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Hitting the beach or pool is all about relaxing and having fun, so the last thing you should worry about is feeling self-conscious in a bathing suit. A swimsuit with tummy control should not only look great, but also feel comfortable and hold up to regular use so it’ll last for more than just a few wears. Slimming swimsuits can have built-in shapewear that feels more compressive to physically smooth bulges, or they can use design techniques to look flattering without feeling restrictive. Some great slimming design elements are ruching, diagonal lines, color-blocking with darker colors on the bottom, and strategic coverage and cut-outs to give the most flattering appearances.
The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test one-piece and two-piece bathing suits to find the ones that live up to their slimming promises. Besides testing the durability to see whether fabric easily gets damaged from rough surfaces, we also have real testers give feedback on fit and slimming capabilities. We’ve even measured our testers to see if compressive bathing suits actually take inches off their waists, hips and tummies. In recent years, we reviewed over 1,400 ratings from our Lab and consumer tests.
The picks ahead are either from brands that have done well in our tests or are newer styles with unique features and rave reviews from consumers. Here are the best slimming swimsuits you can buy:
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Best Overall Tummy Control Swimsuit
Oceanus Swimsuit
The winner of our test, this timeless style was loved by our panel of reviewers: They said it minimized their tummies and waists and rated it better than other slimming swimsuits they’ve tried. They also liked the built-in underwire for bust support, saying it gave a nice lift. In our lab tests, it stood up to elements like seawater, chlorine, sweat, UV rays and more. And if basic colors bore you, it also comes in fun hues and prints.
- Top ratings from consumer testers
- Durable fabric held up to Lab tests
- Built-in underwire for support and lift
- Only available in sizes 8-18
- Expensive
Best Value Tummy Control Swimsuit
V-Neckline Monokini Swimsuit
It’s the hottest swimsuit on Amazon, costs a fraction of the price of other style and the best part: it wowed product experts and consumer testers in our evaluations. Every single tester – regardless of age, body type or style preference – rated it flattering. They especially liked the ruching that hides belly bulges and the smoothing mesh in the back that prevents spillage often seen with tight-fitting bathing suits. On top of all that, it’s also super comfortable and supportive.
- Affordable price
- Flattering on most body types
- Available in 9 sizes and 41 colors and prints
- Less durable than pricier picks
Best Tummy Control Swimsuit with Cutouts
Backless Slimming Monokini Swimsuit
This style shows off skin while still flattering the tummy thanks to its backless halter design and cleavage opening in the front. Fun colors and patterns along with ruching across the midsection create a slimming look that real users say made them feel beautiful for the first time in a swimsuit. There’s also removable padding and adjustable straps so you can find the fit that works best for you.
- Strategically placed cutouts
- Adjustable fit
- High praise from reviewers
- Not the most high quality materials
Most Versatile Tummy Control Swimsuit
Swim Transformation Tube
This self-proclaimed “secret weapon” lets you customize your swimsuit to cover whatever areas you prefer. The band of fabric can be worn like a skirt to cover your hips, around your torso to cover your tummy, over your bust to create a tankini, or whever you choose to add coverage. It’s available in sizes XS through 3X and is part of a mix-and-match collection with other flattering pieces that lets you build your own LBS (Little Black Swimsuit).
- Versatile to wear multiple ways
- Ideal for mix-and-match styles
- Flattering
- Purchase separately from other swimsuits
Most Flattering Tummy Control Swimsuit
Slender Wrap Swimsuit
In a previous test, a Lands’ End Slender style was rated the most flattering by testers. This newer version is even more fun and slimming thanks to the ombre coloring with the darker shade on the bottom (though it comes in solid black if you prefer). On top of that, the crisscross shirring looks like its part of the design, but it secretly helps shape your torso. The straps are wide so it’ll feel supportive, and it comes in additional sizes up to 24W.
- Ombre design creates slimming appearance
- Crisscross shirring has shaping benefits
- Wide range of sizes available
Best Plunge Tummy Control Swimsuit
V Neck One Piece Swimsuit
Not only does this affordable one-piece have a flattering midsection, it also stands out for it’s stylish design with a low V-neck and ruffles. It comes in 20 colors and prints and has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon from users who love how it flatters without looking like a typical slimming swimsuit. Plus, it has padded cups for shape and support, with a cute tie design in the back.
- Inexpensive
- Trendy ruffle design
- Padded cups for modesty
- Material is thinner than pricier styles
Best Slimming Tummy Control Swimsuit
Sanibel One Piece Swimsuit
Miraclesuit makes our list again, this time for its sculpting style that (literally!) slimmed more than any other suit when we measured testers. Our panel also said it had a visually slimming appearance and they loved wearing it. Other highlights include adjustable straps to give you the best fit, underwires for bust support and draping around the bust and torso to create the look of curves.
- Compressive materials help slim
- Ruching design
- Adjustable straps
- Only available in sizes 10-18
Best Tummy Control Swimsuit Bottom
High Waisted Swim Bottom
If you prefer to mix and match your two-piece — especially if you have a hard time finding sets with the right size on the top and bottom — this bikini bottom checks off the boxes for a flattering fit. It has a high waist for tummy coverage, ruching design for a slimming appearance, a light lining for comfort and a full back for modesty. It’s also versatile with more than 30 colors and prints.
