Jenny Smith / 05 June 2025 / Categories: Brands, Specialist, Clothes, Sports & Leisure

Melissa Odabash Swimwear mix and match tops and bottoms

American and Australian swimwear brands are better than most for tricky bodies

With the boob job came a load of women with tops bigger than bottoms by choice.

This is something I have struggled with for a lifetime naturally, a big bust 34F on a significantly smaller frame about a Uk size 8 to 10 at the bottom so an off the peg bikini has NEVER worked for me.

The tops even if I go for a size 16 or 18 are always too small to deal with the boobs in the cups and the back too roomy so I find myself either dropping out underneath or constantly trying up the back or adjusting the straps.

And I like to jump off boats and dive into the water and I prefer a bikini to a bathing suit unless I am water skiing and hopefully staying in it. Which can be an issue.

The beauty of an American or Australian swimwear designer is the structure is there. Melissa Odabash offers a complete beachwear and cover up range combining fresh modern contemporary design. She works with plain and printed fabric so whether you are looking for exotic cruise wear or something more basic black or navy you can style with everything she’s got you covered and working as a model for many years and living in Italy for a while she understand a European aesthetic where some American designers can be a little bit dated Melissa Odabash manages to combine well fitting and structured tops (so good for older women too, my Mum loves her) as well as younger women with perhaps more troublesome bodies.

The best thing and something lots of brands do now admittedly you can buy the tops and bottoms of your bikini separately so if you need a big top and little bottoms like me, not a problem. She also offers a whole range of Pareos, beach wraps and cover ups to go with.

Not my style really as I am inclined to throw on a pair of yoga leggings over my bikini but for girls who like a pretty beach dress and straw basket she can certainly give you a cruise wear ensemble worthy of any 5 star beach holiday.

I started in the pool as a teenager in a Speedo swimming costume I developed a big bust in my early teens and it was the only thing I felt comfortable in in the pool as it kept everything strapped down and in place. I still have one and it’s usually my go to for water sports like boogie boarding or water skiing.

I have had some success with Australian brand Seafolly who seem to understand the needs of active women; all shapes and sizes as the cover girls up to a size 18 or 20 and do a lot of options versions of a sexy wetsuit, zip up fronts and with sleeves for getting in the water when it’s less than tropical.

Maryam Mehlhorn, Onia, Heidi Klein (although this brand’s quality I think has gone down over the last 5 years) and Nishi Beachwear I have had success with too. Maryam Mehlhorn cuts tops like no one else. Super well fitting and very flattering for big boobs and girls who don’t want to feel completely covered, a bit sexy and young but still secure. I have a bikini of hers I love so much I try not to wear it too much as I know once it’s gone it’s gone and bikinis have a short shelf life for me, usually two or three vacations and they are completely shot.

I’ve spotted a Calvin Klein mix and match top and bottom I like online £45 for the top and £45 for the bottom which is certainly more affordable than Melissa Odabash or the other brands I have mentioned.

I probably won’t go for it though as the younger audience American brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger whilst I love the visual of the designs in the photo styling and marketing online when they come, for me the material is usually too flimsy and the straps too skimpy to deal with the weight of bigger boobs.

My advice if you have the same issue, go for a halter neck tie, or something that is properly structured like a bra with straps, I’ve had a couple of successes on the less expensive side of the bikini spectrum with Italian brand Calzedonia. But again I steer clear of anything bandeau bikini or strapless which this brand make a lot of.

If you have budget and want to try a really incredible bikini you’ll feel incredible in even with a tricky body you cannot beat a Melissa Odabash bikini for uncompromising fit. It’s going to cost you over £100 per piece but well worth it.

A brand I love for other things Zimmerman, also Australian is one to avoid if you got big breasts. The tops of their bikinis are minuscule.

Melissa Odabash now lives in London and has another shop in Nottinghill Gate.