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