- Sold individually for mix and match
- Full coverage throughout
- Ruching across the entire front
- Light lining isn’t for those who prefer compression
Most Popular Tummy Control Swimsuit
The Sidestroke
This Internet brand has a huge following and its one-shoulder style in particular has sold out several times thanks to the universally-flattering design that looks amazing on every body type. The diagonal lines create a slimming appearance and the fabric is compressive, yet not too tight. It’s available in sizes 0 through 24 and a long-torso option for taller bodies, plus it has thousands of five-star reviews from users who say it’s “worth every penny.” You can choose from lots of colors, including bright color-blocking options and solid neutrals.
- Flattering diagonal design
- Quality and comfortable materials
- Best-selling style
- May cause asymmetrical tan lines
Best Tummy Control Swimsuit with Bust Support
Anya One-Piece Swimsuit
Panache offers bathing suits in bra sizes, with availability in 30 to 40 in the band and D through K (equivalent to US size O) in the cups – making it a whole lot easier for anyone who struggles to find swimwear that fits in the chest. There are tons of bikinis and other one-pieces to choose from, but this style in particular has slimming features thanks to a lining at the tummy and subtle ruching at the sides. It also has adjustable straps and an elastic band under the bust for support.
- Designed specifically for larger cup sizes
- Side-ruching
- Adjustable straps
- A few reviewers say the underwire is uncomfortable
Best Strapless Tummy Control Swimsuit
Front Twist Bandeau Swimwear
To bypass tan lines, this strapless suit gives you support with lightly padded cups and flexible boning so you don’t need to worry about it falling down. It also has a built-in tummy panel and shirred fabric to help slim and shape, with a flattering twist around the sweetheart neckline. There are plenty of colors and prints to choose from more importantly, it doesn’t break the bank.
- No tan lines from straps
- Structured support to stay in place
- Shirred fabric around torso
- Some reviewers say it runs small
Best Tummy Control Swimsuit for Swimming
Prime Performance Scoop Neck One Piece Swimsuit
If you plan to swim laps, this one is supportive and comfortable with its wide straps, built-in cups and full coverage bottom. Plus, the brand uses chlorine-resistant fabric, which is necessary if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the pool. It’s also flattering thanks to its special lining specifically for tummy control on the inside and the fading print with darker colors on the bottom creates a slimming appearance.
- Wide straps and good coverage
- Supportive cups
- Slimming lining and flattering design
- Only available in sizes 8-18
Best Tummy Control Swimsuit for Water Sports
Coastline One Piece Swimsuit
Athleta is best known for its activewear, and its swimsuit are no exception. This one-piece is made specifically for water sports like paddleboarding and surfing, plus it has the added benefit of flattering color blocking for a slimming effect. It comes in shades of blue or pink and has both adjustable straps and removable cups to help you find the best fit.
- Flattering colorblocks
- Adjustable straps
- Available in tall and petite sizes
- Less built-in tummy control
Best Tummy Control Bikini
Retro Halter Ruched High Waist Bikini
Tempt Me has a range of two-piece sets with high waists for more coverage. This style in particular is one of the most popular, with over 16,000 reviews and an average 4.4-star rating on Amazon. The halter top is adjustable and supportive, while the bottom has pleatings for tummy control and a high-leg cut for a flattering silhouette. Like other affordable styles on Amazon, this one comes in lots of colors and prints for every style preference.
- Supportive top
- High-waist bottom with flattering leg cuts
- Popular on Amazon
- Some reviewers had fit issues with the top
Best Tummy Control Swimsuit Dress
Clasp Halter Dress Swimsuit
A swim dress is your best bet if you want to cover your hips and butt, and this one from L.L.Bean is even more flattering thanks to its draping design, form-fitted shaping fabrics and subtle shirring at the hips and waist. The halter strap is adjustable so you can find a good fit and it comes in a wide range of sizes including long, plus and D-cup variations. It also comes in fun prints if you prefer a more vibrant style.
- Full coverage over belly, hips and bottom
- Adjustable straps
- Long and plus sizes available
Best Tummy Control Tankini
Women’s Sweetheart Tankini Swimsuit
If you prefer a two-piece but still want full coverage, this tankini top includes slimming features like ruching fabric and a flattering neckline. It has wide straps to stay in place without digging in, plus built-in underwires for bust support and is sold by bra size instead of clothing size. Mix and match this piece with bottoms that come in a rainbow of colors.
- Comfortable straps
- Flattering ruching
- Shop by bra size
Best Tummy Control Rash Guard
Long Sleeve Rash Guard
If you’re looking for extra armor against the sun’s harmful UV rays, this long sleeve swim top has more coverage for your skin. The sides are adjustable so you can find the best fit, even making it into a dress when you pull down the cords. It has glowing online reviews from women of all sizes who say it’s both comfy and super flattering. Whether you’re looking to do water sports, want to avoid getting burned, or just want to cover up, this affordable option is perfect for throwing on over another bathing suit.
- Good sun protection
- Adjustable ruching on the sides
- Converts to a dress
- Some complained about the zipper being uncomfortable
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested apparel of all kind — including bras, workout leggings, pajamas and more — using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of consumer testers.
Executive Textiles Director
With over 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University, Lexie Sachs researches, tests and reports on all fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing.
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