The Best Large Bust Swimsuits for Grown Women: 2024 Edition
If you're a grown woman with a large bust, you KNOW why I had to write this post! Google swimsuits for large busts and you'll have plenty of articles, but they feature styles that are no match for grown women breasts who have led adventurous lives. I know myself: The large bust swimwear I wore in my 20s and 30s covered but would be no match for my breasts now. So here are what I find to be the best large bust swimsuits for grown women.
I originally wrote this post in 2022, but many of these swimsuits are no longer available. I updated it for 2024 with currently available swimsuits for large busts and updated photos.
What Makes Large Bust Swimsuits for Grown Women Different?
I say any woman, any size, any shape, any age, any anything can wear whatever she darn well pleases. There is nothing more stylish than confidence, and we deserve to wear what makes us happy and feel good. But I know as a grown woman who has nursed a baby, experienced weight fluctuation, activity and fitness changes, and has a few decades under her belt has different swimwear needs from when I was younger:
- Support: I don't need my breasts to be up near my neck, but I don't want them down near my belly button either. I want something close to what I get with my favorite wireless bra.
- Coverage: I feel more confident when I have more coverage over the breasts and the rear, and I like a higher-waisted bottom if I choose a two-piece.
- Function: Sure, I sometimes want to lie on a lounge chair or float and relax, but I don't want to have to constantly adjust myself if I choose to have some fun activity in the sun and surf.
- Style: I deserve cool prints, tasteful silhouettes, and on-trend details. I desire fashion that looks cool on a grown-ass woman and works with, not against my shape.
- Size Range: Grown women come in a range of sizes and shapes, and suits need to have a good size range to accommodate many of us.
The Best Large Bust Swimsuits for Grown Women
Now, not all grown women desire the same sort of swimsuit. Below, I separate the best large bust swimsuits for grown women by specific bathing suit preferences, and share why I chose these swimsuits over many others. There are more than 25 different styles, some from brands you are familiar with and some that may be new to you.
The Best Large Bust One-Piece Swimsuits
When searching online for one-piece large bust swimsuits, I am surprised by how many claim to be large bust, but don't have cup sizing and think a simple shelf bra will get the job done! These one-piece large bust swimsuits are made for truly large busts, offering extra fabric, underwires, soft or molded cups, seaming, and more to accommodate as well as support breasts:
Top row: black and green print | red belted | orange, blue, and white print | navy
Bottom row: navy | strapless green print | orange | blue print
A lot of retailers claim to offer large bust-friendly one-piece suits but this grown woman with soft curves has tried many of them and think those large busts must be young or surgically enhanced. Side boob, monoboob, squished boob, spillage, and struggling straps have all happened with some of the most popular brands promoted by influencers and ads on social media. I'm not naming names, but likely I've tried them and decided they're not worthy to be included in this review.
Above, I stuck to brands I either know, or know others who have had success with them. The Lands' End suit is a personal favorite; you can see me wearing it in this post and in this video Reel on Instagram. The orange suit is from Universal Standard; last year I tried it in a different color and did a Universal Standard swimsuit review at this link. And the strapless number from Artesands comes with sturdy adjustable optional straps but has a smart design that does provide support.
The Best Large Bust Bikinis for Grown Women
As someone who is a different size on top from the bottom and a short torso, bikinis often provide a better fit than a one-piece. And with a higher rise bottom, there isn't a ton of skin exposed on the midsection. Below I share the best bikinis for large busts, with details perfect for us grown-ass women.
Top row: black (links on page to coordinating bottoms) | coral | blue and red floral | black and green floral
Bottom row: neon yellow top and bottom | blue top and bottom | pastel print separates | black with orange print
It was hard to narrow down which large bust bikinis to showcase in the collage above. While I struggled years ago to find swimsuits that would support my large chest while still looking stylish, now there are many brands that cater to a large bust. I personally have had great luck with the brands Smart & Sexy, Sunsets, Freya, Elomi, Bravissimo, and Artesands. That being said, a lot of these retailers have extensive reviews to help you find the perfect style for your unique frame.
