Swimsuits for smaller women with larger busts
May 17, 2021 4:03 PM Subscribe
I've asked this before, but it's a new year with new inventory. I need a swimsuit. Most swimsuits that you find in stores don't fit me because I would have to wear a small or extra small to fit my body, and a medium or large to fit my breasts. I hope you all can direct me to specific suits or brands where I can find what I'm looking for. More inside.
I don't care whether it's a one-piece or two-piece suit. I'm just going to be hanging out, not swimming laps, but I would still like it to be secure enough that my breasts won't fall out if I drive into a pool.
I prefer cute rather than utilitarian or dowdy. My definition of "cute" is going to be pretty subjective, of course, but I like a lot of the retro-styled suits I see. I don't like suits that seem to be designed to show as much skin as possible, or, the alternative, to hide as much skin as possible.
I absolutely do not want a swimsuit top that looks like a bra or that has underwire in it, which is a problem with a lot of the "bra-sized" suits I've found. I already have one of those and I hate hate hate hate hate hate it.
Suits with a shelf bra or that are tailored to kind of keep the boobs in place are going to work best.
I would like to spend less than $100. Free returns is an absolute requirement. Free return shipping is preferable.
As an example of something that doesn't work: Land's End. Most of their suits are dowdy, but even though I like some of them, the smallest size that they carry their "larger bust" styles in is a 6. I am probably a 2 or 4, bra size 30DDD/32DD ish.
Pls help, I would like to go swimming
I don't care whether it's a one-piece or two-piece suit. I'm just going to be hanging out, not swimming laps, but I would still like it to be secure enough that my breasts won't fall out if I drive into a pool.
I prefer cute rather than utilitarian or dowdy. My definition of "cute" is going to be pretty subjective, of course, but I like a lot of the retro-styled suits I see. I don't like suits that seem to be designed to show as much skin as possible, or, the alternative, to hide as much skin as possible.
I absolutely do not want a swimsuit top that looks like a bra or that has underwire in it, which is a problem with a lot of the "bra-sized" suits I've found. I already have one of those and I hate hate hate hate hate hate it.
Suits with a shelf bra or that are tailored to kind of keep the boobs in place are going to work best.
I would like to spend less than $100. Free returns is an absolute requirement. Free return shipping is preferable.
As an example of something that doesn't work: Land's End. Most of their suits are dowdy, but even though I like some of them, the smallest size that they carry their "larger bust" styles in is a 6. I am probably a 2 or 4, bra size 30DDD/32DD ish.
Pls help, I would like to go swimming
Have you already gone through sites like HerRoom and BareNecessities? They have pretty solid search parameters for narrowing down things that might fit, and a good return policy.
posted by gingerbeer at 4:21 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by gingerbeer at 4:21 PM on May 17, 2021
To circle back to something you said you don't like: Lands' End does sell separate tops and bottoms, and they do seem to have some that are non-absurd (don't look like board shorts, don't look like thong bikinis either.) Would that option work? You could solve the need-for-different-size issue that way. Finding a style that you like can be a challenge, but once you find a style you like, their quality is usually very good.
posted by Tailkinker to-Ennien at 4:21 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by Tailkinker to-Ennien at 4:21 PM on May 17, 2021
Bravissimo isn't cheap, but does have sales.
posted by gingerbeer at 4:24 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by gingerbeer at 4:24 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Bravissimo has a non-wired category, although it’s much smaller. It specializes in the busty lady and although is a UK shop also has a US presence (not sure where you’re at). Free returns, $5 shipping.
posted by Bunglegirl at 4:24 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by Bunglegirl at 4:24 PM on May 17, 2021
I've been eyeing Summersalt. I think they might have enough compression to work really well. Plus there are lots of reviews, and I bet you could chat/call them and tell them exactly what you need. Here are suits in size 2 & 4 that have good breast support (according to their filters).
The only time I was able to find a great suit without an underwire was when I tried on a ton. I know it's weird in Covid times, but do you have a good swim boutique near you?
Also, a phrase that I heard from a bra fitter that might help you: small band, large cup.
posted by bluedaisy at 4:49 PM on May 17, 2021
The only time I was able to find a great suit without an underwire was when I tried on a ton. I know it's weird in Covid times, but do you have a good swim boutique near you?
