This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Curvy Fashionista!
Your swimsuit is the foundation. But the poolside accessories? That’s where your pool day becomes a whole moment. Whether you’re stretched out on a lounger, wading through the shallow end, or doing your best impression of someone who reads at the beach, the right extras make the difference between a good day and an unforgettable one.
And for plus size women specifically, some of these picks aren’t just about style. They’re about comfort, practicality, and making sure you actually enjoy yourself once you get there. We’re talking oversized towels with real coverage, floats built for bigger bodies, anti-chafe essentials, and a few items that are just delightful. All of it is below.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Shop
Size up on towels, always. A standard beach towel is not built for plus size bodies. You want an oversized or XXL option so you can actually lay flat, wrap up fully, and have room for everything you’re carrying. Look for “beach towel” with “XL” or “oversized” in the description and verify the dimensions before you buy.
Anti-chafe is not optional. If you’re going to be walking from the car to the pool, sitting in wet fabric, or doing anything other than staying perfectly still, get an anti-chafe stick. This is non-negotiable and one of the most practical things on this entire list.
The accessories should reflect your aesthetic. Bold accessories work for bold swimsuits. Classic accessories work for everything. Waist beads, statement hats, and body jewelry all hit differently when the rest of the look is tight. Don’t underestimate what the right finishing touches do for how you feel out there.
10+ Must-Have Beach & Poolside Accessories for Plus Size Women
A basic beach bag cannot hold what plus size women actually need to bring to the pool. This XXL waterproof tote has a separate sealed compartment for wet swimsuits so everything else stays dry, outer pockets for sunscreen and keys, and mesh sides that let sand fall through instead of living in your bag forever. The handles are reinforced and wide set so they don’t dig into your shoulders. Get the biggest size available.
Most waist beads and belly chains stop at 40 inches and call it a day. Lolo Beads go up to 60 inches, which means they actually fit. Layer multiple strands over your suit for a stacked look, or keep it simple with one. They’re adjustable, colorful, and built for plus size bodies from the jump.
Most sun hats are made for medium heads and squeeze like a headband by hour two. Sungrubbies makes wide brim hats in sizes up to 4XL with UPF 50+ sun protection built into the fabric. The brim is wide enough to actually shade your face, neck, and shoulders. Adjustable chin strap keeps it from blowing off. Multiple styles and colors available.
Your phone does not belong in a Ziploc bag. This waterproof pouch is IP68 certified, which means it can handle full submersion. It floats if you drop it, the screen stays touch sensitive so you can take underwater photos, and it comes with an adjustable strap so you can wear it crossbody or around your neck. Fits all phone sizes. Won a 2026 Men’s Journal Travel Award for a reason.
Most pool floats are rated for 200-250 pounds, which is not enough. This floating lounge has a 400 lb weight capacity, a built in headrest, cup holders, and mesh center that keeps you cool while you float. It’s designed for two people but works great for one plus size person who wants actual space. Durable, stable, and actually holds the weight it says it does.
A wet swimsuit touching your dry clothes, phone, or anything else is a problem. This waterproof wet bag seals completely with a zipper closure that actually works. Toss in your suit, wet towel, whatever. Everything else in your tote stays dry. Machine washable. Lightweight and packable. Solves a very specific annoying problem.
Poolside drinks need to stay cold, and flimsy plastic cups are not it. This insulated tumbler keeps drinks cold for hours, has a handle so it doesn’t slip out of wet hands, and comes with a straw lid so you don’t have to tilt your head back every time you want a sip while lying flat. Fits in most cup holders. Available in tons of colors. Worth it.
Sometimes you want more than a towel. Turkish cotton beach blankets are thin, fast drying, sand resistant, and genuinely oversized at 70″ x 90″+. Use it as a blanket, a light cover up, or spread it flat for way more space than a standard towel. Folds up smaller than a regular beach towel despite being way bigger. Multiple colors and patterns available.
Music makes everything better, and your phone speaker is not loud enough. This waterproof Bluetooth speaker is IP67 rated, floats if it ends up in the pool, and has 12 hour battery life. The sound quality is actually good. Pairs with your phone in seconds. Comes in multiple colors. A pool day essential.
Pool footwear needs to grip wet surfaces and not destroy your feet. OOfos don’t come in official wide widths, but the OOriginal Sport style has a roomier footbed and adjustable strap that works for wider feet. The foam is impact absorbing, the tread actually grips, and they’re made from closed cell foam that doesn’t absorb water. Available up to women’s size 19. Your feet will feel better after wearing these, not worse.
The Full Look Starts with the Details
The swimsuit is the foundation, but the accessories are where your pool day becomes your own. A wide-brim hat, the right waist beads, an anti-chafe stick that actually works, a towel you can actually lay on, these aren’t extras. They’re the things that make the whole experience feel considered rather than improvised.
Build your kit once, keep it stocked, and just grab it every time the sun calls. Once you’ve got the accessories handled, make sure you’ve got the swim covered too, check out our full Where to Buy Plus Size Swimwear guide and our roundup of the best plus size swim coverups to complete the look.
What’s your non-negotiable pool bag essential? Drop it in the comments, we’re always looking to add to the list.
