I'm 58 - is that too old to wear a bikini? I don't think so! This confidence-boosting style fits like a dream

Soaking up the sunshine is a great way to boost my mood, so I love lying in the garden in my old favourite bikini. However, much like my old gardening track pants, it's definitely not fit to be seen in public. When I'm on the beach or lying around a busy pool, I prefer to wear something with a bit more support and coverage.

A quick survey among my friends revealed that I'm not alone when it comes to wearing a bikini. We all rely on the best swimsuits for women over 50, but we also like to relax and have fun in a bikini too. Age will not stop us from wearing whatever we like.

Personally I feel more confident when I'm wearing a less skimpy style and prefer a bikini that actually covers my boobs. Finding flattering swimwear that suits your body shape can be tedious and time-consuming, and it can be even more tricky if you're blessed with ample boobs. Finding the best swimsuits for large busts will be a great confidence-booster and ensure you avoid any embarrassing malfunctions!

I'm a fashion stylist and trained bra fitter, and after doing lots of research into the best bras for large busts, I've discovered that it's possible to find bikinis with the same level of support.

I have been wearing Fantasie bras for many years: they specialise in lingerie for women with a fuller bust, and their Fusion lace plunge bra is one of my favourites. I wanted to try out one of their bikini tops to see if I could get a similar level of support. They offer a selection of styles, including bandeau and halterneck designs, but I opted for the Punta Mita Full Cup Bikini Top, which is the closest shape to a bra and offered the most coverage. I paired it with the matching mid-rise bikini briefs.

I wore the bikini for an afternoon in the garden and considered the level of support and comfort it provided. I also took lots of pictures to check the level of coverage and whether the shape suited me. I popped along to my local pool for a quick dip to check how it performed in water.

Fantasie Punta Mita Full Cup Bikini Top

Fantasie Punta Mita Full Cup Bikini Top Review

Shape & design

The shape of this bikini top is exactly the same as a full-cup bra. The lining of the cups is constructed using 3 parts that include a side sling panel, and the back wings are lined with a firmer mesh fabric for increased support.

The top fastens at the back with a smooth clasp. The outer cups are gathered at the front and are generously cut for complete coverage. The straps adjust at the back and are attached to the front with decorative loops and a gold apex trim.

Support & fit

With any bra-sized swimwear, it's important to ensure you wear the right size, so I would recommend getting a professional fitting before you buy. I've been fitted and wear a size 32FF bra, which is the size I chose for this test, and it fitted perfectly, with no overspill at the cups or digging in wires or straps.

This bikini top passed the bounce test. The underwiring and inner side-support sling gave me plenty of support for both walking around and swimming. I would feel confident enough to run along the beach in this bikini (but that's not likely unless I was running to catch the last ice-cream before the kiosk closed!)

Comfort

I found this style comfortable to wear; the underwires are fully encased in the lining and didn't rub or dig in. I didn't try this bikini in super hot weather, but the website states that the gold trim on the straps will not heat up in the sun, which is worth noting if you enjoy sunbathing.

Care

As with all underwired items, this bikini is hand-wash only. I simply rinsed it through with cool water and left it to drip dry. It took a while to dry due to the gathers on the cups, but it was ready to wear again the following day.

Verdict

If you wear a size D+ bra, you are going to love the confidence and shape that this bikini gives you. I felt secure when wearing it since it offers full coverage and underwired support. Well worth investing!

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