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The DD+ Swimwear That's Both Stylish And Supportive
Finding bikinis to fit a larger chest used to be an impossible task: but now, thanks to a raft of new start-ups, the mission is easier than ever.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
It really should be easier to find larger cup size swimwear options for women, given that 36D is the UK's average cup size. Bikini shopping is anxiety-inducing at the best of times, but for those blessed with big boobs it has long been near impossible.
'Twenty or thirty years ago, a DD cup didn’t even exist,' Stephanie Korn, co-founder of Form & Fold, tells ELLE UK. 'The swimwear and lingerie industry literally ignored entire size ranges which told us our body shapes were not normal.'
But even when bigger boobs were finally acknowledged, things didn't get much better. Until recently, DD+ bikinis and swimsuits have been cumbersome and uncomfortable, resembling unattractive, harness-like contraptions that felt frumpy and don't even acknowledge trends. And don't get us started on the brands unhelpfully offering matching sets in a single size...
'Swimwear shopping has always been a struggle for me, and for a long time my only options were to hope for the best with a high-street dress-sized bikini top, or turn to brands like Bravissimo that didn't align with my style at all,' says Clementina Jackson, ELLE UK's acting site fashion editor. 'Luckily, there's been a new wave of independent brands that not only cater to larger cup sizes but have actually put time into specifically constructing swimwear for them.'
Right now, things are looking up. 'With the rise of curve influencers representing extended size ranges, the industry has had to wake up and extend their size ranges,' Korn explains. And, thankfully, a new wave of swimwear brands has emerged to put big boobs first, offering a wide range of bikinis and one-pieces that are both stylish and supportive. Think chic lingerie-like construction, double straps, delightfully stretchy materials, mix-and-match sizing and even – lo and behold! – triangle styles that actually feature enough material to cover more than just the nipple.
To help in your search, ELLE UK's generous-chest contingent has personally tried and tested a variety of brands and styles to find the best swimwear for big boobs to shop right now. From insider-favourite Away That Day, to super-inclusive Good American and the brilliantly fashion-editor founded Tona The Label, these are best swimwear brands for bigger boobs.
Support secret: Invisible internal wiring that doesn't compromise the minimalist design.
'As a 32DD, crying in changing rooms, covering up to avoid looks, and constant beach nip slips were just a few of my experiences,' Stephanie Korn of Form and Fold tells ELLE UK. She co-founded the Australian brand in 2017 with fellow big-boobed friend, Carly Warson, with the aim to end self-conscious swimwear shopping once and for all. They've succeeded – and they didn't just focus on up top either: Form and Fold's Nineties-inspired high-leg briefs are some of our favourites around.
Support secret: Stretch-seersucker fabric that's surprisingly strong.
While a 'one size fits all' concept is usually a total no-go for those with big boobs, Hunza G's super-stretchy fabric will adapt to your shape seamlessly. The bikinis are sadly not an option for most (nip slip inevitable for anything over a D cup), but there are plenty of fabulous one-pieces to invest in with thick straps that offer some support. We love this chic nude style that features a slight metallic glimmer.
Support secret: This button-up top offers up the options of both total coverage and leaving some buttons open. Plus, you could also wear a bikini of choice underneath for additional support.
For those of us with a big bust, time spent in swimwear can be daunting as praise towards your large chest comes thick and fast. For those looking for a little modesty without sacrificing style or hiding altogether, this T-shirt sleeved bikini from Seabass is a perfect option.
Support secret: Underwiring and wide, adjustable straps.
Made in the UK using regenerated and recycled materials, Away That Day's brightly coloured swimwear is proof that sustainability can still be sexy. All bikinis are sold as separates so you can mix and match your sizes depending on your body shape and coverage preference, while the backs are all adjustable for the perfect fit.
Support secret: This fashion-editor designed brand has been created with bigger busts as priority, meaning that each style flatters and fits while still being super stylish.
'Tona's bikinis are my go-to,' says ELLE UK's commissioning editor Naomi Pike, who has a size 32J bust. 'Ever since she introduced me to them they've been my reliable favourites. I love not only the support they offer but the designs offer something different in the bigger bust market. A very welcome wardrobe entry. The simplicity of the Lizzie makes it my favourite.'
Support secret: Lined compression-knit ruching that expands with fluctuations, underwired cups, and adjustable straps.
Good American was one of the pioneering body positivity brands, it's part of what made Khloé Kardashian's first clothing endeavour such an instant hit. From jeans to dresses and swimwear, each piece is designed to flatter every type of figure, and sizes range from XS to 5XL. The label always shows pieces modelled on both a size US 0 and a size 16 to give a good idea of fit.
