Hello, my name’s Clare and there’s not a lot going on in my bra. I’m choosing to share this information with the internet because I am on a life-long quest for the best bikinis and swimwear for a smaller chest.
Every year, I dust off my baton and resume the search for the best shapes, styles, tips and tricks there are, perfect for smaller sized chests. Buying swimwear isn't easy, so let me help you.
For a long time I was in a committed relationship with those rubbish little triangle foam pads, that neither look believable, nor stay in place which has led to many an embarrassing incident on a water slide, let me tell you.
And I’ve learned a valuable lesson; you don’t need padding. I’m working on finding peace with my body just the way it is. While very much a work in progress, the priority is now swimwear that fits well, doesn’t gape, is comfortable and most importantly of all, looks absolutely fantastic. And maybe a touch of padding here and there for days when I feel like it.
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There are also styling tips and tricks you can do to make the most of a smaller chest. Nardi Swim is out here doing the Lord’s work on TikTok with these amazing triangle bikini top hacks that saved my recent holiday to Brazil.
Think about the way you style your bikini (opt for darker bottoms and lighter tops). Details like ruffles and embellishments will give the illusion of a bigger surface area. Thicker fabrics like crinkle or shirring provide bulk without looking bulky and thick straps or arm detailing can add balance. And honestly, those of us with smaller busts can be more experimental with the shapes and cuts of our swimwear.
I passionately believe that everybody deserves to feel nice on holiday, so I’ve spent weeks trawling through the best bikinis and swimwear for small boobs and I present my findings here today:
The best bikinis for small boobs:
Underwire Bikini Top
& Other Stories
The Details
- Composition: Polyamide 88%, Elastane 12%
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: 75A-80C
- Colours: Seashell
Editor's Note
This glossy finish underwired bikini top gives Little Mermaid vibes, in the best way.
Now this is a slinky little number that boasts adjustable shoulder straps. Pair with the matching briefs (£27).
The Details
- Composition: 97% polyamide 3% elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: One Size
- Colours: Banana, Candy, Watermelon
Editor's Note
Bulgarian label Paramidonna make the sweetest bikinis and this bright yellow ruffled number is no exception. Additions like ruffles on a bikini top add (beautiful) bulk too.
This bikini set includes a matching pair of briefs with adorable frills on the hips.
Brenda Crop Surf Top
ONEONE
The Details
- Composition:
- 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Cherry Pop, Chestnut, Gold Glow, Cairo, Bilbao, Bright Iris, Tropical Punch, Tayrona, Celestial, Umbra
Editor's Note
Somewhat counterintuitively I've found over the years that the larger the surface area of a bikini top, the larger your bust appears. So this t-shirt while being comfortable (and adding extra sun protection), is also perfect for a smaller chest.
Pair with the matching briefs (£68.00) for some 80s style surf magic.
Classic Triangle Bikini Top
Palm. Noosa
The Details
- Composition: 100% Nylon
- Padding: Removable Pads
- Sizes: 6-14
- Colours: Brown Shell, Yellow Emblem, Brown Palm Scene, Red Palm Scene, Brown Emblem
Editor's Note
A boring triangle bra this most certainly isn't! We love the cheeky placement of the shell pattern.
This versatile top comes in 5 prints and matching high-waisted brief (£59.00)
Off The Shoulder Bikini Top
Skims
The Details
- Composition: 76% Recycled Nylon, 24% Spandex
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XXS-3X
- Colours: Desert Snake Print, Ruby
Editor's Note
Perfect if you want a bit of coverage on your arms, and the bardot detail is brilliant for balancing proportions.
This slinky bikini top boasts a silicone trim to help keep it in place, plus provide support. Team with the matching high leg bikini bottom (£38.00)
Rio Top - Powder Blue
Away That Day
The Details
- Composition: Eco-friendly ECONYL ® Regenerated Nylon
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XS-2XL
- Colours: Powder Blue, Espresso, Ivory, Forest, Black, Sapphire Blue, Red, Bougainvillea, Onyx Stripe
Editor's Note
Ooft someone get us a cold beverage immediately, it is getting hot in here! The beauty of this bikini top lies in its versatility and extra long tie straps you can style as desired.
