Best bikini brands for large busts: Shop expert-backed swimwear

Publish date: 2024-08-09

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Summer is just around the corner and we will be busting into bikini season in no time. That means it’s time to consider adding a few new swimsuits to your summer wardrobe.

Bikini shopping can be tricky, but luckily there is no shortage of fantastic brands to draw from: Summer Salt, Vitamin A, La Blanca, and Beach Riot just to name a few of our favorites.

There are also plenty of styles to consider, from triangle to bandeau, padded or underwire, and cheeky or high-waisted for bottoms. Most bikinis are made with elastane, polyester, and nylon, but in recent years we’ve seen crochet and mesh having a moment as well. And when it comes to colors and prints, there’s something for every style — checkered, polka-dotted, graphic, and more.

But for women with larger busts, finding the right bikini is not as simple as grabbing the first thing you see off the shelves. One must balance all the necessary qualities: finding something that is flattering, provides support, and has the desired amount of coverage, while also tapping into your personal style.

We’ve tested many of these brands firsthand, but we also wanted to make sure that the experts agree. For help with this precious task, The Post has consulted three top New York City stylists to learn the ins and outs of shopping for a well-fitted bikini and for recommendations on the top brands to shop. If you’d like to review their advice before shopping, you can head straight to the expert shopping recommendations section below.

Read on for our top recommendations for the best swimwear brands for larger busts or head to our roundup of the best affordable bikinis on Amazon, top tummy control bikinis, our favorite one-pieces, and of course, the trendiest swim sets of the season.

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: 2 – 22

Styles Available: One Pieces, Bikinis, Bikini Tops and Tankinis, Bikini Bottoms, Family Swim, Long Torso, Boob Support, Butt Coverage, Plus Size Swimwear, Maternity and Kids

“I think they’re a great option for curvier body types as they can ‘customize’ the coverage with multiple options,” shared Dina Scherer, Personal Wardrobe Stylist, and the owner of Modnitsa Styling. “They have lots of vibrant and classy color stories, and use quality materials in their designs, giving them longevity,” Scherer notes that Summer Salt’s combination of recycled polyamide and elastane is an excellent combination for durability.

Editor’s Note: I’m a huge fan of one-shoulder bikinis, but it’s particularly difficult to find ones that offer ample support and that you don’t feel the need to constantly pull up. The Ruched Sidestroke Bikini Top and the High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom are anomalies in the lacking one-shoulder bikini sphere. The bikini top features a striking asymmetrical opening that adds some structure and support, and the matching bottoms offer a flattering high-waisted cut. I’ll give this striking set my stamp of approval, time and time again.

Best luxury swimwear: Vitamin A

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XS – XL

Styles Available: Underwire, Triangle, Supportive, Cheeky, Classic, High-Waist, Full Coverage

“Overall, the brand has great quality. I love their glamorous silhouettes.. lots of shine! Their styles have versatile fits and there is something for most body types,” shared Scherer. The expert does suggest that shoppers with larger busts look for options that are lined or padded, which can be a bit more difficult to find. “A lot of their styles are very lightly lined or not padded at all, so that’s a bit of a con when it comes to larger bust sizes.”

Editor’s Note: I have yet to discover a bikini I love as much as the classic Icon One Piece from Vitamin A. This is technically more of a hybrid between a bikini and a one-piece, which provides the best of both worlds — a tad more coverage plus a flattering cutout. The gold ring detail gives this suit a luxurious feel, and I personally think it deserves to come with you on your next vacation. This suit is also fully-lined, per our expert’s recommendations — and offers a good amount of coverage for moving around.

Best for unique styles : Seafolly

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XS – XXL

Styles Available: One Pieces, Square Neck, V Neck, One Shoulder, High Neck, Bandeau, Back One Pieces.

“I like their quality, and specifically, their bandeau style, which is what I personally prefer,” said Scherer, who added that strapless options mean far fewer tan lines. She also loves that Seafolly tops feature built-in pads: “Their tops are lightly padded but the pads aren’t removable — so they don’t get lost in the wash and don’t need to be re-inserted… my pet peeves!”