Support secret: Super stretchy underband and adjustable straps at the back.
When Kim Kardashian launched SKIMS in September 2019, she brought lingerie into a new era of different nude shades and mega inclusive sizing. It came as no surprise, then, that when Skims Swim dropped some time later, it sold out instantly. The brand's bikinis and swimsuits are just as inclusive, with considered cuts that range from 'sexy coverage' to just plain skimpy. And no DD+ woman will feel restricted in either category, since it's modelled on a wide range of body shapes and goes up to 4XL.
Support secret: A plunge-style bikini offers additional support, while the shape works well for those with a bust fuller through the top.
'Plunge-style bikinis are my number one swimwear option,' says Naomi Pike, ELLE UK's commissioning editor and a size 32J. 'For me, they've long been the answer when sizing was limited, but now I choose to wear them. I like that they give support but they also work with the shape of my breasts to enhance, rather than push them to places where they, or I, don't want them to be. Monday Swimwear's option is perfect in its minimalist two-tone execution.'
Support secret: Underwired cups and adjustable straps.
New lingerie brand on the block Lounge has just expanded its offering to swimwear. Not all of its designs are entirely appropriate for bigger busts (lots of skimpy triangle styles that are difficult to feasibly pull-off past a D cup), but the more structured underwired bikini tops go up to a size 3XL.
Support secret: Underwire bra and thick, fully adjustable straps.
Drawing on over 15 years' experience in the luxury swimwear industry, creative director Aliya Wilkinson launched Ôsalé in 2022. The brand's bold, iridescent swimwear is inspired by Wilkinson's upbringing in Ibiza, and £1 of each product sold goes towards IbizaPreservation. This Paloma Noah bikini top is designed for comfortable support up to an F cup.
Support secret: Wide adjustable straps and underwired cups.
Based in Indonesia, Faithfull The Brand is coveted for its sustainable swimwear and coverups that are hand-dyed, printed, and made by local artisans in Bali. Most of the offering is thankfully modelled on bigger busts, so anyone looking for DD+ swimwear can browse these pretty styles with no qualms.
Support secret: Thick adjustable straps, wide underband, and darted cups.
Recently launched into swimwear, British lingerie brand Bluebella is well versed in supportive construction that doesn't compromise on ultra-flattering design. The line-up includes lots of bras available in a DD+ cup (UK 6-18), plus sculpting, high-waist bottoms, and one-piece swimsuits crafted to enhance the silhouette.
Support secret: Underwired cups with ruching that expands with fluctuations through the month.
Whistles has teamed up with Lindsey Holland's The Longing to create a capsule swimwear collection, and we're obsessed. The vibe is very much sporty surfer girl, but make it 2024: this Noughties aesthetic was pretty body-exclusive the first time around. The inclusive size range (UK 4 to 20) means there's something for everyone of any bust size – whether you love a square-neck swimsuit, supportive underwired bikini or high-coverage rash vest.
Support secret: Adjustable halterneck strap and front tie that works to your individual support preference.
British brand Toco was founded by two sisters who couldn't seem to find affordable, high-quality swimwear for their annual holidays – so, they created their own. Known for bright colours, flattering cuts, and buttery-soft fabric, the bikini tops accommodate cup sizes up to an FF.
Support secret: Corset-like lacing that allows you to control cleavage; short sleeve design for extra support.
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the eternally chic Eres is more size-inclusive than we first thought: the French brand actually goes up to a UK 18 in its swimwear, meaning much of the big-boob contingent can enjoy its sleek silhouettes too.
Support secret: Hidden underwired cups.
We love this set from Aussie brand Seafolly – the top looks low-key (and by that, we mean there's none of the fussy external hardware that often comes with DD+ swimwear) but it's still supportive thanks to hidden underwiring.
Support secret: Corset-like lacing that allows you to control cleavage.
Marysia, the crème de la crème of swimwear brands beloved for its signature scalloped trims, has recently expanded its offering to include XXS and XXL – which means, more room up top for big boobs. Hurrah!
Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
Kara is the Ecommerce Editor, Women’s Lifestyle at Hearst UK. Leading Cosmopolitan’s digital shopping strategy, she shares style advice for life’s big moments, reports on the latest fashion collaborations, and creates beauty reviews across skincare, makeup, and haircare.
Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Shop’, ‘Ski Wear to Shop, According to an Editor’, and ‘The Best High Street Wedding Dress Brands’, while covering deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. When she’s not behind a laptop screen, she’s hosting shopping videos and livestreams for Cosmo’s TikTok Shop. Kara also creates shopping content for Red and Prima, and was previously contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar.
Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she covered fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
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