Matilda Stanley
We are firm believers that every body is a beach-ready body, but we do also understand that sometimes a little confidence boost goes a long way when it comes to swimwear. Whatever your size, the best tummy control swimsuits work like shapewear to smooth your silhouette and can make all the difference to how you feel while lounging by the pool.
Whether you’re planning a hot holiday or simply looking for a new swimsuit to do lengths at your local leisure centre, the best swimwear for your body shape will help you look and feel your best.
Tummy control swimsuits often have built-in panels at the front and sides to help skim and contour your middle. Its sole purpose is to offer support so you can feel more secure while taking a dip or lazing in the summer sun. These days, tummy control fabrics and details are pretty commonplace, making it easy to find your fit, whatever your price range or personal style.
We have made shopping for your new swimwear all the more simple with an edit of hero buys from some of the very best swimsuit brands to save you time trying on different styles in the shops. Which leaves you with more time to spend relaxing, right?
Best tummy control swimsuits - tried and tested
The best tummy control swimsuits come in all cuts and sizes, whether you're looking for a silhouette streamlining one-piece or a stylish two-piece that ticks the swimwear trends 2025. To put the best tummy control swimsuits the high street has to offer through their paces, we asked Fashion Director Paula Moore and her friends to test out options whilst on holiday earlier this year. So you can be safe in the knowledge that these will all do the trick ahead of your own trip!
Sizes: 8-18
Sherrie Theis-Dunn, 49 says: "This high-neck swimsuit features built-in cups and a tummy-control panel with clever ruching, designed to complement your natural figure while providing comfort and support. This non-wired swimsuit features a chic ring detail at the neck for added glamour. However, it's not the best choice if you're trying to avoid tan lines!"
Sizes: 8-24 regular, long
Paula Moore, 52, says: "Offered in both regular and long lengths, this swimsuit is thoughtfully designed with flattering tummy control to create a smooth silhouette. It features removable bra pads, which is ideal for me as, since having a lumpectomy, I have one breast larger than the other. I absolutely love the vibrant, bright saffron colour because even if the sun doesn’t shine, you definitely will!"
Sizes: bra size 30-38, cup size D-J
Sally Mirza, 49, tells us: "This bright magenta swimsuit is both glamorous and functional. The plunging neckline features a trendy scalloped edge and supportive, underwired cups. An inner powermesh liner provides medium tummy control for a smooth finish. The luxurious knitted honeycomb textured fabric is exceptionally soft and comfortable, but note that it's handwash only."
Sizes: 6-24 Regular, 10-20 Tall
Sherrie says: "It's easy to see why this swimsuit has nothing but 5-star reviews! Extremely flattering and with a great fit, this block-colour swimsuit accentuates the waistline for an hourglass silhouette. Featuring a plunging neckline, high-cut leg, and shaping mesh for tummy control, it provides all-day comfort. It’s such a great price for a great swimsuit!"
Sizes: 10-32 bottoms
34C to 44DD top
Sally loved this bikini. She said: "We had to put the 'Lose Up to an Inch' claim to the test, and you know what? It's true! The firm control technology holds everything in and minimises the waist, effectively slimming your figure." Featuring a high waist that can be lowered for more skin exposure and a classic leg shape, these bottoms are available in sizes 10–32, making them perfect if you need to mix and match sizes.
Sizes: 32B-38C
Abigail Latiff, 42, says of this purse-friendly one-piece: "The clever vertical stripes down the sides are like a magic trick, making you look super sleek without trying. The smooth material has a tummy control liner, so you'll feel amazing and supported. Plus, it's underwired for extra lift. The lightweight padding is sewn in, so no need to worry about it moving around. The halterneck straps tie up just how you like them, and it looks just as good for sunbathing as it does taking a dip." Bonus: it’s machine washable.
Sizes: 6-22
Sally explains: "This gorgeous one-piece swimsuit from Next is super flattering, with its deep plunge neckline and high-cut leg. A tummy-shaping panel provides support, and 15% Lycra for extra stretch ensures a comfortable fit. Wide straps, padded, sewn-in cups, and boned plunge detail offer excellent support for larger busts."
Sizes: 10-32
Sharmaine France, 45, called this: "the ultimate in swimwear support. It requires a little extra wiggle to get into, but trust me, the amazing results are absolutely worth the effort. The Firm Control Technology and Power Mesh lining work magic to smooth and shape, plus it’s constructed with silicone elastic to give you that extra bit of support where you need it most." It comes as a pack of two, which is amazing value, and means no waiting around for yesterday's swimsuit to dry!
