It should come as no surprise that women have pretty strong feelings about swimwear. After all, when else do you go out in public wearing so little?
This season especially, we wanted to hear from customers like you—likes and dislikes, needs and wants, loves and hates. So we sent 24 women across the country dozens of swimsuits in otherwise tough-to-find sizes (bands 28-50 and cups A-K). They tried them on, wore them out and, most importantly, told us what they really think.
You're in the right place for unvarnished reviews on everything from bra-sized swim brands to full-bust designs, slimming swimsuits, silhouettes and trends so you can make a splash with added confidence.
Bra-Sized Swim
We're kicking off with Birdsong bra-sized swim, made by us and only available at Bare Necessities. Supportive, sustainable and stylish, Birdsong swim brings to the beach exceptional quality, fit and fashion in what used to be hard-to-find sizes.
Birdsong V Front Underwire Bikini Top (Bands 32-38 and cups D-I)
Sexy meets supportive in this pullover-style bikini top that totally conceals a set of underwire cups.
And swimsuit meets bra by bringing together adjustable, wide straps, a hidden band with hook-and-eye closures and removable modesty inserts.
"It has been years since I've felt comfortable in a bikini," says Sarah, 32. "I love that these swimsuits are so forgiving. They're just super supportive and comfortable. A lot of the time, I feel like the swimsuits that accommodate a mom belly or a bigger size or a larger chest sacrifice style. These come in plenty of prints you can mix and match. Plus I cannot get over this color!"
Birdsong Longline Underwire Bikini Top (Bands 32-38 and cups D-I)
For more coverage from your bikini top, there's the longline. Shapely darted cups with removable foam inserts are upheld by a curving underwire for a comfy lift. Fully adjustable straps and a lace-up tie back let you tweak the fit to perfection. And did we mention all Birdsong pieces are sustainably made of 87% recycled nylon?
"It is incredibly comfortable," says Sarah, "and I love the lace-up back for a completely customizable fit," Sarah says.
Birdsong High-Waist Fold-Over Bikini Bottom (Sizes S-3XL)
Next, add the bottoms of your choice. The high-waist foldover gives multiple coverage level options depending on how you wear it. Choose a coordinating solid, go basic black, match patterns or mix things up for a memorable combo.
"The high-waisted fold-over bottoms can be worn as a true high-waist or folded over for a lower look. It's fully lined and stretchy to be forgiving on those days you need it," says Sarah appreciatively.
Birdsong Sash Fold-Over Bikini Bottom (Sizes S-3XL)
For a touch of added interest, the modest rise bikini bottom is adorned with a sweet side-tie. Scrunch the waist down or pull it all the way up for the look you like best with the top you're wearing.
"I love that Birdsong has a very customizable fit," Sarah says. "My favorite part is how the rise can be folded over for more or less coverage, and these have this tie detail I live for."
"These swimsuits really meet me where I'm at for the day," Sarah says. (How nice to be seen and understood!)
Next up, we sent around for feedback the Pacifica collection from Sunsets, one of our most beloved bra-sized swimwear brands. This season's trendiest texture is a ribbed scrunch fabric (bonus points for using 83% recycled nylon!) that sculpts to your body, elevating the style of each silhouette.
Sunsets Pacifica Mirabella Underwire Bikini Top (Bands 32-42 and cups DD-H)
The wrapped fabric in the front of this over-the-shoulder silhouette cleverly obscures underwire cups with removable foam inserts. In back, you can fasten the band in three different spots and convert the straps into a racerback using the attached J-hook.
"My top half and my bottom half are in a committed relationship, but they continually disagree about size," jokes Jayne, 57. "Shopping for a swimsuit was such a nightmare for me until I found this [brand]. I'm extremely happy with it. I would recommend it if you're a different size on the top and on the bottom because it comes in such a vast range of sizes. With the J-hook, I feel like I'm getting a two-for-one top."
Jayne also called out the high quality, the comfort and the color palette: two vibrant shades for the summer and, of course, black.
Sunsets Pacifica Penny Hipster Bikini Bottom (Sizes XS-XL)
Made to mix and match, a simple low-rise hipster with moderate coverage is a regular Jayne-of-all-trades. In this luxuriously soft, scrunchy fabric, it feels great on.
"It's a classic cut that's flattering no matter what your size," Jayne says.
