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14 Best Swimsuits for Small Busts, According to Our Style Experts

We found the most comfortable and stylish swimsuits that are designed with smaller chests in mind.

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VerifiedTested by Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst
best swimsuits for small chests
Mariana Tuma

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Securing a trendy two-piece that fit my small bust was a challenge during my high school years. I almost always removed the padding from the cups and avoided push-up silhouettes at all costs. These days, swimsuits for small chests are a lot easier to find online and in-store. Brands like Pepper specifically offer bras and swimsuits for small busts, but most swimsuit brands now offer a variety of bathing suit styles in extensive band and cups sizes.

Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab evaluate bathing suits year after year to stay on top of trends. We are actively testing swimsuits for smaller busts in the Lab and with consumer testers, but initial feedback has helped us narrow down the following list. We also pulled testing notes from previous evaluations to incorporate tummy control, athletic and period swimsuits.

1
Best Overall

Prow Swim by Pepper Scoop Underwire Bikini Top

Scoop Underwire Bikini Top
Now 31% Off
Credit: Elizabeth Berry

Band sizes: 30–40 | Cup sizes: AA–B | Colors: 3

Pepper sells bras designed for small chests and this year it released its first ever line of swimwear, Prow Swim. Of all the bikinis I have owned, the Scoop Underwire Bikini Top and its matching Bikini Bottom is the most flattering and comfortable bathing suit I have yet to swim in. If you want more coverage, you can opt for the High Waisted Bikini Bottom, and we are currently testing the Limitless One Piece that features similar design details as the bikini.

The lightly padded cups provide just the right amount of support and the white piping around the underwire is chic and sexy. The cups and wiring became a little wonky after washing, but the white detailing didn't appear dingy-looking. I ordered my regular bra and underwear sizes and the suit fit perfectly.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: "Super flattering, like no swimsuit I've ever owned," said one five-star reviewer, while another satisfied shopper shared, "I can't wait to show off the confidence I've gained back in a top that truly compliments my body."

RELATED: Why We Love Pepper Bras for Small Busts

2
Best Value

Aerie Cloudweave Crochet Voop Bikini Top

On Sale
Cloudweave Crochet Voop Bikini Top
Now 70% Off
Credit: Aerie

Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: 4

Aerie is our go-to recommendation for shopping on a budget because the brand often runs sales throughout the season. Even at full price, the Cloudweave Crochet Voop Bikini Top and its matching bottoms are less expensive than just a bikini top or entire one-piece from other top-performing brands.

While I struggle to find an Aerie bra that supports my small bust, my experience with their bathing suits has only been positive. The Voop neckline, in particular, is a fan favorite among GH staffers with smaller busts because it enhances cleavage with natural-looking padding that’s removable. The crochet texture is on trend this summer but Aerie releases new colors and patterns each season.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: "Such a flattering bikini top, fits perfectly," said one happy online shopper. "It fits comfortably without that tight swimsuit feeling that makes you want to change out of it after a few hours," added another five-star reviewer.

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3
Best One-Piece

Andie The Amalfi One Piece

The Amalfi One Piece

Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 14

You might just feel as if you're swimming along the Amalfi Coast wearing this stunning one-piece our style pros continue to recommend summer after summer. Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine appreciates that the swimsuit is offered in classic or long torso so the straps aren't digging into your shoulders or sliding off.

You can choose between three coverage options including medium, full and cheeky. This one-piece is made with a compressive fabric to offer a subtle slimming effect and removable pads help you experiment with different levels of support.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One GH analyst reported that the compressive material feels comfortable instead of overly restrictive like other swimsuits she has tried.

4
Best Inclusive Sizing

Summersalt The Sidestroke

Best Seller
The Sidestroke
Credit: Sumersalt

Sizes: 0–24 | Colors: 12

After evaluating more than 30 popular swimsuit brands, Constantine named Summersalt best overall in our main guide to bathing suits. While the best-selling Sidestroke one-piece is also available in classic and long torso like Andie, shoppers can choose from a wider range of sizes from 0 to 24.

The brand strives to design swimsuits that will look great on a range of body types — including those with a small chest. Diagonal seaming and fabric with compression collaborate to create a flattering fit. My favorite part? The swimsuit is designed to support your chest without cups or padding.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "The material smooths my stomach and back, but doesn't cut into my legs or shoulders. I can comfortably wear it all day while lounging, swimming or running around on the beach," shared one of our testers.

