Best bikini tops for curvy women to buy in Australia
Model Jessica Vander Leahy tries on hundreds of pieces of swimwear every year. Here are some of her top picks for summer.
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Every year, mostly around summertime, busty women ask themselves the same question: is there a swimsuit out there that’s going to support my gigantic breasts?
Each year, the answer seems ever-elusive and ever-changing.
Go on, scoff if you like, but if you’re a well-endowed woman, you’ll know it’s a serious quandary because, unlike our smaller-cupped counterparts, the choice of a summer swimsuit is an important one. It’s not a frivolous purchase but rather an investment in a bikini that won’t force us into physiotherapy for our poor neck once the warmer weather wanes.
Thankfully, the good news is there’s more choice out there than ever. Here’s where you can find some stylish swimmers for bigger busts that will have you strutting down the beach or around the resort pool this summer, sans back pain. Get it, gals!
Artesands Aria Botticelli Bikini Top, $89.95
Artesands embraces classic swim shapes that boast great bust support and secure power mesh fabrication for sizes 12-24.
Saint Somebody Walking On A Dream Top, $130
Label Saint Somebody have a range of flattering swimmers made from premium textured for epic fit and support in sizes 12-20. Top pick from this brand is the Walking On A Dream top, designed with a trending square neckline and signature seamless finishing.
Cotton On Curve Longline Bandeau Bikini Top, $24.99
Cotton On has branched out from just creating our everyday favourites to swim specifically designed with bigger sizes in mind — sizes 16-24, to be specific. Made from comfy material at a reasonable price it’s a great option to spend your summer in.
RAQ Apparel Multi-Way Top, $89
Spice up your swim collection with RAQ Apprel’s signature Multi-Way Top, available from a 6D to a 14H. Able to be worn as a halter or over-the-shoulder, the adjustable bikinis for the not so shy among us.
Aussie curve model Bree McCann has created a range of size-inclusive swimwear for sizes 10-20. The Code B Atlas Top as a good underwire-free option with a low scoop neckline, tie back and adjustable padding.
Lily and Lime Lavender Balconette, $80
Super supportive Lilly and Lime styles are available from 28D-38HH cup sizes. The popular balconette is not only underwired but it comes with adjustable straps so you can go strapless or convert it into a cross-back for extra support. How good!
Marvell Lane Emelie Bikini Top, $139.95
Byron Bay-based Marvell Lane swim offers supportive bikinis in sizes 8D – 16H. The specialty cups offer a flattering shape for bigger boobs without smooshing them down.
Elomi Essentials Plunge Bikini Top, $79
As an established lingerie brand Elomi has incorporated its bra technology their wonderfully comfortable swim lines. The firm mesh panels mean the boobs get an extra snug cuddle on long days at the beach without the added back pain.
The Fold The Base K. Dolby, $180
Luxe Aussie swim label The Fold is all about creating chic swimmers for D, DD, E, F, FF and G cups. While this label is a little on the expensive side there’s no skimping on style.
Monday Swimwear Portugal Top, $89
Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman’s Monday Swimwear’s Voluptuous Range is a collection of super chic bikinis, available in cup sizes DDD-G and dress sizes AU 12-18.
Top tips for shopping for a bikinis for a bigger bust
Don’t knock it until you try it
Often the engineering that goes into making a supportive swimsuit equals thicker straps, power mesh and underwire, which means off the body these bikinis can look a bit bulky. But once on, the sturdier straps and wider cups can be really flattering and proportional so it’s always better to give them a go before going back to those skimpier, unsupportive styles.
Dare to be different
If you’ve been busty for a long-time, chances are you just go back to your old tried and trusted styles but, these days there really are a lot more brands getting into the curvy cozzie game. If a classic style crop and bottom ‘kini has been your go to why not branch out and try a wrap-style bikini that offers a little chic edge while still keeping you covered and supported.
Colour is your BFF
Gone are the days when busty swimmers meant wearing basic black. Sure, a nicely fitted black swimsuit is a wardrobe staple but splashing out with a little on-trend print or colour is a nice way to test the waters with something slightly spicier. Not so sure? Why not start safe with some navy blues and olives and see where things go to from there.
If you’re looking for one-piece swimwear, find our top picks here.
For more great swimwear that shows off your curves, check out these styles.
And for more style ideas and fashion staples, check out our Best Of Fashion section.
Jessica Vander Leahy is a model, writer and the founder of Project WomanKind, you can follow her on Instagram here.
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