Big Boob Swimsuit

May 6, 2023 10:11 AM

I have huge boobs. I want a new swimsuit. Challenge Level: I prefer less cleavage over more.

I live in the US and wear UK sized bras of 36HH. Most of my bras are from curvy Kate or bravissimo. While both these companies make swimsuits, I find they tend to show high levels of cleavage due to being cut fairly low. I don’t need them 100% covered but I prefer to not emphasize the amount of boobage I have.

Note: Not a serious swimmer, just do some casual laps and relaxing at the pool.

Wants:
-can accommodate larger busts
-has one-piece options
-modest cleavage options
-open to any price range or color options
-has normal straps (my current suit from bravissimo is a halter - huge mistake)

I think I remember hearing people liked Land’s End swimsuits? Looking for some brands that have some options fitting my criteria.

posted by Aranquis to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (23 answers total)

I just went through choosing a new swimsuit and wanted something reasonably modest to suit both my advanced age and the stubborn pandemic pounds. Swim dress, tankini, and rash guard (aka sun protection) are some search terms that may lead you in the right direction.
posted by DrGail at 10:34 AM on May 6, 2023

I have the Freya Freestyle Underwire one-piece swim suit and I think it would meet your needs. With the sportier style, the coverage is higher in the front and not cleavage-forward. But it doesn’t have a big logo on it or anything so it’s casual-sporty, not sporty sporty, if that matters to you. Re: Lands End, I don’t think you’ll get the support you need/want for your bust from a company that doesn’t specialize in large-cup bras and swimwear.
posted by sk932 at 10:44 AM on May 6, 2023 [1 favorite]

If you’re ok with a gender-neutral style, try TomboyX. The unisuits don’t have any support, unfortunately, but the zip up swim top holds the boobs well.
posted by matildaben at 11:27 AM on May 6, 2023

You might check out Andie (search for the Malibu) and SummerSalt (search for the Surf). They have a ton of different styles and colors, and I have found their suits to be nicely supportive up top (and flattering overall) because the fabric is thick/good quality, fits well, and doesn’t stretch out and get saggy in the water (as I have found cheaper suits do).
posted by lovableiago at 11:29 AM on May 6, 2023

Bare Necessities has options for bigger busts that come in modest looks - check out their DD+ section. There's not a ton of (affordable) one-piece options but lots of tankinis.
posted by Ms. Toad at 12:16 PM on May 6, 2023 [1 favorite]

Mod note: Comment removed. Please stick to answering the OP’s question, thank you.
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 12:27 PM on May 6, 2023

LLBean has expanded their sizing quite a bit in the last year or 2. Spendy, easy returns. At LandsEnd, you can buy more swim tops and botttoms separately. I've been wearing a colored bra under a thin poly top, and swim shorts to swim. The top is cut like a highneck with no shoulder coverage. It's easier than wriggling in to a 1 piece, dries fast. I started this getup when I was standing in the lake wearing the top with a synthetic-blend hiking skirt, and decided to just swim; it was comfortable and easy.
posted by theora55 at 12:30 PM on May 6, 2023

I'm a US 36G and have been really happy with options from LL Bean. I ordered a variety of sizes in one piece and two piece separates when I needed them several years ago and easily returned what I didn't like or didn't fit.

I'd advise avoiding their shape wear one piece suits as they seem to really show a lot of cleavage. However, I strongly recommend their simple swimsuits. I lap swim in these and also feel quite comfortable lounging by the pool.
posted by icaicaer at 12:48 PM on May 6, 2023

I am your same bra size, and the Lands' End swimsuits are my go-to -- there's really nothing else out there I've found that fits and doesn't have me breasting boobily down the beach. They have several simple one-pieces and tankinis with a high or moderate scoop-neck, and even some specifically labeled "modest" with even more neckline coverage.

They're not bra-sized and don't have any extra support/reinforcement, but their size 2X (my usual top/dress size) accommodate my bust just fine, with a reasonable amount of preventing-floppiness just from the fabric.
posted by rhiannonstone at 1:07 PM on May 6, 2023

If you’re ok with a gender-neutral style, try TomboyX. The unisuits don’t have any support, unfortunately, but the zip up swim top holds the boobs well.

There's always wearing a sports bra under it, if you don't mind the double layer.
posted by joycehealy at 1:28 PM on May 6, 2023

Bravissimo does have a “sports swimsuit” section with higher necked options.
posted by corvine at 1:31 PM on May 6, 2023

I really like miraclesuit and swimsuits for all
posted by CleverClover at 1:41 PM on May 6, 2023 [1 favorite]

If you have a supportive swimsuit you like that shows too much cleavage, you could wear a rashguard on top - I have a sleeveless one from Athleta that I really like. I’ve seen a lot of cropped ones lately, if that’s appealing to you (if you want to cover cleavage but not be quite so covered up).
posted by maleficent at 2:08 PM on May 6, 2023 [1 favorite]

I asked a similar question a while back and found the answers helpful
posted by fingersandtoes at 3:00 PM on May 6, 2023

I'm a similar size, and I wear a bra-sized bikini top (usually Elomi or Freya) under a rashguard, with a pair of generic black bottoms. Modest, supportive, and I don't have to apply as much sunblock.

Bra-sized swim tops also look great under wetsuit-look swimsuits.
posted by homodachi at 3:44 PM on May 6, 2023 [2 favorites]

I’m in your boat, 32H. My solution is a bra-sized bikini top (Freya or Panache generally), bottoms, and a rash guard. Bonus is rash guard = less area to worry about sunscreening!
posted by les34 at 4:39 PM on May 6, 2023

I got one of those D-cup tankini tops from LandsEnd. Supposedly chlorine resistant, ha, not so much. And it's all stretched out.
posted by mareli at 5:09 PM on May 6, 2023

I love Jessica Rey suits for this purpose
posted by dpx.mfx at 6:49 PM on May 6, 2023 [1 favorite]

I don't have a specific brand or model to recommend, but I also prefer less cleavage - ideally no cleavage - because it makes for bad drag while swimming. I am a bit smaller (34G currently), but I have found that I really like the practice suits designed at people who do competitive swim racing.
They are very high necked due to the aforementioned drag issue.

You can get them at sports and pro shops. I did learn that you want a practice suit, which can withstand more chlorine exposure; racing suits are lighter and breakdown faster.
posted by jb at 10:02 PM on May 6, 2023 [1 favorite]

UK 38 GG here. I love HerRoom.

Example: Link -- Fantasie is a great brand that provides support, coverage, and style.
posted by erst at 11:37 PM on May 6, 2023

I got a full coverage one piece from Target this season.
posted by Monday at 2:37 AM on May 7, 2023

Torrid has some good high-neck swimwear this year. Unfortunately most of them are tankinis, which I prefer for easier on-and-off but it sounds like you may not prefer that.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:25 AM on May 7, 2023 [1 favorite]

You need Beefcake Swimwear! I am similarly shaped and I wear one of these.

I actually get compliments on it from other women :-) It's super comfortable and you know that nothing is going to slip out, no matter what you do.
posted by EllaEm at 9:35 AM on May 8, 2023