My new suit is underwire.

I, too, was a little excited to try on suits after losing some weight, and I, too, emerged from the changeroom in tears.

Until I found my Fantasizer suit. It has a built in underwire, soft cup bra. It's super supportive. It is great; I suggest it to everyone before they consider implants (I was considering them too, and won't rule them out entirely, but my new suit works wonders -- it's so supportive you could wear it strapless if you wanted to).

It retails at $120 ish, but I got it for $50 on sale. :)

I'm the opposite -- I wear 14 pants but was trying on 12 suits. Reason? I'm short. Don't forget that "long torso" suits are also an option for taller women. That may be why your size wasn't fitting. Perhaps you have a longer torso or larger chest?

Was wondering ...

It's been years since I've bought a real swimsuit, but years ago you could buy the tops and bottoms separately to size them correctly. Have you all seen this option in any stores lately?