Every Single Tester Rated This $30 Suit As Flattering
Every Single Tester Rated This $30 Suit As Flattering
We updated this article in February 2023 to ensure all products and styles selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for summer 2023 were in stock and correctly priced, and we added more expert input about each style.
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 swimsuit with tummy control should not only look great, but also feel comfortable and hold up to regular use so it'll last for more than just a few wears.
The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test one-piece swimsuits and two-piece bathing suits to find the ones that live up to their slimming promises. Besides testing the durability to see whether fabric easily gets damaged from rough surfaces, we also have real testers give feedback on fit and slimming capabilities. We've even measured our testers to see if compressive bathing suits actually take inches off their waists, hips and tummies. In recent years, we reviewed over 1,400 ratings from our Lab and consumer tests. The picks ahead are either from brands that have done well in our tests or are newer styles with unique features and rave reviews from consumers.
Our top picks:
Keep reading to learn about how we choose the best slimming swimsuits and for helpful shopping tips, but first here are the best slimming swimsuits you can buy, including slimming swimsuits for large busts, flattering swimsuits from Amazon and more.
1) Oceanus Swimsuit
Miraclesuit
amazon.com
$116.71
When our Textiles Lab experts put slimming swimsuits to the test, this timeless style came out on top. It was loved by our panel of reviewers who 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 for bust support, raving that it gave a nice lift. In our Lab evaluations, it stood up to elements like seawater, chlorine, sweat, UV rays and more. If basic colors bore you, the brand offers lots of variations of this style, including printed options and bolder hues. Know that the suit is available in a more limited size range than other options, starting with size 8, so you may not be able to find the perfect fit.
2) V-Neckline Monokini Swimsuit
Tempt Me
amazon.com
$27.99
One of the hottest swimsuits on Amazon, this suit from Tempt Me has over 24,000 five-star reviews and costs a fraction of the price of other styles. Plus, 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. Our testers gave it high ratings for feeling comfortable and supportive, but some did share that the leg openings felt a little tight and wished they were cut higher. When our experts assessed this suit in Lab, the vibrant color didn't bleed, and there were no signs of wear after repeated washing.
3) Backless Slimming Monokini Swimsuit
B2prity
amazon.com
$34.99
This swimsuit shows off skin while still flattering the tummy, no matter which way you style it. The straps can be adjusted to create two different looks; thread the strap through the front for a higher neckline with a cleavage cutout, or loop the strap through the sides for a deeper halter neckline. Ruching across the midsection creates a slimming look that online reviewers love, with one raving that it made her feel beautiful for the first time in a swimsuit. Our experts say the material isn't as high quality as other swim options, but the suit overall is a great value for the price point. You're able to remove the padding from the cups and easily shorten or lengthen the straps, so you can find the fit that works best for you.
4) Slender Wrap Swimsuit
Lands’ End
landsend.com
$154.95
Our experts evaluated a former version of this style, and testers rated it the most flattering in our tests. This newer version comes in color-block and ombre designs, which break up the body and create an even more flattering, slimming effect. On top of that, there's more than meets the eye to the criss-cross shirring. It's not just an attractive design element, but the wrapped bodice smooths the stomach and shapes your torso. The straps are wide for more support, and it's available in extended size options including petite, long and plus sizes, along with extended cup sizes. If you prefer plain black or an all-over pattern or are looking for more coverage, the brand offers more versions of the suit, including a sarong style. Although Lands' End claims the swimsuit is resistant to chlorine and sunscreen, some online reviewers say that the bold colors spot and fade after wearing it in chlorinated water just a few times.
5) V Neck One Piece Swimsuit
Cupshe
amazon.com
$32.99
Not only does this affordable one-piece have a flattering ruched midsection, it also stands out for it's stylish design with a low V-neck and ruffle trim. It comes in 21 colors and prints and has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon from users who love how it flatters without looking like a typical slimming swimsuit. One raved that the combination of the style and pattern "camouflaged" her tummy. Plus, it has removable padded cups for customizable shape and support, and the back is laced, so you can loosen or tighten it for an even better fit. Online reviewers say the cheeky style stays in place without riding up. Our experts note that the material used for this swimsuit is thinner and less durable than other styles, so it may not hold up well to wear season after season.
6) Sanibel One Piece Swimsuit
Miraclesuit
amazon.com
$120.00
Miraclesuit's sculpting style (literally!) slimmed more than any other suit when we measured wearers in our tests. The suit is designed with compressive materials that help to shape and slim. Our panel also said it had a visually slimming appearance, and they loved wearing it. 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 more defined curves. Because the material is compressive, it can feel a little restrictive. The brand recommends sizing up if you prefer a less snug fit, but the suit is only available in sizes 10-18.
7) High Waisted Swim Bottom
Grapent
amazon.com
$21.99
If you prefer to mix and match your two-piece, especially if you have a hard time finding sets with the right size on the top and bottom, our experts think this bikini bottom checks off the boxes for a flattering fit. It has a high waist for tummy coverage, ruched front panel for a slimming appearance and a full coverage back for modesty. The bottoms are lightly lined without strong compressive material, which can feel more comfortable to wear but may not be for you if you prefer something more secure. Online reviewers love that it's available in more than 20 colors and prints to coordinate with their favorite swim tops, and they praise the design for covering everything — front and back. Some reviewers say it runs small, while others disagree and say it runs large, so be sure to review the brand's size chart before buying,
8) The Sidestroke
Summersalt
summersalt.com
$95.00
This online swim brand has a huge following, and its one-shoulder style in particular has sold out several times thanks to the universally flattering design that looks amazing on all kinds of body types. Our experts are impressed by the design — diagonal lines run across the bodice to create a slimming appearance, and the fabric is compressive yet not too tight. It's available in sizes 0 through 24 and a long-torso option for taller bodies, plus it has thousands of five-star reviews from users who rave it's "worth every penny." The swimsuit doesn't feature any padded cups or lining for modesty and support, but even online reviewers with larger bust sizes say the high-quality suit feels secure and stays put. You can choose from lots of colors, including bright color-blocking options, solid neutrals and trendy patterns.
