Don’t get me wrong — I love my curves. But when it comes to putting on a swimsuit? It’s a challenge. Where my big-boob ladies at? Not only do we have to navigate the basic question of “will I fall out of this?” but we also have to constantly ask ourselves: “How much cleavage is showing?” “Do I want that much cleavage to show?” “Will the straps break?” “Will this last me more than one beach day?” And perhaps, most importantly, “Will my boob sweat show?”
And the thing is, us bustier women also know it’s not just the size of the boob — it’s the shape. Are you fuller on top? Good luck with a bandeau. Are your breasts closer together? Say buh-bye to plunge halters. You get the picture. But fear not. I’ve found the best suits that work for all of us blessed with bigger breasts, because dammit, we shouldn’t have to be thinking this hard about a day on the beach.
Summersalt The Sidestroke
This one-shouldered style is everything you want in a suit — it’s the perfect one-piece! It elongates your torso and legs but keeps the girls tucked safely in place without the chance of overexposure. The color stripes make your body look longer and leaner, without sacrificing shape and coverage — perfect for those who want true coverage without looking like a sack on the beach. It comes in a range of great colors, including solid options, so you’re sure to find something you like. Bonus: It’s made from recycled materials (sustainability!) and has built-in sun protection of SPF 50+. Good looking out!
Summersalt The Sidestroke, $95, summersalt.com
Ochie Swim Donna Top
Inspired by designer Hana Lloyd’s Trinidadian upbringing, these incredibly well-made suits exude Caribbean prettiness and femininity. This Donna halter top, in particular, is a dream with sweet and sexy buttons that go all the way up for a little peek-a-boo action, but plenty of coverage for curvy busts, including a tie at the bottom. If you do need extra support, you might want to try a different style — and Ochie has plenty. But for a great mix of sexy and covered, this is perfect. Pair with low-rise, full coverage bottoms for a great look, and one that will be completely Instagram-ready — should that be your thing!
Ochie Swim Donna Top, $150, OchieSwim.com
Swimsuits for All Madame Everglade Underwire High Waist Bikini
For us #bigboobedandblessed, you really can’t go wrong with anything from Swimsuits for All. The inclusive brand and shop, with collections by Ashley Graham and Gabi Fresh, has some of the best sizing for tops among all swimsuit brands, and truly serves everyone, from petites to plus-sized and everything in-between. You can find a ton of different styles here, from resort-inspired to over-the-top sexiness, so you get your pick of vibes. Here, the Madame Everglade is fun and sweet, perfect for a tropical vacation (with a cocktail in hand, ideally). Plus, the pricing is affordable — you really can’t beat it.
Swimsuits for All Madame Everglade Underwire High Waist Bikini, $63, swimsuitsforall.com
L*SPACE Crossroads Texture Rebel Top (and Frenchi Bottom)
Recently sported by Selena Gomez, this sweet and simple suit packs quite the punch with the textured fabric that hides sweat and nipples even in the white (yep, we went there. And if you’ve ever had a white suit, you understand.) The bandeau-inspired top with straps gives just the right amount of support, while also showing off the curves you have. Pair with a high-waisted bottom to show off those hips, and you’ll have the ideal suit for pretty much any beach or pool. In short, it’s just a super figure-flattering, easy suit that will serve you well in the long run.
L*SPACE Crossroads Texture Rebel Top (and Frenchi Bottom),$92 (top) and $99 (bottoms), LSpace.com
Alexandra Miro Whitney Swimsuit
There’s a reason the Whitney swimsuit is the most popular design of London-based brand and designer Alexandra Miro’s. Not only is it retro and chic, but the design is truly flattering on every body shape — including those of us with bigger, fuller busts. The white detail pops against the dark suiting, which only enhances your shape and creates an hourglass figure that anyone would be envious of (and for good reason). Plus, the dark color keeps everything looking sleek, smooth, and sweat-free. Now time to add some cat-eye sunglasses and a big floppy hat for a full look.
Alexandra Miro Whitney Swimsuit, $260, AlexandroMiro.com
Target Shade & Shore Berry Floral Lift Out Bikini Top
This full-coverage top with molded cups from Shade & Shore doesn’t skimp on the cuteness factor — but it doesn’t skimp on support either — thank goodness! The crisscross back tie helps you keep comfortable and fully supported, while the small cutout in the front creates a cute (and slimming) accent. Plus, did we mention it’s from Target? Hello, can’t-miss deals. Buy online and don’t risk walking out with a potted plant and a Slip ‘N Slide you never needed. Mix and match solid or printed bottoms for several different looks, and you’ll be living your best beach life in no time.
Target Shade & Shore Berry Floral Lift Out Bikini Top, $28 (top), target.com
Venus Full Coverage Top
This underwire bikini top from Venus goes up to a size G, comes in different colors, and features super wide straps and a wider back strap to keep you comfortable, supported, and lifted. (That lifted part is muy importante — it’ll help elongate your body and torso while enhancing your shape — boom! With high-waisted bottoms, you’ll have a vintage-inspired swim look that’ll turn some heads in all the right ways — I promise. Just add a cute sarong or cover-up and don’t forget the sunscreen to protect yourself. Yes, we’re here to remind you of that — no wrinkles for you or sunburn for you!
Venus Full Coverage Top,$36 (top), venus.com
Andie The Tulum Ribbed
Here it is, the suit you’ve been looking for. Think of this as the Little Black Dress (LBD) of swimsuits — meaning it goes with everything, looks super chic and fitted, and will last you for years to come — honestly. Plus, with ribbed fabric, scoop neck, removable cups, and a double lining, it’ll keep everything smooth and supported and looking great. Pro tip: Size up for a slightly better fit, especially for us bigger busts, AKA D-cup and over. Oh, and the best part of this purchase? It’s two for one. You can also wear this baby as a bodysuit since it’s universally flattering and is ribbed like knit.
Andie The Tulum Ribbed, $115, andieswim.com
Peek & Beau Fuller Bust Underwire Bikini in Star Print
This suit is the suit for when you want to stand out and turn some heads. This Peek & Beau suit features underwire support with strong clasp closure, meaning there’s no chance of the dreaded “help, my clasp just broke” moment. This suit also features a ruffle embellishment on the front that draws attention up top in the best way possible and makes everything look a bit more chic. Don’t you think? Pair with its matching high-waisted bottoms for the cutest beach look and don’t forget to get some amazing sunnies and a bold red lip for some truly enviable shots.
Peek & Beau Fuller Bust Underwire Bikini in Star Print, $45 (top), asos.com
We Are Lively The Busty Bralette in Sunny Strip
The girls aren’t going anywhere in this amazing bralette. This top by We Are Lively is still dainty enough to feel cute and sexy, while also keeping everything in place and together. Hello, the good kind of cleavage — AKA not down to your knees! Pick your favorite print (or solid), for a look that’ll be the talk of all your friends and fellow beach-goers. Plus, you can definitely mix and match the bottoms for an even more interesting look. To make the top last longer, try hand-washing instead of running it through the machine. You’ll thank us later.
We Are Lively The Busty Bralette in Sunny Strip, $45 (top), wearelively.com
