15 Best Slimming Swimsuits for Every Body Type

Hitting the beach or pool is all about relaxing and having fun, so the last thing you should worry about is feeling self-conscious in a bathing suit. A good slimming swimsuit should not only look great, but also feel comfortable and hold up to use so it'll last for more than just a few wears. Whether you’re aiming for tummy control or want to create the look of contoured curves, your perfect summer style is just ahead.

Slimming swimsuits can have built-in shapewear that feel more compressive to physically smooth bulges, or they can use design techniques to give a slimmed look without feeling restrictive. Some great slimming design elements to shop: Ruching, diagonal lines, color-blocking with darker colors on the bottom, and strategic coverage and cut-outs to give the most flattering appearances.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests bathing suits that claim to work like shapewear to find the ones that live up to their claims. In the Lab, we evaluate the fabric to see how well the color would hold up to things like UV light, chlorine, seawater, and laundering. We also test each suit's durability in our abrasion machine to see whether fabric easily gets damaged from rough surfaces, like the concrete side of a pool. Then, we have real testers give feedback on fit and slimming capabilities. Lastly, we measure our testers to see if compressive bathing suits actually take inches off their waists, hips, and tummies. The slimming swimsuit picks ahead are from brands that have done well in our tests, along with newer styles that have unique features and rave reviews from consumers. Here are the best slimming swimsuits to buy in 2020:

1

BEST OVERALL SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Oceanus Swimsuit

MIRACLESUIT

The winner of our test, this timeless style was loved by our testers: They said it minimized their tummies and waists and rated it better than other slimming swimsuits they’ve tried. They also liked the built-in underwire and thought it had a nice lift to it. In our Lab tests, it stood up to seawater, chlorine, sweat, UV rays, and more. And if basic colors bore you, it also comes in lots of fun hues and prints.

2

BEST VALUE SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

V-Neckline Monokini Swimsuit

TEMPT ME

It's the hottest swimsuit on Amazon, costs a fraction of the price of other styles, and the best part: it wowed product experts and consumer testers in our evaluations. Every single tester – regardless of age, body type, or style preference – rated it flattering. They especially liked the ruching that hides belly bulges and the smoothing mesh in the back that prevents spillage often seen with tight-fitting bathing suits. On top of all that, it's also super comfortable and supportive.

3

MOST VERSATILE SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Swim Transformation Tube

SPANX

This self-proclaimed "secret weapon" lets you customize your swimsuit to cover whatever areas you prefer. The band of fabric can worn like a skirt to cover your hips, around your torso to cover your tummy, over your bust to create a tankini, and more. It’s available in sizes XS through 3X and is part of a mix-and-match collection with other flattering pieces that lets you build your own LBS (Little Black Swimsuit).

4

MOST POPULAR SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

The Sidestroke

SUMMERSALT

This Internet brand has a cult-like following and its one-shoulder style in particular has sold out several times thanks to its universally-flattering design that looks amazing on every body type. The diagonal lines create a slimming appearance and the fabric is compressive, yet not too tight. It's available in sizes 2 through 24 and has hundreds of five-star reviews from users who say it's "worth every penny." You can choose from lots of colors, including bright color-blocking options and solid neutrals.

5

BEST TUMMY SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Sanibel One Piece Swimsuit

MIRACLESUIT

Miraclesuit makes our list again, this time for its sculpting style that (literally!) slimmed more than any other suit in the test when we measured testers. Our panel also said it had a visually slimming appearance and rated it higher than other styles. Other highlights include adjustable straps to give you the best fit, underwires for bust support, and draping around the bust and torso to create the look of curves.

6

BEST SLIMMING SWIMSUIT WITH CUTOUTS

Backless Slimming Monokini Swimsuit

B2PRITY

This style shows off lots of skin while still hiding the tummy thanks to its backless halter design and cleavage opening in the front. Fun colors and patterns along with ruching across the midsection create a slimming and flattering look that users say made them feel beautiful for the first time in a swimsuit. There’s also removeable padding and adjustable straps so you can find the fit that works best for you.

