Understanding Swimsuit Bra Tops

Bra top swimsuits combine the support and comfort of a bra with the style and functionality of a swimsuit. Bra top swimsuits are ideal for women looking for bust support, large-busted women, and women who have undergone mastectomy treatment. From underwire tops, to padding and cups, this guide will cover everything you need to know before choosing a swimsuit bra top.

Bra Top Styles

Built-in bra tops can be found in many swimsuit styles including bikini tops, tankini tops, and one-piece suits. Bra tops are supported with horizontal elastic strips, molded cups, or underwire. Boning in a swimsuit top refers to a plastic or metal seam placed in the side of the suit that provides additional structure and support. This is commonly found in bandeau and strapless tops.

Underwire Bra Tops

Most bra tops include an underwire and padding combination. Underwire bras are built with sewn-in wiring that is placed in a U-shape underneath the breast. The wiring can be made out of metal, wire, or molded plastic. It is designed to provide support, lift, and separate the breasts.

Hidden underwire does not use a seam to separate the cups from the underwire. It provides a smoother and more natural appearance than a traditional underwire top. Hidden underwire is commonly found in tankini tops and one-piece suits.

Bra Top Cups

There are various cup styles used in both underwire and non-underwire swimsuit bra tops. Underwire with sewn-in soft cups uses a built-in fabric to smooth and shape the bust. Underwire with removable soft cups allow the wearer to add or remove the fabric insert. Underwire with sewn-in soft cups and prosthesis pockets are used in post-mastectomy swimwear. It is designed to allow a prosthesis form insert to be placed inside the breast pocket.

A soft cup top is a molded cup that does not use metal or hard plastic to support the bust. Instead it relies on a thick band of fabric, underneath the bust, to provide support for the wearer's breasts. Soft cups hold their shape while smoothing, supporting, and covering the breasts. These are also referred to as molded bra cups, shaper bra cups, and foam cups.

Padding vs. Push-up Bra Tops

Padded bra tops refer to tops that use silicone or foam padding to add size and shape to the breasts. These can also come with removable padding. Push-up bra tops place padding on the bottom/outside of the bust and is designed to push the breasts up and inward to create instant cleavage.

Padding and push-up bra tops can come in both underwire and non-underwire tops. Padding and push-up pads can also be purchased and inserted into the underwire top or placed inside sewn-in pockets.

Top it Off

The swimsuit's sizing depends mainly on the brand and style. Some bra tops are sized based on the bra size, cup size, or standard swimsuit sizes. Make sure to find a bra top that fits you in both style and size. Whether you're search for support, cleavage, or smoothness, there are many options to choose from at SwimOutlet.com.