Sewn-in cups with wide side bands are your best bet.

Look for cups that are stitched into the lining, not just stuffed into a pocket. Removable cups shift around, bunch up, and give you that weird pointy look when they dry. Sewn-in cups stay put.

Wide side bands (2-3 inches) are the real secret to support without underwire. They hold everything in place and stop the straps from digging in. Thin straps and narrow bands let the whole thing sag after a few laps.

If you’re bigger than a B cup, skip the flimsy foam cups entirely. Go for a shelf bra or compression-style top – the kind with a second layer of fabric built into the front. You get lift without wire.

Adjustable straps are non-negotiable. If you can’t shorten them, you can’t dial in the support.

Try it on and do a jumping jack in the fitting room. If anything moves more than you’re comfortable with, keep looking.

Spend the extra ten bucks on a swimsuit that actually fits – you’ll wear it twice as often.