RELATED: The Best Plus Size Swimsuits

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5
Best Athletic

Speedo One Piece ProLT Super Pro

One Piece ProLT Super Pro

Sizes: 20–40 | Colors: 11

Whether swimming laps is your favorite way to work out or you prefer swimsuits that have a performance-based aesthetic, Speedo is the quintessential sporty suit. This one-piece has ultimate compression to reduce drag in the water and encourage recovery, per the brand's description.

I find athletic swimsuits to be a reliable style for smaller busts because they fit snug and stay put even in the roughest waves or longest pool days. Although this swimsuit may not be the most stylish option on our list, there is nothing more timeless than a racerback one-piece.

Note: Competitive swimsuits are sized differently than your everyday bathing suit. Use the sizing chart to determine your best size, which goes up by even numbers. Speedo recommends sizing up if you want a looser fit, and one GH editor who used to swim competitively says you may even want to go up two sizes.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: The GH editor who swam competitively and recreationally in Speedo swimsuits reported that it provided ample coverage on the bottom. She felt "very compact and sucked in," but not to an uncomfortable degree.

6
Best Tankini

Athleta Seabreeze Crop Tankini

Seabreeze Crop Tankini
Now 50% Off
Credit: Athleta

Sizes: XXS–XL | Colors: 3

Experts in the Textiles Lab have evaluated a variety of items from Athleta including workout tops, leggings and more. The brand consistently earns high marks from testers and analysts for durability, style and comfort.

This tankini and its matching high-waisted bottoms are designed for all water sports whether you are an advanced surfer or swimmer or like to bring out the paddle board come summer. We like the high neckline for sleek coverage and appreciate the removable padding that is designed to dry quickly post-swim.

If you want to sport a tankini this summer, we recommend shopping the Seabreeze Crop while you still can because select sizes are selling out fast. If your size is sold out, though, we recommend checking back in because Athleta often hosts sales before releasing new styles and colors.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: " I love the high neckline, as I tend to get too much sun there," shared one shopper. Another reviewer described the tankini as "flattering," but multiple reviews mentioned the swimsuit running small.

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7
Best for Period

Knix Leakproof Classic One Piece Swimsuit

Leakproof Classic One Piece Swimsuit
Credit: Knix

Sizes: XS–XXXXL | Colors: 4

I wish Knix was around when I was in high school — then I could have foregone waddling around the bay in a poorly put in tampon. The brand's swimsuits are designed to absorb and hold onto menstrual flow so you can float, surf, paddle and swim without fear of staining your bathing suit. While this one-piece has a built-in shelf bra, the cups are removable and you can adjust the straps for a better fit.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Knix's swimwear is "completely undetectable," according to one tester. Other testers reported no leaks when wearing the swimsuit as backup on heavier days. Knix is pricey, but our testers have worn its swimsuits even when they aren't menstruating.

RELATED: The Best Period Swimsuits

8
Best Triangle Top

Solid & Striped Iris Bikini Top

Iris Bikini Top
Credit: Solid & Striped

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 7

No matter how you slice it, $88 on a bikini top (on top of another $88 for the matching bottoms) is a lot to spend on a swimsuit. But this classic halter is designed for ultimate adjustability so you can tie the neck, back and sides for a more secure fit.

While this suit offers less coverage, it's great for super hot beach days when wearing a more compressive, full-coverage suit feels unbearable. Just make sure to pack sunscreen in your beach bag!

✔️ WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING: "This no-frills triangle bikini has a minimal design with sliding cups and adjustable straps at the neck and back to help you achieve the best fit — plus, the strings easily come untied for sunbathing," shares Constantine.

RELATED: The Best Bikinis

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9
Best Cutout

Old Navy Textured One-Piece Cut-Out Swimsuit

Textured One-Piece Cut-Out Swimsuit
Now 20% Off
Credit: Old Navy

Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: 6

Multiple GH staffers shop Old Navy swimsuits each season because you can find a wide selection of styles at an affordable price. Even when my chest was at its smallest during middle and high school, I was able to find a bathing suit at Old Navy.

This one-piece has a flattering cutout in the front as well as a chunky buckle that cinches the cups together to give you a natural lift. The neckline is flattering on women with a smaller chest and I appreciate the wide straps to avoid them digging into the shoulders.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: "Not too revealing, but still very flattering and true to size based on the size guide measurements," said one five-star reviewer. Another satisfied shopped shared, "the material is thick enough enough to offer support without being too tight."

