14 Best Swimsuits for Small Chests, According to Our Style Experts
We found the most comfortable and stylish swimsuits that are designed with smaller breasts in mind.
Tested by Amanda ConstantineHome & Apparel Reviews Analyst
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Swimsuit shopping for smaller busts hasn’t always been straightforward, with many styles historically relying on extra padding or push-up construction that didn’t necessarily align with comfort or preference. Over time, however, the category has evolved significantly. Today, swimsuits for small chests are far more widely available both online and in stores, with swimsuit brands like Pepper specializing in designs tailored to small busts and many others expanding their size ranges and silhouette options.
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate bathing suits year after year to keep pace with shifts in fit, fabric, and design. We made our picks based on our current evaluations and past testing to highlight the standout options across categories, like tummy control suits, athletic styles, and even period swimwear.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Pepper Triangle Bikini Top
- Best value: Aerie Skinny Strap Voop Bikini Top
- Best one-piece: Andie The Amalfi One Piece
- Best on Amazon: Cupshe V Neck Low Rise Two Piece Swimsuit
- Best inclusive sizing: Summersalt The Sidestroke
Best Deal
Pepper sells bras designed for small chests, and recently released its first ever line of swimwear, Prow Swim. The collection leans into minimal, thoughtfully constructed silhouettes that are meant to feel secure without relying on heavy padding or over-engineering. This bikini top reflects that approach with lightly lined and removable cups and the adjustable, wire-free band that allows for a more flexible, personalized fit. Convertible straps add another layer of adaptability, making it easy to switch between a classic and racerback fit, depending on your preference or the activity for that day.
GH analysts consistently praise Pepper bikinis as some of the most flattering and comfortable suits. We also appreciate that the fabric of this top and its matching bottoms is designed to resist chlorine, salt water, and repeated washing, according to the brand.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | XXS–XL |
| Colors | 8 |
Aerie is our go-to recommendation for shopping on a budget because the brand often runs sales throughout the season. Even at full price, the Skinny Strap Voop Bikini Top and its matching bottoms are less expensive than just a bikini top or entire one-piece from other top-performing brands.
While I struggle to find an Aerie bra that supports my small bust, my experience with their bathing suits has only been positive. The Voop neckline, in particular, is a fan favorite among GH staffers with smaller busts, because it enhances cleavage with natural-looking padding that’s removable. "The neckline is flattering but still offers enough coverage for me, and the material is so soft and stretchy that it almost feels like second skin," said one GH tester. We also love the range of colors, plus Aerie tends to release new shades and patterns each season.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | XXS–XXL |
| Colors | 12 |
This simple stunner nails the minimalist aesthetic perfectly—that's just one of the reasons our style pros continue to recommend this one-piece summer after summer. Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine appreciates that the swimsuit is offered in classic and long torso sizes, so the straps aren't digging into your shoulders or sliding off.
You can choose between three coverage options including medium, full, and cheeky. This one-piece is made with a compressive fabric to offer a subtle slimming effect and the removable soft cups allow you to experiment with different levels of support.
| Sizes | XS–3X |
| Colors | 12 |
Cupshe is one of the more popular Amazon brands that Constantine has come across in her research. The brand is also a favorite among Good Housekeeping readers.
It's hard to beat the under-$35 price tag—that includes both top and bottom!—even if our testers report the brand's quality isn't as high compared to more expensive swimsuits. Still, our style pros like that you can choose from more than three dozen colors and patterns. You can remove the cups if you want less padding, and we find this silhouette to be flattering whether as a bathing suit top or a bralette.
| Sizes | XS–XL |
| Colors | 38 |
After evaluating more than 30 popular swimsuit brands, Constantine named Summersalt best overall in our main guide to bathing suits. While the best-selling Sidestroke one-piece is also available in classic and long torso like Andie, shoppers can choose from a wider range of sizes from 0 to 24.
The brand strives to design swimsuits that will look great on a range of body types—including those with a small chest. Diagonal seaming and fabric with compression collaborate to create a flattering fit. "I was really impressed by the fit of this suit," said one GH tester. "It doesn't suffocate—you can wear it for hours on end—but still delivers a really beautiful silhouette that I feel confident in." Our favorite part? The swimsuit is constructed to support your chest without cups or padding.
