It's surprisingly difficult to find a well-fitting bikini top when you have a smaller bust. Some swimsuits create awkward gaps, accidental nip slips, or simply don't flatter people with an athletic build or petite cup size.
We both wear a size 34B, and spent two summers testing 25 two-piece swimsuits with tops that support smaller chests. From sporty sets with a snug, stay-put feel to chic, minimalist styles that enhance your natural shape, these are the best bikinis for small busts that we actually loved wearing.
Check out more of our swimwear favorites in our guides to the best swim dresses and the best long torso swimsuits.
Advice from your testers
Best overall: Left On Friday Sunday Top and Hi Hi Bottom
This Left On Friday two-piece is the best small-bust bikini we tried. The buttery-soft fabric and seamless design stood out above the rest.
The material is both compressive and comfortable, supporting me without any padding, clasps, or ties. The straps are short and aren't adjustable, but they had just the right amount of stretch, offering a snug, stay-put fit without digging in or slipping. Although it doesn't offer much coverage, it still felt very secure (without squeezing).
The high-waisted bikini bottoms are just as impressive. Its high-rise cut is flattering without feeling too tight, and the compressive yet comfortable fabric holds up beautifully in and out of the water. It's also easy to wear under clothes—it doesn't bunch or show through, making it a great option for beach-to-boardwalk days. It's machine washable and even dryer friendly.
As people wit small cups and a curvier bottom, it's almost better when bikini tops and bottoms are sold separately, since we size differently in each. Choosing a color was honestly the hardest part — there are 39 shades, ranging from soft neutrals to bold neons. The good news is that the collection is made for mixing and matching, so we'll definitely be grabbing a few more. At $95 a piece, this set is certainly a splurge. But between the quality, the comfort, and the long-lasting fabric that doesn't fade in the sun, we found it well worth the investment.
Best budget: Fatty Tiger Women's High Waisted Thong Bikini Set
Amazon is a treasure trove of affordable swimsuits for women, though you do have to weed through some cheap-looking options to find the true gems. Over the years, I've bought (and returned) a slew of swimsuits on Amazon, and this two-piece is easily my favorite I've tried. I wore this on my minimoon to Tulum in 2023, and it's remained one of my most reached-for swimsuits since.
It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style thanks to a supportive, padded top with adjustable straps that criss-cross in the back and a high-waisted, high-leg thong-style bottom. I wore it while relaxing in a plunge pool and taking long walks on the beach. It held up well without needing to be adjusted in either setting. The thong bottom is pretty cheeky, so I wore a sarong for beachside lunches or cocktails. The top sits flat without any bulky ties, so it was easy to slip a t-shirt over it.
Although I typically prefer bikinis sold as separates, the thong-style bottom and adjustable top offer some size flexibility. The Medium fit me well in both pieces. It comes in 19 colors, and the coffee color I chose looked exactly as pictured. It hasn't faded after years of wear. It's hand-wash only, which is annoying, and the top takes a bit longer to dry due to the padding.
Best triangle: Quince Italian Triangle Bikini Top and High-Leg Bikini Bottom
Quince brands itself as "affordable luxury," and that's exactly how I'd classify this classic two-piece. The bikini's timeless triangle-style, string-tie top is modernized by a daring thong-style bottom. The string ties are accented by weighted gold beads, which are an elegant touch.
The recycled fabric feels more substantial and expensive than it is, plus it's rated UPF 50 and PFA-free. Senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase has worn hers for two seasons in a row, and she reports it still looks brand new.
Although I'm not opposed to a thong-style bikini bottom in the right scenarios, this one was a bit skimpier than I prefer. I also found the top less supportive than the other styles on this list. It's a solid choice for sunbathing, but I'd probably pick something sturdier for swimming.
Read more in our full Quince review.
Best quick-drying: Carve Designs
Even after I spent and afternoon swimming in this amazingly soft Carve Designs Bia bikini top, I was able to wear it on the subway ride home because it air-dried so quickly. That's because the cups are only lightly lined, and with the pads removed it dries even faster.
The Bia is designed specifically for A/B cups. While the triangle cups are at a fixed position, the gently compressive fabric gives me enough of a squeeze that I don't feel myself at risk for a nip slip. This is another great bikini top if you wear a wide band size with a small cup size.
Best athletic: Vuori Encinitas Bikini and Swim Shorty
I love a skimpy bikini as much as anyone, but there are other times when a secure fit and good coverage are my top priorities — for instance, family beach days or trips to waterparks. In these cases, Vuori's sporty two-piece fits the bill. The pullover top fits like my favorite sports bra. Although it's low-cut, it's supportive enough for small busts (it runs small, though, so you may want to consider sizing up).
The shorty bottoms were my favorite part. The thick, high waistband was supportive, though the drawstring kept coming undone (thankfully, the shorts don't need it to stay up). The bottom had the perfect amount of coverage without being too much. I'd be much more comfortable in these than a typical bikini bottom during my period. I found them very forgiving while I was bloated. A bonus: The duo can also be worn as a summer matching workout set thanks to the smooth, moisture-wicking fabric.