Editor’s Note: I haven’t tested Seafolly, but I am thoroughly impressed with their inventory and the fact that they have a range of unique styles and accessories to pair every set with. Per Scherer’s recommendation, my eyes are on the Collective Halter Bandeau Bikini Top and Collective Twist Band Hipster Bottoms. Reviewers say they are tempted to buy these again and again, and with all the vibrant color options available they can surely stock their closet with one set for every day of the week.

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: 34D – 34DD, 4-14

Styles Available: All Swim, One Piece, Plus Swimwear, Bikinis, Bikini Tops, Bikini Bottoms, Tankini Tops, D Cups, Cover Ups

“Bleu Rod Beattie swimsuits are fun while still maintaining more conservative coverage,” explained Celebrity Stylist and Best Selling Author of Dressing Up, Samantha Brown. “Their plunging styles offer support with foam cups that help keep everything in place. Some of their suits also have a slightly lower back that helps keep them from appearing frumpy.”

Editor’s Note: If you’ve been hunting for a halter top for a bigger bust, look no further. The Ring Me Up Halter Bikini is said to lengthen every body type and accentuate the neckline by tying at the top. The bikini pairs perfectly with the Ring Me Up Hipster Bottoms which fit broader near the hips for added comfort and move-ability. I can’t get enough of the small, yet carefully-placed details with this brand — like the elegant ring detail on the side of this pair of bottoms. That’s what we call subtle elegance.

Best for biggest busts: Miraclesuit

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: 34D – 34DDD

Styles Available: One Piece, Tankini Tops, Swim Bottoms, Swim Dress, Bandeau, Cover Ups

Brown swears by Miraclesuit for a few reasons: “Miraclesuit swim is designed to give the ultimate hourglass shape. Their suits feel like built-in shapewear with a heavy focus on waist-defining features like ruching, seams, strategic patterns and sheer panels. They have wide adjustable straps that help to lift and support a larger bust.”

She also adds that the brand also offers a Magicsuit line which has a number of tankinis with asymmetrical, slimming lines and V-necks: “V-necklines are very flattering on women with curvier chests.”

Editor’s Note: While I have not tested this brand firsthand, I am very impressed with the range of sizes available for larger-chested women. Their best-selling Underwire Plunge Bra Top comes in direct bra sizes for the perfect fit and features a hook and eye back with concealing coverlet sleeves. The top matches gorgeously with nearly all of their bottoms, which is ideal for those who prefer mix-and-matching over buying a set.

Best budget-friendly: Aerie Swim

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XXS – XXL

Styles: Bikinis, Bikini Tops, Bikini Bottoms, One Piece Swimsuits, Swim Accessories, Swim Cover Ups

For shopping for a bikini on a budget, Brown recommends heading to Aerie. “If you look at the Aerie swim section, you’ll notice that models with a variety of body types are featured. I think this is so helpful to the shopper since you can evaluate the amount of coverage based on the photos and reviews,” she noted.

“As Aerie tends to skew younger, be advised that the support of their tops can vary — they are designed for youthful chests and while they have coverage, they may not provide as much support.” 

Editor’s Note: Aerie covers all our needs, from underwear to activewear, and of course swimwear too. Their collection is filled with a mix of basics and trendy, seasonal styles. Women with larger busts may consider checking out their wider-strapped options — like the Shine Crinkle Ring Wide Strap Scoop Bikini Top and Shine Crinkle Full Coverage Bikini Bottom. This suit is unpadded and will soon feature a thoughtfully-placed hidden pocket for removable padding, which will be released later this month.

Best for vacations: La Blanca

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: 2- 22W

Styles: One Piece, Tops, Cover Ups, Rashguards, Mama and Me, Plus Size

If you’re shopping for a bikini for your next vacation, head to La Blanca. “La Blanca is a great swimsuit brand for the busty!” shared Natalie Tincher, Owner and Principal Stylist at BU Style. “Their fabrics are nice and thick, they are generally more size-inclusive, and the brand offers a plethora of styles, colors, and whimsical patterns. La Blanca offers numerical sizing 2–22W, with some additional band and cup special sizing sprinkled in.”