RELATED: The Best Plus Size Swimsuits
| Sizes | 0–24 |
| Colors | 12 |
If you want a two-piece that offers some lift without too much padding, this underwire bikini top and its corresponding mid-rise bottoms is a fashion-forward choice. The balconette design brings a sexy flair to the suit, but the unlined cups mean you don't have to worry about removing extra padding or straightening out foam cups that end up shifting and folding in half. "I was impressed by how well this top fit me. It was such a Goldilocks fit—nothing spilling out, but no gaping in the cups either," said one tester. Just note: The lack of lining means that your nipples may peep through after you jump into cold water.
"I have been swimming in another A&F two-piece for over three years without any noticeable wear and tear," said one consumer tester.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | XXS–XL |
| Colors | 11 |
One issue shoppers often encounter while shopping for two-pieces is finding a swimsuit that fits the top and bottom. If you have the same issue or want total freedom when it comes to selecting a matching bottom, Left on Friday lets you mix and match to build your perfect suit. The Pool Days Top is designed for smaller busts and offers medium coverage. It's made from compressive fabric that feels super soft and can dry quickly, according to the brand.
You can pair it with the matching Hi Tide Bottom, Hi Hi Botttom, or Wear To Bottom depending on the type of cut and coverage you desire. Testers said the fabric on all cuts is buttery soft and smooth. "I have multiple bottom styles, and love that I can mix and match depending on my environment (am I at the pool with kids or on a solo trip with my husband?)," said one tester. "None of them dig in, thanks to the buttery smooth fabric that's almost like your favorite pair of comfy leggings."
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 45 |
During Lab evaluations, consumer testers awarded Lands' End Slender Suit collection high scores for its flattering silhouette and slimming effects. The wrapped bodice design accentuates your waist and smooths your tummy. Although the wide straps aren't adjustable, you may want to opt for a petite size to help you feel more secure in the deep V-neckline. The suit comes in three other colors besides black available on the Lands' End site, plus a wide range of sizes including plus, long torso and regular, D, DD, and DDD cups.
RELATED: The Best Tummy Control Swimsuits
| Sizes | 4–18 (petite); 6–18 (regular); 16W–24W (plus size, long torso plus); 6–18 (long torso) |
| Colors | 4 |
Multiple GH staffers shop Old Navy swimsuits each season, because you can find a wide selection of styles at an affordable price. "Even when my chest was at its smallest during middle and high school, I was able to find a bathing suit at Old Navy," said one consumer tester.
This one-piece has a flattering cut-out in the front, as well as a chunky buckle that cinches the cups together to give you a natural lift. The neckline is flattering on women with a smaller chest, and our Lab analysts appreciate the wide straps to avoid them digging into the shoulders.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | XS–4X |
| Colors | 8 |
Whether swimming laps is your favorite way to work out or you prefer swimsuits that have a performance-based aesthetic, Speedo is the quintessential sporty suit. In general, we find athletic swimsuits to be a reliable style for smaller busts, because they fit snug and stay put even in the roughest waves or longest pool days.
Although this swimsuit may not be the most stylish option on our list, there is nothing more timeless than a racerback one-piece. And one GH editor who swam competitively and recreationally in Speedo swimsuits reported that it provided ample coverage on the bottom too. She felt "very compact and sucked in," but not to an uncomfortable degree.
Note: Competitive swimsuits are sized differently than your everyday bathing suit. Use the sizing chart to determine your best size, which goes up by even numbers. Speedo recommends sizing up if you want a looser fit, and the GH editor who used to swim competitively says you may even want to go up two sizes.
| Sizes | 20–40 |
| Colors | 4 |
Knix swimsuits are designed to absorb and hold onto menstrual flow, so you can float, surf, paddle, and swim without fear of staining your bathing suit. "I wish Knix was around when I was in high school—then I could have foregone waddling around the bay in a poorly put in tampon," said one tester.
While this one-piece has a built-in shelf bra, the cups are removable and you can adjust the straps for a better fit. Consumer testers were impressed by how discreet the suit is, too. Knix swimwear is "completely undetectable," according to one tester. Other testers reported no leaks when wearing the swimsuit as backup on heavier days. Knix is pricey, but our testers have worn its swimsuits even when they aren't menstruating.
RELATED: The Best Period Swimsuits
| Sizes | XS–XXXXL |
| Colors | 3 |
Experts in the Textiles Lab have evaluated a variety of items from Athleta, including workout tops, leggings, and more. The brand consistently earns high marks from testers and analysts for durability, style, and comfort. This tankini and its matching high-waisted bottoms are designed for all water sports from surfing and swimming to paddle boarding (which means it'll also keep you covered even if your only activity is chasing a runaway toddler on the beach). We like the gentle scoop neckline for sleek coverage and appreciate the removable padding that is designed to dry quickly post-swim.
