A Guide to Flattering Swimwear, Designed to Support & Sculpt

The most flattering swimwear is never about changing the body beneath it. It is about thoughtful design and considering your own proportions to find the pieces that allow you to feel entirely at ease. Luxury swimwear should move with the body naturally, offering support where desired while maintaining a refined, effortless silhouette.

Discreet hidden underwire, softly structured fabrics and versatile mix-and-match separates is what you’ll find at Melissa Odabash, designed in London and crafted in Italy from the highest quality enhanced fabrics to complement a variety of shapes without compromising on comfort or style. The key is understanding which details work best for your preferences and we’re here at your service.

Secret Support 

For those seeking additional support, hidden underwire swimwear offers an ideal balance of structure and comfort. Hidden underwire can be particularly beneficial for fuller busts or anyone looking for enhanced support during long days by the water. 

The Noto Bikini Top is a returning style that is requested year after year, it features an underwired bralette with panelled demi-cups to mimic the security of a bra but in Odabash signature luxury fabrics. The straps and back are fully adjustable so if you are a small band but large cup size, we recommend sizing up.

Unlike traditional visible underwire styles, concealed support is carefully integrated into the design, creating gentle lift and shaping while preserving a smooth, refined silhouette. The Abruzzo Swimsuit or The Brussels Bikini Top (which comes in 16 colours and prints) are the definition of this, minimalist in nature but featuring a spot of glamour with the O-ring trim. The result feels polished rather than overly constructed, allowing the swimwear to remain effortlessly luxurious.

The Mauritius Swimsuit is a new style for 2026, featuring an underwired bodice and open back with adjustable tie. It comes in our iconic Odabash cheetah print and is perfect for those looking to embrace their playfully glamourous side while still not compromising on support.

When designed well, supportive swimwear should never feel restrictive. Instead, it creates a sense of ease - allowing the wearer to feel secure and confident throughout the day.

Soft and Gentle on the Skin

Support does not always require rigid structure. Modern swimwear can achieve a beautifully supportive fit without the use of underwire, relying instead on thoughtful construction.

For many women, non-wired swimwear offers a more natural silhouette and unrestricted comfort, particularly when spending extended time in the sun. The absence of underwire creates a softer fit that feels effortless to wear while still maintaining shape and support where needed.

Everything about The Tampa Swimsuit is considered and refined, buttery soft while still providing ample support via the adjustable halter-neck. The gold U-trim adds a subtle touch of luxury to an otherwise classic swimsuit mimicking the detail on The Bel Air Bikini Top, very similar in bust and offering not only a bikini option but also dual straps for extra comfort.

Soft-cup swimsuits such as The Panarea Swimsuit crafted from premium double-lined fabrics can gently contour the body while remaining exceptionally comfortable against the skin. Wide adjustable straps and considered ruching help provide significant support with a lighter, more relaxed feel.

Additional structure through the waist can also help improve the overall fit of a swimsuit, creating balanced proportions and a beautifully streamlined silhouette. An unexpected icon in this department is The Sydney Swimsuit, a strapless bandeau style with features such as ruching and adjustable ties – designed to create gentle support through the midsection while maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance.

The most flattering pieces are often those that feel barely noticeable when worn, offering support quietly and beautifully beneath minimalist design. Luxury lies in the details: smooth finishes, breathable linings, and fabrics that feel silky against the skin can transform supportive swimwear into something truly indulgent.

Mix and Match Bikinis for Every Shape

One of the most versatile approaches to finding the perfect fit is choosing from mix-and-match bikini separates. Different body shapes rarely conform to a single standard size, which is why selecting bikini tops and bottoms independently allows for a far more personalised fit.

This flexibility makes it easier to balance proportions and choose silhouettes that feel most comfortable and flattering. A detailed bandeau such as The Barcelona Bikini Top may pair beautifully with a minimal tie-side bottom such as The Cancun Bikini Bottom.

Luxury swimwear should feel considered and individual. By building a swimwear wardrobe through carefully chosen separates, each piece becomes more versatile, wearable, and uniquely suited to the wearer’s shape and personal style.

 

 

A little-known fact about us is that our customer service team also provide a styling service. You can always pop into the chat box on our website or give us an email and we’ll be more than happy to help you find your perfect fit.