Editor’s Note: My take on La Blanca — the brand is already well established in the swimwear sphere, but gets far less credit than they deserve for their excellent selection of options for larger-chested women. They have all those exotic, island-inspired floral prints that set the mood for relaxation. Just look at the Floral Halter Triangle Top and the matching Hipster Bottoms, which come in over 20 colors, including shades like Neon Nights, Santorini Sun, and Mediterranean Breeze. While triangle tops are not always the best bet for women with bigger busts, this model does offer molded cups and adjustable straps for a closer fit.

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XS – XXL

Styles: Triangle, DD Cup, T-Back, Bralette, Scoop Neck, Bandeau, Underwire, Brazilian, Full, Cheeky, Detailed, Basic, Tie Side, High Waist, One Pieces

“Vix offers a great selection of modern patterns, colors, and cuts. I like how they offer each of their patterns in different cuts to accommodate different breast shapes and style preferences,” shared Tincher. “Again, they are only alpha sizing, which may not work if your band-cup measurement doesn’t work with their RTW measurements.”

Editor’s Note: The selling point of Vix Paula Hermanny Swimwear is certainly their DD Cup section which offers their version of a “support system”: fully-lined, sleek bikinis with adjustable sliding tube details on the straps to make sure you’re covered and supported. The renowned Brazilian lycra fabric smoothes softly without cutting into the skin. This bikini top also has removable padding, for those who like to modify the amount of support offered. While this section has only one style to choose from, it’s available in over 20 colors. The rest of their website is also stocked with well-constructed, classy one-pieces and bikinis. After selecting a piece, you’re recommended for different styles to match it with — a great tool for an easier shopping experience.

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XS – XL

Styles: One Pieces, Swim Tops, Swim Bottoms, Kids

“I adore the cheerful colors and playful styles of Beach Riot, especially the use of color-blocking. They offer great options for those who like traditionally feminine details like bows as well as for those who enjoy more sporty styles for beach activities,” shared Tincher. The stylist does note that this brand may not be ideal for those looking for a wider size range. “Their sizing is less inclusive and only available in alpha sizes up to XL,” she added.

Editor’s Note: Beach Riot is a high-energy swim brand that has a function in mind — many of their bikini tops are designed with more coverage and support so they can be worn in the water, the gym, and around town, which makes them highly versatile. The Eva Top and Bottoms is easily my favorite set for higher-impact activity needs (think swimming, waterskiing, and surfing.) The bikini top is built with a thick band under the bust for extra support and sporty, ribbed fabric. My favorite part? The unique, neon color-block print keeps you easy to spot in the waves! As Tincher pointed out Beach Riot doesn’t offer quite as wide of a size range, but their bikinis are designed with function in mind, and the sporty girls can appreciate that.

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XS – 3X

Styles: One Pieces, Bikinis, Swim Skirts, Scrunch Swim, Cover-Ups, Sarongs, Plus Size, Bridal Swim

Show Me Your Mumu has that joy-filled, carefree, childlike aesthetic that we all desire as the days get a bit brighter and longer. We’re talking scrunchy bows, tie-backs, animal prints, electric patterns, and a whole lot of pink (yep, they even have the iconic, Barbie One Piece). Tincher loves the range of styles and unique cuts, but she mentioned that there could be more sizes available across the site: “Show Me Your Mumu offers a lot of great styles, fabric, and cut options, so you can experiment with your personal style. They also offer a range of inclusive sizing; however, they only come in alpha sizing,” she said.

Editor’s Note: I adore that many of their bikinis feature straps that are both removable and adjustable — a huge plus for those shopping with bigger busts. When it comes to finding the right off-shoulder bikini that stays in place, you’re going to want to opt for more compressive material, like the Float on Top (which pairs great with the Silvana Bottoms). Take it from the product description: “If you’re searching for a bikini top that holds everything in look no further! In our classic scrunch, this one-shoulder top is oh so flattering and comfortable.” Reviewers rave about this being a miracle top for bigger busts. You can also browse their matching sarongs, to pull together the full look!

Best for plus-size: Good American

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XXS – 5XL

Styles: Bikini tops, Bikini Bottoms, One Pieces, Cover Ups, Always Fits, Compression, Full Coverage, Black Swim

“Good American Swim offers swimwear choices that are ideal for those curvy customers, who lean toward a more magnetically sexy style brand,” said Tincher. “One great feature of their website is that you can view the items on different model sizes. Overall there are fewer style and silhouette choices and most are only in alpha sizing.”

