Whether you’re wistfully thinking about the many more months until we hit the peak or summer or planning a wintertime romantic getaway to somewhere warm, the thought of inching toward your “beach body” — and, therefore, possibly having an aversion to buying swimsuits — is very, very real.
But, most of these fears can be conquered if you know how to shop for a swimsuit to suit your body type. Whether you’re petite or plus-sized, opting for a tummy-control swimsuit can be more comfortable, flattering and conceal the “tummy pouch” that’s widely unloved in a better light. (Related: Best swimsuit cover-ups and Best Amazon swimsuits under $35).
Enter our edit of the best tummy-control swimsuits that our commerce editors and writers love. Here, you’ll find flattering options that you’ll want to rock for any time of year. Whether you’re traveling somewhere warm and want a stylish one-piece from Summersalt or Spanx, we have recommendations that will be a hit on and off the beach.
RELATED: Best one-piece swimsuits for every size and style
Best Tummy Control Swimsuits
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Use coupon code BEST20 to pay $76
Pros:
- Great for multiple body types
- Gentle compression
- Also available in a long torso style
Cons:
- Not enough lift in the top
Summersalt’s The Perfect Wrap One-Piece is one of the brand’s best-sellers, thanks to its secret wrap detailing that doubles as a tummy control add-on. With lovely colors and a stay-in-place fit, this will be one of your favorite suits of the season, no doubt.
Sizes Materials 2-22 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane -
Pros:
- 360 degree shaping
- Pique smoothing fabric
Cons:
- Not full coverage but close to it!
If you’re looking for your holy-grail pair of bikini bottoms, SPANX has a Pique Shaping High Rise Swim Bottom that fits the bill. Just shy of $100, this signature black color is a match to style with a variety of swim tops. Oh, and its no-dig leg openings and shapewear-style fabric make this wholly worth the price.
Sizes Materials XS-3X Shell: 91% Nylon, 9% Elastane. Lining: 82% Nylon, 18% Elastane -
Free People Pros:
- Swimsuit cut gives the illusion of longer legs
- Minimal tan lines
- Simple but sexy design
If you’re not shy about showing what your mama gave you (at least from the back), this swimsuit is worth a go. It comes in a variety of gorgeous colors and is a favorite of Commerce Editor Kendall Cornish.
“I adore Toast swimmies because they know what they’re doing and are still fairly under-the-radar. Their material, for whatever reason, cinches me in where I need it and accentuates where I want it to. The cuts are phenomenal on all of my friends (a.k.a a range of body types), and are the only swimsuits I refuse to get rid of year-after-year.”
Sizes Materials XS-XL 83% Microdenier Polyester, 17% spandex
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Pros:
- Side cutout and tie emphasize smallest part of waist
- Fully covers the bust area
Cons:
- Only available in one color option
- Not for those seeking full coverage
For a tummy-control swimsuit that doesn’t compromise style, the BEACH RIOT X REVOLVE Carlie One Piece is one of our favorite styles. With an off-the-shoulder silhouette, bow-tie detailing and cutouts in all of the right places, it’s sure to be the one that you take with you on your next vacation.
Sizes Materials XS-XL 82% poly, 18% spandex -
Pros:
- Made with Vitamin A’s eco-fabric
- High-waisted bottom
- Length creating cut
If you’re looking for a suit that makes your tummy appear slim and trim, select one with a high-waist. It will not only minimize a middle but create an hourglass shape. Commerce Writer Miska Salemann loves this one-piece, and we’re about ready to add it to our cart too! It’s fully lined, which is a huge plus, and the center metal piece is chef’s kiss!
“I’m yet to find a more flattering swimsuit. The unique cut of this one-piece from Vitamin C extenuates all your curves and shows just the right amount of skin while providing an ample amount of support for larger busts. My favorite part about this suit is the fact that it hardly moves around — the ribbed fabric holds its shape and the flashy centered ring keeps everything in place. Plus, the high-waist hides any bloating. Really a win, win, win. I’ll be wearing it all summer long.”
Sizes Materials XS-XL 82% poly, 18% spandex -
Aerie Pros:
- Made with Aerie’s bestselling Shine Rib fabric
- V-seam and crossover waist gives that nip/tuck look!
- Full bum coverage
Cons:
- Several customers (less than 20) mentioned gaping around the legs
Everyone needs at least one pair of high-waisted, tummy control swimsuit bottoms, especially in the color black. And look, here are a cute pair from Aerie who fit the bill! Commerce Editor Camryn La Sala swears by them, which is all we need to hear to give them a go.
“I’ve owned at least three different types of high-waisted bikini bottoms from Aerie and they never disappoint. The Shine Rib Crossover is one of my favorites for its texture and figure-hugging material. I’ve worn it with black tops and other colors too, both options look great.”
Sizes Materials XS-XXL 85% Recycled Nylon, 15% Elastane -
Summersalt Cons:
- Suits with white may discolor
With a solid 4 star rating and more than 7,000 reviews, you know that The Sidestroke from Summersalt is a winner. It has serious compression to smooth in all the right places, plus it comes in a variety of lovely colors. Regardless if you’re a size 4 or 20, there’s a style in your size that will make you feel and look fantastic! Commerce Writer Angela Tricarico loves this suit and enthusiastically recommends it.
