5 Swimsuits that bring out your bust

Jun 01, 2012 1:29 AM by Mary Fetzer

Posted in Beauty & Style / Endless Summer

Swimwear That Flatters "The Girls"

A swimsuit puts your girls on stage, front and center. If you think you need a little extra help in that department, then you'll love this swimwear that is designed to enhance the bust.

You may think your breasts are too big. Or not big enough. Perhaps they're droopy or uneven. Well, whatever your boob problem, there's a swimsuit out there to help.

Jene Luciani, author of The Bra Book, is the number one swim expert when it comes to finding the right suit and she offers advice for finding just the right suit to enhance your girls.

"Your body shape should drive your swimsuit selection," advises Luciani. The goal is to maximize your best assets and minimize your trouble spots.

Expert tip

After each wear, hand wash your swimsuit in baby shampoo and let air dry. ~Jene Luciani

Rectangle shape bathing suit

Rectangle shapes

If you have a boyish, athletic body, then "you need a suit to create curves and boost your bust line," says Luciani. Look for a print two-piece suit with ruffles (or fringe, a hot 2012 trend) to emphasize the bust and hips. If you prefer a one-piece, choose a swimsuit with padded cups and side cutouts to give the illusion of girls.

Our pick for rectangle shapes: Bettinis Bright Flirt Bikini features ruffles right around the inside of the chest area which instantly add curves to women who need a little help. The Flirt comes in eight different bright neon colors. Shop Butterflies & Bikinis, $140.

More bathing suits by body type >>

Pear shape bathing suit

Pear shapes

Luciani recommends finding a swimsuit that balances your larger bottom half with your smaller top half. A swim skirt in a solid color with a print or embellished bikini top is a great way to draw the eye up and away from the hips and rear. If going for a one-piece, try a solid color, one-shoulder suit that draws attention to your décolletage.

Luciana’s pick for pear shapes: Eco Swim Ballet Halter Top ($66) and Skirted Hipster Bottom ($58). The halter top features a bow detail and removable soft cups. Shop EverythingButWater.

Find the best shape, color and style swimwear >>

Apple shape bathing suit

Apple shapes

Whether her breasts are large or small, the apple-shaped gal needs a swimsuit that creates the illusion of a smaller waist. A bandeau bikini or tankini top beautifully calls attention to the chest and shoulders. Brightly colored, detailed bottoms help create interest. When choosing a one-piece, apple girls should look for high-cut legs and avoid halters.

Our pick for apple shapes: Hurley Geo Bandeau Bikini Top ($25) and Geo Retro Hipster Bikini Bottom ($25). Shop SwimSpot™.

30 Swimsuits to flatter your body type >>

Big busts

The key to enhancing a big bust is support, support, support! Good: Halter-style tops. Bad: Triangle tops. "Check out bra-sized swimwear and look for swimwear lines that cater to large busts," suggests Luciani, such as Lands' End, which has a Swim Resource Guide that provides education on swim bra support and a nice array of swimwear to minimize the bust. You can even chat online with a live swim expert to ensure that your suit is the right fit, size and style.

Our pick for busty girls: Lands' End SwimMates Halter Bikini Top ($50) and SwimMates Strip Mid-Rise Bottom ($40). Shop Land's End.

How to get the best fitting swimsuit >>

Small busts

Triangle tops with padding are ideal for small busts, says Luciani, but there are so many bust-enhancing styles of swimwear on the market today.

Self-described "A-cupper," Nancy, 44, likes Victoria’s Secret swimsuits. "I am able to order by bra size, and they have varying levels of push-up and padding options from jaw-dropping voluptuous to I-can-play-volleyball-in-this."

Our pick for small busts: Victoria's Secret Bombshell™ Swim Tops, push-up bikini tops that instantly add two cup sizes!