Best Tummy Control Swimsuits 2023

The best tummy-control swimsuits serve a variety of needs, whether you want extra support in the midsection, are postpartum or just like a shapewear effect. This kind of swimwear creates a sleek, fitted look, but to be honest, is not always the most comfortable. Whether you’re considering a top, bottom or one-piece, the cut and design really matters. A high-waisted style with ruching, for example, contours without constricting you, and fabrics like Lycra and spandex are stretchy and flexible.

The best tummy-control swimsuits combine performance fabrics with comfortable fits.

To find the best tummy-control swimsuits, I researched the market and gathered a complete list of recommendations. I personally tested some of the most popular brands and styles to see which suits offered the highest level of support and comfort. From Spanx's Pique Shaping Plunge One Piece to tankinis like Summersalt's The Oasis Tankini Top and bottoms like Swimsuits For All Shirred High Waist Swim Brief, there are options for all body types and needs. I also took budget into consideration; the most affordable pick here, Cupshe's One Piece Swimsuit Tummy Control, costs just $33.

Spanx

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: Very Black | Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Lycra elastane | Return policy: Free returns within 90 days

Spanx is a reliable leader in the shapewear market and their swimwear holds up to extensive testing and user reviews. The bestselling one-piece is made with a double layer fabric, which smoothes the midsection without digging into your skin. The straps stay put and the back and bottom offer the right amount of coverage but doesn't feel too restrictive. Also great: The high-quality fabric is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant. Keep in mind: It's a simple, no-frills silhouette.

Stylest

Sizes: XS-2X | Colors: 7 total, including Hot Pepper and Caviar | Materials: 57% polyamide, 43% elastane | Return policy: Free returns within 21 days, minus $9 restocking fee

Stylest was founded by a former fashion editor and emphasizes ultra-flattering designs. The bestselling Sculpting Square Neck is made with a proprietary French fabric that has four times the amount of compression than other suits. The tank also has a built-in shelf bra, a medium rise leg and UPF 50+ protection. Forbes Vetted's senior fashion editor tested out this pick and considers it a go-to for its tummy-control features and a stylish fit. "You can pair this suit with the matching swim belt," says our editor, "as well as the brand's chic cover-ups."

Target

Sizes: XS-24 | Colors: Black, Green | Materials: 82% Nylon, 18% spandex | Return policy: Free returns or exchanges within 90 days

Kona Sol is Target's highly-rated, size-inclusive swimwear line. This suit's subtly gathered ruched detailing on the stomach enhances your waist for a flattering effect while the full bottom and cups provide coverage and support. The one-shoulder design also adds interest, and comes with adjustable strap. Keep in mind: This one-piece only comes in two colors.

Amazon

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 19 total, including Black and Green | Materials: 80% Chinlon (a type of nylon), 20% spandex | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days of delivery

Cupshe specializes in affordable swimwear with built-in shaping. This suit is their most popular—it has more than 23,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating—with a tummy-control front and shirring detail that conceals any bulges. The straps are adjustable and the V-neck is stylish. Keep in mind: The bottom is not full coverage and some reviewers experienced color fading over time.

Nordstrom

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Black | Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% spandex | Return policy: Free shipping and returns

Norma Kamali is known for her retro-classic swimsuits that are extremely flattering and made to last. This suit has a ruched tummy area as well as an elongated front panel that provides full coverage to the hips. With its halter neck and chic design, it almost looks like a dress, which is great for a beach vacation or party. Keep in mind: The straps are not adjustable.

TA3SWIM

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 8 total, including Black and Sapphire| Materials: Nylon-spandex blend | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days

TA3 Swim's Lacey suit has a unique lace-up back with strings that you can pull tightly (or less tightly) to define your waist. It also comes in long and short torso versions and since the fabric has a matte finish, you wear this as both a swimsuit and bodysuit. Keep in mind: Although the suit is stretchy yet it can be difficult to pull on, and you might need an extra help adjusting the back.

Hermoza

Sizes: 2-14 | Colors: 20 total, including Basil and Black| Materials: 72% Polyester, 28% elastane | Return policy: $8 return fee or free exchanges

Hermoza creates modest swimsuits that prove full coverage designs have plenty of style potential. They’re known for working with high-quality materials that are stretchy yet retain their shape, with a thick weight and opaque design that isn't see-through. The Genevieve has a waist tie for tummy control, and a built-in shelf bra and higher neckline for sun protection. Keep in mind: Sizing only goes up to 14.