“The Sidestroke from Summersalt is by far the most flattering, comfortable swimsuit I’ve ever worn. As a size 18/20, swimwear is usually the most challenging clothing category for me to shop for, but I’m a Summersalt convert for life now. The fabric provides the perfect amount of compression to hold everything in, from my chest to my stomach, and the diagonal seaming helps to create a slimming illusion as well. Plus, the one-shoulder is so chic, and it comes in so many colors. I’ll buy a new Sidestroke every year if I have to — that’s how much I love this suit.”
Sizes Materials 2-24 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane -
Pros:
- Ruching up the sides
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons:
- Back tie can be difficult to deal with
As one of our all-time faves hailing from Amazon, the Eomenie Tummy Control Cutout High-Waisted Bathing Suit puts a chic spin on your traditional one-piece. With ruching on the high-waisted bottoms, a criss-cross strap and more than 4,000 rave reviews, it’s no surprise it’s a retailer best-seller.
Not to mention, you’ll want to buy one in every color and pattern available.
Sizes Materials XS-22 Plus 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex -
Old Navy Pros:
- Built-in briefs
- Wide straps for comfort
- Old Navy Bestseller!
Cons:
- We wish the straps were adjustable
A swim dress is the suit to grab when you want extra coverage or something you don’t technically have to slip shorts on with when walking through the hotel lobby. This one comes highly recommended by Tricarico and hundreds of Old Navy shoppers. Praised for its fit and fabric, we love its flirty style and the fact it comes in more than 10 colors.
“On days when I’m looking for some more coverage at the pool or beach, I reach for this swim dress from Old Navy — it’s a one-piece suit with an attached side-tie skirt. So cute! If you’re looking for compression and even fuller coverage than a one-piece provides, the is the suit for you. The square neck and wide shoulder straps hold everything up while the powermesh spandex lining hold everything in.”
Sizes Materials XS-4X 83% recycled polyester, 17% spandex
84% nylon, 16% spandex (powermesh lining) -
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Pros:
- Available in plus, plus long, petite, and regular
- UPF 50 protection
- Firming Slendertex fabric
Cons:
- Only available in three colors
- Hand wash only
For a premium one-piece that’s both tummy-controlling and chlorine-resistant, grab this one from Lands’ End. It’s available in a generous size range — both in overall and cup sizing — complete with the brand’s patented Lycra Xtra Life spandex that’s said to last up to 10 times longer than suits made with ordinary spandex.
Sizes Materials 6-18 Nylon/Spandex -
Pros:
- Soft cups for shaping
- Subtle ruching at the center and sides of suit
- Adjustable straps
Cons:
- Only available in four colors
Ruching, a subtle plunge and an unstoppable flower power all give way to Cupshe’s V Neck Tummy Control One-Piece Swimsuit serving as the star of the show. Just shy of $35, it’s ruching is nearly disguised, offering a flattering silhouette to take all your beach days in full-on style.
Sizes Materials XS-XXL 80% nylon, 20% spandex -
Cons:
- Some Amazon customers weren’t fans of the back coverage
One of our favorite swimwear brands, Cupshe, has a flattering Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit up for grabs — with a flattering tummy section we can’t stop glossing over. Available in an ample roster of colors, it’s one of our top choices for your next beachside pick-me-up.
Sizes Materials XS-XXL 80% Chinlon, 20% Spandex -
Best Compression: TA3 Plungey Swimsuit
TA3 Pros:
- Low cut leg and adjustable straps
- Full back coverage
- Activewear compression fabric
Although we recommend trying a high cut swimsuit if you want to appear taller, there are plenty of options if you’re shy about exposing your gams even more. This gorgeous one-piece, for example, has a boy brief retro style, comes in a variety of colors, and comes in a sizes that can support a H cup. Our Updates Editor is obsessed and says that if you’re seeking a one piece swimsuit with tummy control, you’ll be too.
“I like to be active in my swimsuit, so I need something that will stay put while I swim laps and run around the beach. This suit has activewear compression, which means its flexible but still supportive. I love that TA3 offers inclusive sizing, too. I find that brand’s that do tend to be more mindful in their designs, recognizing that one size can look completely different on two separate people. Also, can we talk about this swimsuit in the color pink? Whoa!”
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Pros:
- Available in regular, women, and plus size cuts
- True to size fit, according to 400 plus reviews
Cons:
- Lacks adequate support for those with a larger chest
Take your tummy control swimsuit, but make it a bit sexy. Shop Cupshe’s V-Neck One-Piece Ruched Swimsuit for a tummy-control in disguise. With its brilliantly designed ruche detailing and feel-good plunge, you’ll want to grab this trusty suit to sport each summer day in style.
