Stylish & Supportive: The Best Underwire Swimsuits
Fashion Tips
March 17, 2024
By Rachel O’Donnell
Image Credit:MyTheresa, Macys, Anthropologie
Find the perfect fit with these trend-forward and supportive swimsuits!
Searching for swimwear can be stressful for shoppers with larger busts. Many swim styles like the classic triangle bikini, don’t provide support and run a high risk of accidentally becoming undone at the worst possible moment. Today, there are so many great options with well-constructed designs and fabric made to support you, whether you’re full busted or just in need of a little lift. Whether you’re looking for a bold basic for the beach or pool, or you’re looking for more on-trend swim styles that’ll look chic and provide your boobs some support (and alleviate the potential for boob sweat—every busty woman’s enemy), we’ve got you covered with our list of must-have supportive swimsuits!
Tricks for Finding the Supportive Swimsuit of Your Dreams
Since most of us shop online now for our swimsuits, it’s good to go in with a little bit of knowledge before ordering a bunch of bikinis and swimsuits haphazardly to your door. If you’re in need of breast support from your swimsuit, make sure to order styles that include adjustable straps (preferably not spaghetti straps, but something thicker) and closures to help with lifting your chest. Underwire is also a must for those in need of bust support. There is cup-sized swimwear available, but usually, a one-piece or bikini with underwire, stretch fabrics, and supportive straps are all you need. Additionally, scoop and plunge style necklines for swimsuits are excellent at both supporting bigger busts and flaunting your fabulous figure.
Do Underwire Swimsuits Offer Better Support?
Yes! Underwire swimsuits definitely offer better support, whether you’re plus-sized, big-busted, or just finished breastfeeding. Underwire works by separating the bust from the midsection and therefore creating a more defined silhouette. For this reason, petite women also benefit from swimsuits with underwire as it helps to define and enhance the appearance of the bust. Additionally, underwire bikinis with well-made shoulder straps work together to help balance the weight of your bustline so they don’t pull down on your neck and shoulder. If you plan to have a more active day at the beach, swimming or running, underwire bikinis are sure to stay in place, no matter what.
The Best Underwire Swimwear Styles
Now that you have an idea of what to look for when searching for supportive swimwear, let’s find your dream swimsuit! Whether you're DD+ or just need help fighting gravity, these luxurious and well-constructed styles will inspire you to start planning your next beach vacation ASAP!
Denim is Back!
Image Credit:MyTheresa
Image Credit:MyTheresa
If you religiously follow the trends and love the current resurgence of all things Y2K, you will be obsessed with this denim-inspired bikini from Karla Colletto. Complete with a supportive underwire, adjustable straps, and an Americana-inspired denim-colored fabric, the Indi Bikini Top expertly walks the line between modern and retro chic. Wear it with airy high-waisted pants post-swim for a boho-chic beach look.
A Blue + Beautiful Swimsuit With Underwire
Image Credit:MyTheresa
Image Credit:MyTheresa
Plus-size women often experience a lack of color and patterns available in supportive styles, but that is certainly not the case with this unbelievably gorgeous one-piece swimsuit from luxury designer, Simkhai. Inspired by innovations in sculpture and architecture, this unique fashion brand always creates silhouette-flattering styles with pieces that are designed to last. This underwire swimsuit is made with lustrous satin fabric for a touch of glamour and features an eye-catching cutout detail under the bust. The shade of this supportive swimsuit is called ‘Mykonos’ and already has me dreaming about a whirlwind trip around the Greek Isles!
Supportive Swimwear With a Coquette Aesthetic
Image Credit:Macys
Image Credit:Macys
Gen-Z shoppers and fashion influencers across the internet have been swept up in the ultra-romantic fashion trend sometimes called, ‘girlycore’ or the ‘coquette aesthetic’. This popular style often involves ribbons, lace, and silks and is inspired by shows like Bridgerton and musicians like Lana Del Rey. If you’re already a devoted follower of this feminine style or just want to try it out, you will love Adore Me’s Annabee Women’s Plus Size Swimwear One-Piece. Available in a sweet powder blue shade or classic black, this flattering one-piece includes fully adjustable tie straps and supportive cups with underwire. This underwire style is available in sizes XS to 4X.
Plus-Size Swimwear With a Print!
Image Credit:Macys
Image Credit:Macys
We discussed earlier how plus-size and DD+ customers often have trouble finding colorful and patterned swimsuit styles, but not to worry, Raisins Curve is here! Plus-size swimwear brand, Raisins Curve, is devoted to creating playful styles that are both supportive and fashionable. Available in sizes 14W to 24W, we absolutely love their Trendy Plus Size Goldens Bra Bikini Top and matching Trendy Plus Size Island Tummy-Control Bikini Bottoms. This lined underwire two-piece features a scoop neckline, adjustable straps, and removable cups. This bright fun print was made for a holiday to the Caribbean or Mexico!
