Style, support, and confidence in your swimsuit.

Underwire swimsuits

When it comes to swimwear, underwire swimsuits are a game-changer. Designed to provide extra support, lift, and shape, underwire swimsuits offer a flattering and confident fit for various body types. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of underwire swimsuits, exploring their benefits, style options, and how to choose the perfect underwire swimsuit that will make you look and feel your best at the beach or by the pool.

Underwire bikini top to show how the underwire support is working.
Image courtesy of Cuup

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Understanding the Underwire 😎

The underwire, as the name suggests, refers to the thin, semi-circular wire that is strategically placed beneath the cups of a swimsuit.

It adds structure and stability to the swimsuit’s construction.

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The Benefits of Underwire Swimsuits

The key benefit and purpose of underwire swimsuits lies in their ability to offer enhanced support to the breasts.

dynamic blue and white print underwire swimsuit with plunge neckline. Great for tropical vacation destinations.
Belted underwire one piece swimsuit from Solid and Striped
  • Enhanced Support: The built-in underwire provides additional support, especially for those with larger busts or those looking for extra lift and shaping.
  • Flattering Silhouette: Underwire swimsuits help create a defined and balanced shape, accentuating curves and providing a more streamlined silhouette.
  • Confidence Boost: The support and lift from underwire swimsuits can boost your confidence, allowing you to enjoy your time in the sun without worrying.

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Underwire Swimsuit Types

You can find underwire swimsuits in every type of bathing suit you can think of!

1. Underwire Bikini Top

Underwire bikinis tops offer support, improved shape and lift, increased comfort, minimized movement, and a flattering silhouette.

Red underwire bikini top with high waisted bottom for beach activities
Ribbed underwired bikini and high waisted bikini bottom from Haight

More Underwire Bikini Tops

2. Underwire One Piece Swimsuit

Underwire one piece swimsuits provide full coverage and support while offering various design options, such as plunging necklines, cut-outs, or high-leg cuts.

Underwire one piece swimsuit for breast support and shaping
Printed Underwire one piece swimsuit from Tory Burch

More Underwire One Piece Swimsuits

RELATED: The Best 25 One Piece Swimsuits for 2023

3. Underwire Tankini

Tankinis combine the coverage of a tank top with the support of an underwire bra. They provide versatility and a customizable fit.

Black underwire bikini top for breast support for moderate swimwear seekers
Tie-shoulder underwire tankini swim top from Old Navy

More Underwire Tankinis

RELATED: 14 Best Tankini with Short Combos in 2023

Our Top Picks

Best Ruffle Straps
1.

Farm Rio Pink Leopard Forest Underwire Bikini Top

Shop Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Why We Love: I love Farm Rio for its vibrant and whimsical prints, plus the ruffle straps and matching sarong make this top even sweeter.

Highlights: 

  • Sweetheart neckline
  • Ruffle straps
  • Underwire cups

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Versatile Suit
2.

Solid and Striped The Veronica Underwire One Piece Swimsuit

Shop Now at Solid and Striped

Why We Love: Versatile options are the best when I’m trying to pack light, and this one piece is sleek enough with its contrasting trim and belt to be worn as a swimsuit or bodysuit.

Highlights: 

  • Moderate coverage 
  • Underwire cups and adjustable straps
  • Can wear as a bodysuit

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Tankini and Swim Skirt Set
3.

Jome Design Women’s Two Piece Bathing Suit Push Up Printed Tankini Swimsuits

Shop Now at Amazon

Why We Love: This tankini sets forgoes the bra-look for a more discreet style with underwire built into the lining, giving you excellent support and coverage from top to bottom.

Highlights: 

    • Pull on closure underwire bra
    • Sweatheart neck 
    • High waist tummy control swim skirt bottom

Sizes: S-3XL

RELATED: The Best Swim Skirts with Style and Coverage

Best Sporty
4.

Solid and Striped The Rachel Ribbed Underwire Bikini Top

Shop Now at Solid and Striped

Why We Love: It can be challenging to find a sporty bikini with underwire but Solid and Striped has done it with this ribbed bikini top.

Highlights: 

    • Padded and underwired for lift and support
    • Detachable straps
    • Medium brief coverage

Sizes: 0-4

Best Removeable Straps
5.

Zimmermann Devi Eyelet-Embellished Cut Out Underwire Swimsuit

Shop Now at Net a Porter

Why We Love: If you don’t want to fully commit to a strapless suit, luckily this one has detachable strap giving you two fabulous looks in one.

Highlights: 

    • Padded and underwired for lift and support
    • Detachable straps
    • Medium brief coverage

Sizes: 0-4

Best Black and White Suit
6.

Sea Level Singlet DD & E Cup Underwire Tankini

Shop Now at Nordstrom

Why We Love: Sometimes less is more, which is certainly the case with this minimal white trim around the neckline and bust but it still has maximum effect.

