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The Best Halter Bikini Top

Last updated on November 23, 2022

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Few things can be more frustrating than trying to track down that perfect bathing suit. In fact, women’s negative body image perceptions have been directly linked to swimsuit shopping.

Since body types can vary dramatically from one woman to the next, it’s important to find a suit that fits both your upper and lower body dimensions. One of the best ways to do that is to shop for your top and bottoms separately. You can find the coverage area for your hips and waist, then pair it with the bikini top that gives you the exact look you want while also matching the fabric and color.

Halter-style bikini tops are often billed as “retro,” but they have many benefits beyond simply giving you a vintage look. The unique design makes it flattering for a wide variety of figures. The tie at the neck allows you to customize the fit to the support and coverage you need. Halter-style tops also often have a support band below the bust. Because of these features, it’s more likely you’ll get the right bikini on the first try, rather than shopping for hours to get everything you need in a bikini top.

There are, however, some important things to look for in a bikini top. You’ll likely want one that won’t slip around whether you’re walking, swimming or playing sports in your swimsuit. Look for a thicker band and a snugger fit, as well as coverage around the chest area. Preferences can vary, so you’ll likely still need to shop around even though halter ties can give you a little wiggle room.

Support is another important feature. Some halter tops have underwire for this purpose. You can even find halters that build in padding, both for support and enhancement. Preferences can vary on that, which is why you’ll find a wide range of options in any bikini top type.

Our Picks For The Top Halter Bikini Tops

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Tempt Me Padded Push Up Halter Bikini Top

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Tempt Me

Padded Push Up Halter Bikini Top

This nylon/spandix halter top builds in a thicker band with a clasp and an extra tie to ensure the top will stay put. A self-tie and push-up padded bra provide support while also allowing you to adjust the fit. Choose from a wide range of color and pattern choices and many size options.

Overall Take

Customizable OptionAn adjustable tie and a variety of colors and patterns help you customize this halter to fit your needs.

 Runner Up

futurino Plunge Neck Halter Bikini Top

futurino

Plunge Neck Halter Bikini Top

Combine the vintage look of a halter bikini with fun patterns that represent the style of earlier eras. The material is a machine-washable chinlon-polyester mix. It fastens with ties at the neck and back and will flatter your figure. It includes padding incorporated into the cups.

Overall Take

Fun and UniqueYou'll stand out while wearing this halter top, thanks to its retro look and a variety of vibrant patterns.

 We Also Like

RELLECIGA Keyhole Cutout Halter Bikini Top

RELLECIGA

Keyhole Cutout Halter Bikini Top

The keyhole cutout in the center of this high-necked halter top supports and displays just the right amount of cleavage. Two ties at both the neck and back help you get the best fit. The material is 80% polyamide with 20% spandex for extra stretch. Light padding is included.

Overall Take

Cute and SupportiveWith a design that’s meant to create a snug fit, this top will help provide support for your day in the sun.

 Also Great

Smart & Sexy Underwire Support Halter Bikini Top

Smart & Sexy

Underwire Support Halter Bikini Top

The underwire in this bikini top helps shape and support throughout the day. It features a tie closure at the neck and a hook clasp at the back. The nylon/spandex top is available in multiple color and pattern options and comes in cup sizes so you can get the best fit.

Overall Take

Extra SecureWith underwire and some double-strap options, this delicately-styled bikini top is built for reliability.

What to Look For

  • If you already have a bottom you like, you can find a bikini top to match. They’re available in solids and patterns. You can also pick out your halter first and choose bottoms to match.
  • Some swimsuit tops are designed to fit more snugly than others. Keep that in mind while you’re shopping. You might want to size down in those options and size up in others.
  • Some bathing suits are labeled “hand wash only.” Look for that if you prefer to toss your swimsuit in the washer between uses.
  • Material plays a vital role in how comfortable and durable your swimsuit is. Polyester fabrics tend to build in durability and give you a soft feel with vibrant colors. Nylon is also a popular swimsuit fabric, but it can pill and change texture over time. You’ll likely also want a little spandex to give you the stretch you need for comfort throughout the day.
  • Some halters use a double strap to give you a little extra support. Others rely on thicker straps for that. Wider straps do tend to provide more support for larger chests than thinner straps do.
  • Most halter bikini tops use Small to Large sizing. If you have a tough time finding swimsuit tops that fit, try searching for suits that go by cup size. This may make it easier to find an exact match.
  • A well-fitting bathing suit top puts the underwire under the breasts. You can test proper fit by leaning forward and ensuring everything stays covered. This will give you the security you need as you step out in public. If your underwire is sitting properly against your chest, you should be able to slip your finger beneath the band.

More to Explore

Halter tops are notable for being the first accepted two-piece swimsuit top in 1930s Europe. These early halters offered plenty of coverage, though, showing only a sliver of the midriff area. The navel was also covered by these early swimsuits. As World War II-era fabric rationing led manufacturers to find ways to conserve material, they also began removing the skirt panel.

Western Europe is also the site of the invention of the bikini. In the 1940s, two French designers came out with competing versions of “the world’s smallest bathing suit.” Jacques Heim dubbed his the “atom” and said it was the world’s smallest bathing suit. However, Louis Reard’s version was the smallest of the two competing swimsuits. It featured a bra top and two upside-down triangles of cloth joined to each other by a string. Reard called it the “bikini” after the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where a successful atomic test had been conducted the week of the bikini’s reveal in 1946.

More to explore