FOR those of us not blessed with perfect figures, swimsuits that do more than simply look pretty are high on our must-have lists, whether for holidays or the gym.
The best tummy control swimsuits will hold in all our wobbly bits while flattering our body shape and still managing to look good. A tall order perhaps, but not an impossible one as we’ve found loads of examples of on-trend swimwear which does just that.
There’s no shortage of designs and colours to choose from. Gone are the days of limited choice when it came to control swimsuits, today’s styles cover everything from tankinis, through bikinis to the traditional one-piece.
Whether you favour a square neckline or a plunge that shows off your cleavage, bandeau top or halterneck, high-cut legs or classic, you’ll find all these design details covered by the best control swimwear.
Fabrics are stretchy, with plenty of give, yet keep their shape and are easy to wash. Support panels are discreet, usually within the lining, and ruching at the sides helps disguise bulges.
Like good friends, the best tummy control swimsuits offer support where you need it. They not only hold you in but as they smooth your shape they help you stand tall, boosting your confidence at the beach or by the pool.
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Read on for our round-up of the best tummy control swimsuits available to buy now.
Best tummy control swimwear at a glance:
- Best tummy control tankini: Yonique Tummy Control Tankini
- Best firm support: Magisculpt Illusion Swimsuit Longer Length
- Best tummy control bikini: Cupshe Lace-Up Bralette & Ruched High Waist Navy Bikini Swimsuit
- Best value: V by Very Shapewear Swimsuit in Pink
- Best print: Boden Wrap Buckle Bandeau Swimsuit
Joweechy Women’s Tummy Control Swimsuit
- Joweechy Women’s Tummy Control Swimsuit, £22.99 from Amazon – buy here
A classic-style swimsuit that is both flattering and offers support.
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Ruching at the sides and a smooth mesh lining disguises bulges and provides tummy control. The design is echoed in the gathers and cross detail at the bust, which features padded cups to add lift, though these are removable if you prefer. The straps are adjustable.
Customer reviews include comments such as: “Fits perfectly, comfortable and hides all lumps and bumps!” “Nice support around the bust and tummy control,” and “Love it!”
Hand wash only.
Material: polyester and elastane, size: S, M, L, XL, control features: front ruched panel with four-way stretch fabric, colour: a variety of colours and patterns
Amazon Yonique Tummy Control Tankini
- Amazon Yonique Tummy Control Tankini, from £35.60 at Amazon – buy here
The style of this two-piece tankini is designed to flatter your shape and provide support at the same time.
Ruching at the sides provides tummy control and the twist design at the bust adds support as well as looking good. The tankini is a good length too, so it covers your tummy, though, of course, you can roll it up if you want more of a bikini look.
Removable cups mean you can alter the look and the support of your bust depending on what you find most comfortable. The straps cross at the back and are adjustable.
The fact that bikini bottoms are included is a bonus. There’s a multitude of contrasting or matching colours and prints available, too.
Hand wash only.
Material: 82% nylon and 18% elastane, size: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL control features: ruched control, colour: a variety of colours and designs
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Cupshe Blue V-Neck Panelled Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit
- Cupshe Blue V-Neck Panelled Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit, £23 – buy here
This one-colour panelled swimsuit is anything but plain and will see you through your holidays in style.
The deep V-neckline falls to a wide empire-waist band, which provides bust support as well as looking good. Bra cups are removable and the cami straps, which cross at the back, are adjustable.
Tummy control comes from the power mesh lining that smooths and flatters your shape while providing support at the same time.
Machine washable on a cold delicate cycle.
Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex with 100% polyester lining, size: XS (6/8), S (10), M (12), L (14/16), XL (18), control features: tummy control panels and power mesh lining, colour: blue
M&S Collection Tummy Control Padded Square Neck Swimsuit
- M&S Collection Tummy Control Padded Square Neck Swimsuit, £29.50 at M&S – buy here
This flattering black swimsuit has a chic square neck design and ruched body which will look great on the beach or at the pool.
Padded and lined for comfort, it's equipped with Magic 360 Tummy Control technology for an ultra-flattering silhouette and a sculpted look.
It contains at least 30% recycled materials and the fabric is UPF50+ to help protect against UV rays.
Machine washable at 40° on a delicate wash.
"Get it. You won’t regret it," writes one five-star review.
