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The DD+ Swimwear That's Both Stylish And Supportive
Finding bikinis to fit a larger chest used to be an impossible task: but now, thanks to a raft of new start-ups, the mission is easier than ever.
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 has long been 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 2024, 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 generous-chest 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 brilliantly reliable Form and Fold.
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 swimwear 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: 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 2024: 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: 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.
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.
Good American Always Fits Demi Bikini Top
Good American Always Fits Demi Bikini Top
Support secret: Lined compression-knit ruching that expands with fluctuations, underwired cups, and adjustable straps.
Good American was one of the pioneering 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.
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 us generously chested gals. 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: Thick adjustable straps and a wide underband.
Recently launched into swimwear, British lingerie brand Bluebella is well versed in supportive construction that doesn't compromise on ultra-flattering design. The lineup includes lots of bras available in a DD+ cup (UK 6-18), plus sculpting, high-waist bottoms, and one-piece swimsuits crafted to enhance the silhouette.
Faithfull The Brand Sol Underwired Bikini Top
Faithfull The Brand Sol Underwired Bikini Top
Support secret: Wide adjustable straps and underwired cups.
Based in Indonesia, Faithfull The Brand is coveted for its sustainable swimwear and coverups that are hand-dyed, printed, and made by local artisans in Bali. Most of the offering is thankfully modelled on bigger busts, so anyone looking for DD+ swimwear can browse these pretty styles with no qualms.
Support secret: Underwired cups and adjustable straps.
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.
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.
Seafolly Sea Dive DD Tank Bikini Top
Support secret: hidden underwired cups and convertible straps.
We love this navy set from Aussie brand Seafolly – the bandeau top looks low-key (and by that we mean there's none of the fussy external hardware that comes with DD+ swimwear) but it's still supportive thanks to hidden underwiring.
Celia B Archipielago Square-Neck Printed Swimsuit
Celia B Archipielago Square-Neck Printed Swimsuit
Support secret: Extra wide self-tie straps and internal cups.
Spanish brand Celia B is know for its whimsical printed dresses and colourful crochet separates, but right now it's the swimwear we're coveting the most. Designed to accommodate cup sizes up to an F, this archipielago one piece has internal padding and thick, self-tie straps so you can control the support.
Beija Get Wet Z Bikini Top in Black
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.
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: 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.
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