I love swimsuits: I've tried just about every style, and I get a lot of joy out of experimenting with different textures, patterns, cuts, and swimwear brands. However, my D-cup breasts do not always cooperate with my love for this notoriously skimpy corner of the fashion world, and many of my favorite swim tops end up relegated to the back of a drawer, only ever seeing the light of day when I'm tanning in solitude in my backyard. I'm a Leo, however, and love to wear my cute clothes proudly in public, so it's become my mission to track down the all-time best swimsuits for big busts.
After all, the last thing I want to do when I'm out and about is worry about whether everyone in sight is about to get a glimpse of a nipple. And whereas I used to feel like my bust limited the array of styles I was able to take advantage of, I've come to realize that people with big busts can enjoy a number of swim styles without feeling self-conscious—all you need to know is what to look out for and what occasions you'd like to wear them for.
To uncover all the tips and tricks for finding a swimsuit for big busts, I spoke to swim experts and founders who've spent hours upon hours thinking about the topic. With their advice—and with our round-up of the tried-and-true best swimsuits for big busts—you can spend more time having fun and flaunting what you've got, and less time worrying about a wardrobe malfunction.
What To Look For in Swimsuits for Big Busts
- Fabric
Swimsuits tend to be made from stretchy, water-wicking fabrics that accommodate movement—but that doesn't mean they're all equally suitable for people with large busts. Some are thicker and more supportive than others. Valentina Suescun, designer at luxury swimwear brand ONEONE agrees, "Customers with large busts should look for swimsuits made with supportive and stretchy fabrics such as spandex or Lycra. Additionally, swimsuits with a lining or additional layers can help provide more support and coverage." Lining is also helpful for women with darker nipples, which may show through an overly thin fabric that's not properly lined.
Chantal Levesque, founder and designer of SHAN, adds that women with large busts should also look for bikinis and one-pieces that utilize "a high percentage of elastane," which she explains "adds support while being stretchy and offering comfort no matter the movement or activity done."
- Coverage
Both Suescun and Levesque agree that full-coverage swimsuits are ideal for women with big busts who plan on swimming, diving, or playing beach sports while donning their suits. Suescun says that higher necklines, such as halter-style tops, "can provide more support and coverage," and Levesque notes that front-crossed styles also work well for covering one's curves. The latter does, however, recommend styles like bandeaus or triangle tops, which provide less coverage and are more likely to slip down or otherwise fall out of place—especially if you're swimming in the ocean or running.
- Underwire
Underwire is a source of dread for many bra-wearers, but for others (like me), underwire is an absolute must for both bras and swimwear. In fact, Levesque calls it "priority number one" for women with large breasts looking for maximum support, and Suescun agrees, calling underwire a "key feature" in supporting large busts. While the latter acknowledges that it can be uncomfortable for some, she explains that this feature "can provide additional support and shaping for people with large busts—but it is a personal preference."
- Straps
An overlooked yet crucial component of swimsuit shopping—particularly for people with large busts—is the quality of the suit's straps. Suescun stresses that wide, adjustable straps are of the utmost importance, seeing as thin straps "may not provide enough support for people with large busts," in her words. Adjustable straps also play a huge role in ensuring the best, most supportive, and most personalized fit for the wearer.
Finding the Right Fit
So you've scoped out the fabric, checked for underwire, analyzed the cut, and found the right straps. As you're standing in the dressing room or unwrapping your newly arrived package, your next question is whether that new swimsuit truly fits right, or if you need to swap out for another size.
"If the bust stays at the correct level—meaning it is not falling lower—then it fits properly," explains Levesque.
Suescun adds, "A properly fitting swimsuit for someone with a large bust should provide enough support and coverage without causing discomfort. The swimsuit should fit snugly but not be too tight, and the straps should not dig into the shoulders."
And above all? Suescun reminds us, "The most important thing is to feel comfortable." As the adage goes: Your clothes (swimsuits included) are meant to fit you—not the other way around.
The Best Swimsuits for Big Busts
Levesque recommends this low-back swimsuit as an A+ one-piece option for those with big busts. In fact, she says it was designed exactly for that, explaining, "What I love the most about low back swimsuits is when the front is fully or almost fully covered, but the back has a unique and spectacular design." In terms of this specific style, she continues, "Here you can see that the back cut is very low, but it still gives support in the front since we added tie string in the front and the back of the bust area."
"Our bestseller top is the Kameron top, and it fits all types of bodies—women with large busts and women with small busts," says Suescun of this ribbed colorblock bikini top. "It is a triangle top that has adjustable straps. It gives a high degree of support." Its thick straps along the top and back truly never budge. Plus, it comes in five different, equally vibrant colorways, and its matching bottoms are equally as comfortable and popular as the top is.
