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The DD+ Swimwear That's Both Stylish And Supportive
Here's to being comfortable, confident and chic on the beach and beyond.
It really should be easier to find DD+ swimwear options for women, given that this is the UK's average cup size. Bikini shopping is anxiety-inducing at the best of times, but for those blessed with big boobs it's near impossible. '20-30 years ago a DD cup didn’t even exist,' Stephanie Korn, Co-founder of Form & Folder, tells ELLE UK. 'The swimwear and lingerie industry literally ignored entire size ranges which told us our body shapes were not normal.'
But even when bigger boobs were finally acknowledged, things didn't get much the better. Until recently, DD+ bikinis and swimsuits have been cumbersome and uncomfortable; resembling unattractive, harness-like contraptions that felt frumpy and don't even acknowledge trends. And don't even get us started on the brands unhelpfully offering matching sets in a single size.
In 2023, though, things are looking up. 'With the rise of curve influencers representing extended size ranges, the industry has had to wake up and extend their size ranges,' Korn explains. And, thankfully, a new wave of swimwear brands has emerged to put big boobs first, offering a wide range of bikinis and one-pieces that are both stylish and supportive. Think chic lingerie-like construction, double straps, delightfully stretchy materials, mix-and-match sizing and even, lo and behold, triangle styles that actually feature enough material to cover more than just the nipple.
Because we take this issue very seriously, ELLE UK's big-boob contingent has personally tried and tested a variety of brands and styles to find the best swimwear to shop right now, from insider-favourite Away That Day, to super-inclusive Good American and the surprisingly inclusive Marysia.
Form and Fold The Crop square-neck bikini top
Form and Fold The Crop square-neck bikini top
Support secret: Invisible internal wiring that doesn't compromise the minimalist design'
As a 32DD, crying in change rooms, covering up to avoid looks, and constant beach nip slips were just a few of my experiences, Stephanie Korn of Form and Fold tells ELLE UK. She co-founded the Australian brand in 2017 with fellow big-boobed friend, Carly Warson, with the aim to end self-conscious swimwearing shopping.
They've succeeded. And they didn't just focus on up top either: Form and Fold's Nineties-inspired high-leg briefs are some of our favourite around.
Support secret: adjustable straps and a tie-front detail
New lingerie brand on the block Lounge has just expanded its offering to swimwear. Not all of it is entirely appropriate for bigger busts (lots of skimpy triangle styles that are difficult to feasibly pull-off past a D cup), but the more structured underwired bikini tops go up to a size XL.
Support secret: underwired cups with ruching that expands with fluctuations through the month
Whistles has teamed up with Lindsey Holland's The Longing on a capsule swimwear collection. The vibe is very much sporty surfer girl, but make it 2023: this Noughties aestheitc was pretty body-exclusive the first time around. The inclusive size range (UK 4-20) means there's something for everyone of any bust size – whether you love a square-neck swimsuit, supportive underwired bikini or high-coverage rash vest.
Support secret: twisted plunge detailing and high apex cups
Swimwear e-tailer the Beach Cafe has loads of swimwear for big boobs on its site. We love this black bikini from Aussie brand Jets – founder Jessika Allen considers all body shapes and sizes when designing, so you'll find lots of flattering high-rise briefs and supportive DD+ bikini tops.
Hunza G + Rose Inc One-shoulder swimsuit
Hunza G + Rose Inc One-shoulder swimsuit
Support secret: Stretch-seersucker fabric that's surprisingly strong
While a 'one size fits all' concept is usually a total no-go for those with big boobs, Hunza G's super-stretchy fabric will adapt to your shape seamlessly. The bikinis are sadly not an option for most (nip slip inevitable for anything over a D-cup), but there are plenty of fabulous one-pieces to invest in with thick straps that offer some support. We love this blush one-shoulder style in collaboration with Rosie HW's Rose Inc.
Boux Avenue Ibiza halterneck bikini top - Cobalt Blue
Support secret: High Apex cups and a V monowire
Boux Avenue is a go-to for DD+ swimwear on a budget. And there's a reason the brand keeps re-dropping its cult Ibiza style (it's been around for years) in even more colourways: the full-coverage cups, tempered by a plunging fit and supported with a monowire, are perfect for bigger boobs.
Support secret: Super stretchy underband and adjustable straps at the back
When Kim Kardashian launched SKIMS in September 2019, she brought lingerie into a new era nine of different nude shades and mega inclusive sizing. It came as no surprise, then, when Skims Swim dropped in March last year, it sold out instantly. The brand's bikinis and swimsuits are just as inclusive, with considered cuts that range from 'sexy coverage' to just plain skimpy. And no DD+ woman will feel restricted in either category, since its modelled on a wide range of body shapes and goes up to 4XL.
Support secret: Darted cups make room for bigger boobs
Whistles isn't the first place you think of when looking for DD+ swimwear, but the high street favourite has really come through for spring/summer 2023. Its clever approach to construction sees simple and easy bikinis with subtle detailing like darted cups that feel approachable for women with both small and bigger bust sizes. It helps to see more diverse models when browsing, too.
Support secret: Extra wide, adjustable straps
You might know Hey Harper for its Insta-catnip jewellery, but the brand is now doing swimwear as of spring/summer 2023. Most of the offerings are thankfully modelled on bigger busts, so anyone looking for DD+ swimwear can browse these pretty printed styles with no qualms.
Support secret: Lined compression-knit scuba fabric and detachable straps
Good American was one of the pioneering the body positivity brands – it's part of what made Khloe Kardashian's first clothing endeavour such an instant hit. From jeans to dresses and swimwear, each piece is designed to flatter every type of figure, and sizes range from XS to 5XL. The label always shows pieces modelled on both a size US 0 and a size 16 to give a good idea of fit.
Away That Day Fiji Underwire Top - Black
Away That Day Fiji Underwire Top - Black
Support secret: Underwiring and wide, adjustable straps
Made in the UK using regenerated and recycled materials, Away That Day's brightly coloured swimwear is proof that sustainability can still be sexy. All bikinis are sold as separates so you can mix and match your sizes perfectly, while the backs are all adjustable for the perfect fit.
Marysia Marysia Palm reversible swimsuit
Marysia Marysia Palm reversible swimsuit
Support secret: Corset-like lacing that allows you to control cleavage
Marysia, the creme de la creme of swimwear beloved for its signature scalloped trims, has recently expanded its offering to include XXS and XXL – which means, more room up top for big boobs. As well as the clever lacing on this swimsuit, it's a real investment because you get two looks for the price of one: just flip between the yellow and white sides.
Support secret: double tie straps and internal cups
Spanish brand Celia B. is know for its whimsical printed dresses and colourful crochet separates, but this summer it's the swimwear we're coveting the most. Designed to accommodate cup sizes up to an F, this starfish one piece has internal padding and double tie multiway straps so you can control the support.
Support secret: Darted cups, thick halter straps and a wide underband
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the eternally chic Eres is more size-inclusive than we first thought: the French brand actually goes up to a UK 18 in its swimwear, meaning much of the big-boob contingent can enjoy its sleek silhouettes too.
Support secret: A clever cross-over back that distributes weight evenly
Drawing on 30 years' experience from Miranda's family business, The Beija girls Abbie, Miranda and Mazie Fisher started their lingerie brand in 2016 and quickly expanded into swimwear. The brand's USP is inclusive sizing – using a unique X Y Z system – which means it caters to both smaller and bigger busts. This Get Wet bikini top has concealed underwiring, cross-back straps and a *hardy* sports clasp to big boobs in place on the beach. Plus, it goes up to a cup size H.
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