Like shopping for jeans, it is important to find a bathing suit that is comfortable, is easy to move around in, and hugs the curves correctly. Wearing a swimsuit in public can make anyone feel exposed, but it can be an even harder experience when society has consistently taught us to hide our cellulite and tummy rolls and chubby arms. Finding swimwear that we feel completely happy in can already seem impossible — and for plus-size women (like myself) it can feel especially difficult. That’s why many of us are willing to drop tons of money on the first thing we feel okay in. However, there are actually some pretty good options out there that don’t involve breaking the bank. I tried on six different plus-size swimsuits — at $30 and under, all of them could be considered “cheap” — to see if it really is possible to feel good in something that doesn’t cost way too much money. And let’s just say, I was pleasantly surprised. Leah Cooper/CafeMom Another downside is that the material was very thin. The padding and fringe on the top provided enough coverage, but the bottoms were a little see-through in person. And as a result of the cheap material, the fringe didn’t look quite as nice in person either. Faye Basic Plunge Front Swimsuit (Boohoo, $20) Nude Treasure Hunt Swimsuit ($30, Fashion Nova) Printed Caged Back Bikini Top ($13, Rainbow) Printed High Waisted Bikini Bottom ($13, Rainbow) Ruched Swimsuit (Forever 21, $25) Time and Tru Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle One-Piece ($20, Walmart)
