Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Plunge Head First Into Summer With These 32 Low-Back One-Piece Swimsuits

The swim scene has come a very long way. Where itty bitty string bikinis were once de rigeur for looking sexy at the beach and by the pool, we're now opting for on-trend bathing suits that don't show off too much skin and rather show off just enough. To prove it, we're calling out the Goldilocks of swimsuits: one-pieces of the low-back variety. High up front (to avoid any wave-induced slippage) and low in back, these pieces officially end the days of compromising coverage for sex appeal.

The world of low-back one-piece swimsuits is nearly limitless, with everyone from Anthropologie and Cupshe to Farm Rio and Madewell throwing their hats (or maillots) in the ring. While you may not get the line-less tan you're used to, it'll all be worth it when you don't have to spend any time adjusting and re-tying your string bikini after every dip in the water.

To help you find a swimsuit that's just right, we've laid out all the best straight-size and plus-size one-pieces. Trust us, you'll be ready to take on the warmer months with these not-too-revealing, not-too-conservative, open-back one-piece swimsuits.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

ASOS DESIGN Crinkle Low Back Swimsuit


Shop ASOS

ASOS Crinkle Low Back Swimsuit, $, available at ASOS

Frankies Bikinis Fawn Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Frankies Bikinis

Frankies Bikinis Fawn Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Frankies Bikinis

Madewell Reversible Tie Spaghetti-Strap One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Madewell

Madewell Reversible Tie Spaghetti-Strap One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Madewell

Aerie Crinkle Scoop One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Aerie

Aerie Crinkle Scoop One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Aerie

La Blanca Cross Back One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Nordstrom

La Blanca Cross Back One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom

Kona Sol Pucker Textured Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Target

Kona Sol Pucker Textured Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Target

Boamar Vivian One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Anthropologie

Boamar Vivian One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Anthropologie

Stone Fox Swim Azalea Printed One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Urban Outfitters

Stone Fox Swim Azalea Printed One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Urban Outfitters

SummerSalt The Ruffle Backflip Swimsuit


Shop SummerSalt

Summersalt The Ruffle Backflip Swimsuit, $, available at Summersalt

Farm Rio Sweet Rio One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Farm Rio


Farm Rio Sweet Rio One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Farm Rio

Bleu by Rod Beattie Plus Size Kore Lace-Up One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Macy's




Bleu by Rod Beattie Kore Lace-Up One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Macy's

H&M High Leg Swimsuit


Shop H&M

H&M High Leg Swimsuit, $, available at H&M

Free Society One Shoulder Cut Out Swimsuit


Shop ASOS


Free Society One Shoulder Cut Out Swimsuit, $, available at ASOS

Rio de Sol Hype Tie Front Brazilian One Piece


Shop Zappos

Rio de Sol Hype Tie Front Brazilian One Piece, $, available at Zappos

Maaji Nacar Reversible One Piece


Shop Revolve

Maaji Nacar Reversible One Piece, $, available at Revolve

Swimsuits For All Cut Out Underwire One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Swimsuits For All

Swimsuits For All Cut Out Underwire One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Swimsuits For All

Nike Lace-Up Tie-Back Swimsuit


Shop Nike

Nike Lace-Up Tie-Back Swimsuit, $, available at Nike

Peixoto Janis V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Anthropologie

Peixoto Janis V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Anthropologie

Weekday Stream Open Back Swimsuit


Shop ASOS

Weekday Stream Open Back Swim Suit, $, available at ASOS

Dixperfect Retro Inspired High Cut Low Back One Piece


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Dixperfect Retro High Cut Low Back One Piece, $, available at Amazon

Bleu Rod Beattie Ring Me Up Off-the-Shoulder Cross-Back Mio


Shop Zappos

Bleu Rod Beattie Ring Me Up Off-the-Shoulder Cross-Back Swimsuit, $, available at Zappos

Cupshe Plunge Twist Halter Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Cupshe

Cupshe Plunge Twist Halter One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at cupshe