Powder blue is our colour of choice, but if it doesn't tickle your fancy - opt for one of the other 9 colour ways available and pair with the tie-side bottoms (£55.00)
Lexie Shirred Tie Front Bikini Top - Leopard
Damson Madder
The Details
- Composition: 82% Recycled Polyamide 18% Elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: 6-16
- Colours: Leopard
Editor's Note
A quick tip to make you feel bustier up top is to opt for a bikini top with slightly more coverage paired with itsy bitsy bottoms.
Shirred for a fantastic fit, pair with the matching bikini bottoms (£45.00) and best of all, the matching scrunchie (£18.00)
Georgia Balconette
Bond-Eye
The Details
- Composition: 88% Recycled Nylon 7% Nylon 5% LYCRA®
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: One Size
- Colours: Black Tiger, White Lurex, Slate Blue Shimmer, Sage Tiger
Editor's Note
Thick shoulder straps are another trick to balance out your upper half. This balconette comes in three other colours and can be teamed with the cheeky matching briefs (£75.00)
I used to think that balconettes were only for bigger busts, but friends I was wrong. The cut is super flattering, and this flexible underwire provides support.
Aaliyah Hand Beaded Bikini Top
Oceanus
The Details
- Composition: ECONYL®
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: White, Yellow, Mint Green, Blue, Pink
Editor's Note
Oceanus are renowned for their knock-your-socks off swimwear and this beaded bikini top (one of their classic designs) is no exception. We want all 5 colourways.
We fully support crystals on the beach, and the matching hand beaded bottoms (£95.00) are the quickest route to summer sparkle. See you at the beach club.
Matilda Underwire Bikini Top
Frankies Bikinis x Djerf Avenue
The Details
- Composition: 80% Recycled Nylon + 20% Spandex
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Cottage Meadow, Mood Ring
Editor's Note
Djerf Avenue has a collaboration with Frankies Bikinis? Did all our dreams just come true at once!
This pastel plaid print with delicate white flowers and ruffle trim is the sweetest bikini top we've seen in a long time. Pair with the matching briefs (£99.00)
Flower Bikini Top
Samanta Virginio
The Details
- Composition: Overstock Italian Recycled, Fast Drying Fabric
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Baby Pink, Red, Black
Editor's Note
Try mis-matching with a different colour in the bikini bottoms (£90.00)
The first thing I felt when I clapped eyes on this incredible bikini top was sadness that it hadn't been designed sooner. This is exactly how I want to feel on holiday: frivolous, fun and a bit sexy.
Carmen Bikini
Fruity Booty
The Details
- Composition: 85% Polyamide and 15% Elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Navy Polka Dot
Editor's Note
A balconette with a darling little detail. This sweet set looks like a pool friendly version of your best undies.
This set includes both a matching bikini top and bottoms, but you can opt for different sizes in each.
Sereno Long Sleeve Twist Bikini Top - Mauve
Jets
The Details
- Composition: 73% Recycled Nylon, 27% Elastane
- Padding: Removable Cups
- Sizes: 8-16
- Colours: Mauve
Editor's Note
Jets make brilliant mix and match bikinis in a fantastic range of shapes. Pair with the matching bottoms (£74.00)
Jets are brilliant at clever padding that goes around your whole bust for a proper boost. My Jets bikini top actually gives me cleavage. Someone alert the authorities immediately.
Neoprene Padded Scallop Plunge Bikini Top
Marks & Spencer
The Details
- Composition: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
- Padding: Padded
- Sizes: 8-24
- Colours: Medium Green, Black, Pink Fizz
Editor's Note
Ah, is there anything good old M&S can't do? We adore the neat scallop trim on this padded neoprene bikini top and matching bottoms (£15.00)
Fans of the colour can also try their bandeau style (also padded), plus the bottoms also come in a high waist option to offer a bit more coverage.
Push-up Triangle Bikini Top
H&M
The Details
- Composition: Polyamide 89%, Elastane 11%
- Padding: Padded Cups
- Sizes: 4-22
- Colours: Light Pink, Dark Brown/Floral, White, Black
Editor's Note
We strongly believe that H&M are one of the best places to buy bikinis for smaller chests. More often than not their styles come padded, and their price points won't break the bank.
For those wanting a little extra oompf, this push up bikini is here to save the day. Also available in 3 other colours, to be paired with the matching briefs (£11.99)
Agora Appliquéd Halterneck Bikini
Maygel Coronel
The Details
- Composition: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: One Size - Extended
- Colours: Papaya
Editor's Note
Made from super smooth stretch fabric in a gorgeous papaya shade with halter straps.
This bikini set includes both bikini top with floral detail and high-rise bottoms.
