The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Supportive Bikini Top Online

Shopping for a bikini top when you have a fuller bust can feel like a gamble — especially online. You scroll through endless product photos, zoom in on stitching, and hope the fit lives up to the description. For many women, “supportive” in the product title has turned out to mean “kind of holds things in place… if you don’t move.”

But here’s the truth: a supportive bikini top can be found online, if you know exactly what to look for. This guide will walk you through the process so you can find a top that’s beautiful, flattering, and ready to hold up (literally) for every bikini-worthy occasion.

1. Know your measurements!

Actually, this is a good note for buying any apparel online, so before you even click “add to cart,” make sure your sizing is spot-on. For the top, the most important measurements are your under-bust/ribcage and your fullest bust point. For the bottom, the most important measurements are your natural waist (just above the belly button) and your hips (your fullest part, around your booty).

• Sizing varies across most brands so check each brand’s size chart.
• Many bikini brand’s size charts are based on bra size, so if you don’t know your bra size, click here.

Please note: 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, so even if you think you know your bra size, it might be worth it to check again!

Pro Tip: If you haven’t measured in over a year, remeasure — bodies change.

2. Look for a Bikini Top Built-In Structure

True support comes from design, not wishful thinking.

• Wide, adjustable straps distribute weight comfortably and ensure you don’t have straps cutting into your shoulders.
• Strong under-bust bands keep everything anchored. 80% of the support of a bra (or bikini top, in this case) comes from a well-fitted band.
• Cups that encompass the entire breast prevent spillage and provide a secure fit.
• Great fabric that is strong enough to hold its shape wear-after-wear will help lift and shape the bust.

Why it matters: A bikini top without these elements may look cute on the hanger, but won’t do much to support a D+ cup or flatter your overall silhouette.

3. Check the Return & Exchange Policy

Even with careful measuring, sometimes a top just doesn’t fit. Choose brands that:

• Offer easy returns.
• Allow exchanges for different sizes.
• Provide virtual fit consultations or detailed fit guides.

4. Find Brands That Use Models with Diverse Body Types

This is a trend we can get behind. It’s so much easier to estimate if a garment will fit you if you see it modeled on someone like you. Product photography is a hidden clue to fit and support.

• Does the model have a similar bust size to yours?
• How does the bikini fit the model?
• Are the straps digging in or are they lying flat?
• Is the cup fully containing the bust without gaping or pulling?

5. Buy from Brands That Specialize in Support

General swimwear brands often design for a B/C cup first, then scale up. Brands that lead with D+ cup sizing understand the engineering needed for real support — wider bands, reinforced stitching, and better materials. At Jenna Bricher Swim, we initially design for a G/H cup, so you know we’ve got you covered!

Bonus Tip: Mix and Match

Many brands (including ours) sell tops and bottoms separately so you can choose the perfect fit for both. Don’t settle for a set that doesn’t fit just right.

The Bottom Line

Buying a supportive bikini top online doesn’t have to be a game of chance. By measuring correctly, knowing what design features to look for, and choosing brands that prioritize fuller busts, you can find a bikini that feels as good as it looks.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our collection of luxurious, supportive bikini tops designed for D+ cups — sustainably made, beautifully crafted, and built to last season after season.