Customer Review: "This is my new favorite bikini. I'm usually between a small and a medium on top and I sized down and it is perfect. It's snug enough to feel secure and gives me a little cleavage. The colors are super vibrant just like the photos and the fabric is really nice. So in love." -Free People
Another low-back recommendation from Levesque, this high-neck one-piece swimsuit comes in two popular colorways: black and this striking orange. Levesque describes, "This style offers elegance and comfort at the same time. Even with a low back, the bust is supported by the side straps, which are carefully placed in a way that advantages the silhouette from the back and the front." Indeed, the turtleneck-like collar and the thick straps on this piece are what allow the suit to have a plunging neckline without causing unwanted slippage.
I recently discovered Italian brand Bikini Lovers, and I've been a fan ever since. They use employ innovative designs, details, and fabrics to create pieces that will undoubtedly set you apart from everyone else on the beach. Their site lists an impressively long list of bikinis, tankinis, and one pieces, but this balconette bikini in particular stands out as the perfect swimsuit for women with big busts. Its cut is flattering, it features sturdy, stylized underwire, and the ruffles that line the tops of its cups obscure extra cleavage from view.
This top, made from a flexible blend of nylon and spandex, was specially made with large busts in mind. Not only does it have a secure tie front and adjustable shoulder straps, but this piece also employs built-in underwire to keep your girls held up securely. The piece's flattering cup style also enhances your natural curves without revealing too much, and its support allows you to swim comfortably in the ocean without fearing that a wave might dislodge your bikini.
Cupshe has built its brand around creating stylish, size-inclusive pieces that allow curvy wearers to swim, jump, run, and dive just as comfortably as everyone else. And for those who prefer to keep their cleavage tucked away on the beach, this tropical-themed one-piece is just the ticket. It includes supportive, padded cups, adjustable ties at the neck, and it even includes a keyhole cutout on the back so you can show a bit of skin without worrying about a revealing wardrobe malfunction.
Customer Review: "I have a longer torso and this suit is not too short. 5'7 and 145lbs. The back is super cute." -Walmart
CUUP is another brand that's crafted around comfort—especially for those with larger busts. Case in point: Sometimes, letter sizes simply don't cut it, and when you're looking for swimwear, you want your top to fit just as snug as your bra. For that reason, CUUP has an entire line of swimwear in which customers can customize their swimwear to align with their exact bra size. This way, you'll always get exactly the right fit, no matter what. This suit also comes in eight chic colorways, including this limited edition hibiscus shade.
Customer Review: "The most comfortable swim top I have ever owned. It is flattering, exactly as advertised and supportive yet still fun." -CUUP
Athleta crafts high-performance products made for women of all sizes (I, for one, am in love with their sports bras), so it's no wonder that they produce such impressive swimwear, too. This bikini top is made with movement in mind—the website says it's great for swimming, surfing, and paddle-boarding. Plus, it's ultra-soft, provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and is made from 80 percent recycled nylon. And if you’re constantly on the move, or if you only have room for one swimsuit in your travel bag, never fear— it’s also quick-drying.
Customer Review: "The cups are great! Happy to find a cute suit that can support the girls. 36Dd and feel very secure in this." -Athleta
Balconette cups are my all-time favorite cut when it comes to bras and swimsuits. With their substantial lift and vintage-like silhouette, they're amazing for busty women who want to show off their curves (without flashing everyone in sight). I also love this unique pattern, which reminds me of vintage porcelain. Those details, along with the ruffles along the top of the suit's cups (as well as the bottom), enhance its classic, vintage feel. Plus, this top has adjustable straps and a sturdy yet easy-to-use clasp.
This one piece by Lokiki lets you enjoy both the sexiness of a plunging suit and the security of a no-budge piece. It's self-lined with medium hold, and it runs small to ensure compression while shaping and holding your curves in place. Swimwear brand Lokiki also prides itself on crafting smooth, seamless swimsuits that are excellent if you (like me) struggle with irritation around your bikini line after shaving or waxing. Best of all? Every Lokiki piece is made from 100 percent recycled nylon sourced from fishing nets.
Everyone needs a good multiway swimsuit, but such tops are often too skimpy for women with large busts or nipples. This number from Ivy Swimwear, however, is made of thick, soft fabric and provides full coverage, so you can wear it however you'd like without ever having to worry about it slipping. I also love that its peek-a-boo detailing is tied together with a string, rendering it completely adjustable so that you can show off as much (or as little) cleavage as you want.
I'm a big fan of Deta Knits for many reasons: Its sustainable, ethical means of production, its incomparable comfort, its effortlessly sexy fit, and, of course, its size inclusivity. I own this particular top, and it's super soft and comfortable—perfect for those who hate underwire and prefer bralette-like support. The knitted fabric has just the right amount of give that allows it to stretch to suit the size of my breasts, but it also provides adequate support so that I'm not bouncing around uncomfortably.
Meet the Experts
Valentina Suescun is the designer at ONEONE Swim. She is currently based in Colombia.
Chantal Levesque is the founder and designer of SHAN, a luxury swimwear brand based in Montréal, Canada. Her award-winning brand, founded in 1985, was established upon the premise of creating luxury, ready-to-wear swimwear, lingerie, and accessories using localized production methods and high-quality raw materials.
