I’m A Fashion Editor With A-Cup Boobs And This Is The Best Swimwear For Small Busts

As someone whose cup size has never graduated beyond an A, I don't, much to my chagrin, have any wisdom to pass on about plunge bras (nothing to plunge here folks!) or cleavage (if only!). What I can provide as we approach summer, however, is a few words of advice about the best swimwear for small busts.

Whether you're a year-round wild swimmer or more of a once-in-a-blue-moon-on-holiday type of wearer, there are certain questions that always crop up when it comes to contemplating swimwear. Should a person in possession of a small bust wear a one-piece or a two-piece? Once you've crossed that bridge, however, the questions just proliferate. Is a low-cut swimsuit a terrible idea? Is a triangle bikini top going to register as too itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny? Like any item of clothing that needs to fit like a glove, it's something of a shopping minefield to navigate, especially if you'd ideally like your swimwear to look flattering all over (I mean, who doesn't?).

Is that asking for too much? Not at all. If you're going to get your kit off on a beach or near a body of water, you should feel like your best self - and that includes your small chest.

Of course, it's worth noting that compared to your well-endowed peers who need a bikini or swimsuit that's suitable for a larger bust, it's relatively easy to shop for small boob-friendly swimwear, without factors to worry about like excellent support, which is crucial to prevent against back ache for example. That's not to diminish the problems of dressing small boobs, however, particularly if you've always been sensitive about your assets (or lack thereof), which might be more apparent than usual in swimwear.

So, before you think about shape, colour, print, one-piece or two-piece, I would first consider what you feel comfortable wearing in your day-to-day life. Is there a neckline you gravitate towards or, conversely, avoid like the plague? What type of sleeve or strap width makes you feel confident and comfortable, the only two goals you need to worry about when it comes to finding The One.

I love a square neckline and prefer an inch-wide strap as opposed to anything overly spaghetti-sized, which has gone some way to helping narrow the field of optimum swimwear for my small bust. I've personally found it harder to shop for swimsuits in the past, although they are great if you're looking for sculpting swimwear. Something about my small boobs and larger hips means that it's been difficult to find something that flatters both areas in equal measure. I've also gravitated towards bikinis or two-pieces because you can usually shop each half separately, which means you can size up or down if your body isn't one-size-fits-all when it comes to swimwear. The most important advice to bear in mind is that you really can't avoid trying before you buy. Clear your schedule, switch on do not disturb and take everything to the changing room for a good old-fashioned trying-on sesh ahead of your next holiday.

Finally, one of my favourite hacks when shopping for a two-piece in particular is to consider the proportions. It's a balancing act between the bikini top and bottoms, you see, and if you've got small boobs like mine, one of the best ways to strike that balance is by playing around with the waist. Essentially, a brief with a high waistband that sits near the navel is going to not just make up for your lack of chest but look sensational by drawing the eye away from the area and towards the waist/hips. Similarly, a bikini top with a statement element - a ruffled sleeve, say - could also be a route worth exploring.

How we tested

As previously discussed, I've put a lifetime of research into the best swimwear for small busts, having tried pretty much every design under the sun in my 35 years. It's safe to say, I've sampled almost every neckline, strap width, colour and print that you can imagine, separating the good from the bad while prioritising two factors above everything else. Repeat after me: comfort and confidence!

A smaller bust is just one of the areas that you have to consider when buying swimwear. This means everyone's journey will be slightly different, which is why it's of paramount important to shop in person if possible and try everything on. You really don't want to 'add to basket', pack in suitcase and find that whatever you've bought doesn't fit when you're checking into the all-inclusive now, do you?

Best Swimwear For Small Busts, At A Glance

Best Overall Swimwear For Small Busts: Solid & Striped Elle Ribbed Button Bikini Top + Solid & Striped Elle Ribbed Bikini Bottom

Most Stylish Swimwear For Small Busts: Lisa Marie Fernandez Button-Embellished Seersucker Bikini

Most Affordable Swimwear For Small Busts: M&S Neoprene Scallop Plunge Swimsuit

Best Designer Swimwear For Small Busts: Peony Solstice One Piece

Shop: The Best Swimwear For Small Busts

Natalie Hammond is senior fashion news editor at Grazia. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).