Choose the right swimwear for your bust

With summer on the way and many of us busy booking holidays, the issue of squeezing into a bikini or swimsuit may well be lurking at the back of your mind.

It’s important to consider your boobs when choosing the right beachwear, so here are Let’s Talk Breasts’ top tips on dressing for your individual shape…

Not much up top

If you are fairly flat chested, then the obvious solution is to invest in a swimsuit or bikini with a padded section or inserts in the bra area. Not only does this help add volume that is otherwise lacking, but the moulded cups also help disguise the embarrassment of visible, prominent nipples after going for a dip or if the wind whips up!

Smaller busted babes can and should enjoy wearing a string bikini which larger busted lovelies couldn’t even consider for support issues. Bandeaus look good on you, and fringes, ruffles, frills, bows and front ties can all help create the illusion of a bigger bust, likewise eye-catching colours and busy patterns.

Overly muscular or athletic

As with smaller busted ladies, use swimwear with extra detailing on the bust, so as to accentuate your femininity. Bikinis work well to balance that ‘straight up and down’ look and cleverly designed side interest panels can create the illusion of curves where there are none. If you have the confidence, opt for a ‘sexier’ style such as ruching, deep red and gem colours, or even leopard print to feminise your look.

Top heavy

Halter neck styles are your friend, as not only will they help support your breasts, but they’ll also create an attractive V-neck shape that can be very flattering. Carefully chosen halter neck styles can both elongate your figure and still show just the right amount of cleavage to attract some admiring glances on the beach.

Avoid bandeau bras as they can pull down and make your bust look droopy, but do investigate bra-styles – if possible in your actual size – as they will help to give you the right shape and support, while avoiding backache.

Uneven breasts

Most women have slightly uneven breasts, but if yours are noticeably different, it’s time to invest in some beach-friendly silicone pads. Choose a bra-like bikini style that fits your larger breast perfectly, then attach the pad to your other breast using a waterproof body tape. If there’s only a small difference, removable padding can provide the answer to a lop-sided bust, with the larger breast’s pad taken out.

Bit of a belly

Here at Let’s Talk Breasts we’re all about embracing reality, and the truth is, most of us have a bit of a tum, particularly at certain times of the month. However good your breasts are, you may prefer to steer clear of bikinis if you’re concerned about your waistline, but there are plenty of swimsuits that are cleverly cut and coloured to give a more streamlined effect. Belted swimsuits may sound off-putting but they can often give the optical illusion of a more hourglass figure, cinching you in at the waist and detracting from other lumps and bumps. Also ruching around the belly area can hide a multitude of sins!

If your belly’s not that big and is actually more of a muffin top, you can still get away with a two-piece, but why not choose a folded waistband style that you can adjust to sit where it looks best and feels most comfortable? Also a 1940s-style higher waisted two-piece can look brilliant too.

Bigger behinds

Girls with larger bottoms and thighs should emphasise their busts with pretty beading, ruching or a deep V, so as to draw the attention away from the hip and thigh area. Steer clear of bikini tops paired with boy shorts, as the shorts can visually cut off your legs at just the wrong point, emphasising stockiness. Instead opt for a swimsuit or tankini with higher cut legs, to give the illusion of length.

Other tips and tricks

• Fake tan is your friend – most of us look slimmer with a little colour to warm us up!
• Sarongs can offer a little extra coverage if necessary, and can be tied in so many different ways. Choose sheer material for a sexy but still demure effect.
• Stand up straight! Good posture will instantly knock a few pounds off your weight visually.
• If you’re going to be doing more swimming in your swimsuit than just lounging on the beach, invest in a good sports suit that will withstand wear and tear and even have some inbuilt support for your bust.
• Mix and match – there’s no rule to say that your separates have to coordinate. Use dark or muted colours to tone down any area that you don’t like, and bright colours or vivid patterns to refocus the eye on your better bits!
• It’s the oldest trick in the book, but horizontal stripes will widen a smaller bust, while vertical stripes will slim whichever area they cover…