Listen, I'm not going to sugarcoat it! Swimsuit shopping with a larger bust is a special kind of hell. I've spent hours in poorly lit dressing rooms, nearly crying because nothing fits right. The gaping cups. The nonexistent support. The feeling that my options are either "grandma who's given up" or "wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen."
But after years of trial and error, and yes, a few public swimming pool disasters I'd rather forget, I've cracked the code. Finding a swimsuit that actually works for larger busts isn't impossible – it just requires knowing the unwritten rules that most retailers won't tell you.
So grab a drink, get comfortable, and let's talk about how to find swimwear that will make you feel like the goddess you are, regardless of what cup size the universe blessed (or cursed?) you with.
1. Know Your Actual Measurements (Not Just Your Bra Size)
Let's start with the uncomfortable truth: up to 80% of us are wearing the wrong bra size daily, and that problem gets magnified in swimwear. One of the biggest mistakes we make is assuming our everyday bra size will translate perfectly to swimwear. Surprise: it often doesn't.
Last summer, I confidently ordered my "usual" 36DD in a cute bikini top, only to practically need the jaws of life to remove it when it arrived. After an emergency measuring session, turns out I was closer to a 38F in that particular brand.
Here's what to do instead:
- Measure yourself naked (both your band size and the bust at its fullest point), not over a bra that might already be the wrong size.
- Take your measurements at different times of the month. (hello, hormonal changes)
- Accept that you might be a completely different size than you think – and that's totally fine.
Remember: size is literally just a combination of letters and numbers. It's not a reflection of your worth, attractiveness, or place in the world. The perfect size is simply the one that fits your body.
2. Understand That Support Doesn't Mean Ugly
"But I don't want to wear something that looks like a medieval torture device to the beach," I hear you saying. Girl, same.
The good news: supportive swimwear has come light-years from where it was even five years ago. Modern construction techniques have made it possible to create pieces that both lift the girls properly AND look Instagram-worthy.
What actually creates support:
- Seamless edges that lay flat against your body.
- Side boning that prevents the dreaded "side spillage".
- Wide straps that distribute weight across your shoulders instead of digging painful trenches.
- Similar to a bra, adjustable back closures allow you to customise the fit to your exact needs.
The most supportive top I own is actually a Brooklyn Top with cleverly designed architecture. Nobody would ever guess it's engineered with a double layer to create a body sculpting effect – they just see a sexy swimsuit.
Remember that support doesn't mean you're limited to matronly styles. Modern swimwear designers, like the ones for Jencie Swimwear, have mastered the art of incorporating these features into fashion-forward designs.
3. Shop by Shape, Not Just Size
Here's something nobody talks about: two women can wear exactly the same bra size but have completely different breast shapes. This is why your friend's "perfect swimsuit" might be your worst nightmare.
Understanding your breast shape is like unlocking a cheat code:
- Full-on-top: Your volume is mainly in the upper portion of your breasts. Look for tops with stretchy upper edges or adjustable necklines.
- Full-on-bottom: Most of your tissue sits in the lower part of your breast. Try a ruffled or textured top to add volume and balance out your shape.
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East-west: Your breasts naturally fall toward your armpits. Look for cups with good side support to create a more forward profile.
- Close-set: There's minimal space between your breasts. Plunge styles can work wonders.
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Wide-set: You have more space between breasts. Halters can help create the illusion of less separation.
I discovered I have "full-on-bottom" breasts after years of wondering why certain styles always gaped at the top. Once I knew this, shopping became infinitely easier.
4. Seek Out Brands That Actually Give a Damn
Let's be real – many swimwear brands design for a very specific body type, then grudgingly scale up without considering how larger busts actually work with gravity.
However, there are some brands that actually deserve your attention (and money). Brands like Jencie Swimwear have re-engineered swimwear time and again from the ground up, considering strap placement, cup depth, seamless edges and fabric strength – all vital elements for proper support and comfort.
What sets these brands apart is that they don't just make bigger versions of small-bust designs – they engineer specifically for the structural needs of heavier breast tissue.
I'll never forget finding my first May Top swimsuit after years of making do with ill-fitting options. The first time I jumped in the pool without having to immediately adjust everything was genuinely emotional.
5. Pay Attention to Cup Construction
Not all cups are created equal. The difference between comfort and constant adjustment often comes down to seemingly minor construction details:
- Single-layer fabric: Offers minimal support; avoid unless you're just lounging.
- Foam-lined cups: Provide shape and prevent show-through.
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Multi-part cups: Those seams aren't just decorative – they're architectural support.
