Swimwear for a Big Bust: How to Find Swimwear That Fits

Swimwear for a big bust works best when it's made like a bra: cup-sized, a firm band, underwire or shelf support, and straps that share the weight. Most of the swimwear at Brava is sized like a bra, across D to K cups, from specialist brands including Freya, Panache, Elomi, Fantasie and RAQ. This guide covers choosing a style, finding your swim size and checking the fit.

Why dress-sized swimwear doesn't work

Swimwear sold as a 10, 12 or 14 is cut for one bust size per dress size. With a fuller bust, the cups don't cover you, or you size up for your bust and the rest is loose. Bra-sized swimwear sizes the band and the cup separately, so the body fits your back and the cups fit your bust.

Customers tell us they avoid the beach or pool altogether because they never feel good in swimwear from the mainstream shops.

Start with your bra size

Our bikini tops, tankinis and swimsuits are sized like bras, so start with your usual bra size. If you haven't been fitted recently, check your bra size first: book a fitting in store, try ZoomFit over video, or send us the Virtual Fitter form.

Like bras, swimwear fits differently from style to style, so read the fit note from our team on each product page. The common patterns:

• Fuller through the top of the bust: some balcony and full-cup tops fit better a cup up.
• Less full through the top: plunge and high-apex tops can fit better a cup down.
• Some brands fit differently to their bras. Some Elomi bikini tops run a little smaller than Elomi bras, and Ewa Michalak swim is firm in the back.
• Some styles use paired cup sizes, such as E/F or FF/G. Choose the pair that includes your usual cup.

Bikini bottoms are sized like briefs, so choose your usual brief size. If you are between sizes, size down, as some fabrics relax once wet. If you prefer more coverage, size up.

Bikini, tankini or one-piece

• Bikini: the top and bottom are sold separately, so you can choose a different size for each. Bikini tops give the widest choice of cup shapes and support.
• Tankini: the cup support of a bikini top with more coverage through the body. Some have an inner hook-and-eye band for a more secure fit.
• One-piece: support comes from the cups and the body together. Underwired balcony and full-cup swimsuits give the most support. Non-wired and shelf-support swimsuits are softer and lighter, so they suit you if you're comfortable with a more relaxed hold. Sporty one-pieces with a higher neckline give more coverage and hold for swimming and moving.

What gives swimwear support

• Underwire: more than half of our swimwear is underwired. The wire lifts and separates, the same as in a bra. Shop underwire bikini tops, underwire tankinis and underwire one-piece swimsuits.
• Cup shape: full-cup and balcony tops hold and cover more. Plunge and high-apex tops have a lighter, more open neckline and suit firmer or wider-set breasts. Fuller or softer breast tissue usually suits more coverage and containment.
• Straps: some tops convert between over-the-shoulder, halter and crossover, with a J-hook or multi-way straps. J-hook is our most popular style for a fuller bust, as it provides more support and offers flexibility by easily unclipping.
• Band: bra-sized swimwear is no different to how a bra fits. It's just as important to have a firm band if your aim is lift and support.
• Bandeau and strapless: there aren't many bandeau styles for fuller busts, as many women prefer the extra security straps provide. However, if you don't mind a more natural, less lifted look, a bandeau can be perfect.

How it should fit

• The band or back sits level and feels firm, without riding up.
• No spilling over the top or sides of the cups, and no gaping.
• Underwires sit flat against your ribcage, behind your breast tissue at the sides.
• Straps stay up without digging in.

Swimming, surfing and the beach

If you swim laps, surf or chase kids on the beach, look for higher necklines, racerback or crossover straps and full-coverage cups that stay in place when you move.

Caring for your swimwear

Rinse your swimwear in cold fresh water after each swim and dry it flat in the shade. It helps it last. Our swimwear care guide has more tips.

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Get fitted for swimwear

Our fitters can help you find your bra size and the swim styles that suit your shape.

• Book an in-store fitting at any of our stores in Camberwell, Highpoint, Moorabbin or Sydney.
• Try ZoomFit: a private one-on-one fitting via video call from anywhere in Australia.
• Submit the Virtual Fitter form for personalised size and style recommendations by email within 24–72 hours.

Shop all big bust swimwear and bathers, or go straight to E cup, F cup and G cup swimwear, plus size swimwear or high waisted bikini bottoms.