The Most Flattering Swimsuits for Women with Small Busts to Wear All Summer Long

A good rule of thumb if you want to give your bust a little boost is to look for tops with extra detailing. Not one for ruffles, fringe or other extras? There is one minimalist-approved style that will provide the same effect: tie-front tops. These simple silhouettes have just enough detail to add interest up top without feeling too fussy.

1. Kitty & Vibe Front Tie Top

Kitty & Vibe has a ton of cute suits that fit an A or B cup, but this textured tie-front style is one of the best for faking a little extra oomph. Plus, both the straps and that front knot are fully adjustable so you can more easily find your perfect fit.

2. Aerie Tie-front Scoop Bikini

This cute top comes in multiple prints, but this zig-zag option will help boost your bust without any bulky padding. According to reviews, the cups run small (maybe not such a bad thing in this case), so keep that in mind when ordering.

3. Andie The Santorini Top

If you’d rather not stress about your bikini ties coming undone, opt for a top that’s been stitched in place like this beauty from Andie. The straps are adjustable but the front detail is not, so you can swim laps, run after the kids or join in that beach volleyball game worry free.

4. Mara Hoffman Carla Bikini Top

Mara Hoffman is one of our favorite brands for luxe swimwear, particularly because of the gorgeous patterns and colors offered. This stunning watercolor print works on any skin tone and as an added bonus the material has built-in UPF 50 for extra sun protection.

“Low-cut necklines are a great option for small busts because you don't have to be as concerned with spillage,” says Cameron Armstrong, founder and CEO of Kitty & Vibe. The V-shape, like the Seafolly suit pictured here, also gives a boost to whatever cup size you’re working with, unlike scoop necks or bandeau styles.

5. Shoshanna Starboard Seersucker Lace-up One-piece

This adorable gingham suit has an adjustable lace-up detail at the front so you can choose how much skin you want to show. Just tighten it up for a more modest fit, or loosen that tie for an even deeper V.

6. Cupshe Elisabeth Ruffle Strappy One-piece

Criss-cross straps along the front help ensure you won’t accidentally slip while still giving all the figure-flattering benefits of a deep V neckline. And that ruffle detail will also help give your boobs a little boost by adding volume up top.

7. Maaji Orchid One-piece

This tropical print suit is actually fully reversible—with a delicate rose print on the other side—and can also be worn as a halter, making it feel more like four suits in one.

8. Andie The Mykonos One-piece

The neckline on this flattering one-piece hits just the right point to cinch your waist and boost your bustline without going so far down as to feel overly exposed.

As mentioned above, a V-neckline can give the illusion of a larger bust, and adding an attention-grabbing pattern can amplify that effect. “Look for suits that add some POW!,” advises Erin Collins-Rittling, director of Aerie styling. “The Aerie Crossover Triangle bikini top (above) is a great option that combines a flattering shape, a bold print and a crossover band—all of which will look fabulous on smaller chests,” she adds.

9. Ookioh Ipanema Top

This suit combines a vintage floral print, flattering triangle shape and front tie detail to form one stunning bikini that’s guaranteed to earn you all the complements. Ookioh even has a handy size guide that equates the XS to XL sizes to cup sizes so you can feel more confident your suit will fit before it even arrives.

10. Shoshanna Wildflower Triangle Bikini Top

We love that this triangle top comes in cup sizes rather than small through large, and the ruffles along the top are just enough to add a little something-something to your bust without feeling overly girly.

11. Tory Burch Printed String Bikini Top

Of course, you don’t need to rock a tropical floral or geometric pattern. Leopard spots, gingham, polka dots and classic nautical stripes will all work just as well, and this Tory Burch two-piece is exactly the kind of print that will remain a timeless classic for years and years.

12. Alt Ivana Top

ALT’s tops tend to run small, which is good news for the AA, A and B cup crowd. This classic triangle bikini comes in two bold patterns (and five solid hues too) and can be worn multiple ways thanks to the longer tie at the front.

Not everyone with smaller boobs wants to make them look larger, and for those women we suggest taking full advantage of a classic bandeau style. According to Michelle Copelman, vice president of design at Andie, the brand’s Rio style has been a major hit with customers with smaller chests. “We've gotten great feedback from our customers with smaller busts. They love that they can wear the top with and without the detachable strap without fear of the dreaded top-slip." And if you do want to give your gals some extra oomph, try bandeaus with ruching at the center, ruffle details or other attention-grabbing detailing.

13. Cupshe Clouds Bandeau Bikini Set

This unique print is part tie-dye, part cloud-inspired, part watercolor and 100 percent a must-have for summer ’22. It also comes with removeable straps that can be worn as a halter, crossed in back or straight if you want to shake things up.

14. Triangl Vance Sparkle Bikini

This bikini comes as a set but you can order different sizes for top and bottom, so you don’t have to choose between just your bust or your hips being comfortable. The lurex material has a slight shine to it that’s not overtly glitzy but will look stunning glittering in the sun, just like a sparkling ocean.

15. Hermoza Carrie One-piece Swimsuit

For those who prefer a one-piece, this Hermoza suit is definitely a top pick, all thanks to the smocked bodice. It not only helps break up your torso and define your waist without pinching, but the smocking also means you’ll have a more custom fit up top. The stretchy material can easily expand where it needs to and compress where it doesn’t, so you can order whatever size will best fit your hips without worrying about the top gaping or sagging.

16. Seafolly Amalfi Check Ring-front Bandeau

This adorable bandeau is such a fun twist on a classic gingham print, and although it does have structured cups, they’re flexible enough to conform to your figure so you won’t look oddly understuffed.

Shoshanna Gruss, founder of Shoshanna, recommends a sweetheart shape, like the striped suit above, to frame your chest and give the illusion of a slightly larger bust without piling on padding. This is also a great option for anyone looking for more coverage that won’t leave you looking totally flat.

17. Summersalt Mini-ruffle Sweetheart Coast One-piece

Seaming along the waist helps create the illusion of an hourglass figure, even without pinching or bulking up your bust with tons of padding. (P.S. Summersalt also has a sweetheart bikini in the same print.)

18. Kitty & Vibe Ruffle Scoop Top

This super-feminine top has ruffles, ruching and a gorgeous sweetheart silhouette to give your bust a majorly flattering boost. Plus, the material has built-in UPF 50 to better protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

19. J.crew Ruched Sweetheart One-piece

Proof that a sweetheart neckline doesn’t have to be overtly girly. This comfy one-piece is made from 60 percent recycled materials for an eco-friendly twist, and comes in six gorgeous hues (yes, including black) so you can stock up on all your favorite colors.

20. Maeve Abstract Bikini Top

Wear the ruched sleeves over your shoulders to really emphasize the sweetheart neckline, or, for a sexier approach, you can pull them down for an off-the-shoulder silhouette instead.