And know it's on trend to have your top not match your bottom. I often go to Lands' End or really any swimsuit company and find the bottom in the design I like best for my needs and then find the top in the cut and print I enjoy the most. If the bottoms available don't appeal to you, don't be afraid to mix prints, colors, or a combination of the two!
The Best Large Bust Tankinis
If you desire your midsection to be covered, but like the ease and custom sizing of separates, a tankini is for you. Tankinis are also great for those who have a longer torso as a tankini can look chic even if there is a bit of skin between its hem and your swim bottom. Tankini tops are also great when you wish to wear board shorts or have more of a “beach to street” look. Below are the most stylish tankinis for large busts that I found that are great for grown women:
Top row: polka dot | blue and white print | paisley | gingham
Bottom row: blue floral | navy | pink | green print
There are a lot of tankini tops from the brand Sunsets because I personally have had a lot of luck with the brand, owning tankini and bikini tops and bottoms and finding them supportive and durable.
The Best Trendy Large Bust Swimsuits
Who says grown women must wear wide straps, cabbage roses, leopard prints, and frumpy skirts? There are plenty of trendy and stylish swimsuits for large busts out there that truly support and provide coverage. Below, I share my picks for the best trendy large bust swimsuits for grown women:
Top row: zig-zag bikini (links on page to coordinating bottoms) | blue two-piece (links on page to coordinating bottoms) | black and white bandeau bikini (links on page to coordinating bottoms)
Bottom row: black one-piece | blue floral bikini | orange and white bikini top and matching bottom
The last swimsuit is from Artesands and while it may say it's up to a DD cup, this F-cup grown woman owns one of their tops and finds it provides plenty of coverage and support. The black suit is from Curvy Kate; the sheer parts can be adjusted for a range of styles and the suit is available up to a 40M. Almost all of these suits are available in other colors or prints at the same link. The first and third bikinis are from Bravissimo, which is a company that focuses solely on large bust swimwear and bras.
Beyond these specific looks, if you desire trendy swimsuits for large busts, be sure to check out Macy's (the link goes to DD+ suits), Bare Necessities, Smart & Sexy, and Bravissimo. This is where I go when looking for more unique and trendy of suits.
The Best Athletic Large Bust Swimsuits
A lot of companies that carry swimwear for laps and water activities carry maybe up to a C or D cup, but usually, the size selection is limited for both bra size and apparel size. However, I found some winners and think these are the best large bust swimsuits for fitness and water activities:
Top row: navy with blue and white | purple and red | black with white print
Bottom row: black shortsuit | blue floral (link to plus sizes) | black two-piece (link on page to matching bottom)
Bravissimo has a partnership with Speedo, offering a range of one- and two-piece suits fitting up to a K cup. Juno Active focuses on athletic swimwear, with separates and one-pieces that offer a range of coverage and fit in sizes XL-6X. The purple and red suit is UK brand Deakin & Blue. US shipping isn't great, but this company is so highly recommended, sustainable, and with a great size range I had to share.
The Best Large Bust Swimsuits with More Coverage On the Bottom Half
As grown-ass women, we have earned the right to wear what brings us comfort and joy, and often that means a bit more coverage in places where it brings us confidence or less stress. Gravity blesses us over the decades and that can be noticed most on the lower half of our bodies. Also we may have fewer f*cks to give and would like a suit that doesn't require a monthly waxing appointment. Also, skirted swimsuits can be darn cute. Whatever your reason, here are some large bust swimsuits with more coverage on the bottom half:
Top row: black | white floral | blue | pink and teal print top and skirt | navy
Bottom row: purple print | black dotted | teal print top and skirt | black
Again, I recommend checking out places like Lands' End that offers a great range of bottoms. Skirts, boardshorts, and more in traditional swim fabric can be mixed and match with the retailer's tankini and bikini tops and rashguards. They can also be mixed with other brands and not look like a hodgepodge.