Best retro: Reformation Soleil Bikini Top and Azure Bikini Bottom
This bikini set is as elegant as it is eco-conscious — an ideal pick for anyone who wants their swimwear to feel just as luxe as it looks. From the moment I tried it on, I could tell the fabric was a cut above. It has a smooth, weighty texture that feels expensive against the skin, and the timeless design makes this set one I'll reach for year after year. The top is unlined and features a hefty, gold-tone clasp closure that feels more like jewelry than typical swimwear hardware. The high-waisted bottom offers flattering coverage with a structured silhouette.
The adjustable straps on the top let you fine-tune the fit. One note: The waistband on the bottom can dig in slightly, so if you're between sizes or prefer a less snug fit, I suggest sizing up. Like many of Reformation's pieces, this bikini is made with sustainability in mind, crafted from renewable, plant-based materials that align with the brand's eco-forward mission. It's definitely a splurge, but it's a nice quality, consciously crafted swimsuit.
Best tankini: Mimi Flamingo Blake Midikini and Brooke High Waist Pant
The word "tankini" brings me right back to the late 1990s, but this set is a big upgrade from the higher coverage two-pieces I remember. Instead of a top that reaches down to your hips, this one is more like a longline bra, which reveals just a small sliver of the waist thanks to a super high-waisted bottom. In fact, the top could easily be worn with shorts like a crop top. I found the combination comfortable and flattering.
Other details I loved about this set are the soft, ribbed fabric, adjustable straps, and thick waistband that stayed put. The top didn't have padding and the straps were super stretchy even when tightened, so it ultimately doesn't offer a ton of support, but that's more a matter of preference. If I had to do it over I'd size up in the top, but the bottoms fit me perfectly.
Best crinkle swimsuit: Youswim Aplomb High Waist Two-Piece
The Youswim Aplomb two-piece stands out for its flattering design, minimalist style, and most notably, its incredibly stretchy fabric. "No matter how my body shape fluctuates, this suit fits like a glove," writes beauty editor Maiya Pascouche. "I never feel it digging into my skin while wearing it nor do I notice it falling or drooping throughout the day. It stays molded to your body comfortably all day long without feeling compressive."
Youswim suits are lightweight, unlined and seamless. The fabric is made from a flexible Oeko-Tex certified nylon yarn and elastane blend that has a plush, puckered texture that snaps back to its original shape no matter how far you stretch it. It's safe to run through the washing machine on a gentle cycle, but be sure to line dry this suit — it loses its elasticity if you put it in the dryer.
Best plus-size: Popilush x Angela Shapewear Ruched Tummy Control Bikini Set
"If you prefer to have more shapewear built into your swim, the affordable brand Popilush should be on your radar," writes freelance style reporter Sarah Chiwaya.
"I tried the Shapewear Ruched Tummy Control Bikini Set, since the ruched mesh in leopard print felt very of the moment. Worn with the coordinating mesh pareo, I felt glamorous and pulled together. The power mesh built into the high-waisted bottoms fit comfortably and smoothed the lower belly area even after an indulgent vacation brunch. Unlike some shapewear swim, this bikini wasn't overly restrictive and didn't pinch or dig in uncomfortably.
"If you have a very full bust, this probably isn't the best suit for you: While I absolutely loved the way I looked in this Shapewear Ruched Tummy Control Bikini Set, I did have some side spillover in the top due to lack of cup depth. I'd suggest checking the size chart before ordering if you feel like this might be an issue for you too. I'm such a big fan of the rich colorway of this fabric, though, so I might have to order the coordinating one-piece to see if that is better suited for larger cup sizes — I don't want to let this look go!"
See more in our guide to the best plus-size swimwear.
Best one-shoulder: Summersalt The Bow-Shoulder Ruched Sidestroke Bikini
Summersalt makes some of the best bathing suits we've ever tested, thanks to its fair prices, durability, and classic, modest designs that look and feel great on a range of bodies. The Sidestroke one-piece is one of the brand's most popular styles, so I was excited to test the newer bikini version of the design. It did not disappoint. I was immediately drawn to the oversized white bow on the right shoulder of this otherwise-black set— it's the perfect fancy-but-not-fussy detail that gave the entire swimsuit a sophisticated look. It makes it a bit tricky to wear a shirt or cover-up on top, but I wasn't interested in covering up this beauty anyway!
Though you can choose any black bikini bottom to match the top, I went with this ruched, high-rise version. I found the ruched sides both flattering and comfortable, and they stayed put while I swam but never dug into my sides. The back is just a little cheeky while offering enough coverage that I'd be comfortable wearing it for a family outing. I'm in between sizes, so I sized up in both the top and bottom, but I'd probably size down in both, if I had to do it over.
Learn about our other favorite designs in our full Summersalt swimwear review.
Best textured: Peixoto Fifi Tayrona Bikini Top
With no hardware or bony underwire, this Peixoto bikini top felt comfortable in the sauna and poolside lounge chairs, even as I laid down or leaned up against walls. I also like how the ruffled netting adds some edge and creates a more voluminous look. However, the halter ties may be too precarious if you're wearing this top in the ocean, where a strong wave could send it flying off.
The main plus is that the triangle cups are unlined and movable. This let me adjust their position when they shifted down after pulling myself up out of the pool.
What didn't make the cut
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