Cool Clothing Niche: Trendy Plus Size Swimwear 

Here’s the Data (And Why It’s Screaming “Start This Store”)

Let’s break it down (from Semrush):

• Plus size swimwear → 49,500 searches/month
• Swimwear (general) → 40,500 searches/month
• Keyword Difficulty → 41 (plus size) vs 62 (general)
• Translation: Less competition, more demand.

So not only does this niche have volume, it’s got opportunity. The combo we live for.

Now here’s the wild part:
There’s almost no brand out there selling this in a way that actually feels fashion-forward. It’s either boring solids or party-store prints. No vision. No vibe.

Which means you? You could be the first to get it right.

What Not to Do: The Lane Bryant Problem

Let’s just say it—Lane Bryant is the top Google result, but it’s not the inspiration.

Their swimwear strategy is “coverage and control,” not confidence and cool.
Their models? Safe.
Their designs? Meh.
Their energy? Mom at the hotel pool with a rash guard and a grudge.

It’s like swimsuit shopping got turned into a dentist appointment.

That’s exactly what your store needs to rebel against.

How to Sell Plus Size Swimwear and Actually Eat

Alright, here’s the sauce. You want a lean, stylish, profitable Shopify store that doesn’t look like it was cobbled together from AliExpress randomness?

Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick an Aesthetic (and Stay in Your Lane)

Don’t sell every vibe. Sell one strong vibe. That’s how you build a brand.
Here are a few niche aesthetics you could own:

• Old Money Swimwear – neutrals, belted waists, underwire one-pieces, “I summer in Saint-Tropez” energy
• Retro 50s Riviera – polka dots, sweetheart necklines, high-waisted bottoms, the pin-up comeback
• Boho Beach Babe – crochet details, warm tones, gauzy coverups, soft-glam festival energy
• Euro Summer Core – crisp whites, oversized sunglasses, everything looks like a Vogue shoot

Style is the differentiator. If your store has taste? You’ll win without even touching inventory.

2. Dropship, Import, or Manufacture?

You don’t need to manufacture anything. You don’t even need to bulk import. (Although you can!)
And if you dropship, you have to to curate like you’re a fashion editor at Condé Nast.

Here’s the play:

• Go on Trendsi, Spocket, CJ Dropshipping, or even Etsy wholesalers
• Order 10–15 samples
• Only pick the best 5–7 pieces for your launch collection
• Build styled bundles around those pieces (“The Amalfi Edit,” “Poolside with Friends,” etc.)

You’re a vibe. A curated, styled boutique. Chef’s kiss.

3. Name Everything Like It’s Expensive

No one wants to buy the “Plus Size No-Wire Swim Dress.”
They want to buy:

• The Sundown Edit
• The Golden Hour Suit
• The Coastliner One-Piece
• The Marina Mood Set

Make the product names aesthetic. Make them desirable.
It’s all fantasy—and Shopify stores that sell a vibe are the ones that go viral.

4. Shoot Content That’s Got Style

Your competition is using product shots on white backgrounds. You’re gonna do better.

Use UGC creators or AI tools to create:

• Plus-size models in natural, beautiful poses
• Beach setups with real-world lighting (not overexposed stock)
• Try-on reels, moodboard posts, and Pinterest-ready lookbooks

Bonus tip: Canva has a ton of free templates to help style your product imagery like a real brand—not a reseller.

5. Use the Right Shopify Theme

Choose from a swimwear theme above. You want a theme that’s:

• Clean and visual (not cluttered)
• Editorial-style layout
• Great mobile flow (because that’s where 85% of traffic lives)

If you can make the shopping experience feel like scrolling through a fashion zine, you’ve already won.

The Fantasy They Want (And You Should Sell)

Here’s the golden rule:
Don’t sell a swimsuit. Sell the moment they wear it.

Your customer doesn’t want utility. She wants to feel:

• Hot on a boat deck
• Glowing in a resort photo dump
• Powerful walking to the beach bar
• Soft and radiant in the pool at golden hour

Every product, every photo, every line of copy should feed that fantasy.

Because when you sell that?
You’re not just selling bathing suits.
You’re building a brand that sticks.

TL;DR — This Is Your Sign to Launch It

• High demand
• Low competition
• Zero good options doing it right
• Room to actually build something beautiful

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to not be boring.

And if you can build a plus-size swimwear store that has vision, vibe, and actual style?
You’re going to win.

Hard.

Need help picking your aesthetic, styling your bundles, or launching your Shopify theme like a boss?
Let’s get to work. Summer 2025 is calling.