Red Hot & Ridiculously Flattering
Image Credit:Saks Fifth Avenue
Image Credit:Saks Fifth Avenue
Luxury designer, Karla Colletto makes a second appearance on our list of supportive swimwear styles and it’s easy to see why! This cherry-red one-piece flatters with its combination of a figure-hugging fit and ruching details. Made in the US, this scoopback, v-neck underwire swimsuit is chic and sensual. Wear it on a romantic holiday with your significant other to spice things up. Available in sizes 6-16, this impeccably crafted underwire swimsuit effortlessly provides bust support without sacrificing style or sex appeal.
Pretty Plus-Size Modest Swimwear
Image Credit:Saks Fifth Avenue
Image Credit:Saks Fifth Avenue
Modest fashion and modest swimwear are definitely having a moment. While some days, you might want to show some skin, other days, you may want something a little less revealing. If this appeals to you, you simply must try Gottex Swimwear’s Underwire Ruched Swim Dress. This plus-sized swim dress features a flattering ruched skirt, adjustable cross-back straps, and underwire foam cups. This v-neck swim dress is constructed for tummy control and has plenty of style with its monochrome speckled print. To add a little glamour to this underwire swimwear look, just add a floppy sun hat and matching wedge sandals.
Luxurious Underwire Swimsuits
Image Credit:Camilla
Image Credit:Camilla
Our list would be remiss without a mention of the luxury Australian swimwear brand, Camilla. For twenty years, this popular Aussie brand has been starting trends with their eye-catching prints and luxurious fabrics. If you’re looking for a supportive swimsuit to splurge on, look no further than their Floral Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit. This elegant one-piece swimsuit includes a beaded sweetheart neckline, adjustable straps, and structured underwire cups with a gorgeous and colorful floral print. This luxury maximalist swimsuit is perfect for customers with bigger boobs who fall into sizes XS to XL.
Barbiecore Bikini
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
All things pink are still making headlines long after the record-breaking summer of the Barbie movie. We love Kulani Kinis’ Ditzy Underwire Bikini Top in bubblegum pink for a fresh take on the still popular Barbiecore trend. This textured ribbed pink bikini top is unpadded with underwire cups and adjustable shoulder straps. If pink is not your favorite color, you can grab this same exact supportive style in four other shades including watermelon, breezy blue, flamingo pink, and Saint Tropez.
Supportive and Strapless Swimwear
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
Yes! It can be done! This unwired wonder provides great lift and shape even with its strapless silhouette. Created by British minimalist brand, AEXAE, this supportive one-piece is made with removable padded underwire cups and is available in a black or chalk shade. It is worth noting that this underwire one-piece also comes with detachable and adjustable shoulder straps, so you can customize your swim look. This supportive swim style is perfect for those who are hoping to avoid tan lines and strap marks during their holiday!
Eye-Catching Prints
Image Credit:Anthropologie
Image Credit:Anthropologie
It’s no surprise that Brazilian Swimwear brand, Farm Rio, knows how to make fabulous styles and their Underwire Bikini Top is no exception! If you prefer your prints and patterns to be more graphic and statement-making, the black and white palm tree print of this swimsuit is for you. We love the contrasting combination of stripes and palm trees that can be seen from across the beach. This supportive swimsuit includes cups with underwire, hook and eye closures, and stylish (but sturdy) straps. The matching high-waisted bikini bottoms for this bikini style are also reversible, so you can choose from the palm print or stripes. Wear this swimsuit on days when you’re looking to embody the fun and carefree spirit of Brazil.
Underwire Bras for Small Busts
Image Credit:Anthropologie
Image Credit:Anthropologie
As we noted earlier, women with smaller boobs can also benefit from swimsuits with underwire! If you’re looking to add a little more oomph to your cleavage area without sacrificing sophistication, you need Farm Rio’s Floral Underwire Bikini Top. This lilac and yellow floral printed bikini includes cups with underwire for support and a ruffle on top of the cup to add a sense of fullness to your bustline.
Strappy Swimsuits With Support
Image Credit:Anthropologie
Image Credit:Anthropologie
Strappy swimwear is still incredibly on-trend for 2024. If you’ve been dying to try this style but didn’t know if it’d be possible with a larger chest, we have excellent news for you with Agua Bendita’s Kae Underwire Bikini Top. This lavender underwire bikini top includes spaghetti straps that cross and tie at the neck, a hook-and-loop clasp, and individual underwire cups. While this may not be ideal for plus-size swimwear shoppers, DD+ customers sizes S to XL will love this pretty pastel style!