The best swimsuit for big busts is one that makes you feel comfortable as you swim laps, walk or run on the beach, and lay in the sun (covered in SPF, of course). If you’re someone with bigger boobs, though, finding that mix of style and support can require some trial and error.
As a 32DD cup myself, I prioritize adjustable straps and an underwire or built-in bra shelf in a suit. I also now lean toward fuller-coverage options, so that when I chase my toddler around, a nip slip isn’t on my list of concerns—but that’s just me.
Your list of must-haves depends on your beach or pool day to-do list: “With a competitive suit, you’re looking for something that’s going to hold up longer in the water,” Samantha Wolkoff, a triathlete, former collegiate swimmer, and current junior and high school swim coach in Cincinnati, tells SELF. “Typically, swimmers wouldn’t wear a competitive suit with any sort of cups or underwire or padding,” she says. “Whereas if I’m going to the pool to hang out with friends or to the beach, I’m going to be looking for either a bikini or a one-piece with some sort of padding in it.”
Either way, we have you covered—literally—with the best swimsuits for big busts from top brands. Shop our favorites below.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Andie Amalfi One-Piece, $112
- Best One-Piece: Miraclesuit DD-Cup Oceanus,
$174$130 - Best Underwire: Freya Jewel Cove Bikini Top, $70
- Best Bikini: Left On Friday Sunday Top D+, $95
- Best Tankini: Lands’ End Tugless Tankini Top and High Waisted Bottom,
$120$78 - Best High-Neck: Athleta High Neck Bikini Top,
$55$28 - Best Full-Coverage: Andie Malibu, $112
- Best One-Shoulder: Summersalt The Sidestroke, $95
In this article
Shop the best swimsuits for big busts
Make a splash in these bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces.
Best Overall: Andie Amalfi One-Piece
Ahead of a family trip last year, I ordered the Amalfi because it looked versatile enough to pair with any cover-up and keep me comfortably compressed. What I didn’t expect was that it would become my “little black dress” of bathing suits.
The simple cut layers well under caftans and denim shorts. Meanwhile, its compressive fabric and elastic band create a close fit (that’s pretty flattering too, thanks to the scoop neckline and shaping cups). I always feel supported and comfortable when I wear this suit.
FYI: While the brand recommends rinsing the Amalfi in cold water by hand after each wear, I’ve thrown mine in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and haven’t had any issues.
Sizes: XS to 3X | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable straps: Yes
Best One-Piece: Miraclesuit DD-Cup Oceanus
The Oceanus checks tons of big bust-friendly boxes. It has a built-in underwire that won’t pinch or poke and is made with gently sculpting fabric that shapes without cutting off circulation. Plus, the wide straps provide some lift and won’t dig into your shoulders. We also like that sizes start at a DD cup (although smaller cup sizes are also available).
Note: Since this suit is on the compressive side, the brand recommends sizing up if you prefer a looser fit.
Sizes: 10DD to 18 | Material: Nylon, Lycra spandex | Adjustable straps: No
Best Underwire: Freya Jewel Cove Bikini Top and Bottoms
Two-piece tops that run by traditional bra band and cup sizes will often fit the best. This one from Freya starts at a D, making it a good bet for those with large chests.
Bonus: The concealed underwire; stretchy, adjustable straps; and hook-and-eye closure in the back of the band will help it stay in place all beach day long. The Jewel Cove also has light foam padding, for a smooth look (no nipples showing through, even in cold water!).
Sizes: 32D to 42G | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Adjustable straps: Yes
Best Bikini: Left On Friday Sunday Top D+ and Wear to Bottom
Two former Lululemon execs started Left On Friday after realizing they couldn’t find flattering swimsuits that were supportive enough for their active lifestyles. I’ve tried a few of the brand’s styles, and I’m always blown away by how buttery soft the fabric feels (and how the tops can also comfortably function as bras).
The Sunday Top D+ is designed with D- to G-cup boobs in mind. (For smaller cup sizes, try the original Sunday Top, which has thinner straps.) According to reviewers, it’s great at keeping boobs from spilling out over the top, even though it’s lower-cut.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: Nylon, polyester, Lycra | Adjustable straps: No
Best Tankini: Lands’ End Tugless Tankini Top and High Waisted Bottom Swimsuit Set
Haven’t you heard? Tankinis are back, in a big way. This one has a large, supportive band and wide shoulder straps that won’t leave red marks behind. Soft, sewn-in cups provide some extra coverage. Even better: The fabric has UPF 50 sun protection, meaning it’ll block 98% of the sun’s rays. It’s also chlorine-resistant, so it’ll last through hundreds (dare we say thousands?) of laps.
