10 Swimsuits That Will Stay Put While You Surf, Waterski, or Wakeboard This Summer (Yes, Even if You Have a Bigger Bust)

Image Credit: Credit: Left on Friday
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Many of us have had the heartbreaking experience of trying on a chic swimsuit, only to realize that it’s really not secure enough for anything besides poolside hangs. While I personally love a good lounge in the sun with a book and a fruity drink—can you tell I’m counting down the days until summer?—sometimes you need a suit that’s meant for more. The hunt for a swimsuit is never easy, especially if you want one that’ll stand up to recreational activities like surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, preferably without any nip slips. 

I was on my college’s waterski/wakeboard team, which basically means I spent most of my free time for four years in a bikini, either out on the water skiing or hanging out on the dock. In addition to my personal experience, I’ve also scoured the internet and read tons of reviews to bring you these suits that are not only style-conscious, but practically guaranteed to stay put while you’re having fun this summer.

Our 10 favorite stay-put swimsuits, at a glance:

• Left on Friday Pool Days Top D+, $85 
• Abysse Mary Lou Top, $108 
• Finisterre Nieuwland 2e Yulex® Swimsuit, $150 
• Left on Friday Top Shelf *Party Waves Top, $95
• Abysse Margo One Piece, $216
• Cynthia Rowley Reef Rashguard, $125 
• Noserider Surf Club Kuta ‘Kini Top, $88
• Cleobella Tonne One Piece, $198 
• Jolyn Tomcat Bikini Top, $42  
• Good American Always Fits Twist Bikini Top, $59

Left on Friday — Pool Days Top D+ — $85

While plenty of designers say their items fit bigger busts, plenty of women know that some brands’ definition of “bigger busts” basically means a C cup. Enter this top from Left on Friday, which is specifically designed for D‑G cups. This medium-coverage scoop-neck top comes in 11 gorgeous colors and gets rave reviews from customers. One reviewer shared, “It doesn’t look like a mom suit, nor do I feel like it. But I can bend, run and play with my 8 month old just the same. It’s SO comfy, sometimes I just wear it as a bra. Maybe this suit also comes with magic powder to love your body?”

Abysse — Mary Lou Top — $108

This top is the definition of versatile. It’s a chic swimsuit top, yes, but you could also wear this to yoga class or as a cute crop top for drinks afterwards. No matter where you wear it, everything will stay put, thanks to the double-layered shelf bra. It’s also available in white, black, brown, and an adorable blue-and-white checkered pattern.

Finisterre — Nieuwland 2e Yulex® Swimsuit — $150

If you need a swimsuit for high-intensity water activities—or if you prefer a sportier look—consider this athletic suit from Finisterre. It was designed specifically for cold water swimmers and surfers in the UK and is made with natural rubber that’s easier on the environment than traditional neoprene materials. Thanks to the structured build and front zipper, you can also rest assured that it’ll keep you feeling supported while you’re surfing, wakeboarding, or just lounging. 

Left on Friday — Top Shelf *Party Waves Top — $95

Another highly-rated pick from Left on Friday, this square-neck swimsuit top brings some chic retro vibes to your beach day. It’s made for people with D cups and up and is currently available in a few different colorways. Availability depends on size, but the Jet (Black) / Mauve It Mauve It (Pink) and the Sweet Chili Heat (Red) / Hot (Pink) suits are still available in all sizes. You can also grab the Jam (Maroon) / Mirage (Brown) suit in a small, medium, or extra-large. It’s also designed to have super-soft straps, so you don’t have to worry about them digging into your shoulders while you’re trying to chill.

Abysse — Margo One Piece — $216 

Fun fact: this gorgeous suit is named after Margo Oberg, the first female professional surfer in the world. It’s designed for movement, thanks to the compressive nylon-spandex fabric and chest support. But it’s the contoured side cutouts, pastel color, and cheeky bottoms that make it worthy of a spot on your Instagram grid. 

Cynthia Rowley — Reef Rashguard — $125 

If you’re all about sun protection, consider this long-sleeved rash guard from Cynthia Rowley. Unlike the usual plain black rash guards and wetsuits you’re used to, Cynthia Rowley offers plenty of surf wear in bright prints like this one. The cropped rash guard is SPF 30+ and available in two other lively  prints if you’ve decided orange isn’t your color. (“Whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed.”)

Noserider Surf Club — Kuta ‘Kini Top — $88

This style-conscious top looks as good on the beach as it will at pilates class. In addition to the high neckline, it also features an elastic band at the bottom for extra support while you move around. There are only a few left in each size, so I’d *add to cart* ASAP if you want to snag this. 

Cleobella — Tonne One Piece — $198

This effortless one-piece can be tied in a few different ways, meaning you can find the design that feels most supportive and stylish for you. Cleobella is also all about sustainability, and in keeping with that, they make a very limited number of each item. In other words, you’ll almost definitely be the only one at the pool or beach wearing this suit. If you’re not sure about your sizing, Cleobella offers a “Try Before You Buy” option where you can receive the item in multiple sizes and return whatever doesn’t fit. If you prefer a more eye-catching color, the same design is available in a pretty floral print.   

Jolyn — Tomcat Bikini Top — $42

When I was on my college’s waterski/wakeboard team, Jolyn tops were the suit of choice among many of the women who participated. They really do keep everything in place while you’re skiing or wakeboarding, but they also look cute when you’re hanging out on the dock. Plenty of reviews affirm that this top in particular is supportive for chesty girls, with one customer writing, “I ordered the DD size and I’m so glad I did! The coverage is great and it has worked well thus far!” And at less than $50, this is one of the more affordable options on our list.

Good American — Always Fits Twist Bikini Top — $59

If you want a top that supports your chest but also want something that’s a little lower cut, consider this bikini from Good American. It has a deep neckline and eye-catching front-twist detail. It’s currently available in five colors in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and gets tons of love from reviewers. One customer shared, “As someone with a bigger bust, this is the perfect combo of sexy and supportive.”