Best tummy control swimsuits to snap up for the season ahead

Feel confident this season in the best tummy control swimsuits

best tummy control swimsuits
(Image credit: Future)

While we are firm believers that every body is a beach-ready body, we also understand that sometimes we all need a little confidence boost when it comes to stripping down while on holiday. A tummy control swimsuit can make all the difference to how you feel while making a splash!

Whether you’re planning an exotic holiday in the sun or simply looking for something new to wear while doing some lengths in your local pool, the best swimsuits will help you look and feel your best.

The best tummy control swimsuits often have built-in pannelling at the front and sides to help skim and contour your middle. Its sole purpose is to offer support to your middle so you can feel more comfortable while taking a dip or lazing in the summer sun. These days, tummy control fabrics and details are pretty common place, 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 best swimsuit brands.

12 best tummy control swimsuits

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, you can find a swimsuit that has in-built tummy control to help you feel more secure this summer. If you’re on the hunt for a two-piece set, high-waisted briefs will offer plenty of control, or for more coverage try one of your best tankini tops. One piece swimsuits are a classic and will have plenty of built-in mesh linings to create the smoothest of shapes.

What bathing suits are most slimming?

Finding the perfect fit is different for everybody, so its worth shopping around and trying on different pieces before buying your holiday staples. There so many different styles and shapes available too, so whether you’re looking for the best affordable swimwear, the best one piece or a playful bikini, you’ll be spoilt for choice on the high street right now. Its 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 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 the problem area.”

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.

This summer’s swimwear trends 2024 for retro Hollywood glam cuts such as high waisted bikini bottoms and belted swimsuits is another great way to create a slimmer silhouette in swimwear. When shopping for a high waisted bikini, look for bottoms that end at the narrowest point of your natural waist; the same goes for belted swimwear, which will emphasise this area by creating a focal point.”

ANTONIA KRASKOWSKI
Antonia Kraskowski

Antonia Kraskowski is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years of 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. 

expert
Julie Player

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.

Matilda Stanley

Matilda Stanley is a freelance style editor covering all things fashion, beauty and interiors. She writes and styles for both print and online and covers everything from the latest catwalk trends to bargain skincare buys. With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, Matilda has worked on TV shows including 'Gok's Fashion Fix', and written and styled for publications including Closer, Heat, Bella, Look, Woman, Good Housekeeping, Now, and The Daily Mail.