Sunsets Pacifica Cove Mini Skirt Cover-Up (Sizes S-XL)
This mini swim skirt affords you cute modesty in and out of the water. An elastic waistband hugs the hips and skims over thighs.
"The stylish cover-up is awesome when you're stepping inside a hotel or restaurant," Jayne points out. "I would recommend it for vacation because you can walk around without feeling self-conscious."
Sunsets Elsie Underwire Wrap Bikini Top (Bands 32-40 and cups DD-H) and Annie High Waist Bottom (Sizes S-16)
Also from one of our most-loved brands, Sunsets, come the Annie and the Elsie bikini separates.
"This looks so good," says Luciana, 27 (at left). "The color is perfect. It fits a bigger bust and gives full coverage, but it has mesh all around, making it a little more sexy. This would be perfect for the beach, for a pool party, for vacation…."
"My favorite part, though, is the back of the top. It's crossover, so you can adjust it as tight as you want and it doesn't tie at the neck, which can cause strain with a bigger chest. A fuller-busted girl knows how important that is."
"I'm actually very impressed, but not surprised, because Bare Necessities always delivers."
One-Piece Swim
Pour Moi Beach Bound High Neck One-Piece (Sizes 8-18)
"Putting on a bathing suit is the most humbling thing a person can do, especially with society scrutinizing what a perfect body should look like," says Adriana, 49 (at right).
"I love the beach, but I'm always self-conscious about my legs and stomach. Honestly, I don't want to let life pass me by without me enjoying it fully. That's why I love Bare Necessities—the swimwear provides the right fit in all the right places."
This high-neck one-piece gives Adriana support and a beautiful silhouette, with firm fabric that smoothes and shapes, plus built-in cups and adjustable straps for uplift.
"The mesh detailing makes it so chic," says Adriana. "Just add a cover up and some heels to take it from poolside to brunch."
"Swimwear is about celebrating your body, which I can do with a little help from Bare Necessities.
Pour Moi Palm Springs Colorblock Control One-Piece (Sizes S-3XL)
"I love this beautiful colorblock design in sunset colors!" says Christine, 56 (at left). "They're just so vibrant and perfect for the summertime straight into the fall."
This wire-free maillot "has tummy control, which keeps everything held in nicely," says Christine. "I also like that the straps are very, very easy to adjust by myself for the perfect fit."
Says Christine: "Whether you're by the pool, the beach, or the lake, this is a great swimsuit to have to make you feel comfortable and confident."
Panache Anya Riva Underwire One-Piece (Band sizes 30-40 and cups D-K)
"Bra sizing makes such a difference when you have a larger chest and you need something that is going to fit exactly to all your measurements," says Jen, 32 (at right).
"Who doesn't need a little black one-piece?" says Jen. (No argument from us on that.) "This style from Panache is incredibly high-quality. It feels really, really secure and supportive, not only at the waist but also up top—and those of us with a larger chest know how much that matters."
"This suit is perfect for if you have a larger chest and you're looking for a one-piece that does it all and goes everywhere this summer and beyond—something that is going to hold you in place and hug to your figure perfectly."
"This is the one."
Birdsong V Front Underwire One-Piece (Sizes 8 D/DD-16 J/K)
"Who says you can't feel sexy and supported at the same time?" asks Joanne, 50 (at left), in the LBD of swimsuits from Birdsong. "I would recommend it to practically anyone, whether you're heavy up top or not."
"The first thing I love about this swimsuit is that it has an underwire, so it gives me that lift I'm looking for. The second thing is the tummy control. It snatches you in the right places without feeling uncomfortable."
"There's moderate rear coverage so you're looking sexy but classy. And best of all, it's made with 87 percent recycled nylon, so you're looking good and doing good." Joanne says. "Confidence, comfort and conscious design...this swimwear really gets me."
Sunsets Sienna Swim Dress (Sizes 6-22)
"This adorable one-piece swim dress is going to be a staple in my closet, because curves and confidence never go out of style," says Julie, 55.
"With great coverage exactly where you want it up top, you'll feel like you’re stealing the show, at the beach or the pool, year after year."
"Speaking of the coverage, it has adjustable straps, and they can also crisscross if you feel like you need that extra support. Then it has just the right amount of a swim skirt to it."
"And did I mention that it’s made from recycled materials? Smart and stunning."
Need help finding your ideal swimwear? Our Bra Fit Experts are here to prove the perfect fit is possible.
