11 best bikinis for small boobs, as told by a fashion writer with B-cups
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As a proud member of the itty bitty committee, every summer has me searching for the best bikinis for small boobs. Sure, by now I've found a fair few styles that are tried and true, but what girl doesn't look forward to adding some new one-piece swimsuits and bikinis to their collection before a holiday? I know my packing list isn't complete without at least one new swimwear item to show off at the beach.
That said, I've got a list of criteria that needs to be met when shopping – and I know from my friends who are tasked every year with finding the best bikinis for big busts that it is just as difficult for them. Proper support is an absolute must, but you also want a little lift and a cute colour. Not many swimwear brands have perfected that recipe, but best believe I've sniffed out the ones that do. And of course, a lot of them are styles I've already tried and tested (or am in the process of trialling) myself, so you can guarantee these swimwear styles are the best of the best.
From cupped push-up bikini to slinky bandeau bikini styles or the much-loved triangle bikini (a small chest hero), there’s a variety of styles to create the ultimate beach babe look – especially when it comes to those who have smaller boobs.
A trick adopted in recent years by influencers and celebs alike, which I love, is turning triangle bikinis upside down to create some oomph without any gaping. You simply flip the top upside down and cross over the straps in such a way that holds your boobs more securely and often gives them a lil push up, too. A top tip to take on your next holiday to make that new bikini purchase a two-for-one buy.
If extra padding isn’t your bag, then underwire bikinis are another favourite style of mine. They enforce structure and shape to your bust, whilst giving the girls that natural lift, support and coverage all in one. Zara, ASOS and H&M are great high street hot spots for this kind of style.
How I tested/chose the best bikinis for small boobs
Taking things like material, cost, colour variety and size range into consideration, I opted for 11 bikinis – from high-street and designer brands – and put them to the test. This included: sunbathing in them, swimming in them and washing them according to their instructions. I made notes on fit (i.e. did a bikini fit more snugly than the size guide suggested), shape, whether or not the tops gaped, adjustability of straps/bands, and how each item fared after 3 wears.
Why you can trust me
As a B-cup girly who spent her teen years spending too much money on maximum push-up bras in an effort to feel more confident, I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error to find the style of bikini that not only flatters but works with my chest. And for me, this is the key to knowing what actually suits my smaller chest – as we know, no one's boobs are the same, so like a bra, it's best to try on a whole variety of bikini styles to add to your swimwear edit.
With that in mind, I've included 11 bikini styles I've actually tested (and can therefore pass judgment on) below, but I've also mentioned the 14 other designs I'm in the process of trying for full transparency and honesty. Read more about how we test things here.
Below: the best bikinis for small boobs 2026.
Ralph Lauren is a pretty unsuspecting brand for bikinis for small boobs, but they provide. This scoop-neck style gave me sporty vibes when I wore it to the local swimming pool, but it was slightly annoying that it's hand-wash only.
- Size range: XS - XL.
- Padding: Yes, removable.
Save when you shop for the best bikinis for small boobs with these Ralph Lauren discount codes at checkout.
Sandy Triangle Stud-Detail Bikini Top
I liked the fact that this bikini's padding is removable – although I always struggle with inserting them the right way again after. It did give me a funny tan line due to the metal ring hardware in the middle, but that's par for the course of laying in the sun.
- Size range: UK 4 - 16.
- Padding: Yes, removable.
Save when you shop for the best bikinis for small boobs with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
Ibiza Crinkle Plunge Bikini Top
Underwired with adjustable straps, this pretty ruffle bikini top also has front-tie detail so you can pull it tighter to get a slight lift. I also love that it comes in bra sizes.
- Size range: 30B - 38G.
- Padding: None.
Textured Square-Neck Bikini Top
Anything with shirred detail – including dresses, skirts and of course, bikinis – will always be super comfy. Stretchy and soft, this & Other Stories bikini went straight over my head without any faff, which was perfect when I was in a rush to get to the pool on vacay! I.e. every day.
- Size range: UK 6 - 18.
- Padding: None.
Save when you shop for the best bikinis for small boobs with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
Away That Day can do no wrong when it comes to swimwear and beachwear in general, actually. As a best-selling style, the Palma bikini top is perfect to give a bit of lift to smaller boobs. The thicker straps, smoothing cup design and cool cut-out actually give the best shape to all chest sizes. 10/10 from me.
- Size range: XS - XXXL.
- Padding: None.
Hunza G + NET SUSTAIN Jean Seersucker Bandeau Bikini
With a one-size-fits-most design, Hunza G's seersucker swimwear is one that so many fashion people rely on each and every summer, including me. Smaller-chested girlies who need little support will be able to embrace this stretchy bandeau style. Bonus points that the matching bikini bottoms come with it.
The only downside for me had nothing to do with the top but, rather, the bottoms; they were slightly tighter than I'd have liked and I'm a UK 12. Arguably not a one-size-fits-all.
- Size range: One size.
- Padding: None.
Save when you shop for the best bikinis for small boobs with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Similar to how a push-up bra will give you cleavage, this halter neck bikini with padded cups is here to make smaller boobs appear fuller. That's exactly what it did for me, anyway!
- Size range: 30A - 38F.
- Padding: Push up.
Save when you shop for bikinis for small boobs with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
Monday Swimwear Clovelly Balconette Bikini Top
Everyone needs at least one black bikini in their swimwear line-up, and this style with underwiring, soft moulded cups for a slight push-up effect and adjustable straps is an all-round winner.
Made from recycled materials, make sure to hand-wash cold and dry naturally out of direct sunlight to keep it looking its best.
- Size range: Petite - Very Very Voluptuous.
- Padding: Moulded cups.
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Chocolate brown – like butter, yellow, and white – is key for summer 2026. From shoes and bags to bikini tops, it's the rich shade to go for to elevate your summer wares. This ruched bikini top with tie back is one that'll fit a smaller chest perfectly, simply adjust the ruching to be as covered or uncovered as you like depending on your chest size – top marks for all boob shapes.
- Size range: XS - XL+.
- Padding: None.
Topshop has been the destination for the best high street swimwear for decades, and it still is IMO. This bandeau bikini may be detailing in colour (chocolate brown + pink is my new favourite colour combo) but I love how there's no ties, clasps, adjustable features on this bikini so it's easy to chunk on and go. That might be a downside for some, though.
- Size range: UK 4 - 18.
- Padding: None.
Save when you shop for bikinis for small boobs with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Oséree Lumière O Chain Lamé Bikini
If you're looking for one of those bikinis that's far too fancy to actually swim in (although you absolutely can swim in it of course), look no further than Oséree. With look-at-me styles that'll gain instant compliments, these are the ones you'll want to wear as part of a summer outfit, too. I love this sky blue chain-detail bikini top with high-waisted briefs
- Size range: S - XL.
- Padding: None.
More bikinis for small boobs I'm in the process of testing
I'm always looking to add to my swimwear rotation, so below are some more bikinis for small boobs I'm in the midst of testing. I'll report back with a verdict once I've given them a fair trial of at least three wears and a wash.
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For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. After more? Check out our round-up of the best tummy control swimsuits, modest swimwear and maternity swimwear.