The Best Large Bust Swimsuits with Sleeves:
Sun protection, coverage, and style; sleeved swimsuits have become fashionable while also being functional. However, it's hard to find sleeved swimsuits and rash guards that will accommodate a large bust. I did find a few winners but read below for tips:
Top row: pink and red | navy print | tropical wrap | black zip
Bottom row: white and navy stripe | blue and green floral | rainbow | tropical print separates
As you can see, I mostly focused on sleeved swimsuits that come in larger sizes and rash guards. As someone with a large bust, I find that sizing up in these usually gives me room in the bust, but they don't end up too baggy elsewhere.
Rashguards have come a long way, and you can find plenty in a range of sizes that look super stylish and may coordinate with existing swimwear. The striped one above is from Lands' End; I own the long-sleeved version and have worn it for several summers.
As for support under these sleeved swimsuits and rashguards, I recommend getting a sports bra or bikini/swim top that fits and wear it underneath. It doesn't have to match, it just needs to keep you comfortable and contained. In addition, the company Stylest carries a strapless bra up to G cup that is designed to be worn under swimsuits!
The Best Plus Size Large Bust Swimwear
While many of the styles above come in plus sizes, these suits are designed for both plus sizes and those with D-cup and larger busts:
Top row: blue print | black dotted skirted | red top and bottom | black and white print
Bottom row: red one-piece | floral top and bottom | olive one-piece | black top and skirt
It's usually easier to find plus size swimsuits in black or large florals, so I made an effort to include colors and cool prints in this collection. Most of the styles above come in more than one color and print. Also, I wanted to include more trendy of styles as classic suits have been featured above and are more easily found at retailers.
The red one-piece is from Universal Standard, and while it's not specifically cup-sized, I was really surprised to find how well the brand's swimsuits, which are available up to size 40, support a large bust and soft curves. I own a two-piece and one-piece from the brand and really love the fabrication, design, and how well it held up to chlorine, sun, and saltwater.
My Favorite Places to Shop for Large Bust Swimwear
This post gets regularly updated because styles come and go, but a lot of my favorite places to shop remain, and often have styles available year-round. For more options of swimsuits for grown women that support a large bust, check out these retailers:
- Lands' End: Lands' End is a great choice for swimwear, it's where I go first to look for new swimsuits. Check out my Lands' End swimwear review which contains many styles the retailer carries each year.
- Bravissimo: Bravissimo creates but also curates the best swimwear specifically designed for those with large busts.
- Bare Necessities: This is my favorite place to shop for large bust swimwear and bras too. Great reviews, swift shipping, excellent selection of quality brands.
- HerRoom: Another online shop that curates a great selection of brands for large busts; often I find separates for less at HerRoom than other retailers.
- Curvy Kate: While I haven't shopped Curvy Kate, many of the Wardrobe Oxygen Community have and share the quality and fit is top notch.
- Amazon: If you know a brand and style name, head to Amazon where you may find previous season colors and prints for a fantastic discounted price. Also, Smart & Sexy has a more extensive selection on Amazon than most anywhere else (including its website).
Are there any great swimsuits for large busts that I missed? Share them in the comments and help out a fellow busty sister!
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I ordered an artesands suit from Nordstrom rack after seeing this post. I’d never heard of the brand before. It was really good quality, but not a good match for my short torso. It actually ran pretty big but would not have kept my large bust secure. I’d consider another style from them. I have the tank style from lands end from years ago on Alison’s recommendation, but the newer versions were not as good quality and returned. Will try the ulle popkin next!
Tired: nursing, weight fluctuation, gravity
Wired: MY BREASTS HAVE LED ADVENTUROUS LIVES.
How I LOL’ed! Alison, this is why I love your writing!
We have a fantastic Canadian designer out of Vancouver, BC that I have great luck with for swim suits – Nettles Tale https://nettlestale.com/. Range in sizes and designs and colour – I haven’t bought another suit from any other company since the company launched.
