The best tummy-control swimsuits shape and smooth your midsection to create a more streamlined silhouette. They offer extra control compared to regular suits and are made from synthetic fabrics—including lycra, spandex or elastane—for added stretch. After extensive research and consulting with two experts, we determined that the Stylest Dreamsculpt Square Neck Tank Swimsuit is the best overall choice. It offers high compression, a lined shelf bra and flattering medium leg rise. We also recommend the Cupshe V-Neck One-Piece, which is stylish and affordable.
To narrow down the best tummy-control swimwear, we considered several factors, such as material, compression level, size range, color options and overall fit. One-piece suits and high-waisted bottoms tend to offer the most built-in support, but adjustable straps, molded cups and smoothing mesh panels can also be helpful features. Below, the best tummy-control swimsuits that our fashion team recommends.
Best Tummy-Control Swimsuit Overall: Stylest Dreamsculpt Square Neck Tank Swimsuit
Best Designer Tummy-Control Swimsuit: TA3 Swim Lacey
Best Affordable Tummy-Control Swimsuit: Cupshe V-Neck One-Piece
Best One-Piece Tummy-Control Swimsuit: Hermoza Genevieve One-Piece
Best Tankini For Tummy Control: Summersalt The Oasis Tankini Top
Best Tummy-Control Swimsuit Overall
Stylish, Comfortable And Supportive
Stylest Dreamsculpt Square Neck Tank Swimsuit
Sizes:XS to 2X |Colors: 14 total, including Hot Pepper and Cocoa |Materials: 57% polyamide, 43% elastane |Compression level: High |Return policy: Free returns within 21 days, minus $9 restocking fee
- What’s notable: The high compression and built-in power mesh are comfortable and supportive, and the fabric offers UPF 50+ protection.
- What could be better: If you’re in between sizes or run longer in the torso, you should size up.
This popular swimsuit offers four times more compression than other suits, which helps smooth and define your figure without feeling like a corset. Its flattering design features a square neck, medium leg rise and shelf bra for chest support. Plus, this pick comes in many bright colors, and the fabric offers UPF 50+ protection. (We also highlighted Stylest in our guide to thebest bathing suit brands).
What our tester says: “The fabric that the brand uses is super high quality—thick enough to hold you but also flexible enough so you can move around easily,” says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar. “I love that you can pair this suit with the matchingswim belt and the brand’s chic cover-ups.”
Best Designer Tummy-Control Swimsuit
Stretchy With A Unique Lace-Up Back
TA3 Swim Lacey
Sizes: XXS to 3X; Short, regular, extra-long |Colors: 2 total, including Aubergine and Black |Materials: 75% nylon, 25% spandex |Compression level: High |Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
- What’s notable: This suit works for various cup sizes, thanks to its supportive shelf bra, removable pads and adjustable straps.
- What could be better: it only comes in two colors, and you may need help adjusting the back.
The unique lace-up design of this one-piece allows you to pull the strings tighter to define and sculpt your waist. There’s also power mesh lining the waist and adjustable straps for a secure fit. Although the nylon-spandex blend has plenty of stretch, it can feel snug when you first put it on and may take a bit longer to lace up without help.
What our tester says: “After having a baby, TA3 suits have become my best friend,” says our tester. “They are a splurge, but the suits are super thick and well made and cinch your waist like nothing I've ever tried before. The shoulder straps are adjustable, and the compression fabric makes my whole body feel secure and supported.”
Best Affordable Tummy-Control Swimsuit
Under $50 With Plenty Of Fun Color Options
MOST POPULAR
Cupshe V-Neck One-Piece
Sizes: XS to XXL |Colors: 29 total, including Baby Blue and Green |Materials: 80% Chinlon (a type of nylon), 20% spandex |Compression level:Moderate |Return policy: Free returns within 30 days of delivery
- What’s notable: This affordable suit has adjustable straps, and the lightly padded cups help define and support your bust.
- What could be better: The bottom is not full coverage, and this suit may not last as long as more expensive options.
Cupshe is known for its reasonably priced clothing and swimwear, and this one-piece suit is a stylish option that provides moderate compression. The adjustable straps and padded cups lift your bust slightly while the compressive fabric and shirring smooth out your midsection. Reviewers say the material is soft and comfortable, but those with large busts might need a suit with better support.
What our tester says: “It’s lightweight, easy to put on and extremely comfortable," says our tester. "I love that it has lightly padded cups and adjustable straps, making it my perfect go-to.”
Best One-Piece Tummy-Control Swimsuit
The Sash Belt Cinches Your Midsection
Hermoza Genevieve One-Piece
Sizes: 2 to 14 |Colors: 3 total, including Wine and Black |Materials: 80% polyester, 20% Lycra |Compression level: Low |Return policy: $8 return fee or free exchanges
- What’s notable: The fabric is supportive yet comfortable, and the sash belt can cinch your waist.
- What could be better: The sizing and color options are limited.
A halter-neck suit draws the eye upward and has an elegant feel that makes you feel polished and put-together. (The high neck also shields you from the sun.) While the compression is lighter than other suits, the waist tie provides tummy control, and the thick fabric is fully lined. We also appreciate the full-back coverage and built-in shelf bra.
