A beach baby since before birth, I’m team summer, even if it leaves me a frizzy, sweaty mess more often than not. Thankfully, after a little exploring online, some new to me plus-size brands with big summer energy popped into my feed. Everything you need for a Queensland summer, from swimwear to activewear (or as I like to call them, clothes), as well as lightweight sets and dresses.

What constitutes ‘big summer vibes’? No compromise on style or trendiness, no mention of flattering (gag). Fun, exciting shapes and designs in a range of sizes. As usual, I cut any brands that didn’t offer at least an AU 22. Which is, let’s face it, the bare minimum we should expect these days. But the majority go larger, and so they should. Grab the anti-chafe cream, and let’s dive in.

 

Plus-Size Brands with Big Summer Energy!

 

 

Golden the Label

Speaking of the Queensland Summer, this brand was started right here; we’re practically neighbours. Bright and colourful swimwear, as well as coordinated sets and separates designed with nostalgic prints and designs. If my style has evolved at all over the past few years, this is what it has morphed into. Casual, elevated styles in a neutral palette. That’s not to say they don’t bring the colour, though; they are doing that too!

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

SÜK Workwear

Workwear? Really, Suger, are you serious? Yes, yes, I am. From the cheeky shorts to the coveralls, this brand grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go. In case you missed it, I’ve gotten into gardening in the past couple of years (it’s a whole thing, don’t ask, haha). It all started with a single raised garden bed, and now I’m making over our entire property with natives and edible plants of all varieties. You can’t really blame me for eyeing off those overalls that look this good on all shapes and sizes. I could be a farmer in those clothes…

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

Girlfriend Collective

On an adventure around the internet, I joined the mailing list and have enjoyed watching the brand unfold ever since. As yet, we have some great options for activewear made closer to home, but the tennis dresses sucked me in. I blame Serena Williams and my short-lived sports superstar ambitions. Oh, and not to mention Clueless and Cruel Intentions. /what kid of 80s baby would I be if I hadn’t wanted to live out my preppy dreams in a tennis dress?

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

Rennie by Riley

Need itty bitty ‘kinis in your life? Look no further than this recently launched brand. As someone who loves a graphic tee, this is like the graphic tee of swimwear with bright colours and text patterns. So cool. There isn’t a large number of styles available just yet, but that’s a symptom of how early we are getting to the party. Let’s just say that I can’t wait to see what’s next, but for now, this is exactly where you need to be for loud, bold swim pieces.

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

ZARC Clothing

I’ve chatted with the owner of this brand once or twice on Instagram. But having never worn the range myself, I haven’t included many (if any?) pieces in my plus-size ‘where to buy’ round-ups. But I could resist no longer. There’s something very summery about the light and breezy styles, soft prints and classic designs. There’s a casual comfort to the whole range that calls out for long afternoons in the sunshine, cheese board at the ready. Take a look for yourself; I’m sure you’ll agree.

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

Ochre Lane

More hot, hot, hot swimwear action over here! With the added bonus of some of the most fun sunglasses styles I’ve seen in a while. Ochre Lane seems to be another brand that is new’ish with an expanding range. But if your thing is summer neutrals, look no further than the creamy, warm tones of their latest range (plus the orange is a nice touch). Gorgeous! And as a photo-type person, I loved the campaign and social media images for this one; so good. Hard to resist something that calls to me from my Instagram feed as this did.

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

Proud Poppy

Are you into the light but bright styles? Can’t seem to get over the smock dress or flippy skirt? Ummm, do I have the brand for you. New to me because I don’t own any of their pieces, but well known to a lot of you, Proud Poppy is a Queensland brand (apparently) that is all about taking a walk on the bright side. IMO. I’ve selected a couple of styles for the photos that are more my personal muted vibe, but if colourful prints and patterns are your things, click the links now and have a good old time!

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

The Lullaby Club

This new-to-me brand (as in, I hadn’t heard of them before this search) speaks to my new casual, comfortable aesthetic. And wait until you hear this. There are matching mini (kids) versions of the styles! Cuuuute. I’m not sure my nieces will want to go matchy-matchy with me now that they’re all a little older and have their own style, but perhaps one of you can live out that twin life instead. Choose from light summer separates, dresses and recently swimwear and embrace that tonal, never goes out of style, vibe.

find them on instagram  |  shop the range

 

 

Peach The Label

This fun addition is a family-run business that, in their own words, creates designs with your ‘peach’ in mind, with silhouettes that are developed to fit and flatter your curves in just the right places. Fashion that makes you feel truly confident, comfortable and amazing in your own skin. Love that! With affordable basics and fun, on-trend pieces for every season, they’re worth a closer look when you’re looking to add toy our wardrobe this summer.

find them on Instagram  |  shop the range

 

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And that wraps things up for this big summer energy post. Don’t forget to check out some of the stores mentioned and share your favourites in the comment. And it’s probably worth mentioning that some of my old favourites also offer bright, fun collections this summer. There’s something very summer about fresh summer styles in light, bright colours.

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