Summer is a-coming (I promise!) and that means time to think about buying yourself some new swimwear for 2025 - especially if you're thinking of jetting off soon or the upcoming Easter break.
As someone with a larger bust, my search is always along the lines of best fuller bust swimwear and let me tell you, that search has got a whole lot easier in recent years.
- The black swimsuit for fuller busts: ASOS Fuller Bust Black Swimsuit
- The designer lookalike swimsuit: Cancun Crinkle Swimsuit, £75 at Bravissimo / $150
- The bright swimsuit: Curvy Kate First Class Plunge Swimsuit, £61 / $95
- The sporty swimsuit: Pour Moi Energy Chlorine Resistant Swimsuit, £42 / $89
- The fuller bust bikini: Cupshe Red DD+ Bikini Top & Bottoms Set, £36 / $38.99
There's thousands of swimsuits for a large bust that are cool, comfortable, provide coverage and ultimately, the support us larger chested women need. And they're not all plain black or frumpy styles either, you'll find swimsuits for large boobs in the must-have fabrics of the moment (think crinkle and crochet) along with detailing and shape (scalloped edging, peekaboo cut outs and metallic detailing all feature). You also don't need to spend a fortune - cheap fuller bust swimwear is everywhere, whether it's on sale or full price.
Of course, there's plenty of classic options too in black, navy or stripe, and bikinis too. Many brands offer swimwear in bra sizes, rather than clothing sizes, to really make sure its as comfy and supportive as it can be for the bust.
What are the best swimsuits for a fuller bust?
We’re not here to tell you one thing works over the other, and more often than not, trying on different styles will show you what works for you personally in both terms of support and design.
But we did get some expert tips on the sorts of features to look for when it comes to supportive swimwear. Kuku Nukajam, founder of fuller bust swimwear brand Reign Studio, recommends: “Firstly, look for slightly wider than typical straps that are adjustable. Underwire is great for those that want lift, and if you don’t want lift but natural support, look for a style that has adjustable fastening at the back of your bikini top or swimsuit. This helps ensure a firm fit which will aid that natural support.”
Where to buy fuller bust swimwear
Long gone are the days of shoppers having to visit specialist shops for swimwear that caters and supports a larger bust. The high street is no fool, and many shops offer a range of one piece swimsuits for big busts, plus bikinis, with brands like M&S and John Lewis leading the pack with flattering yet practical swimsuits. Online retailers Bravissimo and Pour Moi are also popular, while Triumph, Curvy Kate, Reign and Boux Avenue also cater for those with a fuller chest.
I for one have relied on Marks & Spencer in the last few years for swimwear that supports my bust, and rate the Padded Scallop Swimsuit as a supportive swimsuit buy – I wore it on multiple holidays last year and felt fully held in but not restrictive, and it looks stylish too. On my summer holiday, it was cute enough to wear under a gauzy white shirt and denim shorts for lunch, and I saw at least two others wearing it on a Centre Parcs trip last winter, which goes to show it’s doing something right!
How I chose the best fuller bust swimwear
- Sizing: I’ve only featured swimsuits that cater for busts over a D cup. Some will go from A to K while others are designed only for bigger busts, starting from DD.
- Inclusivity: Along with cup sizes, the swimsuits featured are all available in a variety of sizes from a 6 to a 24.
- Trusted brands: I’ve done my research to feature brands that are applauded by shoppers online for their swimwear for big busts. I’ve included reviews where possible and outlined why shoppers praise these brands.
- Design: From classic black all in one pieces to tropical printed bikinis, I’ve added a variety of designs to show the breadth of patterns, solutions and cuts that are available. There should be something to suit everyone’s taste.
The best swimwear for a fuller bust
Need a little more help? Take advice from HELLO!'s Head of Social, Anna Johnstone, who is somewhat of a self-confessed expert when it comes to shopping for fuller bust swimwear.
- DO keep away from string halternecks. They look cute, but all they do is hoink up the entire weight of your boobs via a single string on your neck, and after a day, your shoulders and neck are in agony. Stick to a vest or cross-back style. And sadly, thicker straps are your friend.
- DO take a mix of more stylish and more practical swimwear. I know everyone has the style over substance swimsuits packed in their suitcase, but it's even more important to have options with a larger bust. The swimsuits that look cute with a cocktail are not the same ones you should wear while splashing around in a water park, because most pretty ones are so flimsy, nip slips are inevitable after one jet of water.
- Don't underestimate the importance of washing your swimwear properly. Swimwear for bigger boobs is all about the shape, and I am so guilty of not washing mine properly after each holiday. If you're investing, make SURE you wash in a delicate cycle after each trip. Chucking them in with my denim shorts has left a few of my swimming costumes ultra flimsy - a big no-no when it comes to holding in boobs!