Let’s be real: Swimsuit shopping is tough. Not only is it hard because everyone’s body is different, but there are SO many brands out there, and so much to filter through; it can be overwhelming. Also, online shopping for bathing suits is less than ideal because you can’t try anything on. But, we here at EHD have been talking a lot about summer trips and beach days so a bunch of us are on the hunt for the perfect suit. We figured since we are looking all for the same thing, why not share with you lovely readers and call it work? (ha! jk.) Last year, you all really loved this post and since we have some additions to the team, we thought it would be fun to do a “Virtual EHD Shopping Tour: Swimsuit edition” with five us who all have different body types and wants and needs when it comes to swimwear. These are all the swimsuits we are contemplating buying or in some cases, have bought and LOVE. Let’s get into it.
Name: Emily
Title: Emily of Emily Henderson Design (founder!)
How would you describe your figure? I’m petite but curvy and have secret boobs and currently a tummy that could probably use a month of souping before suiting.
What do you look for in a swimsuit? The challenge is that I can never find a one piece that supports the ladies and I’m done wearing bikinis (well, maybe in Souptember). I look for boob support and ideally some pattern to disguise some tummy ripples. I also am so fair that I prefer a color over black, but currently, my favorite swimsuit due to fit is black and I wish so badly it came in a black and white vertical stripe.
What are you willing to spend on swimwear? I’d spend up to $300 if it’s flattering, modest enough to wear around kids and in-laws.
1. The Sunbather, $95: I’m excited to see if this brand is as flattering and comfortable as it looks. I am not afraid of a bright pink and red number, and I am really into the shape of this one.
2. Babe, $450: I’m EXTREMELY curious why this suit would be $450. What could it possibly do to your body?? MAGIC? I want to try it but thank god it’s sold out in my size.
3. Frida One Piece, $200: I like this one because there is a shelf to hold the ladies, plus a thick strap which seems comfortable (and is a cut I like on me).
4. Gaia Bodysuit, $230: I’ve talked about this suit before (and likely won’t stop talking about it) because it is just so good.
5. The Fused Delta Bikini Top, $50: This top looks like it could definitely support my secret boobs. This one is from that same brand as #1 that I am excited to try. Their stuff is cute and I really like their general ethos.
6. The Belted Classic High Rise, $45: I know I said I am done wearing bikinis, but I feel like I can see myself in this one because of this high-waisted bottom. Oh, and I love the little belt detail.
In case you need a refresher on the team, we included photos so you can get the gist of who’s talking. First up, our Editorial Director Arlyn can’t wait to show you the suits she’s been eyeing…(she may have purchased one since writing this):
Name: Arlyn
Title: Editorial Director
How would you describe your figure? I’m pretty petite (5’3”) and definitely curvy. I’m hourglass-shaped, just like…in larger proportions. My chest is LARGE and I’ve got some Latina hips and legs on me.
What do you look for in a swimsuit? I have pretty low expectations for finding swimwear that makes me feel cute + just sexy enough + young(ish). I have a very large, heavy chest so I absolutely, without question, need an underwire. “Full bust support” usually means a built-in molded cup (HAHAHAHA) with a shelf liner or just a tight seam under the bust. That’s cute…maybe if my chest was half the size it is, but I’m not kidding around. I want perky, round, young boobs in a swimsuit, and the ONLY way for me to accomplish that with my GG-cup breasts (yup, that’s a cup size people) is to have an UNLINED, bra-sized underwire swimsuit with adjustable straps and back clasp. Also, most underwired, cup-sized swimsuits are bikinis and I just don’t feel comfortable in one (never have). It really just makes me feel like swimwear companies are lazy (or the market share for my body type is VERY small, which somehow I doubt). DO BETTER SWIMSUIT COMPANIES. Oh, and I like thicker fabrics because they are lasting but also slimming.
What are you willing to spend on swimwear? I’ve spent upwards of $175 on suits, but I’m happy to do that because I only buy them every few years and I’d prefer to purchase something that fits really well, makes me feel confident, and is high-quality so it lasts years and years.
