This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Curvy Fashionista!
Your swimsuit is the foundation. But pool side accessories? This is where your pool day becomes a perfect moment. Whether you’re lying on a lounger, wading in the shallow end, or doing your best impression of someone reading on the beach, the right extras make the difference between a good day and an unforgettable one.
And especially for plus-size women, some of these selections aren’t just about style. They’re all about comfort, practicality and making sure you actually enjoy yourself once you get there. We’re talking oversized towels with actual coverage, floats made for larger bodies, anti-chafe essentials, and a few items that are just plain fun. It’s all below.
Some things to know before purchasing
Always keep the towel size up. A standard beach towel is not designed for larger bodies. You’ll want a sizable or XXL option so you can actually lay flat, wrap completely, and have room for everything you’re carrying. Look for “Beach Towel” with “XL” or “Oversized” in the description and verify dimensions before purchasing.
Anti-chafe is not optional. If you’re walking from the car to the pool, sitting in wet clothes, or doing anything other than lying completely still, grab an anti-chafe stick. This is non-negotiable and is one of the most practical things on this entire list.
Accessories should reflect your beauty. Bold accessories work for bold swimsuits. Classic accessories work for everything. Waist beads, statement hats and body jewelry all look different when the rest of the look is tight. Don’t underestimate what the right final touches do for how you feel there.
10+ Beach and Pool Side Accessories for Plus Size Women
A basic beach bag may not contain the accessories that 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, exterior pockets for sunscreen and keys, and mesh sides that let sand fall out instead of staying in your bag forever. The handles are sturdy and set wide so they don’t dig into your shoulders. Get the largest size available.
buy now
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 really fit. Layer multiple threads over your suit for a stacked look, or keep it simple with one. They’re adjustable, colorful, and made for plus-sized bodies.
learn more
Most sun hats are made for medium heads and shrink like a headband for up to two hours. Sungrubbies makes wide-brimmed 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 flying down. Many styles and colors available.
learn more
Your phone is not in a Ziploc bag. This waterproof pouch is IP68 certified, which means it can handle complete submersion. It floats if you drop it, the screen remains 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. For a reason won the 2026 Men’s Journal Travel Award.
learn more
Most pool floats are rated for 200-250 pounds, which is not enough. This floating lounge has a 400-pound weight capacity, a built-in headrest, cup holders, and a mesh center that keeps you cool while you float. It’s designed for two people, but it works great for a larger-sized person who wants real space. Durable, stable and actually holds the weight it says it does.
learn more
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. Put in your suit, wet towel, whatever. Everything else in your tote stays dry. machine washable. Lightweight and packable. Solves a very specific annoying problem.
learn more
Poolside beverages need to stay cool, and flimsy plastic cups don’t. This insulated tumbler keeps beverages cold for hours, has a handle so it won’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 to take a sip while lying flat. Fits most cup holders. Available in a wide range of colours. worth it.
buy now
Sometimes you want more than a towel. Turkish cotton beach blankets are thin, fast-drying, sand resistant, and really large at 70″ x 90″+. Use it as a blanket, a lightweight cover, or spread it out to cover much more space than a standard towel. Despite being very large, it folds smaller than a normal beach towel. Many colors and patterns available.
buy now
Music makes everything better, and your phone’s speaker isn’t loud enough. This waterproof Bluetooth speaker is IP67 rated, floats when you go in the pool, and has a battery life of 12 hours. The sound quality is really good. Connects to your phone in just a few seconds. Comes in many colors. A pool day required.
buy now
Pool footwear needs to grip wet surfaces and not destroy your feet. The OOfos don’t officially come in wide widths, but the OOriginal Sport Style has a more spacious footbed and adjustable strap that works for wider feet. The foam absorbs impact, the tread actually grips, and they’re made of closed cell foam that doesn’t absorb water. Available up to women’s size 19. After wearing these, your feet will feel better, not worse.
learn more
The complete look starts with the details
The swimsuit is the foundation, but the accessories are where your pool day becomes your own. A wide-brimmed hat, beads on the right waist, an anti-chafe stick that actually works, a towel you can actually lie on, these are not extras. They’re things that make the entire experience feel deliberate rather than improvised.
Build your kit once, stock it up, and grab it whenever the sun comes up. Once you’ve got the accessories sorted, make sure you’ve got your swim cover up too, check out our full guide to where to buy plus size swimwear and our roundup of the best plus size swim coverups to complete the look.
What’s your indispensable pool bag essential? Write it in the comments, we’re always looking forward to adding to the list.
