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 swimwear 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.
RRP £40 | The classic yet modern design of this one piece swimsuit makes it a super chic choice for a summer getaway. The inbuilt medium-support lining will pull you in at your waist while smoothing any bumps, and its available in an impressive range of sizes covering 12-30. The semi-plunge neckline isn’t too revealing and the wider straps are great for supporting bigger boobs.
RRP £32 | Next has an impressive range of practical yet pretty swimwear and this is one of our favourites. As well as discreet tummy control mesh at the front, the wrap shape will enhance your silhouette, for a seriously flattering finish, while the adjustable straps keep it comfortable. It’ll look great while swimming and then can be worn under a colour pop skirt for post-beach cocktails! Its available in both Petite and Tall sizes too.
RRP £24 | The higher cut waist on this pair of swimming briefs will create a gorgeous hourglass shape. As well as pulling you in at the middle, there’s a control panel at the front and ruched sides to skim over hips. We love the bold red colour and belted design, with a gold ring detail that adds a touch of poolside glamour. Its available in sizes 8-18.
RRP £55 | Tankinis are great for anybody looking for a little extra coverage when wearing a two piece. This printed top is available from the Plus section at LaRedoute and comes in sizes 14-30. It’s designed to firm up any tummy-issues with a toning tulle lining, and also comes with built in foam-padded cups to keep your chest under control too. Want to complete the look? Matching briefs are available that also contain tummy control details.
RRP £25 | You can always rely on M&S for good quality swimwear and this sporty number is great for anybody wanting to take their swimming seriously or just looking for something a little more modest to wear while on your holiday. This hot pink one piece is available in sizes 10-24. It contains hidden tummy control but it won’t feel restrictive, as the fabric comes with extra stretch to help you move freely.
RRP £75 | The perfect mix of flattering and high fashion, this simple yet stylish one-piece is a fantastic investment for now and for summers to come. The medium control powermesh lining will smooth and contour your middle while underwired cups will give your cleavage a boost. The luxurious waffle fabric and pretty scalloped edges work brilliantly to up the wow factor, making it one of the best black swimsuits available.
RRP £47 | The Magisculpt range at JD Williams really does live up to its name – as the clever fabrics work wonders to cinch in and smooth over. This eye-catching tankini set not only makes a statement with colour but will give your silhouette a boost with power-mesh, and firming material. The halter neck top has a flattering wrap neckline and the higher leg line on the briefs will elongate your pins. Win win! Its one of the best floral swimsuits we have spotted for this summer.
RRP £8.50 | This purse friendly pair may be a bargain but they don’t lack on support. The high waisted design of the fuss-free swim bottoms will hide any tummy worries and then the shapewear lining and ruched front will smooth over and leave you feeling ready to make a splash! There’s a matching bikini and tankini top available too, so you can mix and match your favourites.
RRP £20 | The sky blue colour of this bold tankini top will get you noticed by the pool for all the right reasons! Moulded cups are great for bigger boobs and the cleverly cut and ruched, firming fabric will work to contour and define curves to leave you feeling more confident without covering up. Its comes in sizes 8-24 and matching bikini bottoms are available too.
RRP £47 | Shapermint has a loyal following of customers that truly love their comfortable and stylish swimwear and lingerie range. These gorgeous swim briefs tick all the boxes for anybody feeling anxious about flashing a little flesh in the sun. The high waist cut will flatter your middle and the tie-belt can be adjusted to cinch you in, while power mesh will smooth and secure. It also comes with the added benefit of UPF 40 fabric!
RRP £36 | You can’t go wrong with leopard print and this one will look just as good while taking a dip as it will worn under linen shorts and a white shirt for an afternoon spent exploring in the sun. The classic shape and timeless print make it a safe investment, and the flattering belted wait works well with clever tummy control fabrics to smooth and define.
RRP £44 | The SimplyBe range is built with curves in mind, and this swimsuit really will work to keep your figure looking fabulous. The clever pannelling and ruching at the front creates a slimming effect, while the hard-working powermesh lining will sculpt and hold in all the right places. This dreamy green design is available in sizes 10-32.
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 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.
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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