If you want to sport a tankini this summer, we recommend shopping this suit while you still can, because select sizes are selling out fast. If your size is sold out, though, we recommend checking back in, because Athleta often releases new styles and colors.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | XXS–XL |
| Colors | 6 |
No matter how you slice it, $65 on a bikini top (on top of another $40 for the matching bottoms) is a lot to spend on a swimsuit. But this classic halter is designed for ultimate adjustability so you can tie the neck and back for a more secure fit.
While this suit offers less coverage, it's great for super hot beach days when wearing a more compressive, full-coverage suit feels unbearable. "This no-frills triangle bikini has a minimal design with sliding cups and adjustable straps at the neck and back to help you achieve the best fit—plus, the strings easily come untied for sunbathing," shares Constantine.
RELATED: The Best Bikinis
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 11 |
Not only does Boden offer swimsuits with more coverage, but the brand also has fun with color-blocking details and patterns for a bold beach or pool look. The cups have light padding and the halter style lets you adjust the suit for a comfortable fit. "It holds you in without squeezing you too hard," shared one GH tester whose go-to swimsuits are from Boden.
While the swimsuit leans towards a preppier aesthetic, polka dots are on trend, and you can choose from a few solid colors if you want something more classic with a retro vibe. It even comes in long and petite options in some sizes and colors.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | 0–20/22; long and petite available in some sizes and colors |
| Colors | 6 |
How we choose the best swimsuits
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we review apparel and accessories of all kinds, including swimwear. During our analysis, we consider properties related to durability, and we also share swimwear with consumer testers who complete surveys about their experiences wearing the swimsuits.
✔️ Market research: We first assess the swimsuits online, reviewing their fiber content, design, construction, and style details.
✔️ Lab testing: In some cases, we test the swimwear in the Textiles Lab. Because swimsuits are meant to stretch over your body but should maintain their shape when you take them off, we will test for stretch recovery. We do this by stretching the material to a standard length for a set time to ensure it won’t become misshapen. We also test for abrasion resistance to determine how well the material will hold up when rubbed against a rough surface, like the concrete along a pool. And we consider colorfastness, which is the swimsuit’s ability to hold onto its coloring when subjected to chlorine, UV rays, salt water, and more.
✔️ Consumer testing: In addition to reviewing swimsuits technically, we share swimsuits with consumer testers who try them on and let us know how they actually fit. Testers wear the swimsuits on their own vacations or trips to the pool and let us know how they perform in the real world, providing feedback on comfort, appearance, stay-in-place abilities, and more.
What to look for when shopping for swimwear for small chests
The most important thing to remember while swimsuit shopping is that it doesn’t matter what the swimsuit looks like if you don’t feel comfortable and confident in it. If a suit follows the latest trends but doesn’t feel like you, it’s O.K. to pass. When you’re trying to decide on the right swimsuit for you, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help make the process easier:
✔️ Style details: Through our testing, we’ve found that sometimes women with small busts want to emphasize the volume in their breasts. If that’s the case for you, look for elements like ruffling or ruching across the chest because the texture creates the illusion of a fuller chest. Also consider a swim top with adjustable straps or ties at the neck and back to help you achieve the best possible fit, which can enhance your chest. In addition, you can opt for a swimsuit with an underwire or added padding, which lift and shape the chest.
✔️ Care: Despite being made to brave some of the toughest conditions (sun rays, chlorine, and salt water waves), swimsuits are actually pretty delicate. Some swimsuits can be machine-washed, but many styles are hand-wash only or require washing on a delicate cycle. Hand-washing your swimwear can help to extend its life, and it’s often recommend to hang-dry or lay your swimsuit flat to dry because the heat of a dryer can negatively impact the stretchy fibers in your swimwear.
✔️ Return policy: When you’re shopping for a swimsuit online, it’s very important to review the brand’s return policy. You may choose your typical clothing or bra size, but every brand and every style is different, so you can never be 100% sure the style you order is going to fit. To avoid being stuck with an ill-fitting swimsuit, make sure the brand offers a generous return policy, and check to see if they charge restock or shipping fees, so you don’t end up owing more than you expected.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Contributing Writer Brigitt Earley wrote this guide under the direction of the Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, who conducts swimwear testing at the GH Institute and chose all of the products featured here. Earley has nearly 15 years of experience testing and researching consumer products and clothing, including a wide variety of swimwear styles. For this particular roundup, she personally tested four styles.
Constantine has personally evaluated almost every style in this guide and will continue testing the category in the coming months as we head into summer.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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