wearing a large on top here and the extra-large in the bottoms.
Tankini Top | Bikini Bottoms | White Sandals | Pom & Tassel Earrings
I have several more suits I ordered that didn’t quite make it in time for this post, so I’ll let you know if there are any other winners! Following are a few other stunning options I love!
I hope you found this guide helpful and can find a swimsuit you think will work well for your own body! Now, let’s bring on the sun and warm weather!
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Love this- so helpful!
I have never commented, but I just wanted to say thank you for “keeping it real.” You look beautiful. I always enjoying your content…you are always positive and encouraging to all. Thanks for all your hard work on all your posts.
Thanks for sharing! It’s so helpful. I think you are rocking that high waisted bikini!
OMG! It is so nice to see bathing suits on a “real” person! You and I have similar body types and it was helpful seeing the different styles on you. I am encouraged to get a new suit now. Mine is quite old. Thanks for sharing the real beautiful you!
I loved this post!!!! I appreciate you sharing this.. Brave women, real women!! I really enjoyed seeing this side of you. My favorite go to was number 1 and it looked awesome on you.. I always go for a strapless one piece as I am very heavy on top and smaller on the bottom. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Thanks for stepping outside your comfort zone!!!
I love all the options and appreciate the options for my similar shape.
Have a great summer.
Thanks so much for this post. You are a brave woman. The last three suits are my favorites. You rock them!
I also have a similar body shape, and your pictures are so, so helpful to me. I am so encouraged to look for suits now, since you look lovely in yours!!! If it was hard for you to be so honest and open, please know that your post has helped at least one timid bather.
I LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for sharing. My favorite is, hands-down, the striped tankini! It is so cute on you!
Great post and so helpful! I usually go for navy or black suits but love how the colored suits pop! Going to have to add some color to my suits now 😊
You look stunning in all of these but I particularly like the orange/red ruffle and tankini with blue striped top and the navy/black scalloped top one piece. You are really rocking them all though! Appreciate this post so much. Similar body type so this was super helpful.
Thank you so much for posting this. You look fabulous in all the swimsuits. Not every one is 5 feet, 10″ tall and weighs 100 lbs. LOL Great choices.
Thank you for the posting and going out of your comfort zone for your readers. I for one appreciate this! And you looked awesome in all of them!
Girl, this may be the best blog post I have seen OF ALL TIME FROM ANYONE. BRAVA!
I didn’t even get past the first one before ordering!! What a great post and definitely takes some of the horror out of trying on millions of suits in a tiny dressing room with awful lighting! You look fabulous in all- thank you!
You are awesome! The striped tankini looks amazing on you!
Love the ruffled one piece in the orange-y color! Especially with those earrings.
I think you look beautiful!!! I don’t find you curvy! maybe compared to the double zeros on instagram, but i think you look like a lovely, healthy, woman! Kudos to you for posting this!!! All the suits are adorable, but i think my fav is the high waisted! 🙂
Thank You for this post! You are gorgeous in all of them but the red ruffle is my favorite. How do you wash and care for your swimsuits to make them last?
I have the same issue. However, my added problem is keeping the “girls” in line. The suits always seem to not have enough coverage. This is a great post to help me see the suits on a real person, not a photoshopped model. Thanks for the great picks.
You have a very similar shape to me, so it’s great to see some really flattering swimsuits ‘in the flesh’. Thank you for your courage.
Love the tankini! So flattering and cute! Great post!
I love all these swim suits!!! I am modest too, and I think that’s why I Loved every single one.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Love Your Blog,
Angie
Thank you for going outside your comfort zone, you have a lovely shape very similar to mine I feel like the striped tankini and the high waisted bikini look the best on you and I think maybe it’s because of the contrast Keep it real thanks so much.
So thankful…
the v scalloped is my favorite on you its really flattering. I hope u keep that one
great post
They all look great on you, but my absolute favorites are the miracle crisscross and the ruffled one -piece!
I’ve never commented before and I haven’t even finished reading the post in its entirety, but I had just had to zoom down to the comments and say thank you!! “…I may as well slap on a smile, some cute big earrings, get a spray tan and have some fun!”… this is absolutely perfect and so spot on! And exactly what I needed to hear after feeling less than excited for swimsuit season lately. Thank you for the reminder to just get out there and have fun.
Of all your posts this is probably my favorite (and that’s saying a lot, I love everything you post!) You look amazing and it’s beyond helpful to see what bathing suits look like in the real world. I’m ordering a bunch. Thanks so much!
Best blog post I have ever read!! Thank you for doing this! You look amazing in all of them. My two favorites on you (and the two I want to try on) are the red ruffled one-piece and the high-waisted bikini. It made my day to see these swimsuits on a “real” person and has inspired me to ditch my old swimsuit with the skirt that covers up the parts of me I’m self-conscious about and go shopping for something new and pretty! You’re the best, and I love your blog!!
