Finding a plus size swimsuit that actually stays in place during water activities feels like searching for mythical treasure. You want security without sacrificing style, coverage without bulk, and most importantly—a suit that doesn’t ride up, slide down, or require constant adjustment.

As someone who’s tested over two dozen plus size swimsuits across beach vacations, pool sessions, and water aerobics classes, I’ve learned that the drawstring feature often promises more than it delivers. Some suits pull awkwardly, others create uncomfortable pressure points, and many simply don’t provide the security they advertise.

When I discovered this Women’s One Piece Swimsuits Drawstring Multi Color XXL, I approached it with healthy skepticism. Could a $95 swimsuit actually solve the common problems plus size women face? More importantly, would it hold up during real water activities rather than just looking good in photos?

After testing this suit through multiple beach trips, pool sessions, and even some light water aerobics, I’m ready to share what actually works—and what doesn’t—about this popular adjustable swimwear option.

Key Takeaways

• The drawstring provides genuine security for active water use, not just decorative adjustment
• Material holds up well to chlorine and salt water with minimal fading after multiple uses
• True XXL sizing runs slightly generous—consider sizing down if between sizes
• Color patterns are more vibrant in person than product photos suggest
• Limited bust support makes this better for smaller to medium bust sizes

Quick Verdict

Best for: Women seeking secure, active swimwear in plus sizes who prioritize function over high-fashion detailing. The drawstring genuinely works for water sports and playing with kids.

Not ideal for: Those needing significant bust support, looking for tummy control panels, or wanting luxury fabric feel. The construction is practical rather than premium.

Core strengths: The adjustable drawstring actually stays tied and provides customizable security. Material durability exceeds expectations for the price point. Color retention through multiple washes is impressive.

Core weaknesses: Limited built-in bust support requires separate swim bra for larger cup sizes. Side construction could provide better tummy coverage. The fabric feels functional rather than luxurious.

Product Overview & Specifications

This women’s one-piece swimsuit positions itself as a solution for plus size women who want both style and security. The standout feature is the functional drawstring closure that runs through the front of the suit, allowing you to customize the fit through the torso area.

The multi-color pattern approach makes this swimsuit versatile for different skin tones and personal styles, while the XXL sizing aims to accommodate curvier figures without sacrificing coverage. What sets this apart from basic plus size swimsuits is the focus on active wear—this isn’t just for lounging by the pool.

Real-World Performance & Feature Analysis

Design & Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice unpacking this swimsuit is that the colors are more vibrant in person than the product photos suggest. The multi-color pattern has better definition, and the fabric has a subtle sheen that catches sunlight nicely. However, this isn’t the buttery-soft material of premium swimsuits—it feels durable and functional rather than luxurious.

The drawstring system is well-integrated into the design. Unlike some adjustable swimsuits where the drawstring feels like an afterthought, this one runs through properly reinforced channels that don’t pinch or create pressure points. The ends are finished with sturdy plastic aglets that won’t fray, and the knot stays securely tied during use.

Where the construction shows its price point: The side seams are straightforward rather than contour-shaped, and the leg openings are cut generously but without the strategic shaping that more expensive suits use for better thigh coverage. The fabric has good recovery—it springs back well after stretching—but doesn’t have the compression feel of technical swimwear.

Performance in Real Use

I tested this swimsuit across three common scenarios: beach swimming with waves, pool laps, and water aerobics classes. The drawstring made a noticeable difference in security during active use. For ocean swimming, having the ability to tighten the suit through the torso prevented the common plus-size problem of the suit shifting with wave action.

During pool laps, the suit stayed securely in place without riding up—a frequent issue for curvier women in one-piece swimsuits. The material has just enough drag resistance to feel secure without slowing you down. For water aerobics, the suit provided decent freedom of movement, though women with larger busts will still want additional support.

The limitations become apparent in certain activities: When jumping or doing high-impact movements, the bust area doesn’t provide enough stabilization for larger cup sizes. The suit also absorbs minimal water—it doesn’t get heavy when wet—but takes longer to dry than technical performance fabrics.

Ease of Use

Getting in and out of this swimsuit is straightforward for a one-piece design. The shoulder straps have enough stretch to make dressing manageable, and the suit doesn’t bind uncomfortably across the back or shoulders. The drawstring is easy to adjust while wearing the suit, though tying it securely requires a proper knot rather than a simple bow.

