JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.- Best overall
- Best budget
- Best one-piece
- Best for big busts
- Best for small busts
- Best Plus-Sized
- Best on Amazon
- Best Tankini
- Best Designer
- Best Balconette
- Best Pattern
- Best Halter
- Best High-Waisted
- Most Comfortable
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The key to a great beach day? Amazing weather and a bathing suit that you feel great in. While there are so many great options on the market, so many of us struggle to find swimsuits that work for our body types and needs, whether that's simply style alone or performance abilities.
If you want a suit that's supportive and stylish, you should be looking for underwire options. Like an underwire bra, underwire bathing suits are lined with a plastic or metal wire beneath the breasts. Thanks to this construction, underwire bathing suits provide support that's particularly beneficial for the larger-chested among us. But, IBTC members can still benefit from underwire too; the design gives smaller chests a subtle lift.
Today, you can find underwire bathing suits in a variety of styles and silhouettes, making them an easy choice. Below find some of our favorite underwire swimsuits, just in time for summer. And if you're looking for more variety, check out our piece on the best swimsuits for women to see our favorite brands and picks across every category of swim.
Best overall: Andie Bermuda Top
Andie Swim The Bermuda Top Shop at Andie Swim External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Andie Swim The Bikini Bottom Shop at Andie External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: 34A-38DD
Andie is a brand we find ourselves coming back to again and again, and for good reason. The timeless pieces are high quality, priced fairly, and designed to flatter a variety of body types. Beyond offering inclusive sizing (this top ranges from 0-20), Andie ditches the traditional grading process (which essentially means all of the suits are designed proportionally to one sample size) and completely redesigns the patterns so the suits fit every size comfortably.
The Bermuda Top is one of Andie's most supportive options with adjustable straps, a clasp band, and underwired full bust support. Not sure what size would fit you best? Andie has a quick and thorough quiz to help you find your perfect fit.
Read our full review of Andie's swimwear to see what the pieces look like on different body types.
Best budget: Aerie Lightly Lined Underwire Bikini Top
Aerie Lightly Lined Underwire Bikini Top Shop at Aerie External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Aerie OG Cheeky Bikini Bottom Shop at Aerie External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: 32A-38DD
Aerie is consistently one of our favorite places to shop for swimsuits, especially when working with a budget. The brand always has a wide range of options to choose from and they often run sales, so you can likely find your next bikini for even less. The aptly-named Lightly Lined Underwire Bikini Top is supportive, stretchy, and sexy with a balconette fit. Adjustable straps make it easy to find your fit and for the eco-conscious shopper, it's made of 80% recycled nylon.
Best one-piece: Skatie Rachel One Piece
Skatie Rachel One Piece Shop at Skatie External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XS-XL
This suit is sweet, sexy, and modest all in one. The underwire cups offer a lot of support and give you a little lift for some cleavage. Plus, the high leg, moderate bum coverage, and seamed detailing all work to create a silhouette that lets your natural shape shine. While we are obsessed with the way this fits, we're even more obsessed with the variety of fun colors and patterns available like the romantic floral Naples and the bold tiger print Malibu.
Best for big busts: Cuup The Balconette
CUUP The Balconette Shop at CUUP External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Cuup The Bikini Shop at CUUP External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: 30A-44H
Underwire suits are already a great choice for big busts, but this one from Cuup has even more features that make it a win for larger chests. The balconette style boasts thick, wide set straps and Cuup's customized Slide & Set back closure system help you get the right fit. Finding that perfect fit is easy. Just enter your band and cup size, then choose a color, and you're ready to go.While this suit is a great choice for all body types, Cuup recommends it most for those with bottom-heavy boob shapes. The suit does run small, so the brand recommends sizing up one cup size.
Best for small busts: xRevolve Beach Riot Camilla Bikini Top
xRevolve Beach Riot Camilla Bikini Top Shop at Revolve External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
xRevolve Beach Riot Island Bikini Bottom Shop at Revolve External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XS-XL
Those with smaller busts may shy away from underwire options, but the design does more than just offer ample support. For those with small chests, an underwire top can actually provide the illusion of a bigger one. Beach Riot is known for its funky, bold active and swim wares that attract trendy beach-goers and athletes. While the Camila top may be plain in silhouette and colorways (it's available in three neutral hues), it delivers on impeccable fit. With no padding, underwire cups, and adjustable straps, this top will give you a naturally lifted look.
Best Plus-Sized: Gabi Fresh Swim x ELOQUII Underwire Bikini Top
Gabi Fresh Swim x ELOQUII Underwire Bikini Top Shop at ELOQUII External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Gabi Fresh Swim x ELOQUII V-Front High Waisted Bikini Bottom Shop at Eloquii External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: 14-32
The fashion industry has taken too long to deliver chic, fun pieces to plus-size bodies. Luckily, ELOQUII is serving the size 14-28 demographic with stylish, flattering, and comfortable pieces across all categories, including swimwear. This top and matching bottom were made in collaboration with plus-size blogger and creative director, Gabi Fresh. The top is fully lined, has removable foam cups for extra padding, underwire support, and adjustable straps. The pattern is bold and bright, perfect for a tropical getaway….or dreaming of one. Note that many shoppers say the cups run small.
Best on Amazon: Body Glove Smoothies Underwire Bikini Top
Body Glove Smoothies Underwire Bikini Top Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Body Glove Smoothies Thong Bikini Bottom Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: D-F
You're going on a spontaneous vacation this weekend. You realize you don't have a bathing suit that fits you. You panic, or you head over to Amazon. With Prime's speedy shipping and the "try before you buy" option, shopping on Amazon definitely has an appeal.