#girlpower
This is such a fun post Sarah! They are all super cute on you and I especially love that scalloped one piece. How about another post on cover-ups? Love your philosophy about putting on a smile, big earrings and having fun, couldn’t agree more!!
Thank you! We women are clearly needing to see real, unretouched bodies. So many of us have such ridiculous shame about our bodies because we are so used to only seeing completely unrealistic images. You look fantastic. I especially love the ruffled one pieces and striped tankini on you! Have a fun summer in your cute suits!
Let me just say how brave you are to put yourself out there like this! Braver than I would be! My very favorite suit on you was the last one! The blue striped reversible tankini! That one is very flattering on you also! Plus I think that blue looks great with your hair and complexion. But the fact is, you’re lovely no matter what you choose! Have a wet and happy summer!
Love this! You look stunning and I found this post super helpful!
Thank you for this post! So great to see a woman being real!! I completely agree that the experience of being at the beach/pool is so much more important than being self conscious, even though its much easier said than done. Bonus for me – aside from height, you and I have the same size and figure/body type and after seeing how great they look on you I am very interested in several styles that I would probably would have otherwise been too chicken to try!
I love this post !!! All of these look good, but the blue tankini is my favorite. Like you, I am 5’8″ with a long torso. I find sizing up helps with that.
I have enjoyed following you and this was the best post! Seeing real people in swimsuits!!!! You are the best!
Kudos to you for having the courage to post this! Thank you thank you. I loved the look of the scalloped navy suit on you! Sexy and classic which I feel suits your style well.
I have never commented before but read often. This is one of the most helpful posts I have ever read! Thank you so much! You are gorgeous- the tankini is my favorite! I would love to see “real life” outfits too! Thank you again.
Love the tankini on you! Thank you for sharing! I love your blog.
Thanks for the great swimsuit options!! Super helpful post!!
Sarah, long time reader here but first time I have commented. Can I just say this was one of my favorite blog posts of yours! Like many have already said it was So helpful and So Brave of you to put yourself out there so that others can see what real women look like in a bathing suit! Let me tell you girl you looked stunning in all of them! I have to say my most favorite was the crocheted one piece. It was super flattering and sexy without being over the top. On a side note I have to say i love your style, your blog and I look forward to reading your weekend recap every Monday. Keep up the good work!
Sarah, seriously your Best. Post. Ever.!!! You are so brave to model swimsuits, and to remind us all to just put on a smile and a pair of big earrings, and go have FUN! Love reading your blog, and getting “coastal inspiration” along with your positive attitude about life!
You look awesome and your attitude is “awesomer”! (Is that a word?) Ha!
I love all your posts!
You look great! Thanks for keeping it real! My faves on you are the scalloped one piece and the blue tankini. You’re rocking them!
This post is so generous and encouraging! You look terrific in all of them, but I like the blue-striped tankini best on you (but I always like blue and white!). I’m new to your blog, and I am so impressed with this. What a wonderful post from a wonderful person.
You look great! So many cute suits. Love the scalloped one but I usually can’t go that low without becoming r rated. Keep the high waisted bikini, you rock in it! I loved the paragraph on “my body is far from perfect….” I feel the same way.
Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone & sharing all the great options! Happy swimming (hopefully that will be soon)! ☀️ 🏊♀️
Loved this post! I am 5’9” and a size 12 swimsuit so this was perfect for me. You are a joy to read, thank you.
Awesome and helpful post. Thanks for having the courage
I love this post! I have a long torso also and it sometimes turns into a comedy finding a one piece suit that fits. Thank you for showing such great options.
You look fabulous! Words cannot express how much I appreciate this post. Thank you sooooo much for sharing. I came across this on Pinterest. Believe me I will be back to explore your site. Kudos to you!!! 🙌🏻👏🏻🙌🏻
This post is great! Thanks for tackling an issue that most women feel so sensitive about. You look great and it is very helpful to see how the various suits fit on a “real person”.
Awesome post! I enjoy each and every one, but you rocked this one. Super helpful and you look great! Like someone said above seeing a “real” model helps so much. You looked great in each style. I’m heading to the beach this week.
Bravo for being able to do this! I can barely wear a swimsuit at the beach, let alone display on the internet. I will say one thing that is hard for me with swimsuits is justifying the higher price, I’ve always been a Target swim suit kind of girl.
Thank you so much for this post! It’s difficult trying to figure out what might look good in real life when all the models in the ads are flawless with perfect figures. You look fantastic in all the suits. This gave me a good idea of some styles I can try.
Thank you! I wish I could see more real bodies when purchasing swim suits online.
So cute. I’m bummed the couple of links I clicked through are no longer for sale. But agree with other commenters – thank you for the real pics! Very helpful.