What type of swimsuit is best for an apron belly?

An apron belly is when loose skin and tissue hang over your lower belly. It's normal after major weight loss, having kids, or just getting older. But don’t let an apron belly keep you off the beach. The right swimsuit can make you feel amazing at the beach or pool, no matter what your body looks like.

We’ll guide you through the best swimwear for an apron belly so you can find the style that highlights the features you want and helps streamline the rest. The SwimZip sun-protective swimwear collection offers stylish options with coverage and support where you need it most.

About apron bellies

An apron belly (also called a pannus) is when excess skin and fat tissue hang over the lower abdomen like an apron. This happens when the skin loses elasticity and can't bounce back after being stretched. It's most common after:

• Major weight loss, when the skin was stretched and then deflated.
• Multiple pregnancies, especially with large babies or multiple births.
• Aging, as skin naturally loses collagen.
• Certain medical conditions.

Different from a simple belly pooch, an apron belly creates a distinct overhang that can extend past the pubic area. This makes regular swimwear sizing tricky because the belly hangs lower than where most swimsuit waistlines sit.

How can I hide an apron belly in swimwear?

Focus on combining compression technology with strategic styling elements that smooth out your silhouette.

Targeted compression

• Shapewear bathing suits with compressive panels that target the belly area
• Compression material and power mesh lining for gentle support
• Wide waistbands (at least three inches) that distribute pressure

Strategic designs

• Empire waists that sit above the apron area to define your narrowest point
• Wrap styles that allow you to adjust the fit and create a flattering silhouette
• Higher waistlines and longer hemlines for maximum coverage
• Ruching to camouflage irregular contours
• Diagonal seams that draw the eye in flattering directions

Color and style choices

• Dark colors that minimize the tummy
• Bright colors on top to draw attention upward toward your face and shoulders
• Color blocking for strategic visual balance
• Moderate or full-coverage cuts rather than high-leg styles

What to avoid

• High-leg swimsuits that emphasize the lower torso—and belly
• Tight waistbands that create rolls or bulges above the waistline
• Styles that cut across the widest part of the apron area

Best apron-belly swimwear at a glance

These styles cover and compress in all the right places to streamline your silhouette and show off your best assets:

Tummy control one-piece swimsuits

Tummy control one-pieces use design features to smooth and support apron bellies. The most effective styles combine:

• Power mesh lining provides targeted compression in the belly. 
• Ruched panels that disguise irregularities. 
• Diagonal seaming that creates visual lines to flatter your silhouette.
• Waist-defining bands that create the illusion of a more defined waistline above the apron area.

Look for one-pieces with adjustable straps and removable cups so you can customize the fit as desired. Our one-piece swimsuits feature these technologies while maintaining contemporary styling.

For maximum tummy control, pick styles that extend past the natural waistline. Long-torso designs provide coverage and compression where you need it most.

For a full breakdown of tummy control technologies and additional options, read our tummy control swimsuit guide.

Swim dresses for effortless elegance

Swim dresses skim your body without clinging. The flowing design naturally flatters your figure. A-line and fit-and-flare styles create graceful lines that flatter without feeling constricting. For more swim dress styling options and detailed reviews, check out our best swim dresses guide.

Our modest swim dresses offer extra coverage with adjustable side ties that let you customize the fit. Half-zip fronts give you control over your coverage level. You get UPF 50+ protection across all that extra coverage area. These dresses transition easily from water to casual beachside activities, with plus-size swim dresses providing the same apron belly-friendly features in extended sizes.

Swim skirts and shorts for active days

Swim skirts provide feminine coverage with a flattering flared design that drapes over your apron belly. 

Our A-line swim skirts in black or fuchsia feature high-rise waistbands that offer gentle compression, while built-in brief linings keep you secure. A three-inch waistband provides tummy support, and there's even a hidden pocket for your essentials.