Also, a phrase that I heard from a bra fitter that might help you: small band, large cup.
posted by bluedaisy at 4:49 PM on May 17, 2021
Response by poster: Lands End makes reasonable quality swim separates, so you can buy different sizes for each piece.
The problem is that most swimsuit tops don't fit me. I'll spill out of a small because it's too tight around my breasts, and flop about in a medium or large because it's too loose around my ribcage.
I need recommendation for suits that are either bra-sized or are styled in a way that they can accommodate larger breasts (like if they have stretchy or ruched cups) without also being looser around the ribcage.
The problem is essentially the same reason I don't own a single non-underwire sports bra that fits.
I do not have a good swim boutique near me.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 4:52 PM on May 17, 2021
The problem is that most swimsuit tops don't fit me. I'll spill out of a small because it's too tight around my breasts, and flop about in a medium or large because it's too loose around my ribcage.
I need recommendation for suits that are either bra-sized or are styled in a way that they can accommodate larger breasts (like if they have stretchy or ruched cups) without also being looser around the ribcage.
The problem is essentially the same reason I don't own a single non-underwire sports bra that fits.
I do not have a good swim boutique near me.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 4:52 PM on May 17, 2021
Emily Henderson just did a bathing suit round-up on her blog where she tries on the actual bathing suits and seems to be petite with some boobs. You might like to check it out? And another post here with women with lots of different body types.
posted by biscuits at 4:57 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by biscuits at 4:57 PM on May 17, 2021
More ideas: Title IX (basically, clothing for women athletes) has some cute swimsuits for larger cups, and without underwires. Athleta might work too.
posted by bluedaisy at 4:59 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by bluedaisy at 4:59 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Often when I google bra sizes on ebay I will get a lot of results for bra-sized swimsuits. A bunch of the British bra manufacturers (Panache, Freya, Curvy Kate) make swimwear too. Even if you limit it to US sellers, there are a bunch in 30E (equivalent to 30DDD).
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:05 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:05 PM on May 17, 2021
Hi! My favourite swimsuits are all mix and match. I’m the same size-ish as you (30F, size 6). Fantasie has bra sized tops, that may be too bra-like. I have a no-name halter top that ties in the back and neck, so a medium or large can fit with a tighter knot. I also have a bra sized top from Change, but it’s a molded cup and I don’t wear it a lot.
Definitely buy tops and bottoms separately. I buy cheap old navy black bottoms, and tops in black and white patterned, and I think it looks cute. Good luck!
posted by Valancy Rachel at 5:17 PM on May 17, 2021
Definitely buy tops and bottoms separately. I buy cheap old navy black bottoms, and tops in black and white patterned, and I think it looks cute. Good luck!
posted by Valancy Rachel at 5:17 PM on May 17, 2021
I just bought my first swimsuit since I was a teenager a few weeks ago. Haven't road tested it yet, it's still too cold, but I've tried it on and wiggled around.
It's this suit. I chose this one after seeing someone on youtube do a try on. Thought it was cute and would keep my parts in place. I'm a 34G and the wrap style top accommodated that just fine, and I can wrap it to where it feels pretty secure.
posted by phunniemee at 5:37 PM on May 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
It's this suit. I chose this one after seeing someone on youtube do a try on. Thought it was cute and would keep my parts in place. I'm a 34G and the wrap style top accommodated that just fine, and I can wrap it to where it feels pretty secure.
posted by phunniemee at 5:37 PM on May 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
Same body type here. Plus I’m tall which makes it hard to find one-pieces that are long enough. Zappos has a lot of good options and most of the two-piece suits sell separately. I’ve been eyeing Carve Designs which has a number of cute suits, including tops in larger cup sizes without underwire. My experience is that for tops it helps to have the style that has a wider band below your chest. Like this. Or tops with a high neck seem to do well providing support while avoiding being too dowdy.
posted by scantee at 6:01 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by scantee at 6:01 PM on May 17, 2021
I, too, have just started looking for small-band large-cup no-underwire swimsuits, so I'll be watching this thread with interest! The no-underwire part is definitely the hardest, since basically all of the swimsuits I've seen from bra manufacturers that cater to this market also include underwire...
