The D+ Swimwear Edit

Over the years you’ve expertly navigated the fashion trends - knowing that smocks, button up shirts and spaghetti straps (because your nude coloured bra straps love to steal the show) are basic no-go pieces when it comes to filling your wardrobe but when it comes to seasonally pieces like swimwear, it can often feel like a (not always successful) fashion experiment. So, thanks to you and many other instagrammer’s voting – we’ve created a guide to help you get your swimwear look right first time round!

Swimwear is not a one-size-fits-all scenario and when it comes to boobs and body shape, we’re all different in our own beautiful unique way. In order to achieve the luxe fit look you’ll have to analyse your own breasts- not in a scientific way, just observe the goods you’ve got but you have to be completely honest with yourself! Don’t convince yourself you’ve got the fullness of Pamela Anderson with the cleavage of Lara Croft (refer to our last blog) if that’s not what you see. Honesty really is the best policy here -you may have breast fed, lost weight or gained weight which will ultimately alter the shape of your breasts or then again you may naturally have softer or firmer breasts, breasts that start underneath your armpit or at your chin. So, identify what goods you’ve got, and this will help you get the right swimwear piece for YOU!

Now that you’re completely owning your amazing goodies, it’s time to pick the style that will support and flatter you best!

Plunge

When the centre of your swim piece starts below your natural nipple line it’s a plunge. This is a make or break style when you’ve got D+ boobs but when executed properly it can look a-maz-ing! It’s a super flattering shape in any swimsuit or bikini, the long neckline elongates the silhouette and provides lovely tan line too! This style is better suited for those with firm and higher set breasts – where your cleavage does not meet in the middle. If it does, you run a serious risk of a nip slip as those goodies are not being held securely and if you naturally have lower set breasts this style will only make them appear long…yes, we said long. The shaping and support from an underwire is ideal in a plunge however we’ll happily settle for the comfort of a bust sling and soft cup combination (refer to our swimwear dictionary here if you’re unsure of any lingo!)

Balcony/Bandeau

A bikini style that most would usually avoid as it’s perhaps deemed old fashioned or more appropriate for lingerie, but what’s the difference between your lingerie and swimwear besides function? Nothing really! The balcony/bandeau style is probably the most flattering and comfortable out of all swimwear styles. Its suitable for all breast types as its supportive design is structured to lift from the base of the breast and uses a wire to separate and hold the breasts in place. This style is great if you have lower set, weight loss, breast fed or naturally softer breasts – the coverage will help contain and control your breasts just like a bra would. The fit is key here but we’ll delve into that later on!

Scoop/Square Neck

Applicable to both bikini and swimsuit styles – it’s a go-to shape if you have super full boobs that start right under your arm pit (if you know, you know), but honestly it’s great for all breast types. It provides ample coverage without being matronly and the neat fit underneath your arms will help keep your side boob in check! The internal structure can vary from wired, bust sling, soft/foam cups or a combination but all equally as enhancing as each other – we personally favour the sling and soft cup combination. It is the most comfortable and makes your boobs and figure look fab!

Wrap

A halfway house between balcony and plunge, the simple wrap and twist fabric effect can be applied to either style. It creates the illusion of smaller breasts by drawing the eyes towards the detail at the centre of the bust. It’s a favourable style if you’ve got breasts that are wide set (they naturally lie east and west) the wrap effect will help bring them together without the over-the-top push-up effect. Internal structure is usually a soft foam cup to hold the goods in place, a wire can also be applied but isn’t necessary.  

Low Back

Surprise! You’re probably wondering what the back has to do with your boobs right? Well, it actually has everything to do with your boobs – if you’ve got solid firm boobs feel free to skip this part but if you fall under the soft breasts, wide set breasts or breasts that generally need to be put in place (literally) category then please pay attention. The more swimsuit you have around where your bra band would sit at the back the better – this fabric will pull around your body and create firm support at the front of your bust. The less fabric there is the less control you have over your bust, since your bust isn’t being held against your body with fabric, your bust will simply pull the fabric away at the back and sides allowing your boobs to essentially sit in their more natural bra-less state. Like we said, this is fine if you have firm boobs but for those of us who have not, the low back is a no-go zone.

 

The importance of fit and adjusting your straps

Creating that luxe beach look is 90% to do with the fit of your swimwear piece. Your one or two-piece needs to be firm and snug around your body to fit correctly when wet AND dry. Remember, swimwear gets heavy when it absorbs water and no one looks good in saggy swimwear! So don’t be tempted by going the next size up just to avoid it “digging in” in certain places, if you’ve read our product care guide you’ll understand that over time the elastance in your swimwear will lose its stretch and elasticity therefore it’s crucial your swimwear fits firm right from its first wear to get as much life out of your swimwear as possible.

Getting the cup size right is perhaps the trickiest part, if your chosen swimwear piece only has a formed cup or bust sling, perhaps consider going down a cup size. Swimwear fabric is super stretchy and will comfortably fit around the bust, so by going down a cup size you will get a firmer fit and extra support all whilst feeling a little more secure. And don’t forget to scoop and swoop your boobs!

Adjust your straps! Not just the first time you try it on, but every single time you put it on before heading to the beach. You should be able to fit two fingers snuggly underneath each strap. It’ll feel super supportive and will ultimately lift the bust into the correct place, but this will only work if your swimsuit fits firm otherwise you’ll end up pulling the entire suit higher, not just the bust!

We hope you enjoyed our #leapandloop D+ edit and are now feeling a little more confident for your next swimwear shopping spree! If you have any questions that are a but more specific to you – don’t hesitate to ask! Simply click here to message us and we’d be happy to help!