It’s finally happened: Summer is in full swing and whether that means you’ll be jetting off somewhere poolside very soon, or you’re sticking around to enjoy the Great British Summer, it’s likely you’ll be needing a swimsuit at some point. From garden sunbathing to lido visits and beach days— the humble one-piece is an essential part of our summer rotation. But shopping for one can, for a number of reasons, often induce anxiety and stress. That awful changing room lighting never helps, and even if you decide to try at home, finding one that’s practical, fits perfectly on the boobs and bum and makes you feel great, is a challenge most of us women go through every few years.
It’s also (sadly) true that we probably all have our body hang-ups of some sort, which never makes the process easier. Of course, we’re all about embracing bodies exactly how they are here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and celebrating you for you. But, as women, we’re also aware that feeling like our best, most confident selves can sometimes be helped by exaggerating the bits of our bodies we love the most and using the wonders of fashion to flatter those areas we’re more self-conscious about.
I, for one, am always self-conscious of my tummy area which makes swimwear shopping less than ideal. As I get further into my thirties, I’m finding myself leaning towards the appeal of a chic swimsuit more and more—but from experience the wrong fit, material or shape can make me feel even more self-conscious than a stringy bikini. The next challenge is that swimwear with technical ‘shaping’ elements like tummy control isn’t always the most appealing to look at—with most erring on the side of practical rather than sexy or stylish.
If you’re relating right now, I’m here to say don’t give up the search just yet. I’ve taken on the challenge (and spent a lot of hours scrolling) to find twenty-one of the best tummy-control swimsuits that are seriously chic at the same time. I’ve combined my research with my expertise as a stylist (and first-hand experience of trying on a lot) to pull together this edit which includes styles with the most flattering tummy-control features—from panelling and wrap detailing, to strategic belts and inner ‘shaping’ linings. Whether you’re looking for a little support or a lot, there’s a swimsuit here that you’ll not only love this summer but will continue to pull out year after year. Keep scrolling to see for yourself...
The Best Tummy-Control Swimsuits, Listed
1. Editor's Pick: HUNZA G - Domino Swimsuit, £175
2. JOHN LEWIS - Ayanna Ruched Tummy Control Swimsuit, £42
3. M&S COLLECTION - Post Surgery Tummy Control Swimsuit, £35
4. H&M - Shaping Swimsuit, £33
5. SEEA - Tofino One-Piece Surf Suit, £158
6. PANOS EMPORIO - Potenza Ruched Shaping Swimsuit, £79
7. M&S COLLECTION - Tummy Control Textured Bandeau Swimsuit, £40
8. JOHN LEWIS
PARTNERS - Plain Ruched Bandeau Swimsuit, £39
9. BRAVISSIMO - Koh Samui Swimsuit, £75
10. NORMA KAMALI - Slinky Marissa One Piece, £165
11. POUR MOI - Underwired Bow Tummy Control Swimsuit, £48
12. WHISTLES - Double Strap Textured Swimsuit, £79
13. M&S GOODMOVE - Tummy Control Strappy High Neck Swimsuit, £35
14. NEW LOOK - Black Illusion Stripe Belted Swimsuit, £31
15. MIRACLESUIT - Mystique Network Swimsuit £187
16. H&M - Firm Shape Swimsuit, £28
17. BRAVISSIMO - Amalfi Swimsuit, £60
18. POUR MOI - Santa Monica Twist Front Bandeau Swimsuit, £39
19. M&S GOODMOVE - Printed Scoop Neck Swimsuit, £25
20. BRAVISSIMO - Pollenca Swimsuit, £75
21. SORBET ISLAND - Calista One-Size Swimsuit, £130
Shop the Best Tummy-Control Swimsuits:
Editor's Review: "Although this swimsuit doesn't technically have tummy control built in, I bought it recently and wanted to include it as Hunza G's crinkled fabric is majorly flattering, especially on the tummy area. It never digs in and is supportive without feeling tight or restrictive, and this design, with the added belt and in a classic black, never fails to make me feel good".