Highlights: 

    • Moderate coverage scoop neck 
    • Removable soft cups
    • Powermesh lining 

Sizes: 4-8

Best Whimsical Print
7.

Tory Burch Printed Underwire Bikini Top

Shop Now at Tory Burch

Why We Love: Just because you’re grown up doesn’t mean you can’t have fun prints. Try Tory Burch’s perfectly polished paisley and fish pattern for an adult take.

Highlights: 

  • Balconette top for lift and shape
  • Adjustable straps and molded underwire 
  • Flexible side stays

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Vibrant Pattern
8.

Milly Under The Sea Underwire One Piece Swimsuit

Shop Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Why We Love: What better place to wear a rainbow coral printed suit than at the beach? And the straps across the cutout back is the perfect flirty detail for this otherwise modest suit.

Highlights: 

  • Sweetheart neck
  • Adjustable spaghetti straps
  • Back clasp closure

Sizes: XS-L

Best Black Set
9.

Fancy Skin Women’s Halter Bikinis High Waist Bikini Bottom Two Piece Bathing Suit

Shop Now at Amazon

Why We Love: A black bikini is a wardrobe staple, and at $30 dollars, you might as well snag a second set in one of the 43 print and color combinations.

Highlights: 

  • Cups with underwire and 
  • Non-removable padding
  • High-waisted swim bottom with tummy control effect

Sizes: S-XXL

Best Cup Detail
10.

Kulani Kinis Ruched Floral Underwire Bikini Top

Shop Now at Nordstrom

Why We Love: The front tie detail and ruched cups add an unexpected twist to the classic underwire bikini style.

Highlights: 

  • A tie detail
  • Adjustable straps
  • Fully lined

Sizes: XS-L

Best Shoudler Ties
11.

Agua by Agua Bendita Ébano Tinaja Underwire One Piece Swimsuit

Shop Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Why We Love: Not only is this blue and white print composed of a darling floral and vase print, but the shoulder and cup ties add an extra bit of flare.

Highlights: 

  • Underwire cups
  • Self-tie straps
  • Pulls on

Sizes: XS-L

Best Gingham
12.

Freya Check In Plunge Underwire Tankini

Shop Now at Bare Necessities

Why We Love: Bare Necessities is spot on with this retro gingham print, and reviewers love that you can order your exact bra size for a perfect fit.

Highlights: 

  • Seamed, mesh-lined underwire cups for support & lift
  • Adjustable stretch straps
  • Chlorine-resistant stretch microfiber

Sizes: Band sizes: 30-38/ Cup sizes: D-HH

Best Crochet Trim
13.

Farm Rio Bahia Mixed Scarves Underwire Bikini Top

Shop Now at Farm Rio

Why We Love: Bright blue crochet trim adds the perfect summery touch to this delightful scarf print bikini top.

Highlights: 

  • Skin-tight fit
  • Crochet detailing
  • Hook and eye back closure

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Timeless
14.

Shade & Shore Women’s Underwire Belted One Piece Swimsuit

Shop Now at Target

Why We Love: You can’t go wrong with a classic red swimsuit, much less one with a flattering belt to accentuate your waist which reviewers note is fully adjustable!

Highlights: 

  • Underwire, medium-coverage design
  • Flexible stretch fabric
  • Removable padding

Sizes: XS-XL

Choosing the Right Underwire Swimsuit

  • Proper Fit: Ensure that the underwire sits comfortably against your rib cage, encasing the breasts without digging or causing discomfort.
  • Cup Size: Consider your cup size to ensure the underwire provides adequate support and lift. Look for underwire swimsuits available in different cup sizes for a precise fit.
  • Adjustable Straps: Opt for underwire swimsuits with adjustable straps to customize the level of support and lift for your comfort.
  • Fabric and Design: Choose a swimsuit made from high-quality materials that provide stretch and durability. Look for stylish designs that suit your personal style and flatter your body shape.
Image Courtesy Upsplash

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Pro Tip 😎

When you are shopping for your underwire swimsuits, make sure to check the band size!

The band around your torso should fit snugly without feeling overly tight or digging into your skin. A properly fitting band provides essential support for the underwire to work effectively.

Care and Maintenance (Easy Steps!)

Step One.

Rinse your underwire swimsuit with cool water after each use to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities.

Step Two.

Hand wash your swimsuit with a mild detergent and gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the underwire.

Step Three.

Lay the swimsuit flat to air dry away from direct sunlight, heat, or harsh chemicals.

Why do you Need Underwire Swimsuits?

Underwire swimsuits offer the perfect combination of style and support, allowing you to feel confident and comfortable in your swimwear.

Whether you prefer a bikini, one piece, or tankini, underwire swimsuits provide the lift, shaping, and confidence boost you desire.

By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect underwire swimsuit that fits your body shape, style preferences, and offers the support you need.

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