
Being uncomfortable in a swimsuit is the last thing you need to worry about while you’re trying to unwind and have fun at the beach or pool. It’s important that a swimsuit that claims to have belly control does more than simply look good; it should also feel fantastic, be durable, and last more than a few times. Slimming swimwear can either contain built-in shapewear that compresses the body to hide bulges, or it can be designed to seem slimming without being too constricting. Ruching, diagonal lines, color-blocking (lighter colors on top, darker on bottom), and carefully placed cutouts and covering all contribute to creating the most figure-flattering silhouettes.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab’s fiber experts put one- and two-piece bathing suits through their paces to see which ones actually deliver on their slimming claims. In addition to assessing the fabric’s durability to check if it tears readily from hard surfaces, we also have actual people try on the clothing to provide input on how well it fits and how well it slims. We’ve taken measurements to check if our test subjects’ waists, hips, and stomachs shrank when they wore the compression swimwear. Over the past few years, we analyzed over 1,400 evaluations from our Lab and consumer testing.
Listed below are the most effective slimming swimsuits now on the market:
Oceanus Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Top ratings from consumer testers
- Durable fabric held up to Lab tests
- Built-in underwire for support and lift
TAKE NOTE
- Only available in sizes 8-18
- Expensive
Our testers unanimously agreed that this classic cut was the best slimming swimsuit they had ever worn. They also gave it the highest possible rating. The built-in underwire for bust support was very well received because of the flattering effect it had on the wearer’s bust. Our in-house testing revealed that it was impervious to salt water, chlorine, perspiration, sunlight, and more. It also comes in a variety of vibrant colors and designs, in case neutrals aren’t your thing.
V-Neckline Monokini Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Affordable price
- Flattering on most body types
- Available in 9 sizes and 41 colors and prints
TAKE NOTE
- Less durable than pricier picks
Aside from being the most popular swimsuit on Amazon, it also impressed our professional and consumer reviewers with its low pricing and high quality. None of the testers found it to be unflattering, regardless of age, shape, or personal taste in clothing. They favored it above other bathing suits because of the ruching that covers the stomach and the smoothing mesh in the back that prevents spilling. Moreover, it provides excellent comfort and support.
Backless Slimming Monokini Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Strategically placed cutouts
- Adjustable fit
- High praise from reviewers
TAKE NOTE
- Not the most high quality materials
Thanks to its backless halter design and cleavage opening in the front, this style reveals skin while still complimenting the stomach. Users report feeling confident in a swimsuit for the first time because to the slimming effect of the ruching around the waist and the fun patterns and solids. You can customize the fit with the detachable cushion and the adjustable straps.
Swim Transformation Tube
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Versatile to wear multiple ways
- Ideal for mix-and-match styles
- Flattering
TAKE NOTE
- Purchase separately from other swimsuits
With this so-called “hidden weapon,” you may adjust the coverage of your bikini to your liking. The piece of cloth can be worn in a variety of ways to provide modesty, including as a skirt to hide your hips, wrapped around your midsection to hide your stomach, draped over your breast to make a tankini, and so on. It’s part of a line that includes other figure-flattering pieces, and it comes in sizes ranging from XS to 3X. (Little Black Swimsuit).
Slender Wrap Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Ombre design creates slimming appearance
- Crisscross shirring has shaping benefits
- Wide range of sizes available
TAKE NOTE
- Expensive
A Lands’ End Slender style was deemed the most figure-flattering in a prior evaluation. Newer versions, like the one seen here (which also comes in plain black if you want), have ombre coloring with the darker shade at the bottom to make them more enjoyable to wear and more figure-flattering. The crossing shirring is deceptive; it blends in with the pattern but actually helps to sculpt your midsection. The bra has broad straps for added support, and it’s available in sizes up to 24W.
V Neck One Piece Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Inexpensive
- Trendy ruffle design
- Padded cups for modesty
TAKE NOTE
- Material is thinner than pricier styles
This low-cost one-piece stands out not just for its figure-flattering midsection but also for its chic style, which has a low V-neck and ruffles. Thousands of satisfied customers have given it five stars on Amazon because it flatters without seeming like a traditional slimming swimwear. It boasts a lovely knot motif in the back and cushioned cups for form and support.
Sanibel One Piece Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Compressive materials help slim
- Ruching design
- Adjustable straps
TAKE NOTE
- Only available in sizes 10-18
Once again, we have included a Miraclesuit on our best list since its sculpting design slimmed our test subjects more than any other suit we tried. Our focus group also noted that it made them seem slimmer and that they really enjoyed donning it. It has underwires to keep your bust in place and draping at the bust and torso to make you seem curvier. The straps are also adjustable so you can get the perfect fit.