Material: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane with 100% polyester lining, size: 8-24, control features: Magic 360 tummy control technology, colours: black and turquoise
Pour Moi Antigua Scoop Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit
- Heatwave Antigua Scoop Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit, £45 from Pour Moi – buy here
With its vibrant blue floral print, Pour Moi's Antigua Scoop Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit is just the one to brighten up your beach wardrobe.
There's a hidden control panel fitted for a flattering shape, as well as an airy scoop neck back and ruching at the sides to smooth any lumps and bumps.
The hidden shelf support and lightly padded moulded cups will make your boobs feel supported, along with the adjustable straps.
"Fabulous fit, pretty floral pattern, very flattering on the bumps," raves one reviewer.
Material: 58% recycled polyamide, 23% polyamide, 17% elastane, 2% polyester, size: 10-20, control features: hidden control panel, colours: blue floral
Curvy Kate First Class Plunge Swimsuit Red
- First Class Plunge Swimsuit Red, now £30 (was £61) from Curvy Kate – buy here
Stand out from the crowd in this eye-catching red one-piece from Curvy Kate.
This plunge swimsuit has lightly lined cups and multiway straps – cross, straight-over-shoulder or Halter – so you can wear it the way that feels most supportive for you.
The suit's fabric is made from recycled Xtra-life lycra, designed to be extra durable and last longer so this swimming costume is a great investment.
Material: 80% recycled nylon, 20% Xtra Life Lycra with 85% polyester, 15% elastane lining, Size: 30D-44DD, control features: Xtra Life Lycra for long-lasting shape retention, colours: red, deep teal blue and black
Simply Be Magisculpt Illusion Swimsuit Longer Length
- Magisculpt Illusion Swimsuit Longer Length, £44 at Simply Be– buy here
Magisculpt's bandeau illusion swimsuit is designed to give you a flattering silhouette with its crossover design.
Great for relaxing by the pool or teamed with shorts for a casual stroll to the local taverna, it’s also practical enough for swimming. In short, this swimsuit is the perfect all-rounder.
It has fixed foam cups, thick straps for support, and tie detail for a bold, graphic look poolside.
Plus, the suit provides all-round firm control for a flattering and sculpting effect.
Hand wash only.
Material: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane; 100% polyester lining, 85% polyamide, 15% elastane power lining, size: 10-32, control features: Magisculpt firm control, Colourways: mono
Cupshe Lace-Up Bralette & Ruched High Waist Navy Bikini Swimsuit
- Cupshe Lace-Up Bralette & Ruched High Waist Navy Bikini Swimsuit, £27 (was £31) at Cupshe – buy here
Cupshe has a great range of on-trend, budget-friendly swimwear and this navy bikini is no exception.
The high-waisted bikini bottoms have a ruched design for enhanced tummy control, which looks good and provides a flattering, comfortable fit.
The bralette top features a ruched knot detail with a cute cut-out, adjustable cami straps and gorgeous lace-up back fastening. The top also has removable cups and provides medium bust support.
Machine wash on a cold delicate cycle.
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex with 100% polyester lining, size: XS (6/8), S (10), M (12), L (14/16), XL (18), control features: ruched tummy control, colour: floral vintage/retro
Boden Wrap Buckle Bandeau Swimsuit
- Boden Wrap Buckle Bandeau Swimsuit, £60 (was £75) at Boden – buy here
This power mesh-lined swimsuit from Boden has silicone tape to allow it to be worn as a bandeau, but it also comes with straps for a halterneck look.
The lightly padded fixed cups create a smooth shape, while the lining is perfect for sculpting and smoothing.
The abstract foliage print and contrasting buckle give it a stylish, head-turning look.
Plus, it comes in two other colour ways: bright green in the same fun print or solid white for a more classic vibe.
Machine washable.
Material: 80% recycled polyamide 20% elastane, size: 6 – 20, control features: power mesh-lined, colour: blue abstract foliage, bright green abstract foliage and white
Curvy Kate Hibiscus Plunge Tankini Top Print Mix Blue
- Curvy Kate Hibiscus Plunge Tankini Top Print Mix Blue, £12 (was £44) from Brastop – buy here
The perfect hybrid for holidays, a tankini offers you the best of a swimsuit and a bikini.
The longline top provides extra coverage and left long, looks like a swimsuit. Simply roll it up to make the most of tanning time.
Curvy Kate's version has a flattering bra shelf to enhance your bust and waist, while the multi-way straps mean you can vary your look.
Matching briefs are also available.