4th & Reckless x Luana Barron Nikki Underwire Bikini Top in Navy
4th & Reckless
The Details
- Composition: 84% Polyamide, 16% Elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: 6-16
- Colours: Navy
Editor's Note
This contrast piping was born to be worn on your private yacht. Failing that it'll look just as lovely at the British seaside, we promise.
The piped underwire will emphasise your bust without veering into salacious territory. Pair with the matching bottoms (£15.00)
Selinas Jungle Leopard Bikini Top
Dancing Leopard
The Details
- Composition: 78% ECONYL® Recycled Polyamide, 22% Elastane
- Padding:
- Sizes: 6-16
- Colours: Brown Motif
Editor's Note
Structured to give both shape and support (thank you wire cups), this bikini top and matching bottoms (£35.00) guarantee a beautiful silhouette.
Dancing Leopard are a go-to for pristine holiday pieces in sensational prints.
Sequined Halterneck Bikini
Oséree
The Details
- Composition: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Black
Editor's Note
Now this is exactly the sort of silliness you can only get away with with a smaller chest! Is it a bikini top? Is it a waistcoat? Who cares, it's absolutely sensational.
This sequin bikini set includes both the top and bottoms and I'll be wearing both straight from the beach to the bar, just try and stop me!
Ciao Bella Long Line Halter Bikini Top - True Navy
Seafolly
The Details
- Composition:
- Padding: Removable Cups
- Sizes: 6-16
- Colours: True Navy
Seafolly are a tried and tested go-to for seriously well made swimwear that flatters and supports.
This bikini top has both a tie neck and back for an adjustable fit, and is born to be worn with the matching hipster briefs (£65.00)
Jean Striped Bikini Set
Hunza G
The Details
- Composition: 69% Polyamide, 28% Recycled Polyester, 3% Elastane
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: One Size
- Colours: Aqua, Red/White
Editor's Note
An iconic brand, with good reason. Their one size offerings have serious stretch and hug curves without pinching.
This bikini set slips on, has soft moulded cups and high-rise, high-leg and medium coverage bottoms.
Lumiere Edie Triangle Bikini Top - Gold
Ôsalé
The Details
- Composition: 85% Recycled Polyester, 15% Elastane
- Padding: Removable Pads
- Sizes: Small-Large
- Colours: Gold
Editor's Note
High shine gold cups paired with turquoise tie dye ties - heaven! A properly elevated poolside fit.
Pair with the Brazilian bikini bottoms (£89.00), and head immediately to Brazil we say!
Figuier sky blue striped bikini top
Balzac Paris
The Details
- Composition: Recycled Polyester and Elastane, GRS and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® Eertified Material
- Padding: No Padding
- Sizes: 34-44
- Colours: Blue Stripe, Leopard, Black Fig, Terracotta
Editor's Note
Who doesn't want to feel a little French on the beach? The Paris based brand also pride themselves on their responsible, sustainable approach and gorgeous pieces.
Team with the high-rise vintage-esque bottoms (£60.00). We recommend mixing and matching all the glorious colourways.
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Padding: Unpadded
- Sizes: XXS-XL
Editor's Note
The kind of attention grabbing bikinis that feel cool-girl approved and come in the punchiest prints and brightest colours.
Buy the bikini as a set (but you can pick your individual sizes for top and bottom), and opt for the Cheeky or Cheekiest offering depending on how much bum cheek you do (or do not) want to cover.
Esme Printed Underwire Bikini Top
4TH ARQ
The Details
- Composition: 80% Polyester 20% Elastane
- Padding: Unpadded
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Editor's Note
Providing proper structure and support with underwire and lined cups, this graphic bikini top offers both style and comfort.
We adore this print and will be teaming the bikini top with white trousers to hit the beach bar. While on the sand, pair with the matching bikini bottoms (£24).
Why you should trust me:
Normally I would mention here my fashion obsession and my work experience at fashion magazines, but today you should trust me because I am a small busted woman who used to feel very self-conscious about my body. Those days are thankfully behind me, but I do still find it difficult stripping off on the beach and so every year, I invest in swimwear that’s going to make me feel my best and I’m thrilled to be able to share my findings with like-chested others here.
How we chose:
Aesthetic: I opted for brands I know, trust and have tried where possible, in a range of shapes, cuts and padding.
Price: I've selected items from a wide range of price points to try and suit most budgets, without compromising on quality.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