What our tester says: “This suit gives enough coverage so I can move around freely, but there is also something sexy and feminine about the halter neckline that I really love,” says our tester. “The ribbed fabric of the suit is soft, and the texture gives it a cool and unique look.”
Best Tankini For Tummy Control
Comfortable, Wide Straps And Square Neckline
Summersalt The Oasis Tankini Top
Sizes: 2 to 22 |Colors: 2 total, including Sea Urchin and Deep Sea |Materials: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane |Compression level: High |Return policy: Free exchanges and store credit within 30 days of delivery date; $8 fee for refunds
- What’s notable:The square neckline flatters many body types, and the fabric is soft and smooth.
- What could be better: Some reviewers say the fit runs small, and the style is only available in two colors.
If you prefer a two-piece suit with more coverage, we recommend theSummersalt Oasis Tankini Top. It has wide, adjustable straps that won’t dig into your shoulders and a square neckline that feels elegant and modern. The built-in compression smooths your waistline while the built-in cups lift your bust. Pair this top withThe High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom for a complete set that offers full coverage.
What the reviews say: “This tankini top is the most flattering, supportive yet lightweight miracle of a bathing suit I have ever had,” a Summersalt reviewer writes. Another adds, “I loved how slim it made me feel and how comfortable it is to wear all day at the beach.”
RECOMMENDED BYFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of clothing stories, including roundups of the best one-piece swimsuits and best beach cover-ups.
- This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar. Molvar holds a certificate in fashion styling and has covered lifestyle topics, including women’s fashion, for over a decade. Some of her recent work includes the most comfortable heels and the best work pants for women.
- Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics.
- Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from Kym Maas, the chief creative officer at Lands’ End, and Preeti Gopinath, director of MFA Textiles and associate professor at Parsons School of Fashion.
How We Chose The Best Tummy-Control Swimwear
To find the best tummy-control swimwear, we considered several factors: material, compression level, size range, color options, fit and price.
- Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers known for flattering swimwear, such as Stylest, Summersalt and more.
- We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to swap out your suit.
- The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
What To Consider When Buying Tummy-Control Swimwear
“Tummy-control swimwear is all about enhancing confidence and comfort,” says Kym Maas, chief creative officer at Lands’ End. “The built-in support provides a slimming effect without feeling restrictive so that you can enjoy your time at the beach or pool with ease.” As you shop for the best tummy-control swimwear, here’s what to look for.
Performance
The first thing to consider is the primary use of your swimwear. If you plan to relax by the pool or wear a swimsuit under a cover-up to a beachside dinner, focus on what will make you feel the most confident. However, if you plan to do some surfing or other water activities, prioritize thick, high-quality swimwear (double-lined or reinforced fabric) that fits snugly. Thicker straps are ideal—particularly, racerback or criss-cross-straps keep everything locked in place, similar to a sports bra—and long-sleeve tops can double as a rash guard to protect you from the elements.
Fabrication
According to Preeti Gopinath, director of MFA Textiles and associate professor at Parsons School of Fashion, you want to look for materials that “resist” water and allow you to move through it easily. “Nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, which means they are water-resistant,” says Gopinath. They absorb less water compared to natural fibers like cotton. Therefore, most compression swimwear is crafted from nylon or polyester combined with Lycra for stretch. “The beauty of Lycra, which is the brand name for elastane, is that a little goes a long way,” says Gopinath. If you look at the fabrication for different swimsuits, you’ll notice different variations and combinations of the same materials.
Support
If you have a larger chest and need extra bust support, underwire tops, a shelf bra or lightly padded cups can be helpful. Oftentimes, padded cups are made with boning or panels to provide more support throughout the entire suit. Adjustable straps can also be beneficial, as they allow you to lift the bust and get the best fit possible. For extra support in the mid-section or waist, look for medium to high compression and mesh panels to give more control. “The key is finding the right balance of support and style,” says Maas. “Look for different levels of control depending on your preference—some swimsuits offer light smoothing, while others provide firmer shaping.” Maas notes that one-piece swimsuits and high-waisted bottoms tend to offer the most built-in support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Bathing Suit To Hide A Tummy?
One-piece swimsuits with compressive fabric or high-waisted bottoms can help hide a tummy. Compressive fabric—usually a blend of nylon and polyester—creates gentle support and control, especially around the midsection. Additionally, look for features like ruching, well-placed paneling and diagonal seaming, which can be flattering and add subtle contouring.
What Is The Most Slimming Swimwear?
Darker colors, such as black, navy, charcoal and deep jewel tones, are often more slimming than lighter colors. Prints, patterns and ruching can also create the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. It helps to try on different fabrics, colors and patterns to determine what you like best.
How Does Tummy-Control Swimwear Work?
In short, tummy-control swimwear uses compressive fabric to shape and slim the body. Materials including Lycra, spandex or elastane gives tummy-control swimsuits their compressive quality. “These materials don’t sag and can stretch to twice their size and return to their original measurements,” says Gopinath.
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