The ruched detailing and thick material make this a great, bright option for those looking to sculpt the tummy area without compromising on style.
Standout Review: "I didn't want a green swimsuit but immediately on trying this on, loved it. The material has a nice 'give' but you feel it's holding you in securely, with a nice silhouette. It's well cut and the cups are unobtrusive but fit well. Going to a large family wedding with hot tubs and I'm really looking forward to wearing it there."
Made from soft, breathable fabric and M&S' signature 360 Magic Tummy Control, this style was made to sculpt the tummy area without causing harm to post-surgery scars. Not to mention it has UPF50+ technology to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Standout Review: "Thank you so much! This will make such a difference to my life.I have been looking for years for a swimsuit to wear in a pool which covers post surgery disfigurement and skin grafting to my back and this suit has the added bonus of covering sternotomy scars on my chest....The tummy control is very comfortable and flattering."
This affordable pick from H&M is fully lined with removable bust inserts and and 'extra-tight fit' that helps to shape the waist. It's available in a UK 4 - 22 and also comes in a classic black and a navy.
Standout Review: "Love this swimsuit! I'm 6 months postpartum and conscious about my body but this swimsuit is so flattering!!"
If you're after a more sporty, technical swimsuit that still feels feminine, this one from Seea was made to keep the body covered-up. It also has an elastic cinch at the waist to flatter the stomach area.
Standout Review: "Ok, this is outside my comfort zone, because I definitely don't look like the models, but this really is a beautiful, well made suit. I love that it covers everything that I want covered and I feel like I can actually jump in the pool and swim. It's more than I usually would pay, but well worth it."
If in doubt, opt for a style that has ruching detail in a pretty shade. This particular swimsuit has adjustable wide shoulder straps for additional support and a Powernet at the waist to smooth the figure.
Standout Review: "Absolutely felt a million dollars in this on holidays and have been to our local pool since. Knowing I'm supported and feeling fab! Fits really well in all the right places and really comfortable. Got lots of compliments on it. It washes really well and is excellent quality. Highly recommended for anyone who's a little nervous of swimwear! It's a confidence boosting swimsuit!."
There's something so timeless and a bit glamorous about this swimsuit—I'm sure you'll pull it out again and again. The Tummy control technology and U-notch detailing also give it a universally flattering fit.
Standout Review: "I love this swimming costume. The tummy control and texture is great for my mum-tum! The top is very flattering, whilst I feel nicely tucked in
supported, it gives me a nice shape. It has adjustable straps which can be removed if wanted. I always go up a size with swimming costumes but I could have got away with my regular size in a longer length, but I just wanted that bit of extra coverage at the bottom."
This flattering and versatile design looks way more expensive than it is. The ruching around the tummy area provides shaping control and the suit even comes with detachable straps to wear it as you want.
Standout Review: "What a great swimming costume for the money. It is such a classic design and in my opinion, great quality. I have been looking for a flattering costume for ages and have sent for a fair few but this was the best one by miles. Double layer bodice to help hold in the tummy and give added support. Can be worn with or without the straps. I didn't use the straps otherwise you get strap marks. Holds up and covers everything with good support, as I am a 36DD on top but the size 14 fitted me well. I would definitely recommend this swimsuit to anyone that likes a classic quality costume that will never date."
Can you tell I'm very into printed swimwear right now? It's just enough of a trend-led nod but one that remains classic year on year. This style gathers at the body for a flattering fit and has smoothing tummy control the stomach as well as a cute drawstring detail to draw attention upwards.
Standout Review: "I’ve just been into your Chelmsford store for new swimwear as my most favourite style(Whitsunday) doesn't look like it’s coming back this year in a full costume. I was going to try a bikini but this swimsuit caught my eye on the rail so I thought I’d try it as a bit of a wildcard. They didn’t have my usual size but I was given the next cup size down. Also I’ve seen so many reviews of other styles not being suitable for shorter bodies and leaving saggy bottom material so I wasn’t expecting great things. Well, how wrong I was! I’m extra self conscious these days about my tummy but the drape of the material made me look so much better and the cup fitted perfectly but is then totally covered up by another gathered layer which you can tie up to suit you."