- Side slings: Hidden panels that guide breast tissue forward instead of sideways.
The best-fitting swimsuit I own is Tash, in which the cup is gathered, allowing your breast to sit safely in place. From the outside, it looks like any other cute swimwear, but the engineering inside makes all the difference between "constantly tugging" and "forgetting I'm even wearing it."
6. Don't Shy Away from Strategic Prints and Colours
The old advice about wearing solid black to "minimise" larger busts needs to die in a fire. Your body isn't a problem to minimise – it's just a body, and you get to decorate it however makes you happy.
That said, strategic prints and colours can be strategically used:
- Floral print adds a playful and feminine touch, drawing attention away from the bust
- Colour blocking can accentuate your waist
- Bold prints can distract from fit concerns you might feel self-conscious about
The key is balance—if you go bold on top, you might want something more subdued on the bottom, or vice versa. That said, matching sets in vibrant patterns can look absolutely stunning on fuller busts when the fit is right.
One of my favourites is a reversible bright floral print swimsuit (on the other side is a solid colour), Heather, that I initially avoided, thinking it would make me look "bigger." In reality, it fits perfectly and brings me joy every time I wear it – which is what fashion should do. Right?
7. Mix, Match, and Stop Apologising for It
One of my biggest swimwear breakthroughs was accepting that I will likely never be the same size on top and bottom – and that's completely normal.
Buying separates isn't just acceptable; it's smart shopping:
- You might need an L bottom, but an XXL top.
- Different styles might require different sizes.
- Consider buying multiple bottoms for one well-fitting top to create different looks.
Pro tip: Build a swimwear capsule with tops and bottoms in complementary colours. This approach can actually be more economical in the long run, as you can build a swimwear wardrobe with pieces that work together in various combinations.
8. Try the Movement Test
Fitting room mirrors are liars. They show you standing perfectly still in flattering lighting – not what happens when you're actually, you know, moving around like a human being.
Perform these tests when buying any swimsuits:
- Jump up and down (vigorously)
- Bend over and touch your toes
- Raise your arms overhead
- Twist side to side
- Sit down cross-legged
If anything pops out, slips, or causes pain during these movements, that swimsuit is not your friend. Period.
I learned this lesson the hard way after buying a gorgeous halter top that looked perfect in the store, only to have it completely betray me the first time I dove into a wave. Learn from my mistakes.
Online shoppers, this means trying on new suits at home and moving around before removing tags. Many retailers now offer excellent return policies for this very reason.
9. Consider Coverage Preferences
The amount of coverage you prefer is entirely personal and has nothing to do with what others think you "should" wear. Some women with larger busts prefer more coverage for comfort and support, while others feel confident in minimal styles that have the right engineering.
All offer varying degrees of coverage while looking stylish and on-trend.
- For active water sports: High-necked tops with racerback designs offer security
- For poolside lounging: Bandeau styles (with removable straps) can minimise tan lines
- For beach volleyball: Cross-back styles prevent straps from slipping down
- For hot tubs: Tops with reinforced stitching resist chlorine damage better
I keep two different styles on rotation: a classic one for regular swimming and a strapless option for when I'm mostly sunbathing.
10. Focus on How You Feel, Not Just How You Look
The most important aspect of finding your perfect swimsuit isn't how much it is photogenic – it's how you feel wearing it.
Ask yourself:
- Can I breathe comfortably?
- Does it stay in place when I move?
- Does it pinch or dig in anywhere?
- Could I wear this for hours without constant adjustment?
- Do I feel good in it?
That last question matters most. Because, if you find yourself thinking about your swimsuit instead of enjoying yourself, it's the wrong swimsuit – no matter how trendy or how much you paid for it.
I've had technically "perfect" swimsuits that I never wore because I didn't feel like myself in them. The suits I reach for repeatedly are the ones where comfort and confidence align, regardless of what the latest trends dictate.
The Freedom of Finding Your Perfect Match
Last summer, after finally finding swimwear that actually fit, I realised something profound: I had spent years avoiding certain activities because I was so anxious about my swimsuit betraying me. Once that anxiety disappeared, I rediscovered the joy of spontaneous cannonballs, beach volleyball, and actually swimming instead of just wading.
Finding swimwear for a larger bust requires more effort, yes. But the payoff – being able to fully enjoy yourself without constant worry – is absolutely priceless.
Your body isn't wrong. Swimsuit sizing is. Armed with these tips, you now have the knowledge to find pieces that celebrate your shape instead of fighting against it.
Now, go forth and make some waves.