After we posted our picks for supportive swimwear for larger busts lots of you were asking how these suits fit in real life. So I headed off to the dressing room, even though this might be the least comfortable post I’ve done to date. However reading Kim’s amazing, inspiring story changed my perspective. In 50 years I don’t want to look back and regret not posting swim selfies on the internet. (But seriously, if you haven’t read Kim’s empowering piece – you must. We’ll wait.) So hopefully this is helpful to those ladies who have bigger busts but want cute, non-matronly suits – pics and fit notes right this way…
One-Pieces for Larger Busts
Miraclesuit Pin Point Spellbound (sale!) more sizes here – Since I have a long torso as well, I usually have to size up in swim. I tried on a 12 here and it was definitely generously sized with extra room in the cups. The underwire was supportive and the halter neck was comfortable to balance the uh, weight of the ‘girls’. I really liked the ruched tummy too; I find the retro style really flattering on full busts.
La Blanca Cross Back Swimsuit – (in pink, on sale!) I tried on a 12 in this too, it was comfortable and stretchy, but less supportive since there’s no underwire. It would be fine for casual by the pool time, but chasing kids or bending over a lot could cause a wardrobe malfunction, unless you can size down. I like the cool back and non-matronly cut, higher-cut sides make legs look way longer.
Bikinis for Larger Busts
Becca Twist & Turns Wire-Free Bikini Top, D-E-F Cups: (fun pattern here, more solid sizes here) I had a feeling this would be my favorite and it totally is. It’s as comfortable as a sports bra, with thick, high quality fabric and lined cups. The back band has 3 options to make it tighter or looser so you can really customize the fit. The best part – no pokey underwire but still somehow able to keep the girls up and in place! I’m wearing a Medium F cup here and the coverage and support is perfect. (It’s so comfy I’d wear it as a bralette since I can’t find any actual ones that are supportive enough!) Highly, highly recommend.
Profile Blush by Gottex Bustier Bikini Top – (similar from Asos) I was excited to try this style – I’ve been eyeing it for quite awhile. I think the longer line bikini tops are more flattering. I really like the style, but the fit was a little off for me. I tried a Medium F and it the cups had extra room but it was too tight around the back, so I’d say size up in the S-M-L part and size down in the cups. Other than that, it was great since it covered the under-bust/top of stomach skin that isn’t as toned as I’d like.
Freya Underwire Bandeau Bikini: I tried a 34F and it was spot on, no wiggle room. The underwire does the heavy lifting here (no pun intended), so you want it snug – the halter straps are thinner so it’s possible to adjust the fit a little, but the back clasp has one setting. The fabric is thick, but the cups aren’t noticeably lined. I did the bend-over and jump around test in this – no wardrobe malfunctions!
Profile Blush by Gottex High Neck Mesh Bikini Top: Again, I like this brand’s style, especially the higher neck for coverage and the adjustable straps in back, but the fit was a little off. I tried a Large E cup and I had some extra room, I could have sized down to a Medium. Great coverage and support from the underwire!
Land’s End Blouson Tankini Top: Ok, yes, this is the most “mom-ish” or conservative option, but it’s what I wear to the splash park or beach where I’m not necessarily going for a full-body swim but I have to bend over (to save the toddler in knee-deep water many times) or crawl around making sandcastles. I’m not super fond of my postpartum tummy and feel less self-conscious in a drapier top (when it gets wet though, not as forgiving). I like this tankini since you can really customize the fit – it comes in cup sizes up to DDD and also numbered sizes. I’m wearing a 6 DDD, true to size.
Here’s a boutique with the styles I tried on, plus more options from full-bust swim brands!
Shop Full-Bust Swim
xo,
Amanda
18 Comments
THANK YOU! I have a large bust and am always looking for great suits — but the photos online are always of small-busted people. This is SO helpful (and you look amazing!) Also, this year i found two GREAT suits in the style of the Profile Blush by Gottex Bustier Bikini Top. One from the Gap (it has a HUGE back hook to keep in in place) and one from Target, which has two back hooks. I feel like good hooks/adjustability on the back is key.
Thanks again!!!!
Thanks for the suit tips! xx
Wow! I love this round up – I don’t have super large boobs BUT I need supportive! Also….I need some details on some pants you are wearing….I spy the ikat print pants in one photo….are these the JCrew Factory ones? I have been eyeing them and would love to hear your thoughts
HI Rachael, yes, they’re J.Crew! I got them last summer, but they’re super comfy and I’d highly recommend 🙂
I’ve had good luck with Tommy Bahama bathing suits as well. Flattering and supportive and they come in cute prints!
Hi Liz! Saw those in store @ Nordstrom, they looked like good quality. Thanks for the tip!
I think you look FANTASTIC. Thank you so much! Where are the cute swim shorts from in the last pic with the Land’s End top? Trying to plan our own water park adventure (sigh) and wondering if those might fit the bill?
Hi Jen! Thanks for the post love 🙂 The swim shorts are from Target, these ones: http://rstyle.me/n/cpw6zpbdi6f – love them! Super comfy and true to size and they don’t ride up. Have fun at the water park 😉
Interestingly enough, I’ve found that the long line bikini tops work really well for smaller busts, too!
Yes! That extra support is good for anyone 🙂
I ordered the bustier one after seeing this and I love it. I feel SO confident in it. We are going to a pool party for the 4th with a lot of younger, thinner, pre-baby having women and I feel so much better about the day now. Thank you!
Aww, yay! That’s why we do this! So glad we could help. Happy 4th! Xxoo
Just wanted to say Thank you for this article. I’m a 34DD and it’s so hard to find anything that fits. I appreciate this more than u know =)
So glad it was helpful! Xx
Do you guys have a taller lady in your group? I’m six foot tall and I have a hard time finding a swimsuits that actually look good on me. I don’t have enough confidence for a bikini and I usually have to buy a tankini so that I have enough room to move around in my swimsuit while I’m chasing my munchkins around.
Cams is super tall (to me, at least! I’m 5’1″!), about 5’10” I think, and did this post a while back: http://themomedit.com/2015/05/that-time-i-tried-on-a-bajillion-swimsuits-at-9am-for-you-dressingroomselfies/
Good lookin’ out, Claire! Xx
Dynamic, proactive. youthful. Modern. I think it’s a great suggestion
wingsio