Sizes: top 32-38 C-G, bottoms 10-18
Abigail called this bikini a "gem". She says: "The high-waisted style gives you really good coverage, so you'll feel super comfortable and confident. Plus, the bottoms have got a clever tummy control panel built-in, which is just brilliant for a smooth and supportive fit without feeling too tight."
Best of the rest
Below are the three styles we haven't tested, but come highly recommended by friends or customers.
I don't know about you, but an Amazon option is always helpful, as I often leave packing to the last minute and suddenly decide I need something new for my suitcase the very next day!
Shapermint comes highly recommended by freelance Fashion Editor Julie Player, who recently reviewed this bikini by the brand, and I'm a big fan of Spanx's shapewear and seamless leggings, so a tummy control swimsuit is next on my list to try!
Sizes: XS to XXL
This is available in no fewer than 27(!) different colours and prints, and has a great rating on Amazon. I love the frill detailing, tie back and plunge neckline. One reviewer wrote: "After two kids I was feeling a little self-conscious about my tummy... I loved wearing it and felt confident.... I have since bought a second one in a different colour for my summer holiday. Would highly recommend."
Sizes: S-XL
Shapermint has a loyal following of customers who truly love their comfortable and stylish swimwear and lingerie range. This swimsuit offers an impressive size range, and is made from UPF 50 fabric for extra sun protection. The diagonal stomach panels give a 360-shaping waist illusion, and one happy customer wrote: "As someone who has always been self-conscious about my body, this one-piece swimsuit has been a game changer for me."
Sizes: XS to 3XL
The Baywatch red colour of this bold option will get you noticed on holiday for all the right reasons, but it's available in three other shades too. As a big fan of Spanx myself, I'd say this one is well worth a try. They are the best in the business for shapewear, so the medium compression effect of this fabric is sure to boost your confidence at the beach.
What we looked for
Tummy control technology has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, so it wasn't hard to find styles that promised good results.
We took into consideration requirements like larger busts and tried to account for a range of different tastes, be it swimsuit vs bikini, as well as prints, colours, and shapes like halterneck, bandeau or plunge.
Above all, we factored in how the swimwear felt, which was why it was so important to put them to the test. Yes, you want to feel confident and supported, but the last thing you need in the heat is to feel restricted or uncomfortable.
FAQs
What bathing suits are most slimming?
It's important to think about the best swimwear for your shape and personal style when browsing for ‘the one’. You’ll feel your best while you’re soaking up the sun in swimwear that is comfortable and flattering.
Fashion Editor Julie Player explains what she looks for when it comes to finding her poolside confidence boost: "Since going through the menopause, my figure has changed and I’m definitely an apple shape, so I’m particularly keen to find designs that cover my tummy, ideally with a firm control lining for added support, which makes me feel more confident on the beach.
"My ideal swimsuit will have design features that disguise the tummy area while drawing attention to the bits of my figure that I like, my bust and legs! A high-waisted tankini with a bra-sized top and bottoms that are high-cut on the hip is the ideal shape. Pattern has an important part to play too, an all-over bold print will distract the eye away from areas you prefer to cover.”
How do tummy control swimsuits work?
Still unsure if a tummy control piece of swimwear will really work? Fashion Editor Antonia Kraskowski explains how they can help, and the options available:
“When it comes to shopping for the perfect swimwear to flatter your figure and make you feel confident by the pool, the key is to look for clever details such as tummy control panels that will offer support to hold you in without restricting your movement. Much like the best shapewear, these discreet mesh panels will shape and support your body through gentle compression to create a sleek silhouette.
"If you want to achieve a slimmer look without resorting to control panels, there are plenty of other options to flatter your figure. Look for swimwear styles with gentle ruching at the sides and across the tummy area that will create a flattering effect."
Antonia Kraskowski is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years' experience in the industry. Having started her career at Conde Nast working for titles including Easy Living, Glamour and Vogue New Markets, Antonia went on to work in the fast-paced world of newspapers and weekly magazines, becoming Fashion Editor at Express Newspapers and Magazines in 2014, a role she held for five years before going freelance. Her career has seen Antonia travel the world, shooting in 18 countries and styling campaigns for brands ranging from Ben Sherman and DKNY to Wallis.
Julie has over 30 years' experience in the fashion industry and is a regular contributor to Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines, creating engaging fashion and lifestyle content for women of all ages. She also works in the wardrobe department at ITV, dressing the presenters for Good Morning Britain. Aged 57, Julie loves seeking out the most figure-flattering fashion for every occasion. She’s a qualified sustainable fashion expert with a wealth of knowledge of planet-friendly fashion brands and ways to shop more ethically.
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