Athleta Hampton One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Athleta

Athleta Hampton One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Athleta

RELLECIGA High Cut Low Back One Piece Thong Swimsuit


Shop Amazon

RELLECIGA High Cut Low Back One Piece Thong Swimsuit, $, available at Amazon

J.Crew Reversible Scoopneck One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop J.Crew

J.Crew Reversible Scoopneck One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at J.Crew

Robbin Piccone Amy Rib One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Nordstrom

Robin Piccone Amy Rib One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom

Spell Cha Cha Twist One Piece


Shop Revolve

Spell Cha Cha Twist One Piece, $, available at Revolve

BECCA by Rebecca Virtue Delilah Clare Plunge One-Piece


Shop Zappos

BECCA by Rebecca Virtue Delilah Clare Plunge One-Piece, $, available at Zappos

Devon Windsor Paris Strappy One-Piece Swimsuit


Shop Urban Outfitters

Devon Windsor Paris Strappy One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Miraclesuit Plus Size Escape Underwire Allover-Slimming Wrap One-Piece


Shop Macy's

Miraclesuit Underwire Allover-Slimming Wrap One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Macy's

Agua Bendita Tulipa Suki One Piece Swimsuit


Shop Shopbop

Agua Bendita Tulipa Suki One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Shopbop

Norma Kamali Halter Low Back One Piece


Shop Revolve

Norma Kamali Halter Low Back One Piece, $, available at Revolve

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The 6 Hottest Plus Size Dress Trends And Where To Find Them

Fashion can have an “out with the old, in with the new”  feel to it, but if the resurgence of flats and flared jeans have taught us anything, it's that the trends of yesteryear are back and stronger than ever — with a bit of a modern update.

Wondering what exactly to look out for when it comes to trends for spring 2023? We're all about dresses that play with texture (like knit options), proportions (drop-waist, puff sleeve, bubble skirts, etc), and draping (like ruched dresses, and slip dresses). Bright colors and metallics are also huge for spring. Don’t be afraid to be bold and stand out with these looks. 

Plus-size folks can participate in any and all trends, thanks to a growing list of legacy retailers and up-and-coming brands offering more options in more sizes. We know how it can feel a little intimidating to wear certain styles, even if you LOVE the look of them. But trust us — wear the dress. Rock the look! Even if it is just for yourself, in your room, in front of the mirror, don’t dim your light (when it comes to fashion, or otherwise). 

If that didn't convince you, may we get off our lil soapbox and let you know we've also rounded up our favorite of-the-moment plus-size dress trends and found 24 options that embody them perfectly? Here are some of our favorite plus-size dresses that you’ll be seeing this spring.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Slip Dresses


Slip dresses are effortlessly sexy. You can wear a classic satin slip style with lace accents (which is a nod to the lingerie origins of the style), or choose a more modern approach to the trend that incorporates fun prints and patterns, and embellishments, such as chains, sequins, and feathers. Wear this style whenever you want to make someone fall head over heels for you, or if you want to receive compliments all night long. It exudes an effortless confidence that’s irresistible. 

Shop Macy's

And Now This Satin Chain-Strap Slip Dress, $, available at Macy's

Ava & Viv Sleeveless Satin Dress


Shop Target

Ava & Viv Sleeveless Satin Dress, $, available at Target

COLLUSION Satin Cowl Neck Midi Dress with Matching Shrug


Shop ASOS

Collusion Satin midi cowl neck midi with matching shrug, $, available at ASOS

11 Honoré Cree Slip Dress


Shop Dia & Co

11 Honoré Cree Slip Dress, $, available at Dia & Co.

Knit Dresses


Knit dresses are not only for winter — you can wear this style in all four seasons. From the ultra-cozy and warm oversized sweater dresses like the Ulla Popken Knit Dress to the sleek and body-hugging ribbed Knit Dress from Fashion To Figure, you can feel comfortable and stylish. 

As the weather gets warmer, be on the lookout for loose knit mini dresses, too.