Miraclesuit

Sizes: 6-16 | Color: 6 total, including Black and Scotch | Materials: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra elastane | Return policy: Free returns

Miraclesuit's stylish ruched panel over the lower stomach gives extra coverage where you want it but still shows skin. A snug fit provides control and the built-in shelf keeps you secure. Keep in mind: Size up for a more relaxed fit.

Summersalt

Sizes: 2-22 | Colors: Sea Urchin, Deep Sea | Materials: 78% Recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Return policy: Free exchanges and store credit within 30 days of delivery date; $8 fee for refunds

Summersalt translated their wildly popular expertise with one-piece swimsuits to this tankini, which has built-in compression to smooth your stomach and bra cups for another layer of support. Pair with the matching swim bottoms for a coordinated look. Keep in mind: The tank only comes in two colors.

Swimsuits for All

Sizes: 4-34 | Colors: 9 total, including Black and Fuchsia | Materials: 82% Nylon, 18% spandex | Return policy: Free exchanges or store credit within 60 days; full refund minus shipping label fee

The shirred detailing on these high-waisted briefs camouflages any bumps or bulges, creating a slimming effect. There's also a full-coverage bottom and power mesh front panel that lends extra control. Keep in mind: Since it has delicate gathered seams, it's best to hand wash this item and avoid the dryer.

La Blanca

Sizes: 4-16 | Colors: Pink, Blue, Black, Cherry | Materials: 83% Nylon, 17% elastane | Return policy: Free returns

For bikini bottoms that sit lower on your hips, La Blanca's crossover design is especially effective at slimming the midsection. The high-cut, meanwhile, is comfortable and lengthens the leg. Keep in mind: The rise on these bottoms will hit either at or below the belly button, depending on your torso length.

Kindred Bravely

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: Blue Poppy | Materials: 85% Recycled polyester, 15% spandex | Return policy: Returns within 90 days

This incredibly stretchy suit can be used through various stages—from pregnancy to postpartum to nursing. It has an adjustable tie front to define your waist or baby bump and also can be tied in the back. This suit is also fully lined has a shelf bra with removable padding and a flap that easily moves for breastfeeding. Keep in mind: It's only available in one print.

There are a few features to prioritize for when shopping for the best tummy-control swimsuits. Here's what the experts I spoke to recommend you pay attention to:

"Look for Lycra, spandex, or a bit of elastane," says Jennifer Pennington, an active-wear buyer at Nordstrom. These fabrics are often interchangeable and often achieve the same end result, says Darci Moody, a clothing designer, fabric shop founder and textile expert. "In order to move around, fabric needs to stretch widthwise. It also needs to stretch lengthwise, but to a lesser extent. Look for a suit with something called 4-way stretch," adds Moody.

In addition to a stretchy fabric, a solid lining will ensure control and support. "Some brands offer mesh paneling inside the lining of the suit, which helps with smoothing," says Pennington. Miraclesuit, our pick for best one-piece option, has a unique fabric, called Miratex, that keeps the shape while flattering the figure, she says.

Keep in mind where and why you’re wearing a bathing suit. Are you reading a book by the pool all day or are you planning to surf every wave that comes your way? "Great performance swimwear has several things in common: it's made of high-quality materials that endure various conditions like salt water and chlorine, and are impact resistant," says Elizabeth Sneed, known as @CurvySurferGirl on Instagram, and is a Jolyn Surf Ambassador. "For surfing, I prefer a softer fabric with a combination of stretch and firmness. The stretch makes the suit comfortable, while the firmness helps the suit maintain its shape and support."

If you’re not into basic black, experiment to find what makes you feel confident at the pool or on the beach, says Pennington. "If you’re willing to try something new, consider mesh cut-outs placed to flatter the tummy area or look for strategic paneling that will compliment your body type and tummy area as well."

Get specific about what your needs and wants when it comes to swimwear. Is this suit for fashion or is it for function? "For larger chests, underwire suits provide excellent lift and support but may be a hindrance while participating in a high-impact activity like surfing or free diving," says Sneed. "High-waist bikini bottoms offer great coverage and support for the lower abs, while swim shorts can help with inner thigh chafing." You also don't want a suit that will pull or pill if you sit down on cement alongside a pool.

Since swimsuits range in sizes and fit every body differently, read the fine print about return policies, especially when shopping online. Always try on swimsuits while wearing your own undergarments.