The grass is always greener on the other side, and this can feel particularly true when it comes to body shape, and even more so when it’s time to shop for bathing suits. As a girl with DD boobs (I hate even saying that out loud, but that’s a deeper issue/for another article), bathing suit shopping is forever a gamble. I envy my friends who can have fun shopping online for bikinis made out of, like, one single string attached to one small piece of fabric without a damn care in the world. Meanwhile, I have to spend hours in a myriad of dressing rooms trying on multiple different styles of bikini tops and then taking pictures of my boobs at all angles to make sure they look perky and fabulous, and not saggy and unwieldy. Well, the taking pictures part might not be totally necessary but whatever. It’s a PROCESS, and in my humble opinion, a sport.
That is why I am so happy to have found the following swimwear brands that are keeping me, you, and our huge tits in mind when designing their suits. Just because we’re in quarantine doesn’t mean we can’t tan—so move over, joggers! I’m ready to irresponsibly spend my money on supportive bikinis made for boobs like mine.
Raq Apparel
Raq Apparel makes “swimwear that actually supports fuller busted women,” according to their website. They offer two style options for tops: the “multi-way” which looks like your standard triangle bikini top, just more supportive; as well as the “underwire crop” which is fuller coverage and looks more like a sports bra but not as ugly. I like that they only offer two bikini top options because I feel less overwhelmed that way, and it means they must have mastered these two styles specifically for those with racks like mine.
Alpine Butterfly
Alpine Butterfly St. Valentine Top
This brand offers plus-size bikinis, so they know how to dress a betch with curves. They have plenty of different style options, with my personal favorites being the Naomi top, the St. Valentine top, and the Marseilles one piece. They also have super cute cover-ups if, like me, you’re anxious to find the perfect thing to wear when traveling from the kitchen to your backyard—#suburbanquarantinelyfe amirite?!
Aerie
Of course, we all love Aerie and their body inclusivity campaigns, but I am here to say that not only do they talk the talk, but they also walk the walk. They sell strapless bikinis that are still able to make my boobs look perky. I repeat, strapless bikinis that make my DD boobs look perky! My fellow full-chested women know that this is as rare of a find as a blonde on IG not complaining about her roots growing in during quarantine. The price at Aerie is also *chef’s kiss.*
Shady Lady
I’m kind of obsessed with all of Shady Lady’s bathing suits. They offer cool patterns and the styles are also super trendy. The Kenya receives the most positive feedback from full-chested girls because of its padding and double lined fabric. Plus, the suit comes in snake, leopard, and cheetah print. Also, I must note how cute their cover-ups are and that they can all totally be worn day-to-day, too! Well maybe not the mesh/see-through ones. You aren’t Em Rata.
Lilly and Lime
Lilly and Lime Fleurs Rose Halter Tri
Lilly & Lime’s “big breast swimwear and bikinis are for women with a larger bust.” Need I say more? They lay their different bikini-style options out here, and their different one-piece style options out here. This way, you can really get a feel for which bathing suit might be best for you. The styles overall aren’t anything crazy trendy, so shop at Lilly & Lime if you’re looking for that simple, go-to bathing suit that won’t scare your middle-aged neighbors away when you’re outside making TikToks.
Red Carter
Not all of Red Carter’s bathing suits are DD-friendly (lol you think I can afford to lose one strap??), but some of them are. The Rachael top really sucks those babies in, and the Bridgette top offers full-enough coverage so that you don’t feel inappropriate/like you’re doing something wrong by wearing something literally every other person on the planet wears, but that still shows enough so you don’t feel like a maiden woman.
Monday Swimwear
Monday Swimwear is all about offering the perfect fit for every body type. And, all of the models on their website have big boobs, which I appreciate. Even better is that their fabrics are made from recycled nylon and PET bottles. So, not only will your boobs be supported, but the Earth will be, too. I can’t tell if that was an amazing or awful joke. Moving on.
Bleu Rod Beattie
Bleu Rod Beattie Shirred Bandeau D Cup Top
This brand has a special “D cup” shopping section under “tops” because they understand how special we are. The styles are pretty simple, yet still chic, and, of course, supportive. I feel like I could definitely take a run on the beach or, if it’s a crazy day, play volleyball in the shirred bandeau top without having a nip slip, though I am not that kind of girl and therefore will never really know.