1. Pour Moi Glamour, $80: I love a black swimsuit, and I think the “mesh” sections (which are not sheer, actually) could be nicely waist-defining. Sizes through 38G.
2. Fig Leaves, $65: LOVE the price point here and the fun embroidery feels summery without being too young (or aging). Sizing goes through a 38G. The back strap seems a little wimpy (that’s where most of the support comes from), but I might order and try on, actually.
3. Peekaboo One Piece, $95: This is SO cute and actually looks age appropriate (unlike other underwire suits on the market). It says it supports up to a G cup and while I’m skeptical of anything that doesn’t actually have an underwire in terms of support…I’m intrigued (even though I’d have to squeeze my ladies in there).
4. Pour Moi Halter, $69: I like a halter because I can adjust it to be as “lifting” as I want. My Puerto Rican-toned skin would work well against the bright red I think.
5. Pour Moi Control High Waist Bottom, $35: I love that the bottom is high-waisted to help with sucking and tucking any tummy woes.
6. Anya Underwire Balcony Swimsuit, $99: Panache swimwear has NEVER failed me. I probably buy one of their suits every year or two. The price point seems reasonable, the side rushing would be nice to camouflage some of my fluff, and I just think it’s a classic suit that would be pretty flattering. Sizes go up to a 40K. (I have purchased this since writing and I’ll report back when it arrives.)
Next up, Ryann is serving all the classic swimsuit feels…
Name: Ryann
Title: Special Projects Editor
How would you describe your figure? I have long legs (I am 5’9″) and a bit of a booty, thick thighs, medium/large bust, and a bit of a tummy that I just recently learned to love. 🙂
What do you look for in a swimsuit? Extra support for my girls + a cheeky bottom to accentuate my butt (and a sustainable brand is a huge PLUS for me). I prefer one-piece bathing suits but will do a two-piece if the bottoms are flattering enough and highlight my long legs. I also like my bathing suits to be practical and well fitting, because I HATE worrying about a nip slip when swimming.
What are you willing to spend on swimwear? I will spend upwards of $150 only because I am trying to buy from sustainable brands only, which tend to be a bit more expensive. I will likely only buy one of the below picks for this summer because I prefer quality over quantity (and I don’t mind wearing the same suit over and over).
1. The Amalfi, $96: I love a classic black one-piece. This one is like the little black dress of bathing suits and it is made sustainably by a really good brand—and it is under $100?! Sign me up.
2. V-Neck One Piece, $95: When Arlyn sent me her picks as I was prepping this post, I saw one of her choices was from this brand so I took a look at their site. Let me tell you, their stuff is great and I love they are so size inclusive. I love a classic silhouette like this one and the color is gorgeous. I am not totally convinced the color would look good with my skin tone, but luckily they have it in a black, as well.
3. Second Wave Ruffled Draw String One Piece, $75: Okay, this one is so cute. I love the fun colors and the string tie up top. Not sure if the support would be great but it is a good price and sustainable. It is from Madewell’s new swimwear line that uses recycled water bottles (!!). I am very into it.
4. Konoka Top, $81: I am just going to say it: red looks very good on me. It is my color, for sure. I really like this top because it looks like it has support (and um, my boobs can always use an extra lift).
5. Island Jo Jo Bottom, $100: I like bottoms that are high cut because I have long legs but I also have a long torso (horrible problem to have, I know) but in order to shorten my torso a bit and elongate my legs, these bottoms would be perfect.
6. Josi Top, $75: This top is special. I just really like the shape and how it comes off as “sporty chic.”
7. Morgan Bottom, $85: I am trying to decide if I like a high-waisted bottom on me. On one hand, they do cover the lower tummy pooch, but sometimes it can actually accentuate that area.
Moving right along, Veronica’s picks are as colorful, cute and bright as she is:
Name: Veronica
Title: Photo Assistant
How would you describe your figure? I grew up playing sports my whole life—mainly soccer and volleyball—so, I would say my body type is athletic. I have a smaller waist and strong thighs, a booty from playing mostly lower-body working sports and I have a little bit of lower tummy pouch, so going high-waisted has been a go-to these days!
