Best Supportive Swimsuits For All Budgets On My Real Body
Well, here we are again – another summer where we (the collective WE) shop online for swimsuits, only to be confronted with an increasing lack of body inclusivity, and then hope that our real and unphotoshopped bodies will look good in said suits. I’ve sadly never been immune to body dysmorphia, but a good, flattering suit can make your summer less stressful and fill you with more confidence. And summer should be fun:) So I take one for the team almost every year and shop, try on, shoot, and review my non-photoshopped (but heavily self-tanned, lol) body for the internet. I really try to find the best supportive swimsuits on the market. You’ll see each suit from the front and back (good god), and I’ll break down the level of bust support, cheek coverage, and how I feel inside each of these. You should know that I’m 5’4″, between size 4-6, 34D bust, and stick to one-pieces. I generally want to be comfortable, I err on the side of pretty modest (that’s when I feel most confident and therefore sexiest – I’m a former Mormon ’90s teen, lol). So these won’t be the first choice for all bodies (and some of them aren’t the best on me either, and I’ll explain why), but if you want a one-piece with support, here are some options in a few different budgets. And no “gifting” or trades were involved here. “New To Me” Favorites New to me, but super impressed. Wearing a size 6 (if you are smaller in the chest size down). Here’s what you need to know: FABRIC: The fabric is soft and thick (it’s J. Crew’s new “Sculpt Fabric,” which has some compression but not too much). BUST SUPPORT: 6/10. Not bad at all, good enough in a lot of ways (my standards are low TBH). There is a light shelf that attempts real support, but you aren’t going to want to run around (but lifts a bit for sure). As you can see, they are more smooshed together, which isn’t my favorite shape (see other leopard below). CHEEKINESS: It’s cheeky enough and medium cut. You can see it slightly cuts in on the hip. STRAPS: I love the shape of the back straps and thought it was really flattering. The straps are wide which I thought I liked, but once I compared it with its thinner strapped sister, I realize that with big boobs maybe thinner is actually better on me. PATTERN: The pattern is really busy (not see-through and can hide lumps and bumps) LINING: The lining kinda peeks out as you can see on my left cheek, lol. FINAL THOUGHTS: Very comfortable, soft, easy to wear, and I felt pretty confident in it (but I’m keeping the other leopard suit instead). A solid black suit that I ended up keeping (I have no black suits right now). I still have notes, but I really really, really liked it. I’m wearing a 6 and almost sized down but wasn’t big enough in the boobs. Good to knows: FABRIC: Soft compression fabric (same J. Crew “Sculpt Fabric”) that feels really good and does the job while still being comfortable. BUST SUPPORT: 6/10. There is a shelf with a seam that adds some support, enough for walking/lying and feeling secure, but def not your river rafting suit (Tell me you are an Oregonian without telling me you are an Oregonian). CUT/SHAPE: The cut is flattering – the height of the leg, the location of the straps, the little dip in the front – while it looks basic, it’s thoughtfully designed. CHEEKINESS: Great cut in the butt. The fabric holds in place well enough, but if it pops up (because it will), it doesn’t cut in. STRAPS: I love the back – felt that it was flattering and loved the adjustable straps. FINAL THOUGHTS: I felt really good in this, sexy enough for night time hot tubs with Brian, but still good to daytime with families. A classic suit in a really pretty color. Size 6 (I tried on a four and too tight, cut in and not enough boob space, so if you are in between sizes, size up). FABRIC: Another J. Crew “Sculpt Fabric” – soft and the color is so pretty. I could see my lumps and bumps underneath, which is fine at night, but not what I prefer during the day. BUST SUPPORT: 8/10. Pretty good! I liked the scoop neck on me, and it gave cleavage, but in a way I’m feel comfortable about. CUT/SHAPE: The shape is pretty great; there is some stitching in the back that creates a nice hourglass shape. It does however, cut in at the hip, which I don’t love. CHEEKINESS: Mid-coverage. Higher cut on the thighs for sure. FINAL THOUGHTS: I passed on this one for me, but