7

MOST FLATTERING SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Slender Wrap Swimsuit

LANDS' END

In a previous test, a Lands’ End Slender style was rated the most flattering by testers. This newer version is even more fun and slimming thanks to the ombre coloring with the darker shade on the bottom (though it comes in solid black if you prefer). On top of that, the crisscross shirring looks like its part of the design, but it secretly helps shape your torso. The straps are wide so it’ll feel supportive, and it comes in additional sizes up to 24W.

8

BEST SLIMMING SWIMSUIT FOR LARGE BUSTS

Anya One-Piece Swimsuit

PANACHE

Panache offers bathing suits in bra sizes, with availability in 30 to 40 in the band and D through K (equivalent to US size O) in the cups – making it a whole lot easier for anyone who struggles to find swimwear that fits in the chest. There are tons of bikinis and other one-pieces to choose from, but this style in particular has slimming features thanks to a lining at the tummy and subtle ruching at the sides. It also has adjustable straps and an elastic band under the bust for support.

RELATED: The Best Bras for Large Busts, According to Textile Experts

9

BEST ACTIVE SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Wrapped in Perfection High Neckline Swimsuit

REEBOK

If you plan to swim laps, this one is supportive and comfortable thanks to the high neckline, wide straps, built-in cups and full coverage bottom. Plus, the brand uses chlorine resistant fabric, which is necessary if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the pool. It’s also flattering thanks to its tummy control and design: The print on top and black bottom create a slimming appearance.

10

BEST SLIMMING BIKINI

Slimming Control Bikini Crop Top

BEACH BETTY

It’s not an oxymoron: A slimming bikini does exist! Pair this top with the high-waist slimming bottoms, and you’ll get the shaping benefits while still showing off your midsection. The top has built-in cups and a back zipper that makes putting it on and taking it off a breeze, while the bottom has strategic side seams and ruching to create curves where you want ’em. Both pieces are made with a slimming fabric.

11

BEST SLIMMING SWIMSUIT FOR LONG TORSOS

Tuscany Tummy Control Swimsuit

FIGLEAVES

This halter-neck style is designed with a longer length for those who are taller or just have a longer midsection. On top of that, it has a medium control liner around the tummy to give you shaping benefits without feeling too tight. The low neckline and open back show off some skin while the padded cups give you extra support. Online purchasers love it and say it creates a super flattering silhouette.

12

BEST SLIMMING SWIMSUIT DRESS

Clasp Halter Dress Swimsuit

L.L.BEAN

A swim dress is your best bet if you want to cover your hips and butt, and this one from L.L.Bean is even more flattering thanks to its draping design, form-fitted shaping fabrics, and subtle shirring at the hips and waist. The halter strap is adjustable so you can find a good fit and it comes in a wide range of sizes including long, plus, and D-cup variations. It also comes in fun prints if you prefer a more vibrant style.

13

BEST STRAPLESS SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Pearl V-Front Bandeau Swimsuit

TOMMY BAHAMA

To bypass tan lines, this strapless suit gives you the support you want with lightly padded cups and flexible boning so you don’t have to worry about it falling down. It also has a built-in tummy panel and shirred fabric to help slim and shape. Tommy Bahama’s other styles in the Pearl collection have performed well in our tests, and reviewers say they were surprised by how this one in particular was supportive for both their busts and tummies.

14

BEST SLIMMING TANKINI

Bandeau Flyaway Tankini Swimsuit Top

PROFILE BY GOTTEX

If you want to skip the tight, compressive fit often found in slimming swimwear, this top is flowy to hide your tummy with a bandeau design around the bust for support and shaping benefits. It also has removable straps in case you prefer a strapless style. Mix and match this piece with bottoms that come in a rainbow of colors. Just note: Online reviewers say the top runs small, so it’s best to size up.

15

BEST LONG-SLEEVED SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

Long Sleeve Rash Guard

SBART

If you’re looking for extra armor against the sun’s harmful UV rays, this long sleeve swim top has more coverage for your skin. The sides are adjustable so you can find the best fit, even making it into a dress when you pull down the cords. It has glowing online reviews from women of all sizes who say it’s both comfy and super flattering. Whether you’re looking to do water sports, want to avoid getting burned, or just want to cover up, this affordable option is perfect for throwing on over another bathing suit.

Source: goodhousekeeping