Swimsuits For All
GabiFresh x Swimsuits for All Zephyr Wrap Underwire High Waist Bikini
This brand doesn’t even offer swimsuits in sizes below a 4, which is pretty great as I need way bigger than a size 4 for these boobs. They have so many different styles, and I can trust that every single option will work for my body type. They also offer tankinis and swim dresses if you’re going to, like, a Zoom family reunion slash pool party and want to be modest? Or actually, maybe just don’t buy a tankini or swim dress.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Images: Joseph Kellner / Unsplash; Raq Apparel; Alpine Butterfly; Aerie; Shady Lady; Lilly and Lime; Red Carter; Monday Swimwear; Bleu Rod Beattie; Swimsuits for All
I got a recent complaint from a friend that we don’t post enough articles with specific body types in mind. And I get it. It totally sucks when you can’t find clothes that fit, especially bathing suits, and you’re walking around in constant fear of a nip slip. Usually I try to include suits that are flattering on everybody, or a few options that will fit a variety of body types. But you know what? You guys deserve to have more options. Especially for large chested women, it can be hard find suits that don’t look old lady-ish but also won’t put you in danger of giving a free show.
Also, before you complain, I am not responsible for the models of these bathing suits. They don’t give me that power. That is the brand’s decision. So if some of the models are stick thin with tiny breasts, I am sorry. I don’t know why our society says those women are the only people who can model clothes. It’s weird and gross. And they’re always Photoshopped anyway. Every company should show models with every body type. But don’t worry, all the suits that show skinny girls have been pre-approved by me/friends that have big boobs.
So here’s a whole list of bathing suits that are particularly perfect for women that are chestier than the rest of us. And they’re all cute!
ModCloth The Brooke One-Piece Swimsuit
Have we talked about how much I love ModCloth? Not only do they feature a variety of sizing in their models, they don’t retouch them heavily. They are awesome! Also, ALL swim is 50% off right now! This suit is perfect for chesty women, with enough fabric to offer full coverage and secure your breasts so they don’t flail about when you inevitably fall off your pool floatie. Plus, it’s a super cute color, and the waist cinch will ensure you can drink as much as you want and not have to pose sucking in your bloated stomach in photos. Win, win, win.
Ekouaer High Neck Halter Bikini
Several of my friends have this suit in a variety of colors. Although the model is super thin and small chested, I assure you we’ve gone to many a pool party in these and there hasn’t been An Incident yet. And we are drinkers. Plus it’s super cheap AND comes in so many different prints! My bestie has four different ones of this same suit. Here are two of my friends in it so you can see how flattering it is IRL:
Blooming Jelly Women’s Vintage Lace One Piece
This one piece is so fun and I love the lace detailing. Can I just say, I’m SO happy that we’re at a stage in society where one pieces are fun and chic and not sad grandma wear? I wouldn’t have been caught dead in a one piece 10 years ago, and now they’re all I want to wear. I like how this suit is really unique and delicate while still offering support and coverage so you can relax in style. I have this issue with a lot of one pieces where if I turn at all, my entire breast pops out. Rest assured, this one will leave you totally secure.
Swimsuits For All Mentor Fuchsia High Waist Bikini
LOOK at how cute and flattering this suit is! And I love the color. These types of cuts are usually available in only microscopic sizes that barely cover my nipples. This whole brand has a ton of great suits and they carry sizes 4-24, which is amazing and all companies should do it too. Also, the website is offering up to 50% off all their swim right now, with an additional 40% off! Is that like, free? That sounds like it’s basically free. IDK, guys, I was never good at math.
Sociala Push Up Bikini
Another friend-approved option, with a structured, bra-like top to hold your breasts in place. I love bikinis that have an actual cup so your boobs aren’t flailing about the entire day. Plus, you can’t even tell it has a bra top, unlike some bikinis I used to wear in high school from Victoria’s Secret that looked like actual bras. And this one has removable straps for zero tanlines!
Hopefully you found a few you like in this article and can now swim/drink/look cute AND not give an accidental strip tease. Do you want to see more swimwear/clothing articles based on body type? What one would you like to see next? Let me know in the comments!
Images: Joseph Kellner / Unsplash; Modcloth; Amazon; Swimsuits For All; @danibeth87 / Instagram
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
