It’s finally happened: Summer is in full swing and whether that means you’ll be jetting off somewhere poolside very soon, or you’re sticking around to enjoy the Great British Summer, it’s likely you’ll be needing a swimsuit at some point. From garden sunbathing to lido visits and beach days— the humble one-piece is an essential part of our summer rotation. But shopping for one can, for a number of reasons, often induce anxiety and stress. That awful changing room lighting never helps, and even if you decide to try at home, finding one that’s practical, fits perfectly on the boobs and bum and makes you feel great, is a challenge most of us women go through every few years.
It’s also (sadly) true that we probably all have our body hang-ups of some sort, which never makes the process easier. Of course, we’re all about embracing bodies exactly how they are here at Who What Wear and celebrating you for you. But, as women, we’re also aware that feeling like our best, most confident selves can sometimes be helped by exaggerating the bits of our bodies we love the most and using the wonders of fashion to flatter those areas we’re more self-conscious about.
I, for one, am always self-conscious of my tummy area which makes swimwear shopping less than ideal. As I get further into my thirties, I’m finding myself leaning towards the appeal of a chic swimsuit more and more—but from experience the wrong fit, material or shape can make me feel even more self-conscious than a stringy bikini. The next challenge is that swimwear with technical ‘shaping’ elements like tummy control isn’t always the most appealing to look at—with most erring on the side of practical rather than sexy or stylish.
If you’re relating right now, I’m here to say don’t give up the search just yet. I’ve taken on the challenge (and spent a lot of hours scrolling) to find twenty-five of the best tummy-control swimsuits that are seriously chic at the same time. I’ve combined my research with my expertise as a stylist (and first-hand experience of trying on a lot) to pull together this edit which includes styles with the most flattering tummy-control features—from panelling and wrap detailing, to strategic belts and inner ‘shaping’ linings. Whether you’re looking for a little support or a lot, there’s a swimsuit here that you’ll not only love this summer but will continue to pull out year after year. Keep scrolling to see for yourself...
Shop the Best Tummy-Control Swimsuits
This zebra print is very on-trend, but the built int panelling and ruching will also be really flattering.
Although this swimsuit doesn't technically have tummy control built in, I bought it recently and wanted to include it as Hunza G's crinkled fabric is majorly flattering, especially on the tummy area. It never digs in and is supportive without feeling tight or restrictive, and this design, with the added belt and in a classic black, never fails to make me feel good.
The clever panelling and thick material make this a great, bright option.
Not only does the belt on this design offer support, it creates a flattering shape and draws the eye to the waist.
You can't go wrong with an affordable, classic black swimsuit.
This style benefits from a hidden lining of M&S's Secret Slimming power mesh. Plus, you can choose to wear it as a bandeau or with straps.
If in doubt, opt for a style that has ruching detail in timeless black.
This swimsuit is lined with tulle on the tummy area for support, and the cute bow detailing on the one shoulder draws the eye upwards.
Featuring Norma Kamali's iconic ruching, this retro swimsuit made from smoothing stretch fabric makes a style statement, as well as being incredibly flattering.
If you're looking for some light control, this shaping swimsuit is a great option. The light side-ruching, wrap design and ruffles flatter in all the right places.
This panelled style is a great high street option.
There's something so timeless and a bit glamorous about this swimsuit—I'm sure you'll pull it out again and again.
If you're after a more sporty, technical swimsuit that still feels feminine— Sweaty Betty will never let you down.
Navy = chic. That's just one of my forever style rules. Imagine this with a white linen shirt and basket bag on the beach.
This flattering and versatile design looks way more expensive than it is.
This not only has a stunning back, it also has a central tummy panel with ruching detail down each side which provides medium shaping control.
With La Redoute's tummy-toning lining, this classic style will not only feel supportive but draw the eye to the bust and shoulders with that beautiful ruffle detailing.
Can you tell I'm very into zebra print right now? It's just enough of a trend-led nod but one that remains classic year on year. This style has technical panelling and supportive mesh fabric on the stomach as well as a cute drawstring detail to draw attention upwards. I wouldn't say no to the matching sarong either...
The corset-like panelling on this will undoubtedly be flattering.
This swimsuit has hidden bust support and it comes in this chic monochrome colour way. But it also has body-sculpting support lining front and back, slimming panelling and flattering waistband detail. Boden's quality is so dependable as well.
M&S always think so carefully about its designs to make them as flattering as possible on all body shapes.
This has built-in tummy control and a classic wrap shape.
If in doubt, go minimal. This simple navy suit has tummy control, but the subtle v at the bust and stylish square neck are also incredibly flattering.
Boden's swimsuits have a body sculpting support lining front and back, and these vertical stripes will also elongate the body.
M&S have thrown everything at this swimsuit— from smoothing Magic 360° Tummy Control technology to Secret Slimming power mesh in the front and the back to help sculpt your shape. There's also light padding in the bust, and the ruching is a winner. I love that it has that effortless look of a classic swimsuit you'll rely on time and time again.
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