Shop Fashion to Figure


Fashion to Figure Lorena Ribbed Knit Sweater Dress, $, available at Fashion to Figure

Cider Jersey U-neckline Contrasting Split Knitted Midi Dress


Shop Cider

cider Jersey U-neckline Contrasting Split Knitted Midi Dress, $, available at Cider

Ulla Popken Fully Fashioned Rib Knit Dress


Shop Ulla Popken


Ulla Popken Fully Fashioned Rib Knit Dress, $, available at Ulla Popken

H&M+ Knit Dress


Shop H&M

H&M Knit Dress, $, available at H&M

Sheer Dresses


Sheer dresses are one of the hottest trends, and one we love to see in plus sizes. The versatility of a sheer dress is unmatched. Wear it with a slip of the same color, or style it with pants (another favorite trend we are seeing everywhere). You can bare it all if you want, or go for an option that has sheer panels for that sneak peek of skin.

Shop Good American

Good American Mesh Midi Dress, $, available at Good American

Eloquii Maxi Printed Mesh Dress


Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Maxi Printed Mesh Dress, $, available at Eloquii

Skims Jelly Sheer Rhinestone Dress


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Skims Jelly Sheer Rhinestone Dress, $, available at Skims

JRAT X BRZ Peek-a-Boo Sheer Layer


Shop Berriez

JRAT X BRZ Peek-a-Boo Sheer Layer, $, available at Berriez

Drop Waist Dresses


One trend you’ll see a lot of in both dresses and tops (hello peplum), is the drop waist. Drop waist dresses were first introduced to us in the 1920s when flapper dresses were all the rage. The style lowers the waistband, which gives the illusion of elongating the torso.  It’s a silhouette that looks incredible on every body. After the flapper dress era of the 20s, the drop waist trend made a resurgence in the early 2000s and is now back in full force in 2023.

Shop ASOS

ASOS Curve boucle mini smock shirt dress with pephem, $, available at ASOS

Buxom Couture Polka Dot Drop Waist Dress


Shop Verishop


Buxom Couture Polka Dot Drop Waist Dress, $, available at Verishop

Bhanuni Jyoti Tiered Short-Sleeve Dress


Shop Anthropologie

Bhanuni Jyoti Tiered Short-Sleeve Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Venus Polka Dot Maxi Dress


Shop Venus

Venus Polka Dot Maxi Dress, $, available at Venus

Bubble Hem Dresses


If you haven't noticed already, Y2k fashion has been dominating the runways, and another trend from that era that we’ve seen everywhere is the bubble hem trend. Yes, the dresses that you remember seeing your favorite celebrity wearing at the MTV music awards of the 2000s are hot again. This time they are way more sophisticated and wearable than their predecessors. We love the playfulness of this style and invite you to get glam and take up space with this trend.

Shop PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Puff Sleeve Puffball Hem Dress, $, available at PrettyLittleThing

Selkie Puff Dress


Shop Revolve

Selkie The Puff Dress, $, available at Revolve

City Chic Ada Dress


Shop City Chic

City Chic Ada Dress, $, available at City Chic

Ashley Stewart Giselle Bubble Dress


Shop Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart The Giselle Bubble Dress, $, available at Ashley Stewart

Ruched/Draped Dresses


We love how the draping and ruching trend deftly accentuates the wearer's frame. These styles celebrate your plus-size body and can be body-skimming or loose-fitting. From casual to work-appropriate and everything in between, this trend is super versatile and timeless.

Shop Shapellx

Shapellx Fit Everybody Smooth Ruched Shaping Dress, $, available at Shapellx

Kiyonna Betsy Ruched Dress


Shop Kiyonna

Kiyonna Betsey Ruched Dress, $, available at Kiyonna

Eloquii Ruched One Shoulder Dress


Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Ruched One Shoulder Dress, $, available at Eloquii

2020AVE Woven Ruched Dress


Shop 2020AVE

2020AVE Woven Ruched Dress, $, available at 2020AVE

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