Flattering Swimwear for a Larger Bust: Some Helpful Styling Tips

For larger-bust women, finding the perfect swimsuit can be a challenge. Selections can be paltry, and often seem dated or matronly. Need some inspiration? Try some of these suggestions.

The irony is not lost on us; even though a larger bust is generally thought of as sexy and covetable, most mainstream swimsuit designers just simply do not take larger-breasted women into account when creating their swimwear designs.

For many large-chested women, swimsuit shopping is not a fun day at the shops, but rather an exercise in tedium and “almost, but not quite.”

Swimsuits fit differently on the bottom than they do up top, all of the available swimsuit options may have so much padding up top that they look like someone is already occupying the suit, or perhaps the only options for larger chests that you can even find are full-coverage, iron-clad “swimdresses,” which instantly bring to mind images of a brigade of heavyset matrons at a water aerobics class.

If you count yourself among the legions of larger-chested women in the world, you needn’t worry.

You are not relegated to a lifetime of paltry swimsuit options and tank-like bathing suits simply because, historically, designers may have neglected you.

There exist some very simple, very effective styling tips that you can use to help you make the most out of what you’ve got. Here are some of our favorite options.

The Halter-Neck is Your Friend

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The key to success with swimwear for women with larger chests is to ensure that “the girls” are both lifted and supported. One of the best ways to achieve this is to choose a halter-neck style with wider straps.

A halter-neck top that ties at the neck gives you the ability to adjust how much support you would like. It is more comfortable for a larger bust than shoulder straps can be (think about that bra that digs into your shoulder!). Because a halter draws your bust up and towards the center, it creates a beautiful cleavage – all while keeping your assets firmly in place.

Embrace the Past

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If you’re large-chested and looking to bring a little glamor to your poolside experience this summer, you should consider trying one of the many vintage-inspired swimsuits that can be found at many major retailers.

Swimsuits with a retro flair can be found in both the mainstream and luxury markets, and by and large these designs have a lot more structure to them than modern swimwear.

The construction of these garments gives a large-chested woman the support she needs for her beach adventures. Interested? Look for pin-up styles with bustier tops, lace-up bodices, thicker straps, and strategic ruching for the best effect.

With the Right Support, You don’t Need to get Wired

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One of the most enduring myths about fitting swimwear styles with a larger bust is that every top must have underwire support, without exception. Granted, underwire tops and bodices are a great way to provide that much-needed support to a larger chest, but they are not the only way.

There are plenty of swim tops and classic maillot one-pieces out there that are designed to provide support without the wires. Look for thick straps and lined moulded cups for best effect.

Don’t be Afraid to Try Something New

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If you have been thinking that because you have a larger chest, you are doomed to wander the local pools and beaches in rigid, unflattering swimwear, put your mind at ease.

Although it may seem at first glance that there are not many options out there, it is actually less about finding a swimsuit that has been purposely designed and marketed for a large bust, and more about finding out specifically what works for you.

The best way to do this is to try, try, and try. If you have always wanted to wear a white bikini like a James Bond vixen but never thought you could, now is the time to take some of these styling tips with you to your local department store (or perhaps even just have them sitting in front of you as you surf the net).

Above all, when choosing swimwear, you should pick one that makes you not only feel comfortable and supported, and also makes you really, deliriously happy.

About the author

Kristin Buchholz-MacKillop

Kristin is an American writer based in the Scottish Highlands. She is a saxophonist, an obsessive tennis player, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, and holds a Master's degree as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She is the author of the online style blog highlandfashionista.com

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