Swimwear
Jun 12, 2023

I'm Small-Chested and Tried on a Ton of Swimwear—These 6 Styles Fit the Best

by Michaela Bushkin

Over here in sunny Los Angeles, it feels like summer may never end, which, for the record, I'm not the least bit mad about. Since I anticipate months more of beach days, I'm still shopping for some new bikinis to add to my rotation. But not just any bikinis—I'm looking for ones that best suit my smaller-sized chest.

While my cup size may fluctuate throughout the month (anyone else?), I'm usually a solid 34B. There are certain styles I've found that really don't look the best on my smaller chest, like straight-across bandeau tops and high-neck swimsuits. I strongly stand by the statement "every body is a bikini body," however, I personally feel most confident in a swimsuit when the fabric isn't swallowing up my top half. There are six styles, in particular, I find best highlight my smaller boobs. Shop them all—ranked from the most revealing styles to least—below.

Best Swimsuits for Small Bust: halter bikini

Photo:

@michaela_bee

It might be a stretch to say string bikinis are universally flattering, but they are beloved by many women with many body types. I find the string halter top to hug in all the right places and provide almost a boob-job effect. Yes, I said it.

Best Swimsuits for Small Bust: triangle top

Photo:

@michaela_bee

The classic triangle top is the slightly more modest version of the string halter top above. Because the cups don't slide around, this style is a safer bet for swimming and other activities that involve getting up from your towel. Look for one with adjustable straps in the back—like this Monday Swimwear suit—to hug everything in.

Best Swimsuits for Small Bust: mermaid top

Photo:

@michaela_bee

I've always found demi-cup bras and swimsuits to fit my friends with larger busts much better than they do me. My friend Lauren proved me wrong (once again, sigh!) when she suggested I try a top style dubbed the mermaid bikini. The difference is subtle but important: There's a separation between the two cups that creates a slightly more angled effect—perfect for showing just a touch of cleavage without going overboard.

Best Swimsuits for Small Bust: Bandeau bikini

Photo:

@michaela_bee

Standard bandeau tops that are essentially a rectangle always make me feel like an adolescent boy. I'm sorry, but it's true. I can't really fill them out, so they end up looking more like a strapless top. Instead, I've found bandeaus that sort of pinch in at the center—with either a ring or a tie—provide a little more shape. Bonus points if you find one that also comes with removable straps!

Best Swimsuits for Small Bust: One-shoulder bikini top

Photo:

@michaela_bee

When I want something with a little more coverage, I like to wear a crop top–style bikini. Now, I'll admit, this style is ideal for my dream life, in which I'm hanging out on a yacht every weekend as opposed to my apartment's tiny pool. It's definitely really good at being pretty and not so good at being practical, and I am 100% okay with that.

Photo:

@michaela_bee

I've been into one-shoulder tops all summer, regularly wearing them with jeans and linen shorts. I can't believe it took me so long to discover one-shoulder bikini tops because I am now their number one fan. The style offers fuller coverage but looks more flattering, in my opinion, than a straight-across top. This one, in particular, is made with a sustainable fabric, which I am equally as excited about.