10
Most Trendy

Abercrombie & Fitch Wide Strap Underwire Bikini Top

Wide Strap Underwire Bikini Top
Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch

Sizes: XXS–XL | Colors: 6

If you want a two-piece that offers some lift without too much padding, this underwire bikini top and its corresponding mid-rise bottoms is the obvious choice. The balconette design brings a sexy flair to the suit, but the unlined cups mean you don't have to worry about removing extra padding.

I haven't tried this specific suit from Abercrombie & Fitch but I have been swimming in another A&F two-piece for over three years without any noticeable wear and tear. The lack of lining means that your nipples may peep through after you jump into cold water.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: One reviewer called this bikini her new favorite, explaining "I was worried this top would be too big in the boob area because I’m an A cup but also a 38 band and it fit absolutely perfect."

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11
Best for Tummy Control

Lands' End Slender Suit Wrap One Piece Swimsuit

Slender Suit Wrap One Piece Swimsuit

Sizes: 4–18 (petite); 6–18 (regular); 16W–24W (plus size, long torso plus); 6–18 (long torso) | Colors: 3

The wrapped bodice design accentuates your waist and smooths your tummy. Although the wide straps aren't adjustable, you may want to opt for a petite size to help you feel more secure in the deep-v neckline.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: During Lab evaluations, testers awarded the Slender Suit collection high scores for its flattering designed and slimming effects.

RELATED: The Best Tummy Control Swimsuits

12
Best Mix and Match

Left on Friday Pool Days Top

Pool Days Top
Credit: Left on Friday

Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 31

One issue I encounter while shopping for two-pieces is finding a swimsuit that fits my top and bottom. If you have the same issue or want total freedom when it comes to selecting a matching bottom, Left on Friday lets you mix and match to find your perfect suit. The Pool Days Top is designed for smaller busts and offers medium coverage. It's made from compressive fabric that feels super soft and can dry quickly, according to the brand.

You can pair it with the matching Hi Tide Bottom, Hi Hi Botttom or Wear To Bottom depending on the type of cut and coverage you desire.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: "The fabric is so buttery soft and smooth," reported one reviewer, while another added, "I was worried about the straps and band not being adjustable, but it fits perfectly and it stays in place."

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13
Best on Amazon

CUPSHE V Neck Low Rise Two Piece Swimsuit

V Neck Low Rise Two Piece Swimsuit
Credit: Cupshe

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 22

Cupshe is one of the more popular Amazon brands that Constantine has come across in her research. The brand is also a favorite among Good Housekeeping readers who consistently click "add to cart." This particular two-piece has over 1,200 Amazon reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating.

It's hard to beat the under-$35 price tag (that includes both top and bottom) even if our testers report the brand's quality isn't as high compared to more expensive swimsuits. Still, our style pros like that you can choose from almost two dozen colors and patterns. You can remove the cups if you want less padding and I find this silhouette to be flattering whether as a bathing suit top or a bralette.

✔️ WHAT SHOPPERS ARE SAYING: "The strap crisscross design on the back adds a lot of detail and makes it easy to adjust for a great fit," said one five-star reviewer. Another Amazon shopper shared, "[It's] true to size, cute, tight enough to stay on and not slide around but not constricting."

RELATED: The Best Swimsuits on Amazon

14
Best Halter

Boden Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit

Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit
Now 30% Off
Credit: Amanda Constantine

Sizes: 2–20/22 (regular, long) | Colors: 7

Not only does Boden offer swimsuits with more coverage, but the brand also has fun with color-blocking details and patterns for a bold beach or pool look. The cups have light padding and the halter style lets you adjust the suit for a comfortable fit. While the swimsuits lean towards a preppier aesthetic, you can choose from a few solid colors if you want something neutral.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "It holds you in without squeezing you too hard," shared on GH tester whose go-to swimsuit from Boden is the best-selling Santorini Halterneck.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

good housekeeping institute beauty lab eye makeup remover testing

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates across Labs to ensure our shopping guides reflect accurate and timely information. She has previously reported on clothing essentials from swimwear to the best bras on Amazon. As someone with a small chest, Berry has worn more than one swimsuit that won't stay up and she was once separated from her top in a large Cape Cod beach wave.

To put together this roundup, Berry worked with Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine who conducts swimwear testing at the GH Institute. She has personally evaluated almost every style in this guide and will continue testing the category in the coming months as we head into summer.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Headshot of Amanda Constantine
Tested byAmanda Constantine
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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