Material: 80% nylon, 20% Xtra Life Lycra with 100% polyamide lining, size: 30D, 30DD, 30E, 30F, 30FF, 32D, 32DD, control features: built-in plunge bra, colour: mix blue and turquoise
V by Very's Shapewear Swimsuit
- V by Very Shapewear Swimsuit in Pink, £17.50 (was £25) from Very – buy here
V by Very's shapewear swimsuit is a great choice for those of us looking for shape-enhancing swimwear at a wallet-friendly price.
The design is classic, with a deep plunge neckline and a flattering bright colour.
Moulded cups enhance your natural shape and support your bust, while adjustable straps allow for optimum comfort and cleavage control.
Ruched stretch panels offer just the right amount of tummy control and this ruched design detail is echoed under the bust.
In shocking pink, it's a vibrant choice that will help you stand out for all the right reasons.
Machine washable.
Material: 80% polyester, 20% elastane, size: 10 – 20, control features: ruched fabric, colour: pink
M&S Collection Tummy Control Ruched Square Neck Swimsuit
- M&S Collection Tummy Control Ruched Square Neck Swimsuit, £29.50 at M&S – buy here
This black swimsuit from M&S has Magic 360° Tummy Control technology offering a flattering fit from every angle.
It has a regular cut with a square neck and adjustable straps, padded cups and full lining for comfort and support.
It's also made from chlorine-resistant fabric to keep it looking fresh for longer – a great all-rounder costume.
“A lovely fit and detailing. The ruching is feminine and flattering,” said one happy customer.
Machine washable at 40° on a delicate wash.
Material: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane (exclusive of trimmings) with 100% polyester lining, size: 6 – 24, control features: Magic 360 Tummy Control panels, colour: black
Where to buy tummy control swimwear in the UK?
A huge range of retailers stock tummy control swimwear, so you don't just have to shop at swimwear specialists.
Department stores are a great option for finding tummy control swimwear from a range of brands – but you may have to dig around. We find it easiest to go online and visit stores with specific pages for tummy control: that way, it's super easy to browse and compare.
Here are some of our favourites:
- Pour Moi
- Very
- Simply Be
- M&S
- Cupshe
- Boohoo
- La Redoute
- Tu Clothing
- JD Williams
- Debenhams
- Bravissimo
How much do tummy control swimsuits cost?
As with most swimwear, prices vary from retailer to retailer so there's no definitive answer for this.
However, in our search, we were able to find some great value tummy control swimsuits starting at £17.50 (from Very) and going up to £70+ from retailers like Boden.
And of course, if you manage to coincide your shopping with a sale, you'll be able to pick up a great bargain.
What is a tummy control swimsuit?
A tummy control swimsuit is what it says in the name: a swimming cozzie that's crafted from sculpting fabric that supports and shapes your figure, to have you feeling as confident as ever when chilling poolside.
Most tummy control swimsuits are less intense, prettier shapewear, and equipped with slimming features such as panels or ruching at the sides to highlight your curves.
Just remember: whatever your size, you're beautiful as you are!
Do tummy-control swimsuits work?
There are so many effective tummy control swimsuits on the market, as you can see from our list of fabulous finds.
Sometimes it's worth spending a little extra cash on a tummy control swimsuit because they're usually made from higher quality fabrics, so the sculpting effect will still be working years down the line.
If you're after extra supportive swimwear, then yes, tummy-control swimsuits work.
What is the best swimsuit for tummy control?
When it comes to finding the best swimsuit for tummy control, you should look for one that has body sculpting support or power mesh lining.
There are also gorgeous designs out there that use mesh panelling, belts and ruched sides which all help offer you more tummy control.
The high street offers so many options, but some designers like Tory Burch have some luxury gems too.
What bathing suits make you look skinnier?
First of all: this is your reminder that you don't need to look skinny to be beautiful.
Control swimwear is just there to help you get the confidence boost you need, and we believe that every woman deserves to look and feel her very best.
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If you're having a day where you don't want to celebrate your lumps and bumps, that's fine too. There are lots of control swimwear options with ruching down the sides or control panelling which give you a smoothing effect.
Darker colours are known to be slimming too, but why not celebrate your curves with a colourful style? There are no rules when it comes to swimwear!
Looking for more stylish savings at your favourite fashion chains? Visit Sun Vouchers where you’ll find amazing discounts and voucher codes for hundreds of fashion retailers including ASOS, Very, River Island, Roman Originals, New Look and more.
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