Sizes: 00 to 26W | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable straps: No
Best High-Neck: Athleta High Neck Bikini Top and Hipster Full Swim Bottom
When you have a large bust, finding a full-coverage suit can be tricky. Enter: This high-neck style from Athleta, which is specifically designed for folks with a D or DD cup.
Reviewers report that it offers great support—the comfy material stays in place, even when snorkeling. And we’re fans of the adjustable racerback straps (not to mention the UPF 40+ fabric, since you can never have too much sun protection).
Sizes: XXS to XL | Material: Recycled polyester, spandex | Adjustable straps: Yes
Best Full-Coverage: Andie Malibu
I love the Malibu one-piece’s convertible full-coverage. Thanks to four snaps that run down the front, this suit can be buttoned for paddleboarding sessions or opened up for sunbathing.
No matter how far up I snap (or don’t) the Malibu, I never feel unsupported—the compressive fabric and removable cups keep my girls in place. Like the Andie Amalfi, the care instructions here are a little extra (pre-wash, then rinse immediately after wearing, hand-wash only, and lay flat to dry). But I’ve machine-washed this suit on the delicate setting, and I’ve yet to ruin it.
Sizes: XS to 3X | Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Adjustable straps: No
Best One-Shoulder: Summersalt The Sidestroke
Summersalt’s bestselling Sidestroke suit is beloved by folks of many shapes and sizes. Despite not having any built-in cups, it’s made with compressive fabric that keeps big boobs in place, according to reviewers. They say the design makes them feel confident, comfortable, and supported in all the right places.
Sizes: 2LT to 22LT | Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane | Adjustable straps: No
Best for Athletic Swimming: Jolyn Caroline Swim Onesie
Jolyn is Wolkoff’s brand of choice for swim practice suits. The Caroline suit features the brand’s “forever fabric” that promises to be durable and chlorine-proof. It also has a shelf bra that’ll help keep larger boobs in place. Just note that, as a 100% polyester suit meant for training, this style is designed to fit snug (and doesn’t have a ton of stretch). But it should help you feel secure for your entire workout.
Sizes: 26 to 44 | Material: Polyester | Adjustable straps: No
What to consider when shopping for swimsuits if you have a large bust
“In a lot of swimsuits, you’ll see polyester and nylon,” says Wolkoff. The combination of the two synthetic materials makes a suit that’s snug, durable, quick-drying, and less prone to stretching out.
Some suits on our list are made with other synthetic fabrics, like spandex, elastane, and Lycra, which are known for their elasticity.
For competitive or lap swimming, keep the cut of your suit in mind, Wolkoff says. “With a larger bust, you don’t want anything low-cut, because that’s going to have more cleavage visibility and allow more water to really come into the suit,” she says. “There’s no way of getting the water out until you [exit the pool].” Stick to high-neck styles, so you can focus on your strokes.
An adjustable suit will likely feel more comfortable. Look for buckles on the straps, hook-and-loop clasps on the band, or ties that wrap around the midsection for a customizable fit. Heads up from Wolkoff: These are more common in recreational suits, as opposed to competition suits.
An underwire can provide welcome support that’ll hold you in place, create a curvier shape (no “uni-boob” here), and help you feel more secure while swimming. But you’ll need to nail the fit (no one loves wearing an ill-fitting underwire bra, after all).
Not a fan of metal? Some of our picks have an internal shelf bra or built-in soft cups instead.
How we found and tested these swimsuits
First, I spoke with an expert to get a sense of which swimsuits perform the best during intense workouts (like competitive swimming). Then, I pulled from my own experience to recommend swimsuits I’ve personally tried and loved. To round out the list, I scoured new suits from top brands like Athleta, Jolyn, and other brands to find swimsuits with great reviews and big bust-friendly design features.
Frequently asked questions
Which swimwear styles are recommended for people with large busts?
One-pieces, tankinis, and high-neck silhouettes can all work well for people with big busts—it depends on the design. Look for built-in underwires; shelf bras; or thick, adjustable straps (these are better indicators of how supportive a suit is).
Which swimsuit brands offer the best support for large busts?
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