it’s a really solid suit. While this suit isn’t very “me” (feels too preppy for me), I thought it was flattering and great for a coastal/Hamptons vibe. I’m wearing a size 6, which fit as well as it could: FABRIC: It looks expensive (and it is) – great for fancier pool parties. BUST SUPPORT: 4/10. While it has some, the V flattens more than lifts. I think better for those C cups and under, IMHO. I like cleavage, but not the big, flat kind of line that this gave me (thus passing on it). CUT/SHAPE: The scoop back is so pretty! I thought the back was so flattering. CHEEKINESS: Pretty cheeky, without being too high. I really like the white trim on the suit – a detail without garnering too much attention. PATTERN: The color blocking is super flattering. The dark navy is slimming, then the pops of white delight your eye and keep you looking tanner next to it. FINAL THOUGHTS: Better if you have smaller boobs, otherwise pretty great for a modest suit that doesn’t scream “mom”. Highly Rated Affordable Amazon Dupes As a total swimsuit snob, I tried hard this time to order some that were truly affordable to try – maybe my snobbery is off base and there are some really supportive swimsuits for $35?? Well, no and maybe. After trying on many, I found a few worth discussing. I ordered medium, which was a mistake (I also have a short torso), so in all of these, I would size down if you are in between sizes. These are solid, affordable options for sure, with a lot more cheek coverage. They don’t have compression fabrics and are thinner, so they don’t conceal as much, but I was surprised by how much I liked the tops of a few of these, so I’m showing you the 3 out of 10 that I tried (some were god-awful). This floral number (size M) is for those who want more coverage in the butt, and a busy overall pattern. What you need to know: BUST SUPPORT: 5/10. Not the worst, for sure (they say “supportive” on the site, and I was like “I’ll be the judge of that”). It has a shelf and you won’t fall out, but it doesn’t lift or shape like others. CUT/SHAPE: I liked the top – felt like I could throw on some shorts and cruise around on a bike. No compression, sculpting, or shaping (the things you pay $$ for with the higher-priced suits). CHEEKINESS: Full cheek coverage. STRAPS: Adjustable straps – always a plus. PATTERN: The busy pattern makes it so you can’t see underneath lumps and bumps, if that’s your preference. The colors are pretty and modern (i.e., some of the Amazon patterns are SOOOOO questionable). FINAL THOUGHTS: I think this is a great affordable suit that I personally would wear cute swim shorts with at, say, the local pool or public splash pad. It’s fun, family-friendly, and affordable. I was very curious about this Andie Swim dupe, and it measured up exactly how I thought it would (wearing a Medium and should have sized down): BUST SUPPORT: 6/10. Good enough for most things because even though it’s not going to lift and shape, you get enough coverage to never worry about falling out. There is a shelf inside that does the job just fine. CUT/SHAPE: The top and snaps are pretty cute. CHEEKINESS: Full coverage. Stays put because, well, it’s full coverage. STRAPS: The straps feel casual and cool. FINAL THOUGHTS: While the OG Andie is far superior, this felt like a solid dupe. I’m a small and should have ordered a small (sizing on the internet is just so weird!). I liked the color, and while I didn’t feel sexy at all in this, it’s a great “add shorts and run around” kind of suit that still feels youthful while being solidly modest. Ok, this one, FULL, full coverage, was actually really cute! Great for trips with in-laws if you know what I mean. I wore a medium and should have sized down to a small (doesn’t run big but it’s not tight). BUST SUPPORT: Fine, like a 5/10 (zero is no support where boobs are just flying blind inside). But the coverage makes you feel supported in a way, but no lifting. CUT/SHAPE: There is rouging in the stomach area, which I have mixed feelings about – sometimes it gives maternity, and I’d rather a suit help compress instead. Also, Too much with the sleeves, IMHO. CHEEKINESS: Full butt coverage. PATTERN: The pattern is bold. I liked it more with a sarong as shown (just too much coverage on the butt for me). FINAL THOUGHTS: Sure, it gives “mom,” but it’s also cute and fun and family resort appropriate. The sleeves are cute and fun, and the back has some