What do you look for in a swimsuit? I tend to go for the more sports-bra type of swimsuits i.e. swoop necks and my typical bottom preference is cheeky.
What are you willing to spend on swimwear? I am willing to spend no more than $50 on a swimsuit set (no more than $20-25 top, no more than $20-25 bottom).
1. Seersucker Lace-Up Bandeau Top, $20: I am in the camp of tube top swimsuits because hi, no tan lines! I love the ribbed texture of this and it looks like it has just the right amount support.
2. Seersucker High-Waist Bottoms, $18: I’ve been very into the high-waisted look lately and adore this color.
3. Textured One Piece, $18: Everyone needs a simple black suit! I like this one because no strap tan lines + ribbed texture is always comfy.
4. Cut-out One Piece, $25: I like this suit because of the color. I think it looks great on those of us with darker skin tones.
5. Bandeau Bikini Top, $15: I really like the color red on me and think this top is too cute! (I am all about color, apparently!)
6. High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, $15: I love a cheeky, high waisted bottom and this one checks both of those boxes. Oh, and it’s under $20!
7. Ribbed Side Scoop Bikini Top, $15: So I recently bought this top with matching colored bottoms and I L.O.V.E. it! It’s super comfy because the top has no latches (it’s like a sports bra), and the color is amazing and vibrant.
8. Ribbed High-Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $30: Another high-waisted, cheeky bottom, surprise surprise. 😉
Lastly, Grace picked probably some of the chicest bathing suits we have ever seen…
Name: Grace
Title: Social Media Manager
How would you describe your figure? Average height (or maybe on the shorter side, hi Asian genes), heavier in the mid-section.
What do you look for in a swimsuit? Something that will suck it all in! A print would be great, but nothing too overly floral. And the other most important thing is that they must either be halter tops or something with a v-neck as I find that those are the most flattering on me.
What are you willing to spend on swimwear? Preferably $60 or under, but in the past when I’ve been feeling desperate, I could go up to $100, plus taxes.
1. High Neck Keyhole One Piece, $40: I love the print and color of this one and I am a huge fan of a halter top (plus this one has that cute cutout detail).
2. Cold-Shoulder Swimsuit, $27: Ooh. I’m into the ruffled cold shoulder sleeve situation. And once again, you already know it…halter top.
3. Shirred Scallop Halter, $40: Cute scallop detail, cutout in chest area is a plus and it’s a halter! Plus, it looks like there’s a little bit of a ruching detail in the mid-section, which I like.
4. Reagon One Piece, $166: This one is like the evening gown of swimwear. Ha! I think the crisscross detail on the body could be flattering, the neckline could also be flattering on me, and I love the back! But, I would only buy if I was REALLY feeling splurge-y.
5. Peplum-Hem Swimsuit, $50: Peplum tops aren’t my favorite for my body type, but I’ve never tried it in a swimsuit. This one is kinda cute and might hide some of my mid-section issues…?
Alright folks. That is all we have for you today. What swimwear brands do you love/ are dying to try? We want to know. Happy shopping and happy Saturday. xx
Actually I don’t stress about swimsuit shopping at all. I have worn the same 3 bathing suits for 10 or even 15 years. Seriously, do people really buy a new bathing suit every year? Or even every other year? It’s not like the old ones wear out — unless you’re a lifeguard. I wear a bathing suit maybe 4 or 5 times during any given year. And sometimes not even that often! No point buying a new one when the old ones still do the job.
So I guess that means I’m wearing “vintage” bathing suits. 😉
Mine wear out like crazy, but I live in Charleston, SC and am always at the beach and can swim 9/12 months. Sunscreen deteriorates the spandex in the bathing suits.
Also, they don’t make suits like they used to. I remember my mom could have a bathing suit last her 10+ years
We live at the beach and go about 3-4 times a week, some people have pools and swim all summer, so a fresh one is nice, others just like to have some to rotate because it’s nice to wear something different…
I live in year round warm weather with a pool in my backyard/community so I’m probably in a swimsuit 3-4 times a week. When I first moved here, I got extra swimsuits since my one swimsuit was never dry by the time I needed to wear in again!