If you're looking for some light control, this shaping swimsuit is a great option. The light ruching will flatter the figure in all the right places.
Standout Review: "Beautiful suit! The material is thin, with no padding, which I typically steer clear of but this is perfect! I just had my second child 5 months ago, so I'm shocked I feel confident in this! Don't hesitate!"
If in doubt, go minimal. This simple suit has tummy control, but the cut-out v at the bust and stylish square neck are also incredibly flattering.
Standout Review: "I like a cup size rather than a size . This offers what i want . Its a lovely swimsuit . I thought the tummy control would have been a little stronger and it may have been given 5 if there was rouching which i find helps disguise a little tummy ."
Textured fabric is always a good idea when you want to conceal the tummy area. Not to mention that this bright red will leave you feeling super confident.
Standout Review: "Lovely swimsuit. Beautiful colour, almost a pinky red, and lovely texture. It is pricey but looks great on, has a lovely neat shape, has good support and not as frumpy as other options available from other shops."
Made with Magic 360 Tummy Control technology, this swimsuit was made to sculpt and smooth the figure.
Standout Review: "Feels very comfortable to wear. Easy to put on and take off. Drys quickly."
Not only does the belt on this design offer support, it creates a flattering shape and draws the eye to the waist.
Standout Review: "Lovely swimsuit that fits well. Very flattering and the pattern and belt helped me feel more confident."
This swimsuit is lined with tulle and wrap detailing on the tummy area for support. Not to mention it's made with exclusive Miratex® fabric for full 360 shaping control.
Standout Review: "This suit is the best I have ever bought. Whilst expensive, it is worth every penny as it looks fabulous on. Holds you in all the right places and stays that way. Received tons of compliments"
This swimsuit has been described as a "fully lined swimsuit in an extra-tight fit that has a firm shaping effect on the waist". Shoppers have praised the suit for its sculpting abilities but have warned other to size up, especially if you have a bigger bust.
Standout Review: "This fits my lower half lovely but the top is a little restrictive and tight. So if you are over a C cup I'd highly recommend sizing up"
Navy = chic. That's just one of my forever style rules, especially when it comes with smoothing tummy control like this one from Bravissimo. Imagine this with a white linen shirt and basket bag on the beach.
Standout Review: "This is my first swimsuit purchase and it fits like a glove. Puts the girls where they are front and centre but gently restrained. Slight ruching across the middle adds to the look. Perfect Just to say I’m usually a 36G but sized down to 34GG as I’m smaller on the bottom half".
This ultra-flattering bandeau swimsuit comes in three mood-boosting shades and was made with a clever control fabric to smooth and sculpt your figure.
Standout Review: "Absolutely love this swimsuit! Beautiful material fit is perfect. Nice leg not too high, tummy control helps loads ! Of course colour is gorgeous would recommend."
M&S always think so carefully about its designs to make them as flattering as possible on all body shapes. This particular swimsuit ranges from a UK 8 to 24 and contains a compressive tummy control panel to flatten the stomach area.
Standout Review: "I love this bathing costume and use it for swimming and aqua fitness. It's easy to get in and out of and feels nicely secure without being too tight. The cups are lifted but not over padded and the tummy control is there but not as 'matronly' as they can often be. A really nice wear and good value for the price."
With Bravissimo's tummy-toning lining, this classic style will not only feel supportive but draw the eye to the bright colour and flattering square neckline.
Standout Review: "Really beautiful colour, and stretchy, comfortable fabric. I love the square neck and back, it's really flattering and fits nicely. I always remember my sister having a very similar swimming costume like this when we were kids, and i was always so jealous of it, so I'm over the moon to finally bag myself one 30 years later!"
Don't be thrown off by a 'one-size fit all swimsuit', the textured material and full coverage fit will sculpt and shape most body types.
Standout Review: "Never thought I would wear a one piece swimsuit that only comes in one size but it is AMAZING! Love the fit and the fabric."
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