I’ve had very consistent good luck with swimsuits from Torrid. I think it’s because the brand focuses on plus sizes and large busts and so the swimwear isn’t an afterthought and it comes in their full range of sizes. Plus the suits are all super cute and fun. They’re a bit more or a lot more than basic styles and err on the side of sexy but I’ve found them very comfortable and supportive with mostly inner underwire bra cups.
I’ve been consistently bummed and annoyed by my fave bra brand, Soma, copping out on its swim collections. They dont seem to make above a size 16 in swimsuits and the sizing actually seems to be one size smaller than Soma’s usual sizes based on the size chart.
Thank you! I read a bunch of other articles re swimwear for busty women and they were laughable. No one seems to get that we need real engineering because–gravity! So thank you for this, especially because you’ve actually tried it many of these suits. It’s so challenging to find a cute suit that actually supports H cups. One challenge I find is that I like compression in the bust as well as underwires but most brands don’t have that.
It’s a UK brand but Deakin and Blue might be worth putting on your radar – they’re a small woman-owned business and sizes go to an HH cup and up to a UK size 24.
Such a great roundup! For anyone who goes a bit higher in the alphabet – Lands’ End usually has a few items that go above DDD. I have a tankini in G cup, which is a tad smaller than I wear in bras but works well. (And as with most LE items, it holds up well; mine is at least 5 years old and still looks great.)
I usually only lurk on this website, but I had to comment after buying the best swimsuit last July. It is the curvy kate rhapsody bandeau swimsuit. I am fairly large on top (H cups), and the mesh panels are customizable for comfort or style. The ladies always felt secure. Love!
Thank you so much for sharing real women in swim suits. Nothing deflates confidence like seeing a twiggy girl rocking a swim suit made for bigger girls.
Am I the only large-busted woman who hates that it is so difficult to find a swimsuit without cups? What I want is a band under the bust, a nice tight fit and everything squashed down nicely, and then I can swim. I pretend I’m invisible when I swim (really don’t want to think about my thighs and stomach) and whether in a pool or the sea, I want to swim and jump about. Come out, and I just want to dry and change. Who wants to lie around in the sun in hot nylon getting burnt? Much nicer to change into summer clothes and possibly a hat, and lie under a tree with a book. But those cups – just so annoying. All that extra fabric. By the way, I am 66 and a British E cup. One of my friends said that a swimsuit without cups is uncomfortable, but I just don’t get it…
I highly recommend Juno Active. I bought their Spa Suit when I was taking water aerobics, and I loved it so much that I wore it as my regular swimsuit.
https://junoactive.com/collections/plus-size-quikenergy-swimwear/products/quikenergy-spa-suit-black?variant=32324754210882
Super-supportive fabric with no cups.
10/10 endorse the Smart & Sexy Longline Bikini Top. I have it in hot pink and black with a cherry print. They’re super supportive and incredibly comfortable. I love the wide back band both for the support and the
aesthetic proportion.
As always, you come just in time. I don’t love kayaking and hiking in my underwear under UPF rated leggings and a shirt. Undies just don’t dry the same. Not to mention what the saltwater will do to the fabric. I’ve already got that sports bra top in my cart. Now to find a great suit for vacation. Thanks Alison!
Figleaves offered excellent bra sized swim wear but alas, they’ve gone out of business.
Alison! This information is a home run! Thank you so much for doing the research and putting together this list. I’ve always purchased Land’s End Tugless Tank and Underwires Wrap Tankini so this article 1) verifies my thinking and 2) gives me some other options. 🙂
I’d like to recommend Wild Isles swimsuits. Small business, women-owned, no underwire, sustainably sourced fabrics – and the best swim wear I’ve ever owned. They cater to D cup up toe H and bottoms to size 24.
*to
Hi! Thanks for this article. In your research, did you happen to come across a one-piece with long sleeves? Thank you!
LandsEnd has some, but I can’t speak towards their performance. Search “Chlorine Resistant Zip Front Long Sleeve Tugless Sporty One Piece Swimsuit”
Reading this article as I sit at the airport gate waiting for my vacation flight. I searched high and low looking for new swim suits for this trip. I could have used this article a month ago. I am bookmarking it.