High Waisted Swim Bottom
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Sold individually for mix and match
- Full coverage throughout
- Ruching across the entire front
TAKE NOTE
- Light lining isn’t for those who prefer compression
This bikini bottom has everything you need for a perfect fit, so get it if you want to mix and match your two-piece or if you have trouble locating sets with the proper size on the top and bottom. It includes a lightweight lining for comfort and a wide back for modesty, and it has a high waist for stomach coverage and a ruched pattern to make you seem slimmer. Furthermore, it comes in over 30 unique hues and patterns, expanding its range of potential uses.
The Sidestroke
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Flattering diagonal design
- Quality and comfortable materials
- Best-selling style
TAKE NOTE
- May cause asymmetrical tan lines
This online label has amassed a significant fan base, and one shoulder styles in particular have repeatedly sold out due to its universally attractive cut. It’s compressive without being too tight, and the diagonal lines make you look slimmer. It boasts hundreds of five-star ratings from customers who claim it is “worth every penny,” comes in sizes 0 through 24, and offers a long-torso option for taller individuals. You have a wide range of colors to pick from, including both bold color blocking patterns and basic solids.
Anya One-Piece Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Designed specifically for larger cup sizes
- Side-ruching
- Adjustable straps
TAKE NOTE
- A few reviewers say the underwire is uncomfortable
If you have a hard time finding swimwear that fits in the chest, you’ll be relieved to know that Panache has bathing suits in bra sizes, ranging from 30 to 40 in the band and D through K (equal to US size O) in the cups. There are a variety of one-piece swimsuits to pick from, but this one is especially flattering because of its tummy-tucking lining and its modest ruching at the sides. The elastic band under the bust and the shoulder straps are both adjustable.
Front Twist Bandeau Swimwear
WHY WE LOVE IT
- No tan lines from straps
- Structured support to stay in place
- Shirred fabric around torso
TAKE NOTE
- Some reviewers say it runs small
This strapless swimsuit will allow you to avoid unsightly tan lines while providing the comfort you need thanks to its gently padded cups and flexible boning. With a twist at the sweetheart neckline and a built-in stomach panel, this dress is both slimming and shapely. More significantly, it won’t empty your bank account, and there’s a rainbow of hues and patterns to pick from.
Prime Performance Scoop Neck One Piece Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Wide straps and good coverage
- Supportive cups
- Slimming lining and flattering design
TAKE NOTE
- Only available in sizes 8-18
This one has broad straps, built-in cups, and a full coverage bottom, making it a good choice for swimming laps. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the pool, you’ll like that this label employs chlorine-resistant fabric. It’s slimming because of the fading print with darker colors at the bottom, and it flatters because of the inside lining designed to manage your stomach.
Coastline One Piece Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Flattering colorblocks
- Adjustable straps
- Available in tall and petite sizes
TAKE NOTE
- Less built-in tummy control
Athleta’s swimsuits are as high-quality as the rest of the brand’s apparel. This swimsuit is made for activities like paddleboarding and surfing, and it has slimming color blocking for extra appeal. You can customize the fit with the adjustable straps and detachable cups of this bra, which is offered in a variety of pink and blue tones.
Retro Halter Ruched High Waist Bikini
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Supportive top
- High-waist bottom with flattering leg cuts
- Popular on Amazon
TAKE NOTE
- Some reviewers had fit issues with the top
For those who want a little more modesty, Tempt Me offers a number of two-piece sets with high waists. With more than 16,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average rating on Amazon, this design is clearly a best-seller. The halter top can be adjusted and is quite supportive, while the high-leg cut and pleatings at the bottom help to hide any excess weight. This one, like many low-priced Amazon fashions, comes in a rainbow of colors and designs to suit anyone’s taste.
Clasp Halter Dress Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Full coverage over belly, hips and bottom
- Adjustable straps
- Long and plus sizes available
TAKE NOTE
- Sizes start at 8
If modesty at the beach is your priority, an L.L.Bean swim dress is a great choice because of its flowing design, form-fitting shaping materials, and delicate shirring at the hips and waist. Straps may be adjusted for a comfortable fit, and there are several different lengths, cup sizes (including long, plus, and D-cup), and styles to choose from. If you’d like a more colorful option, it’s also available in entertaining prints.
Women’s Sweetheart Tankini Swimsuit
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Comfortable straps
- Flattering ruching
- Shop by bra size
TAKE NOTE
- Bottoms sold separately
This tankini top has a ruched fabric and a plunging neckline to make it look like you’re wearing less than you actually are. It is sold according to bra size rather than standard garment sizes, and its broad straps will keep it in place without digging. Use this top with any of the bottoms that available in a wide range of colors.
Long Sleeve Rash Guard
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Good sun protection
- Adjustable ruching on the sides
- Converts to a dress
TAKE NOTE
- Some complained about the zipper being uncomfortable
This long-sleeved swim shirt provides greater protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Pulling down the cords transforms it into a dress, and the sides are also adjustable so you can find the perfect fit. Women of various shapes and sizes have raved about it online, praising how comfortable and attractive it is. This inexpensive choice is ideal for tossing on over another bathing suit, whether you’re planning to conduct water sports, want to avoid getting sunburned, or just want to cover up.