style. If you are in between sizes like me, size down for sure. This Amazon suit was highly rated, so I ordered it in a few patterns/colorways. I liked this one the most because of the colorway (lighter/pattern on top). I didn’t keep but I did feel it was good enough to talk about. BUST SUPPORT: Pretty good! The back strap helps keep the ladies up there, and you aren’t going to fall out. The shape of the front flattens boobs more than I’d like rather than lifting. CUT/SHAPE: Good if you want to feel like you are wearing a two piece without actually wearing a two piece (the cut out in the midsection. And also great if you want attention up above, but less so on the bottom. It felt pretty booby :) CHEEKINESS: Full, but I still thought it was flattering from the back since it was black on the bottom and lighter on the top. PATTERN: Comes in a ton of patterns and colors. FINAL THOUGHTS: All in all, more solid, comfortable, and flattering than so many of the other affordable Amazon suits I tried on. Not very me, but a good, affordable dupe. Another Amazon number with a cute top and a lot of coverage. I have mixed feelings. FABRIC: It is double layered, but as you can see, it still shows more underneath than I would like (this is a deal breaker for me as I’m stupidly self-conscious about that). BUST SUPPORT: Fine! Like a 6/10. You aren’t going to fall out, but it’s not lifting and supporting necessarily. There is a shelf for sure, so you aren’t flying blind. CUT/SHAPE: The scoop/square neck with the snaps is cute and flattering. CHEEKINESS: Full coverage STRAPS: I like where the straps hit. FINAL THOUGHTS: It has rouging on the stomach, which isn’t my favorite, but great if you want more room. My #1 Go-To This is my #1 because it’s so flattering, comfortable, and versatile. It is my perfect “family, active, snorkeling, river hiking, then to lunch” suit. I literally where it most days on our family adventure vacations or when with other families. They have it in other types of fabric (ribbed and gingham), which I don’t love as much, so I stick to the classics (and just ordered the navy, too). I wish it came in a black and white stripe in the same fabric (hint, hint, Andie, folk). I’m wearing a small, classic torso. FABRIC: It has two light compression layers, so it is flattering without being too compressing (like some below). It is thick enough to hide lumps and bumps but not so thick to be uncomfortable or hot. BUST SUPPORT: Is an 8/10 in boob support (which is enough, without being uncomfortable). You are so supported and won’t ever fall out (it’s what I wear snorkeling or running around at a splash pad). It lifts and doesn’t smoosh or flatten (creates a nice rounder shape, imho). CUT/SHAPE: It doesn’t flatten, but it does conceal enough in a comfortable way. Two of my friends with very different body shapes (smaller on top and hippier) also have it and love it. Seems to be a universally great casual suit that I think still looks stylish. CHEEKINESS: It’s the perfect level of cheeky and stays in place. FINAL THOUGHTS: It reads more like a tank top if you throw on shorts (thus perfect at a beach or poolside restaurant). You can button it up and down (can still be sexy). I have worn it for three years (one broke a snap, and I bought it again). 10/10. Love this suit. Oh, and the navy color is currently 25% off!! The Most Flattering And Supportive Well, you simply can’t beat TA3 for flattery, support, and shape – made for curvier ladies to feel hot. I’m obsessed with these suits and feel so good in them (while sometimes wishing the colors weren’t so bright – they have black in a lot of the shapes, don’t worry). These are corseted suits, designed to be extremely flattering, tailored, and give you an hourglass shape while lifting and flattening. They are expensive for a reason, but my goodness, they are a game changer. FABRIC: Super compression fabric – great for being flattering, and you can see NO bumps or lumps – just a smooth flat tummy. But these are not comfortable for all-day wear (like at all). And remember, if you cinch somewhere, it often comes out in other places, so you might find yourself adjusting more than other suits. BUST SUPPORT: 10/10. You are lifted and sculpted and supported. It’s so awesome. CUT/SHAPE: Undeniably flattering, compared to most suits. Designed to give you an hourglass shape. However, not as great for smaller boobs or more lanky ladies – two of my less curvy friends tried mine on and while they looked good in them, they simply didn’t need what this suit specializes in. We all agreed that while good, if you don’t need support or want stomach flattening, this suit might not be for you. CHEEKINESS: They have a lot of different cuts, but this one is mid-cheek (I can not do a thong YET despite Brian begging me) FINAL THOUGHTS: This one doesn’t have the corsetted tie back, instead this mesh number (it’s newer, which I LOVE. I would buy this suit in many colors and patterns – it’s expensive and you can’t wear it all day, but as far as feeling great in a suit, this is it for me. A decidedly “non-friends and family” suit, for me at least, y’all. This suit is low cut, high cut and demands attention (and you have medium to big boobs, you’ll get it). It’s what I pull out on vacation with Brian, and more so at night, but I feel GREAT in it. I’ve had it for three years and still pull it out when I need a boost (mentally and physically). I’m desperate for a collaboration with them to create more patterns, so I’m putting it out there in case they are reading. FABRIC: The TA3 technology creates that hourglass shape while compressing and smoothing underneath. It’s magical, truly. It boosts where I wanted boosting and flattens where I want flattening. BUST SUPPORT: 10/10. Yes, it’s very low cut, but it has a shelf and lifts and shapes – again, magical. My boobs look and feel fantastic in this suit despite being 45 years old (they aren’t that perky, y’all). They also strangely aren’t smooshed together – it’s designed to give enough room to create a really pretty rounder shape, instead of just flattening them down or smooshing them together. CUT/SHAPE: High cut – be prepared to get a wax – this suit is super super high cut (which is why I wear it more at night, lol). The back corset will create back cleavage, at least it does on me – you just have to be ok with it. CHEEKINESS: Pretty darn minimal, and while it stays in place OK, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart/cheek. STRAPS: Adjustable straps – great! COLOR: The color is so fun – electric blue, which demands attention, but they have other colors, too. FINAL THOUGHTS: If you want sexy and supportive, this could be for you. Like, if I had to go on Love Island and be in a suit, this is what I would choose (what a sentence). I LOVED this suit (and so glad I tried it on – I was very doubtful it would look great on me). I was so happy to find something new (outside of the red Andie and the TA3s) that felt both daytime and sexy. Wearing a size 6, which fit great. FABRIC: The fabric is soft and sculpt-y (some compression but you can wear all day – V. comfortable). BUST SUPPORT: 7/10, but I felt GREAT in it. I’m not going to go river rafting in it, but they are lifted, and I felt properly supported. Doesn’t flatten or squish together, just allows for boobs to be supported yet full. CUT/SHAPE: Thigh cut – perfect. Not too high (like the blue TA3 that is extreme) but flattering. Remember, the higher the cut, the longer the leg, if you are into that. CHEEKINESS: PERFECT, i.e., the amount that I like. Enough that you can see some bum, but not a thong. STRAPS: V neck and little straps are so flattering. PATTERN: The leopard pattern is busy, fun, stylish, and feels on-trend. FINAL THOUGHTS: I really, really loved this suit and am so happy to add it to my repertoire. 9/10 Hopefully, this helps you make some decisions with more confidence. It’s hard out there, but my suggestion is to pick yourself up some self-tanning lotion (I love Loving Tan, Coco and Eve and St. Tropez – don’t forget to use the mitt!), and save for one good suit, versus trying out suits that don’t make you feel 100% great. While at 45, I’ll likely never be that girl who struts around the pool in front of people I know with full confidence (which is so dumb), but a good suit has made a huge difference in my summer pool confidence. Hoping to not pass down my body dysmorphia to my daughter, but that’s another story for another day (and she lives in the same messed-up world full of outrageously high expectations for women, so we’ll just do our best, right?). It’s all about highlighting what you love about your body while finding silhouettes, fabrics, and cuts that make you feel your best. May we all just do the best we can, right?
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