Sizes Materials XS-22 PLus 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex -
Hermoza Pros:
- Molded cups and built-in shelf bra
- Fully lined
Cons:
- Not in an inclusive size range
What we love most about the Hermoza Belted One-Piece Swimsuit is how the belt is accented exactly where your waistline hits — allowing the fully covered piece to accentuate your body in the most flattering way possible. The square-neck top is another nice complement, and the thick shoulder straps allow you to feel comfortable and supported all day long.
It’s a splurge, for sure, but surely worth it.
Sizes Materials 2-14 96% polyamide, 4% polyurethane -
Pros:
- Full coverage bottom
- Ruched tummy control
Can we say, holy flattering? The Aqua Eve Tummy Control Push-Up Swimsuit is one of our favorites on this list, particularly for its curved upper detailing, slim and delicate straps and — of course — the ruching at the tummy to offer the ideal appeal when you’re lounging poolside (or oceanside).
What’s more, the style is available in a wealth of colors, so you’ll certainly want to stock up your Amazon cart.
Sizes Materials XS-22 PLus 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex -
Pros:
- Slimming side sheering
- Sexy, under the best cutout
Cons:
- Certain colors are prone to fading
We love Tempt Me for its women’s tummy control swimsuits, especially this one. For less than $35, it comes in a full suite of colors for this year’s stock-up. This style has more than 6,000 rave reviews and has removable straps to say goodbye to tan lines.
Sizes Materials XXS-24 Plus 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex -
Pros:
- Multiple customers with a larger bust report the top is supportive
- Adjustable straps
Cons:
- May not last beyond the season
Meet the swimsuit we’ve been wearing on repeat. The SHEIN High-Waist Tankini Set is one of our most-worn (and loved), thanks to its less-than-$10 price tag, secure fit (for both the top and the bottoms) and tummy-controlling oversized waistband to look and feel your best. Don’t forget to check out SHEIN’s other budget friendly, tummy control tankini swimsuits.
Plus, other colors are available that we currently have on our wishlist.
Sizes Materials 4-12 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane -
Pros:
- Full coverage
- Available in a V-cut, as well as scoop neck
- Mid-compression 360 degree tummy control
If you’re looking for a one-piece suit akin to shapewear, the Shapellx Smart Sculpt Plunge Cutout Swimsuit is less than $75 right now, also comes in black and is tough to beat. Specifically, its side ruching makes a world of difference and boasts a comfortable, wear-all-day material. And if you’re hoping to add more than one look to your cart, we recommend checking out the other plus size tummy control swimsuits from Shapellx, as there are plenty of options and they’re all gorgeous!
Sizes Materials S-3X 57% Nylon+43% Elastane -
Pros:
- More than 27,000 ratings on Amazon
- Machine-washable
- Removable padding
Cons:
- Padding doesn’t offer full coverage,
Take a page from more than 24,000 Amazon shoppers’ playbooks by ordering the Cupshe One-Piece Tummy Control Swimsuit. This $30 bathing suit comes in a wealth of colors to choose from and is an elevated version of an otherwise “blah” plain suit.
Sizes Materials XS-XXL 80% Chinlon, 20% Spandex -
Pros:
- Cut of top creates the illusion of a smaller waist
- Ruching on the side of the swimsuit bottoms
Cons:
- Straps are on the flimsy side
If a tankini is what you’re after, we recommend adding the American Trends Tankini Swimsuit to your cart. The breathable, two-piece design features high-waisted bottoms and a flowy, shirt-like top that beautifully drapes over the subtle skin that’s showing. Available in a bunch of colorways, this tummy control high waist swimsuit is a less-than-$30 favorite.
Sizes Materials 4-18 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex
What style of bathing suit is the most slimming?
We at The Post shopping team don’t think anyone has to be or look any way they don’t want to. However, if you’re interested in finding a swimsuit that creates the illusion of a lean silhouette, there are a few things to look for.
A suit with a higher cut leg, such as the Toast Solid High Cut One-Piece Swimsuit ($100), can make you appear taller, drawing the eye upward instead of to areas you may want to hide.
Material is another thing to factor in when shopping for a slimming swimsuit. Compression, as well as options with a higher spandex percentage can generally be trusted to suck a tummy in and smooth the sides.
One of our favorite swimsuits with tummy control comes from Summersalt. The Sidestroke ($95) has excellent compression, but is still comfortable. Most importantly, it’s available in sizes up to 24, and comes in lots of gorgeous color combos.
Do high-waisted swimsuits make you look thinner?
For those looking to conceal a rounder middle, a swimsuit with a higher waistline is the one to grab. The cut elongates while emphasizing the smallest part of the torso, creating a more proportionate look.
Additionally, high-waisted swimsuits with compression will also smooth in the way shapewear does. Some of our favorite swimsuits with compression include The Sidestroke and The Perfect Wrap One from Summersalt. Both have 22% elastane, making the suits both ideal for compressing volume while providing comfortable flexibility.
Another high-waist option we love is Eomenie Tummy Control Cutout High-Waisted Bathing Suit ($40). Besides having more than 7,000 five star ratings on Amazon, the one-piece’s high-waisted bottom covers the lower tummy area, which many like to keep hidden. It also has an extra layer of fabric in the mid-section, as well as ruching, giving the appearance of a slimmer physique.
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