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can you wear a bra under your swimsuit

Finding a supportive swimsuit top isn’t easy, especially if you wear a D cup or larger. With swimsuit season coming up, you might be wondering if wearing a bra underneath could be the solution to getting the support you need. It makes sense in theory. Your everyday bras are supportive so surely they’ll add an extra layer of support under a bikini top, right? Not exactly.

Here’s why wearing a bra to the beach isn’t the best idea:

Why you shouldn’t wear a bra under your swimsuit

Bras aren’t designed to be worn while sunning or swimming. Fabrics like lace, mesh, and satin are vulnerable to chlorine and sand damage, which reduces their lifespan considerably. A dip in the ocean can cause irreversible damage to the fabric and fit – both of which can’t be fixed. Additionally, we wouldn’t recommend wearing a bra while sun tanning either. Direct sunlight can fade the color of the fabric and make the bra look much more worn than it is. Plus, sunscreen can stain those fabrics too.

If support is what you’re looking for, there’s a better option.

And it’s called a bra-sized swim top.

Why you should wear bra-sized swim tops instead

Bra-sized swim tops are swimsuit tops (and one-pieces) that are designed according to your bra size. Instead of buying a size M, for example, you’d opt for your bra size (34D). These are great because they fit like a supportive bra but feature fabrics that are beach-friendly. Plus, you’ll get the support you’ve been looking for without feeling like you’re wearing lingerie to the beach.

bra sized swim tops

Farah Bikini Top | Farah Bikini Bottom in Black/Emerald

Who should wear bra-sized swim tops?

Anyone who wants to! They come in a wide range of sizes, including hard-to-find small band, big cup sizes (perfect for full-busted people). Because they’re designed with your bra size in mind, you can be sure you’re getting a great fit and you won’t have to worry about your bust being too big or too small for the cups. Also, bra-sized swim tops are sold as separates. So if you have a huge size difference between your bust and your hips (which makes buying a bikini off the rack a real challenge), you’ll be able to mix and match the sizes for the best fit.

Where to buy bra-sized swim tops

You can find bra-sized swim tops online and in many local lingerie stores. Retailers like Nordstrom, Kohl’s and Linda The Bra Lady have an excellent selection online for you to choose from. Prefer shopping in store? Your local lingerie boutique may just be the best place for bra-sized swimwear. You trust your favorite lingerie store with helping you pick out new bras, why not shop for swimsuits there too? Their expert staff can ensure you’re wearing the right bra size and find the best swimsuit for you. Perfect!

If you’re in the mood for a new swimsuit, now’s the perfect time to shop. There are plenty of cute swimsuit options out there that will support your bust and boost your confidence, including bra-sized swim tops. Why not have a look?

bra sized swim wear

Farah Bikini Top | Farah Bikini Bottom in Black/Emerald

We Highly Recommend

If you’re shopping for a swimsuit that fits your bust perfectly, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find swimsuit tops that stay in place, especially when you’re shopping on your own. If you’re full-busted and you’ve struggled with finding a flattering swimsuit top or if you’ve never tried a bra-sized swim top before, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings and carry a selection of swimsuits and swimsuit tops. Their expert bra fitters can help take the pain and frustration out of swimsuit shopping and do all the work for you. They can help you find a bra-sized swimsuit top with the support and lift that you’re looking for and they can also help you find new everyday bras that fit well and feel good. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best swimsuits are hiding.

If you’re not happy with the swimsuits in your closet, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy swimsuit shopping!

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Published by

Katie Donnelly

Katie Donnelly is a full-time freelance writer, content manager, and founder of Katie Rose Creative. An experienced bra fitter, Katie has helped hundreds of people shop for lingerie. Her favorite bra is the Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra.

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