Maintenance is where this suit shines: After multiple uses in both chlorinated pool water and salt water, the colors remained vibrant with no noticeable fading. The material resisted pilling and maintained its shape well. Following the care instructions (hand wash, line dry) is important—machine drying would likely compromise the elasticity over time.

The suit packs reasonably well for travel, though the thicker fabric means it takes more space than ultra-thin swimwear options. It also doesn’t wrinkle noticeably when packed, which is convenient for vacation use.

Durability & Reliability

After two months of regular use, this swimsuit has held up better than expected for the price point. The drawstring channels show no signs of stretching or deformation, and the stitching at stress points remains intact. The fabric has maintained its color saturation and recovery properties through approximately 15 wears and washes.

The chlorine resistance is particularly impressive—many similarly priced swimsuits show fading after just a few pool sessions, but this one maintained its vibrancy. The spandex content seems well-balanced to provide stretch without breaking down quickly.

Potential longevity concerns: The plastic aglets on the drawstring ends could potentially crack with rough handling, and the front panel stitching might eventually show wear if the drawstring is frequently pulled very tight. However, for typical use, this suit should last through at least one full season of regular swimming.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Drawstring actually works and stays securely adjusted during activity
• True to size for XXL with comfortable coverage through hips and thighs
• Colorfast material maintains vibrancy through chlorine and salt water exposure
• Durable construction holds up to regular active use
• Versatile pattern works for various skin tones and personal styles

Cons:

• Limited bust support requires separate swim bra for larger cup sizes
• Side construction could provide better tummy coverage for apple shapes
• Fabric feels practical rather than luxurious against the skin
• Takes longer to dry than technical performance swimwear
• Minimal shaping through torso compared to swimsuits with built-in control panels

Comparison & Alternatives

Cheaper Alternative: Amazon Essentials Plus Size One-Piece ($35-45)

The Amazon Essentials suit offers basic coverage at about half the price, but compromises significantly on features. The material is thinner and loses shape faster, there’s no functional drawstring, and the color options are more limited. Choose this if: You need a budget option for occasional use or aren’t planning active water activities. The security and durability don’t compare to our reviewed suit.

Premium Alternative: Lands’ End Plus Size Tummy Control One-Piece ($110-130)

Lands’ End delivers superior bust support, strategic tummy control panels, and more technical fabric that dries faster and feels more premium. The trade-off is less vibrant color options and a higher price point. Choose this if: You need significant bust support, want maximum tummy control, or plan to swim frequently. The investment makes sense for regular swimmers.

Our reviewed suit occupies the sweet spot between these options—better construction and features than budget suits, but more accessible than premium technical swimwear. The drawstring provides genuine security that cheaper suits lack, while the price remains reasonable for the quality.

Buying Guide / Who Should Buy

Best for beginners to plus size swimwear who want a reliable, secure option without overwhelming features. The straightforward design and true sizing make this suit approachable for women new to shopping for plus size swimwear.

Best for active users who need security during swimming, water sports, or playing with kids at the pool. The functional drawstring makes this suit particularly valuable for women who’ve struggled with swimsuits shifting during activity.

Not recommended for women who need significant bust support (D cup and larger), those seeking maximum tummy control through strategic paneling, or anyone wanting luxury fabric feel. The practical construction serves active needs well but doesn’t provide the same level of shaping or support as specialized options.

FAQ

Does the drawstring actually stay tied during swimming?

Yes, with proper tying. The plastic aglets help the drawstring stay securely knotted, and the positioning through reinforced channels prevents slipping. I tested this through ocean waves and pool laps without any loosening.

How does the sizing compare to other plus size swimsuits?

This runs true to standard US XXL sizing. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing down as the suit has generous stretch. The cut accommodates curvier hips and thighs well without riding up.

Will the colors fade in chlorine?

Minimal fading observed after 15+ pool sessions. The color retention is better than many similarly priced swimsuits, though very frequent chlorine exposure will eventually affect any swimsuit.

Is there enough bust support for larger cup sizes?

Limited built-in support makes this better for A-C cups. Women with larger busts will likely want to wear a separate swim bra for active use, though the suit works fine for casual swimming and lounging.

How does this compare to more expensive plus size swimsuits?

You’re getting the core security feature (functional drawstring) and good durability without premium materials or advanced shaping features. It’s an excellent value for active use but lacks the luxury touches of higher-priced options.