I don't have it yet (still in the mail) so I can't comment on how it actually fits yet, but I just ordered a top from Wild Isles Swim. As of this post, they have four top styles, and each style is $95 (so, unfortunately only under $100 for the whole thing if you're able to re-use some bottoms you already have). Returns are free if you're in the US but not otherwise. Shipping was not free, but was pretty cheap ($7 to a US location). But, their whole deal is small-band large-cup no-underwire swimsuits, so I think it's worth checking out!
posted by catabananza at 6:03 PM on May 17, 2021
I don't have it yet (still in the mail) so I can't comment on how it actually fits yet, but I just ordered a top from Wild Isles Swim. As of this post, they have four top styles, and each style is $95 (so, unfortunately only under $100 for the whole thing if you're able to re-use some bottoms you already have). Returns are free if you're in the US but not otherwise. Shipping was not free, but was pretty cheap ($7 to a US location). But, their whole deal is small-band large-cup no-underwire swimsuits, so I think it's worth checking out!
posted by catabananza at 6:03 PM on May 17, 2021
I'm in the small back, large boob camp too and if I find a cute swim suit with underwires, I just cut a small hole in the channels and slide those wires out.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 6:31 PM on May 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 6:31 PM on May 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
A very, very small business in Montana called Beefcake Swimwear sells a sustainably made $99 one-piece swimsuit that gives my 36F UK boobs (ribcage = 35-36"; bust = 43-44") a ton of compression.
I do believe that the secret sauce in The Original and the other styles is the fabric: 78% recycled polyester and 22% Lycra. The suit is also fully lined and SPF 50+.
Nothing fell out of this suit, for sure. That said, if I'd been hoping for lift, I'd have been disappointed -- my rack of doom stayed at the same approximate elevation as it would have been in a shelf bra. If it's an issue, company owner Mel Wells recommends wearing a light sports bra or simple bikini top underneath.(An early version of the suit did have a shelf bra, but apparently it didn't work well enough for a great enough number of people to be worth adding to the finished version.)
The Original and Beefcake's other styles all look like a tank top and a pair of shorts sewn together. (I forgot to mention that the legs stay put, courtesy of light silicone along the inside edges.) In The Original, I feel better in a bathing suit than I have in years, since before hypothyroidism and menopause reshaped me. (Plus my teenage nieces thought I looked good in it, which was a greatly needed vote of confidence.)
I wear this suit in XL; I feel hugged, but not squeezed. Looking at the size chart, I'm guessing that you would wear an S. It's worth checking out the Beefcake Swimwear Instagram account to see what the suit looks like on regular people (= "not professional swimwear models") of all different genders, gender presentations, and body types.
Shipping: I honestly can't remember whether or not shipping was free. I tend to think not, because Beefcake is so small. (The company is Mel's second job; she also works for the state university law school, and gets help at Beefcake from her wife.)
Beefcake can accept exchanges and returns as long as the hygiene strip is intact and the suit is clean. You have to pay to mail the suit back to them, but if you decide to exchange it, the exchange suit will be mailed to you for free.
posted by virago at 8:00 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
I do believe that the secret sauce in The Original and the other styles is the fabric: 78% recycled polyester and 22% Lycra. The suit is also fully lined and SPF 50+.
Nothing fell out of this suit, for sure. That said, if I'd been hoping for lift, I'd have been disappointed -- my rack of doom stayed at the same approximate elevation as it would have been in a shelf bra. If it's an issue, company owner Mel Wells recommends wearing a light sports bra or simple bikini top underneath.(An early version of the suit did have a shelf bra, but apparently it didn't work well enough for a great enough number of people to be worth adding to the finished version.)
The Original and Beefcake's other styles all look like a tank top and a pair of shorts sewn together. (I forgot to mention that the legs stay put, courtesy of light silicone along the inside edges.) In The Original, I feel better in a bathing suit than I have in years, since before hypothyroidism and menopause reshaped me. (Plus my teenage nieces thought I looked good in it, which was a greatly needed vote of confidence.)
I wear this suit in XL; I feel hugged, but not squeezed. Looking at the size chart, I'm guessing that you would wear an S. It's worth checking out the Beefcake Swimwear Instagram account to see what the suit looks like on regular people (= "not professional swimwear models") of all different genders, gender presentations, and body types.
Shipping: I honestly can't remember whether or not shipping was free. I tend to think not, because Beefcake is so small. (The company is Mel's second job; she also works for the state university law school, and gets help at Beefcake from her wife.)
