Just because summer is coming to a close, doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to some new swimwear - especially if you're thinking of jetting off on a winter sun break, or want to bag a bikini on sale and stash away for next year.
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 Wine Rib DD+ Bikini Top & Bottoms Set, £39 / $37.99
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
1/9
Bravissimo Cancun Swimsuit
Sizes: 30D to 40J
Colours: Lilac, cerise pink, black and cobalt blue
Shipping: £5 for standard delivery
Returns: Free within 60 days
Editor's note: "I cannot believe there is a Hunza G style swimsuit with support - it's amazing! The original swimsuit from the designer brand has zero support, but this Bravissimo crinkle swimming costume offers hidden underwire cups for support, and a hidden clasp for a super secure fit. Love it!"
2/9
ASOS Fuller Bust Swimsuit
Sizes: 4DD - 18G
Colours: Black
Shipping: Free with a £40 spend
Returns: Free, within 28 days
ASOS is another retailer that proves bigger bust swimwear can of course still be stylish. We flock to the online store when shopping for a holiday, whether it's a city break or a longer vacation.
Editor's note: "This classic black swimsuit from ASOS is just about perfect; it's created for women with a larger bust, so has slightly larger cups to keep everything in. There's hidden underwired support and moulded cups to support you fully too."
3/9
Cupshe Wine Rib DD+ Bikini Top & Banded Bottoms Set
Sizes: Up to XXL-DD / 40DD
Returns: Within 60 days
Cupshe is a popular swimwear choice for women, and gets nothing but five-star reviews across the board for their stylish yet comfortable swimming costumes, bikinis and tankinis.
As well as a tummy control range, there are high-waisted options and many which offer extra bust support, featuring patterned, plain and cut-out swimsuits, along with trendy pieces in tropical and animal prints.
Editor's note: "Cupshe swimsuits are a great value for money, and there are so many styles to choose from. And the swimwear brand has a line of DD+ sets that range from sexy to adorable, and all are built for support. This set's top features a lace-up back with ties so you can adjust for the perfect fit. And the high-rise bottoms are right on trend, with classic coverage."
4/9
Pour Moi Splash Padded Underwired Control Swimsuit
Sizes: 34B to 38G
Colours: Black
Shipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend
Returns: Free within 30 days
Pour Moi is a popular shopping destination for those looking for supportive underwear and swimwear, whether that be a two-piece set or a swimsuit.
The brand has designs with full robust support and underwire, as well as stomach control, halterneck styles, plunge necks and high-rise designs to provide extra coverage.
Editor's note: "I love the girly vibe of Pour Moi's supportive swimsuit, with frilly edging detailing and a bow. Support seems to be its number one thing, with underwired moulded cups plus adjustable back straps."
5/9
Boux Avenue Ibiza Swimsuit
Sizes: 30A to 38G
Colours: Floral print, black, cobalt blue
Shipping: Free delivery when you spend £40 or £3.95 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 28 days
Despite being known for its skimpy swimwear, Boux Avenue also does swimsuits suitable for bigger busts, going up to bra size 38G.
Many of their swimsuits get five star reviews for being seriously supportive and no compromise on style.
Editor's note: "How gorgeous is this floral print swimsuit, packed with support from wired cups to adjustable straps."
6/9
Figleaves Crochet Detail Swimsuit
Sizes: UK 8 - 26
Colours: Black and white
Shipping: £4.50 for standard delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
Figleaves creates their swimwear with a lingerie fit, and has a range of flattering swimwear styles to provide support and comfort to those with larger busts.
Editor's note: "Crochet is always a winning detail come summer, and combined with swimwear it makes for one seriously stylish swimsuit.
"Although it might not look the most supportive, the adjustable neck tie means you can make the swimsuit as tight, or as loose, as suits your figure and the fuller cups provide perfect coverage."
7/9
Fantasie East Hampton Wired V-Neck Swimsuit
Sizes: 32D to 40 GG
Colours: Black
Shipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend; or free next-day click and collect from M&S stores.
Returns: Within 35 days
M&S is a firm favourite when shopping for trusted swimwear, and underwear, for all body types. From bikinis and tankinis to one-piece swimsuits, Marks & Spencer has it all. As well as M&S' own label, they stock plenty of brilliant swimwear brands that cater for a larger bust too.
Editor's note: "I love the glamour of this chic blakc swimsuit, with ruched sides and pretty ties. The v-neck has an elegant wrap design and is non-padded with wiring for support. It's also available to shop in bra size, so shoppers can find the best fit for their bust rather than their body."
8/9
Magisculpt Illusion Swimsuit
Sizes: 10-32
Colours: Striped
Shipping: £4.50 for standard delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
Simply Be is your go-to for plenty of brands including Magisculpt, one of the leading swimwear brands for supportive swimsuits and bikinis.
Editor's note: "I've read the reviews of this Magisculpt swimsuit and they're raving for not only style, but for being brilliant for bigger busts - one shopper commented that there's 'ample' room and actually holds them in!"
9/9
Curvy Kate Retro Sun Padded Plunge Swimsuit
Sizes: 34DD to 44F
Colours: Olive green
Shipping: Free delivery when you spend £75
Returns: Free within 90 days
Curvy Kate are experts in solutions for those with bigger busts, offering swimwear, underwear and more from cup sizes D-K.
Editor's note: "Curvy Kate is bringing the retro vibes with this stunning swimsuit.
"Offering oodles of support, the top has foam moulded cups for support that also lifts the busts too. The tortoiseshell belt adds a Bond feel too."
