Fashion

The Busty Girl’s Guide To Swimwear

Say hello to the cutest non-triangle bikini tops

by Jenna Igneri

Finding the perfect swimsuit can be a daunting task, and it’s not any easier if you’re a girl with, well, big girls. If you wear a size D or larger, chances are the classic skimpy triangle bikini top is not your friend.

Fear not, we’re here to help. We put together some tips for finding the perfect bathing suit for your body and avoid unwanted sideboob or nip slips. We also included some of our favorite chest-friendly styles of the season. 

Click through the gallery below to check out our tips and picks.

Photo courtesy of ModCloth

Extra underboob support is a must

While this may be an obvious tip, it's definitely the most important. Just like you’re most likely not a fan of the bralette and find more support wearing a soft cup bra with an underwire, the same goes for bathing suit tops. Tops with a built-in underwire or a more supportive under-band will help hoist up those ladies. Luckily, there are some super cute tops that offer plenty of support for your tatas. 

ModCloth, The Swimming Hole Shebang Swimsuit Top, $49.99, available at ModCloth; ModCloth, The Swimming Hole Shebang Swimsuit Bottom, $39.99, available at ModCloth.

Photo courtesy of Shoshanna

Shoshanna, Toucans Lace Back Bikini Top, $132, available at Shoshanna; Shoshanna, Toucans String Bikini Bottom, $96, available at Shoshanna.

Photo courtesy of H&M

H&M, Balconette Bikini Top, $19.99, available at H&M; H&M, Bikini Bottoms, $12.99, available at H&M.

Photo courtesy of River Island

Extra Coverage

One-pieces offer extra coverage and support, which will help you avoid any accidental spillage or an unflattering sideboob moment. Monokinis are also a great choice, adding that extra coverage, but with figure-flattering cutouts and peekaboos.

River Island, Black Color Block Cut-Out Swimsuit, $70, available at River Island.

Photo courtesy of & Other Stories

& Other Stories, V-Neck Swimsuit, $65, available at & Other Stories.

Photo courtesy of Norma Kamali

Norma Kamali, XO Bill Mio Combo, $350, available at Norma Kamali.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade

Look for tops with wider straps

Thinner straps can be uncomfortable and cut into you if you're more on the top-heavy side. Think: the wider the straps, the better the lift and the more comfortable the fit.

Kate Spade, Georgia Beach Bralette, $111, available at Kate SpadeKate Spade, Georgia Beach Hipster Bottom $63, available at Kate Spade.

Photo courtesy of Vix

Vix, Charlotte T-Shirt Bikini, $106, available at Vix; Vix, Charlotte Luca Bottom, $88, available at Vix.

Photo courtesy of Forever 21

Forever 21, Plus Size Bandeau Halter Bikini Top, $12.90, available at Forever 21; Forever 21, Plus Size Ruched High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, $11.90, available at Forever 21.

Photo courtesy of Free People

High-neck halter tops are your new best friend

Halter-top bikinis are not only super popular this season, but they're really practical for the bustier types. Seen in an array of styles ranging from adorably sporty to bohemian, the high neck prevents any top spillage, so you can hop that wave worry free.

Free People, Lizzie Wrap Bikini Top, $88, available at Free PeopleFree People, Emma Bikini Bottom, $73, available at Free People.

Photo courtesy of Flagpole

Flagpole, Shay, $375, available at Flagpole.

Photo courtesy of ASOS

ASOS, Fuller Bust Rope Strip Print Halter Crop Bikini Top, $36, available at ASOS; ASOS, Rope Stripe Print Cut Out Brazilian Bikini Bottom, $19.50, available at ASOS.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Mix and match tops and bottoms for the perfect fit

You may be a small on the bottom, but not necessarily on top. A lot of brands now sell their swimwear separately, so you can not only mix and match different styles and prints but sizes as well.

Out From Under, Printed Longline Underwire Bikini Top, $44, available at Urban OutfittersOut From Under, Printed Flat High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, $44, available at Urban Outfitters.

Photo courtesy of Missguided

Missguided, Twist Bandeau Bikini Top, $17, available at Missguided; Missguided, Multi Strap Bikini Bottoms, $13.60, available at Missguided.   

Photo courtesy of Zimmerman

Zimmerman, Separates Balcony Bra, $175, available at Zimmerman; Zimmerman, Separates Wide Link Pant, $90, available at Zimmerman.