9) Anya Riva Underwire One-Piece
Panache
barenecessities.com
$104.00
Panache offers bathing suits in UK bra sizes, with availability in band measurements of 30 to 40 and cup sizes of D through K (equivalent to US size O) – making it a whole lot easier for anyone who struggles to find swimwear that fits a large chest. There are tons of bikinis and other one-pieces to choose from, but this style in particular has slimming features including a lining at the tummy and subtle ruching at the sides. It also has adjustable straps, built-in underwire and an elastic band under the bust for additional lift and support. Textiles Lab experts are impressed by the brand's bras for larger bust sizes and say this suit is of the same high quality. Some reviewers complain that the underwire is uncomfortable, so keep that in mind if you prefer a wireless swimsuit, and they recommend paying close attention to the fit chart to ensure that you're choosing the correct cup size.
10) Front Twist Bandeau Swimwear
Hilor
amazon.com
$33.99
To bypass tan lines, this strapless suit gives you support with lightly padded cups and flexible boning so you don’t need to worry about it falling down. It also has a built-in tummy panel and shirred fabric across the stomach to help slim and shape, along with a flattering twist around the sweetheart neckline. Both online reviewers and the brand note that the swimsuit runs on the smaller side, and they recommend sizing up to achieve the best, most comfortable fit. There are plenty of colors and prints to choose from, and more importantly, we love that it doesn't break the bank.
11) Retro Halter Ruched High Waist Bikini
Tempt Me
amazon.com
$28.99
Tempt Me has a range of two-piece sets with high waists for more coverage. This style in particular is one of the most popular, with over 21,000 reviews and an average 4.3-star rating on Amazon. The tie halter top can be adjusted for a better fit, and it provides push-up lift and support. The bottom is ruched for tummy control and has a high-leg cut for a more flattering silhouette. Online reviewers say it highlights their curves and is super comfortable to wear. Like other affordable styles on Amazon, this one comes in lots of colors and prints for every style preference. The brand recommends hand-washing the suit, and our analysts agree that it's best to treat this suit more delicately but because the material isn't as high quality as styles.
12) Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Sbart
amazon.com
$19.99
If you’re looking for extra armor against the sun’s harmful UV rays (besides sunscreen, of course), this long sleeve swim top has more coverage for your skin. The sides are adjustable so you can find the best fit, and you can even transform it into a dress by pulling down the cords. A zipper neckline can be adjusted to show more or less skin, but some online reviewers say the zipper can feel uncomfortable. 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 being burned or just want to cover up, this affordable option is perfect for throwing on over another bathing suit.
13) Clasp Halter Dress Swimsuit
L.L.Bean
llbean.com
$109.00
Our experts are regularly impressed by the quality of L.L.Bean's products, and this swim dress is no exception. A swim dress is your best bet if you want to cover your hips and butt, and this one is ultra-flattering thanks to its draped design, form-fitted shaping fabrics and subtle shirring at the hips and waist. Online reviewers say it's comfy, attractive and holds everything in place nicely. 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; however, sizing starts at a size 8, so you may not find the right fit if you're slim or petite. Along with the traditional black and bold plum hues, the swimsuit comes in fun prints if you prefer a more vibrant style.
14) Two Piece Blouson Tankini
Yonique
amazon.com
$35.99
Ideal for someone who wants a two-piece style but would like more coverage up top, this swim set comes with a long tankini top and traditional bikini bottoms for under $40, and there are over 40 fun colors and patterns to choose from. The blouson design features gathering at the neckline, extra fabric throughout the bodice and a banded hemline to flatter your stomach. Online reviewers love how the tankini fits their curves and rave about how confident they feel in this swimsuit set. Unfortunately, you can't choose separate sizing for the top and bottom, and some reviewers say the bottoms run tight compared to the top. It's best to size up if you wear inconsistent sizes on the top and bottom because the top's straps can be adjusted for a better fit.
15) Sculpting Puff Sleeve Zip
Stylest
stylest.com
$268.00
Designed to be worn either in the pool or our for a night on the town, this versatile swimsuit from Stylest is stylish and chic. Longer sleeves and a full-coverage back lend modesty and extra protection from the sun, but you can unzip the front of the suit to reveal more skin. One Textiles Lab analyst who has tried a swimsuit from Stylest shared that the suits aren't ideal for those with longer torsos. The brand recommends sizing up if you're tall, but our analyst said even after sizing up, the suit was still a bit short. It's made with a quality compressive material that sculpts your waist, and you can pair this swimsuit with one of the brand's swim solutions, including water-safe bras and bodysuits, for even more support and shaping.
16) Swim Transformation Tube
Spanx
spanx.com
$50.00
This self-proclaimed "secret weapon" lets you customize your swimsuit to cover whatever areas you prefer. The band of fabric can be worn like a skirt to cover your hips, around your torso to cover your tummy, over your bust to create a tankini, or whever you choose to add coverage. 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). We also love the brand's super flattering and comfortable one-piece.
17) Sarong Front One Piece Swimsuit
21) Jelly Beans Cinched One-Piece Swimsuit
The best slimming swimsuits with tummy control to shape curves and hide belly bulge. Flattering bathing suits including one-pieces and bikinis for every body.