This top is lined with underwire and features power mesh (a soft, but very compressive fabric) for even more support. There are removable soft cups you can leave in, or take out, if you want more shape. The back is designed to be tied two ways, so you can wear this like a typical string bikini or go racerback. The suit also comes in over 20 bright colors that are so fun for summer.
Best Tankini: Athleta Square Neck Bra Cup Tankini
Athleta Square Neck Bra Cup Tankini Shop at Athleta External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Athleta Clean Medium Swim Bottom Shop at Athleta External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: 32D-40C
If you're looking for an underwire swimsuit for athletic activities, this is it. Most of the underwire picks on this list are balconette tops, which are beautiful but not well-suited for lots of activity. This tankini, on the other hand, is made for surfing, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, and so much more. The underwire is hidden, but brings that bra-like support nonetheless. The square-neck keeps your chest covered, because the last thing you want to worry about while swimming and diving is if you've had a nip slip. It's made of a smooth and sleek recycled fabric, H2ECO, that dries quickly and bounces back fast, making it a timeless choice for anyone active.
Best Designer: Mara Hoffman Lua Bikini Top
Mara Hoffman Lua Bikini Top Shop at Net-a-porter External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Mara Hoffman External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Mara Hoffman Lydia Bikini Bottom Shop at Net-a-porter External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Mara Hoffman External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XS-XL
Season after season, Mara Hoffman delivers on releasing some of the most chic bikinis around. The silhouette is simple, a balconette-style with adjustable spaghetti straps and light underwire. We love the neon hues and textured fabric of this piece. On the note of fabric, this suit is made with 86% recycled polyester. The prices definitely are designer prices, with the top and matching bottom clocking in at just over $350. If you're not ready to drop a few hundred dollars on a bathing suit, we don't blame you. But if you're looking for a summer splurge, this suit is a great option.
Best Balconette: Belle The Label The Oracle Bikini Top
Belle The Label The Oracle Bikini Top Shop at Free People External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Revolve External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Belle The Label The Bare Bikini Bottoms Shop at Free people External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Revolve External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XS-XL
If your main goal when you set out to the beach is aesthetics, this suit is for you. Okay it has way more than just looks going for it, but this suit really is that beautiful. The balconette silhouette offers moderate coverage. The thick straps, underwire, and fully lined cups work to keep your chest supported. The ruched detailing gives the suit a flirty, romantic feel.
Best Pattern: Ookioh Como Top
Ookioh Como Top Shop at Ookioh External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Ookioh Casablanca Bottom Shop at Ookioh External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XS-XL
If Ookioh isn't on your radar yet, it's time to check them out. The brand creates swimsuits designed for living your best life. That means chic styles that are as comfortable as they are cool. Ookioh wants to create no-fuss swimwear that you're excited to wear, even when you're not at the beach– yes, their one-pieces can be worn as bodysuits if you get creative.
The Como Top is super flattering, made with contouring underwire and seaming to further define your figure. It's structured and supportive, but never restrictive. The thick straps make this a good choice for those with bigger busts too. The top comes in plenty of fresh colors and funky patterns, like the 90's inspired floral print, Lainai Floral.
Best Halter: J.Crew Heritage Bandeau Bikini Top
J.Crew Heritage Bandeau Bikini Top Shop at J.Crew External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
J.Crew Classic Full-Coverage Bikini Bottom Shop at J.Crew External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: 32A-42D
J.Crew is a go-to for timeless pieces and the swimwear collection is no exception. This bikini top is bandeau style, with removable straps so you can wear it in a balconette or halter style. For versatility alone, this 3-in-1 top deserves a spot in your wardrobe. For more to love, this top has light padding for some extra support and is made with recycled materials that would have otherwise been trash. The gingham print is simultaneously retro and preppy, the perfect two piece for your next Nantucket getaway.
Best High-Waisted: Madewell Ribbed Balconette Bikini Top + Second Wave Ribbed High-Cut Bikini Bottom
Madewell Ribbed Balconette Bikini Top Shop at Madewell External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Madewell Second Wave Ribbed High-Cut Bikini Bottom Shop at Madewell External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XXS-XXL
Madewell is J.Crew's artsy little sister and this suit is here to prove it. The balconette silhouette is simple and classic, but paired with the matching high-waisted bottoms feels a bit more retro. Together the bikini set offers moderate coverage, but still helps you accentuate and show off your shape. We were pleasantly surprised by the breadth of the size range, with XXS to XXL offered.
Most Comfortable: Helen Jon Twist Underwire Bra
Helen Jon Twist Underwire Bra Shop at Helen Jon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." 
Helen Jon Fold-Over Hipster Black Shop at Helen Jon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Sizing options: XS-L
Comfort is always a priority when getting ready. Not only does it affect how you feel on the outside, but feeling truly comfortable in a swimsuit can do wonders for your confidence and how you feel on the inside. That fact is known to brands like Helen Jon, who have made it their mission to make pieces that make wearers look and feel great, inside and out.
Sizing and fit are both a huge part of this process. Typically brands have one fit model (someone in a median size of their range) and use that person's measurements to scale their patterns up and down for larger and smaller sizes. Since this method doesn't account for any variety in body type, shape, and age, Helen Jon fits their pieces on at least seven different bodies. They use normal people like their employees, not models, so they can ensure the pieces are comfortable for all body types. This balconette-inspired top is flattering, supportive, and laden with adjustable straps for a customizable fit. It does have sewn-in soft molded cups as well for some added support and coverage.
Remi Rosmarin Commerce Reporter Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art. She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
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