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Underwired Swimsuits Are Here To Shape Up Your Summer
Get the support you deserve with this season's trending structured swimwear.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those perfect wardrobe building blocks, they’re up to the task. From the new and niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
Now that we're firmly in the midst of swimwear season once again, some major trends have already started to emerge – and chief among them, underwired swimsuits. Although the structured look has already had its moment in the past, it’s now making a triumphant return (as trends so often do) for summer 2024 – and hopefully this time, it stays in style for good.
Underwired bikinis and one-pieces have always been my personal preference for several reasons. The style has range, offering structure and support or lifting and shaping, thus making this multifunctional treasure the perfect solution to an ever-evolving summer schedule. Underwired styles are also a godsend for women with big boobs, offering all the pros of a bra but for the beach. Even better, cool fashion brands like Christopher Esber, Tory Burch and Dolce & Gabbana have adopted the look in their swim collections, too.
Whether you want full coverage while walking on the beach or a bit of contouring as you dip in the pool, you can rest assured that you'll always feel confident sporting an underwired set. Trust me: come summer, there's little more valuable than a reliable swimsuit that allows you to do as you please, no matter the activity. Once you have that sorted, you need only grab your best straw beach bag, favourite sunscreen and most stylish flip flops to fully enjoy the brighter days ahead.
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Scroll on to kick-start your supported yet stylish summer of dreams with ELLE's pick of the best underwired swimsuits to shop now, from the high street and high-end designer brands alike.
With a chic colour block pattern and detachable straps, this Staud suit is sure to steal the show. I also highly recommend accessorising this with must-have statement jewellery for a fab beach-to-bar look.
Sizes: XS – XL
Colours: Black/White
Material: Nylon, spandex
I can’t endorse Monday Swimwear enough. I’ve owned the same Monday bikini for years and consistently grab it any and every time I need to pack a swimsuit – talk about timeless style and lasting quality! If you don’t already have a go-to suit, you do now. Be prepared to bring this bikini on every holiday moving forward. (Oh, and it’s sustainable too.)
Sizes: Petite – Very Very Voluptuous
Colours: Ibiza Blue, Summer Peach Crinkle, Chilli Pepper Crinkle, Coco, Ivory, Black, Cobalt
Material: Recycled nylon, spandex
If it isn’t embellished, I don’t want it... Embrace the jewelled swimwear trend and add a little pizzazz to your usual bikini rotation with this beaded beauty in a chic grey colourway.
Sizes: UK 4 – 14
Colors: Gray
Material: Polyamide, elastane
Isa Boulder Twist Ruched Metallic Stretch-Satin Underwired Bikini Top
Isa Boulder works with Balinese artisans who use traditional techniques and recycled fabrics to hand-make its unique swimwear pieces. This underwired metallic style feels fabulously fashion-forward and futuristic, while also being super supportive.
Sizes: XS – XL
Colour: Tan
Material: Nylon, elastane
You can never have too many classic black bikinis in your beach wardrobe, and this Stories number is just the right mix of on-trend and timeless. It would even look cool as a top with a high waisted silk slip skirt for the evenings.
Sizes: 75A – 80C
Colours: Black
Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
With its eye-catching, party-ready and highly recognisable styles, Oséree will never leave you dissatisfied. Here, I present you with the brand’s signature Lumière shimmer swimsuit, which comes complete with underwire.
Sizes: S – XL
Colours: Glicine, Black
Material: Polyamide, metallic fibre
Tory Burch gets imaginative with this whimsical set. If you want a suit that stands out, look no further. Not to mention, playful patterns are all the rage this season, and it comes with in-built SPF 50 sun protection too.
Sizes: XS – XL
Colours: Green scribble floral
Materials: Lycra® Xtra Life™ elastane, nylon
Created by supermodel Candice Swanepoel, Tropic of C is designed to empower its wearers with a little help from Mother Nature. With this in mind, the brand’s designs are perfect for outdoor activities and are made to hug your body in just the right way. This eco-friendly strapless set is a purchase that you’ll never regret.
Sizes: XS – L
Colours: Black, Mama Africa, Paprika, Sorrento
Material: ECONYL® regenerated nylon, elastane
For luxury swimwear with lingerie construction, Arabella London is the name to know. All of her designs feature a sturdy underwire front and centre, providing support to a vast array of cup sizes as well as a chic style element. Every piece is chlorine, salt and sun resistant, too.
Sizes: XXXS – XL
Colours: Lemon, Aqua, Grapefruit, Ivory Honeycomb, Sapphire, True Black, Violet
Material: Italian stretch LYCRA®
Fans of Dolce & Gabbana's glamorous screen siren aesthetic will love the Italian brand's swimwear line. In a bold leopard print and featuring padded, underwired cups, this one-piece nails that sultry, vintage pin-up style like no other.
Sizes: 1 – 5 (XS – XL)
Colour: Leopard Print
Material: Nylon, elastane
This bikini is a fan favourite, so it's highly likely you will have seen it on the beach – or your Insta feed – before. With supportive cups, it’s the perfect combination of sexy and secure. Little wonder customers have a tendency to shop it in every colour!
Sizes: XS – XL
Colours: 8 options
Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Embrace your beautiful body with this ultra-flattering silhouette from Calzedonia. You likely know the brand for its breathable intimates, so you can expect that same quality from its swim line. This one-piece also comes lightly padded to keep you feeling covered.
Sizes: XS – XL
Colors: Black, Blue, Green
Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
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