Editor’s Note: Khloe Kardashian did not miss a beat with her inclusive fashion brand, Good American. Multiple celebrities (like Lizzo and Vanessa Hudgens) have been spotted wearing pieces from her Good Swim Always Fits collection, which is said to hug every curve with their signature stretchy fabric offer that adapts to all body types. It even “moves and grows with you,” which means this could be the last bikini you buy for a while. While their selection may not be as expansive as other brands that are dedicated solely to swimwear, it deserves a spot on this list because it’s built just for a variety of shapes and sizes. The innovative fabric keeps its shape, while also providing a bit of compression — which is why it completely makes sense that A-listers love it too.

Reviewed by New York Post Editors

Best for custom fit: Andie Swim

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: XS – XXL

Styles: Essential One Pieces, Supportive Suits, Long Torso Suits, Plus Size One Pieces, Essential Tops, Supportive Tops, Plus Size Tops, Essential Bottoms, Supportive Bottoms, High Waisted Bottoms, Plus Size Bottoms.

Shop smart, not harder, right? Andie Swim wants you to find the perfect fit, and that can be done in just a few minutes with their brief style quiz. Simply answer five questions and they will point you towards the right options for your style and shape. The brand strives to design swimwear that is so comfortable that “you’ll forget you’re wearing” it, and per customer reviews, they have succeeded.

Editor’s Note: I was thoroughly impressed with the recommendations given to me per the style quiz (all were choices that seemed suitable to my taste and build). But out of all Andie’s offerings, I am still most impressed with their underwire option: The Bermuda Top and Wide Band Cheeky Bottom. This set brings the comfort and support of a bra to swimwear — a style that I suggest all women with D+ cups try out. The added boning holds in your chest, so you don’t have to stress about any slips or shows.

Best variety: Max Swim at Everything But Water

Pros:

Cons:

Size Range: 30C–38G

Styles: Bandeau, Halter, Triangle, Bralette, High Neck, Rash Guard, Brazilian/Cheeky, Hipser, Tie Sider, High Waist, High Leg, Skirted, All Bikini Bottoms

Most of us know Everything But Water as the chic, one-stop shop for bathing suits. It’s no surprise that the seasoned swimwear company bas brought us a brand that is entirely dedicated to fuller chests — they have over 30 years of experience with fitting suits to various body types. Max Swim offers a collection of fashion-driven bikinis in 25 bra sizes. Both smooth and textured fabrics are available, as are dozens of colors from metallic black to marble.

Editor’s Note: I love the playful, yet sexy designs offered by Max Swim. It’s not easy to find a bikini brand that offers more coverage without sacrificing some style, but Max Swim has struck the balance. My personal favorite: the Riley Textured Halter Sliding Bikini Top and matching Frankie Textured Tie Side Hipster Bikini Bottom.This set features a recycled pique textured fabrication with sliding knots for customizable coverage and removable cups. It’s a miraculously lightweight suit that still manages to offer some shape and lift.

Expert FAQ’s

Why is it important to find a well-fitted bikini for women with larger busts?

“Finding the right size bikini is important so that you have adequate support and can move comfortably without restricting circulation,” shared Brown.

The expert stylist explained that finding the right fit can be a matter of trial and error: “I always recommend that my clients try their typical bra size, plus a larger and smaller size as brands can run differently. 

What type of material and features should women with larger chests look for in a bikini?

When it comes to looking for specific features, Scherer has a few preferences. She looks for styles that include both underwiring and adjustable yet sturdy straps.

“A balconette style has nice support for larger chest sizes. Light padding is ideal to have some comfort and elevate the style. Halter-neck and racerback can also be a great option!” she added.

Do you need to numerical versus bra sizing or alpha sizing?

According to Tincher, the answer is yes: “Swimsuits that are made using bra sizing (eg, 38D) or, at the least, numerical sizing (eg, 10, 12, 14) will usually be a better fit for larger busts, particularly those that have a larger band-to-cup ratio (eg, 30DD or 34F).

She also has recommended that anyone who has not had a professional bra fitting should get sized before shopping. “I would estimate 90% of my clients were wearing the wrong bra and bikini size or cup shape before they had a professional bra fitting,” explained Tincher.

Check out New York Post Shopping for more content.

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