In addition to sometimes getting worn out, I have been a different size every summer for the last 6 years or so between pregnancies, breastfeeding, weaning, life, etc, so new suits have been a necessity!
Check your suits you might not realize but they might be c threw check the butt. When you go swimming a lot getting suits is so important.
I’m at the pool/beach 3-5 times a week all summer and 2 times throughout the year. I go through suits often. I actually do need a few in constant rotation. In the summers, I spend whole weeks at the beach so they really do wear out. This post could have been helpful to me had the suits not all be on-trend cheeky.
I’m at the pool 4-5 times a week and have also spent most of the last decade pregnant or breastfeeding, so my size has fluctuated a LOT. I usually buy 1-2 new suits each year between them wearing out or just not fitting well anymore.
I have to take a moment to sing the praises of the Aerie unlined underwire bikini top – which I think is a new release this year and it looks like they only have a few options left. I’m a 32DD and these are literally the best tops – so supportive, flattering, and cute, plus like $15 – not to mention a selection of bottoms to go with them (low rise! high rise! that 90s thigh cut thing!)! I’m usually one to spend like a hundred dollars on a swim top and I love these more than my pricey pieces.
Love this! I actually had two of these suits (the Amalfi and the Knix Peekaboo) on my list this year and went with a different one (from Lively) but now I’m questioning my decision. Ha!
I was so-so on the post last year, tbh. I think the pseudo-suit-modeling must have been the part I was hung up on though. I appreciate that this year’s version seems like a more organic fit with your usual posts. xoxo
Cute suits! Nice round up. I’d love to see a follow up after you’ve tried your chosen suits – do they ride up or slip down during swimming?
I have a pool and swim often. I think the most comfortable thing to swim in is just a cotton tank top and undies. No skinny dipping because my neighbor can see the pool and I don’t want to traumatize her.
I agree swim companies are missing the boat! I want a suit with BRA support COVERED by a stylish, preferably a vintage floral, modest swim suit (i.e. a hidden bra that straps underneath the suit.) that is not see thru when wet. I don’t want my suit to LOOK like a bra, but I want to look like I am WEARING a bra. Shelf bras don’t cut it. And most bras come as one pieces with or without a skirt. I love modest, supportive, lightly padded tankinis that I can wear with board shorts. But for $60 or less ? total. (It’s impossible.)
I enjoyed this post! Love all the body types represented, and the confidence which with they were discussed!
Ugh I know it’s SOOOOOOOO hard. A shelf bra just doesn’t cut it for me either in terms of support or shape. I end up with smoosh boobs that look like a roll of cookie dough that droops on the sides. I like the tankinis from Panache (I have two). They’re pricey but depending on the time of year, you can get them on a great sale (I buy them from herroom.com, figleaves.com and barenecessities.com…all the places I buy my bras is where I look for swimwear).
Good luck!!
Thank you Arlyn! I’m anywhere from a G to an I cup depending on brand… so yeah I feel ya. Please please keep us updated on your purchase! Also I spend thousands every summer buying online and usually return EVERYTHING bc nothing provides enough support. This industry sucks when it comes to LARGE chests. smdh
Agreed. I hear you Niki. I can typically squeeze into a G-cup swimsuit (though that’s UK cup sizes. I think American I’m like an I). Here are the brands I find that do a great job with supportive swimwear for LARGE chests: Panache, Fantasie, Elomi. I have suits from all of those brands. A lot of the patterns can be a little too old for me, but there’s usually one or two prints per season that feel young and fun and flirty (but more modest).
Good luck and I’ll be sure to report back on any of these I buy.
Thanks Arlyn! I also totally agree with the above post too from “J”. And can you please do an outfit/clothing post yourself… I love Emily’s clothes and style… but your jumpsuit from this post is making me feel like I need some outfit inspo from you! 🙂 Thanks again!
I’m a G as well. I haven’t bought one yet because they’re pricey, but the fold swim are made for larger cup sizes and they look great. An Australian and sustainable company.
Hi EHD! Is the red floral one piece that Emily is holding in the swipe up listed? Couldn’t find it!