Beefcake can accept exchanges and returns as long as the hygiene strip is intact and the suit is clean. You have to pay to mail the suit back to them, but if you decide to exchange it, the exchange suit will be mailed to you for free.
posted by virago at 8:00 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Everything But Water has a pretty huge section of fuller bust/D+ swimwear (link is to bikinis in that category, but there are plenty of cute one-pieces). You can then narrow that category further by whatever specific sizes you think might have a shot at fitting you.
Specifically, Max Swim and Becca both look like promising brands.
Their return policy isn't big box store amazing, but if your order is $100 or more they include a pre-printed UPS label for your returns, so it's not cost prohibitive to just order a bunch of suits to try on at home.
posted by JuliaIglesias at 10:00 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Specifically, Max Swim and Becca both look like promising brands.
Their return policy isn't big box store amazing, but if your order is $100 or more they include a pre-printed UPS label for your returns, so it's not cost prohibitive to just order a bunch of suits to try on at home.
posted by JuliaIglesias at 10:00 PM on May 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Hi! I asked a similar question last summer I ended up buying one from carve designs and it’s great!
posted by azalea_chant at 10:40 PM on May 17, 2021
posted by azalea_chant at 10:40 PM on May 17, 2021
Can't provide clues about swimsuits, however you mentioned also not being able to find a sports bra -- my partner is small in the ribcage with large breasts, and they have been very happy with the Shock Absorber sports bras. Not cheap, but very sturdy and well made. And they strap things down very effectively without being painful.
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:12 AM on May 18, 2021
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:12 AM on May 18, 2021
Seconding the Beefcake Original! I'm large with a large bust, but it does a great job of keeping everything in place with max comfort. If I'm not going to be changing out of my suit for a long time (like, if going to the beach or pool is part of a farther-ranging summertime outing), I'll wear a bralette underneath, but that's more of a preemptive breast-wrangling measure.
And this is a side-recommendation, but Panache makes non-underwired sports bras that (for me, at about 36HH) work just as well as the wired ones without the threat of wire-stabbing.
posted by quatsch at 7:37 AM on May 18, 2021 [1 favorite]
And this is a side-recommendation, but Panache makes non-underwired sports bras that (for me, at about 36HH) work just as well as the wired ones without the threat of wire-stabbing.
posted by quatsch at 7:37 AM on May 18, 2021 [1 favorite]
Jumping back into this discussion to fourth the Bravissimo recommendation, especially their house brand offerings, which are well made, long lasting and comfortable, in my experience. Exhibit A: The Heidi Longline Plunge (since discontinued), which I am wearing right now, is one of the few underwire bras I've been arsed to wear during WFH. Bravissimo Heidi doesn't give me the front-and-center look of Sculptresse Chi-Chi, but it also doesn't have underwire that is quite so assertive.
Anyway, I looked at wireless Bravissimo swimwear in 32DD and 30DDD US/30E UK, and I really liked the Casablanca Bikini.
The top is a non-wired pull-on crop with light padding to cover nipples, available in band sizes 30 to 38 and cup sizes D to US J/UK GG. It's $106 with the matching bottom (available in two styles: one with side cutouts, the other with a high-ish leg).
Shipping: Flat rate $5 per order (not per package -- so if your order has to be shipped in two packages, it will still be $5). Returns and exchanges are free.
posted by virago at 7:40 AM on May 18, 2021
Anyway, I looked at wireless Bravissimo swimwear in 32DD and 30DDD US/30E UK, and I really liked the Casablanca Bikini.
The top is a non-wired pull-on crop with light padding to cover nipples, available in band sizes 30 to 38 and cup sizes D to US J/UK GG. It's $106 with the matching bottom (available in two styles: one with side cutouts, the other with a high-ish leg).
Shipping: Flat rate $5 per order (not per package -- so if your order has to be shipped in two packages, it will still be $5). Returns and exchanges are free.
posted by virago at 7:40 AM on May 18, 2021
I really like the Body Glove swimsuits. I have the smoothies solo top in DD which fit well when i had a 30F bra size/size 6 in clothes. Its a tie back you can wear as a crossback which for me was more supportive and comfortable.
posted by vespabelle at 10:34 PM on May 20, 2021
posted by vespabelle at 10:34 PM on May 20, 2021
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posted by Kutsuwamushi at 4:10 PM on May 17, 2021