Thanks,
Natalie
It’s from last year’s post, which you can click through to at the top. Looks like it’s from & Other Stories and is sold out :-/
Lot’s of good swimsuits to check out, but I would like to know where Arlyn’s jumpsuit is from, because its fabulous!
Thank you! It’s from Target but I just checked and it’s no longer available. 🙁 they have some other really cute ones right now though!
Darn it! but thanks anyway 🙂
I really appreciate that these descriptions were written to talk about body shapes and clothing goals in such a matter of fact way without apologizing!
What is the jumpsuit that Arlyn is wearing in the group photo?? Looks awesome and comfy, and it’s hard to find a jumpsuit that comes in an interesting print!
The “Reagon” at Nordstrom’s (where your link took me) is now only available in a size 8. Must have been popular!
Thank you Arlyn for including suits for bustier women! Clothing manufacturers do such a disservice by adhering to the idea that women only fit into bras/swimsuits that range from A-Ds. G cups on up are not unusual or weird. What’s weird is trying to squeeze yourself in to a suit that’s too small in the bust because you can’t find your size. I’m so happy that I finally found Panache, Fantasie and Freya – it was life changing.
I really enjoy this post and the range of bodies and perspectives represented here. However, I feel like any body-positivity in this post is undermined by Emily’s body shaming of herself and promotion of crash dieting right from the start.
“A month of souping before suiting” isn’t a sustainable mindset, and it’s too bad to see a “summer body” mentality on this blog.
“I’m done wearing bikinis (well, maybe in Souptember)” may have seemed like an honest statement of the way Emily currently feels about her body, but it comes off as really negative and judgmental.
I really appreciated the positivity and body acceptance from the rest of the team, and would love to see Emily speak more kindly about her (beautiful, healthy) body in future fashion posts.
I noticed that too and it bummed me out for her. It’s ok to be in a bikini even when it’s not souptember! You make the rules! You’re gorgeous as you see Emily!
I agree.
100%
YES! Thank you!
Thank you, L
These ladies just started a sustainable swimsuit line for busty ladies and I’m tempted to order one. https://shop.wildislesswim.com/
I am in good shape but HATE cheeky bottoms. WTF?!!! I feel like I can only find cheeky or like a skirt that my mother/grandmother would wear.
I have a good bottom but I don’t feel like sharing it with the world. I have yet to see someone over 15 actually look good in it who doesn’t have a six figure modeling contract. Also, even if you have said body–why do you want to show it to everyone at the public pool/beach?!!!
Anyone else?
Yes! Where are the non cheeky bottomed this year?! (Formerly know as bikini cut?!)
Yes, this 100%. I’m in my twenties and have always been thin but showing that much of my but definitely makes me uncomfortable.
To solve the support issue, I layer an underwire bikini top under my one piece. The top I got from jcrew in neon yellow and my ruched suit from target in black. I’ve worn this comb for quite a few years.
Cute picks, but if you have “secret boobs,” how on earth do those swimsuits fit you? Especially a plunge with a shelf bra or a swimsuit in S-M-L sizes with underwire? There’ s no way.
Joining in the kudos to Arlynn for ACTUAL BRA bathing suit tops! I’m “only” DD, but the shelf bras and soft cup bras do NOT cut it for support. Just ordered a suit by Sunsets that has a bra top, but the top hasn’t arrived yet — I got the top half of it from herroom.com and the bottom half from swimoutlet.com. The bottom half fits well, is modest, and comfy.
For other busty, hourglass girls, please check out Frey’s bathing suits! Go up to an H cup in most styles and are supportive and flattering (high quality underwire).
…but where oh where is Arlyn’s jumpsuit from, pray tell! It’s gorgeous!
I wrote an article about How To Find The Best Swimsuit For Your Body Type. For many people, bikini season brings to mind sun, sand, and relaxation. Unfortunately choosing a best swimsuit can feel like a daunting task.
http://bit.ly/31FckLk
With swimming season upon us, it is time for my wife and I to get new swimsuits. I think that she would like the fourth one that you have listed above. Chances are, she’ll probably buy three or four of them just to see! https://www.staecovered.com/category/swimwear