Choose swim shorts for when you want maximum coverage during active beach days. Our long bike shorts with pockets feature high-rise designs and wide waistbands that give you gentle compression and complete coverage. Drawcord waistbands let you adjust the fit. Side pockets are handy for your phone or keys. Extended inseams provide full leg coverage.

Two-piece tummy control swimsuits

Two-piece swimsuits cover your apron belly with an extended-coverage top and supportive bottoms.

Our two-piece sun protective swimsuits offer mix-and-match styling while providing the coverage you need. Start with a longer tankini top or extended swim top that overlaps your bottom piece. This creates a seamless look while giving you the flexibility of separates.

High-waisted bottoms are great for two-piece tummy control. They should sit well above your natural waistline and provide gentle compression around the apron area. The rise should be high enough that there's no gap between your top and bottom, even when you move or sit.
For active lifestyles, pair swim tops with high-waisted bottoms that have sport-inspired features, like wide waistbands and secure fits. This combination gives you the coverage of a one-piece with the convenience of separates.

The beauty of two-piece tummy control is customization. You can mix different sizes between top and bottom, choose different levels of coverage, and replace pieces individually as your needs change.

Swimsuits for plus-size apron bellies

Plus-size swimwear combines style with function. Look for reinforced construction and extended sizing that maintains flattering proportions. Plus-size long-sleeve swimwear offers excellent coverage while providing the compression and support larger bodies need.

Prioritize wider waistbands that distribute pressure, longer torsos that accommodate fuller figures, and adjustable elements that let you customize the fit. The best plus-size apron belly swimsuits use graduated compression, firmer in the midsection and gentler at the edges, to avoid uncomfortable digging or rolling.

Many plus-size women find that modest bathing suits provide the coverage and confidence they're looking for. These styles often feature extended hemlines, higher necklines, and fuller coverage that conceal and flatten apron bellies. 

For additional styling tips tailored to fuller figures, explore our guide to the best swimsuits for curvy women.

Styling tips for confidence

Dark colors or busy patterns in the torso draw attention away from your belly. Color blocking with lighter shades above and below your midsection creates a flattering visual balance.

Flowing kaftans or tunics that skim rather than cling to your body make excellent cover-ups. Sarongs tied high at the ribcage create an empire-waist effect that's both elegant and practical. Long-line beach cardigans add vertical lines that elongate your silhouette. Don't skip the accessories—a statement necklace, bold earrings, or stylish sun hat draws attention upward toward your face.

Since apron belly often develops after pregnancy, ee our best swimsuits for postpartum guide for more helpful information. For general swimwear advice that applies to all body types, our best bathing suits for women guide provides helpful styling tips.

Why choose SwimZip

SwimZip designs with real bodies in mind. Our swimwear combines technical fabrics that provide gentle compression without discomfort. You get extended coverage options in contemporary styles that actually look current and cute. Swimwear with UPF 50+ sun protection covers all those extra areas.

We offer sizes from XS to 3X with mix-and-match options so you can create your perfect combination. Every piece is designed to balance function with fashion, so you feel confident and look great.

Swimwear FAQ

Will swimming help lose an apron belly?

Swimming builds muscle tone and burns calories but won't eliminate excess belly skin. An apron belly is primarily loose skin, not fat, so exercise alone can't tighten stretched skin tissue. Swimming strengthens core muscles underneath, which may provide some support. Focus on feeling strong and confident in your body rather than expecting dramatic physical changes from swimming alone.

How should swimsuits fit if you have an apron belly?

The waistband should sit comfortably without creating rolls above or below the apron. Choose sizes that let the fabric skim rather than stretch tight across your body. Adjustable shoulder straps prevent pulling or gaping at the bust. Look for styles that accommodate your shape instead of compressing everywhere.

Should I avoid bright colors?

Bright colors can work when placed strategically. Avoid placing bright colors directly across the widest part of your belly, where they'll draw attention to the apron area. Instead, use bright colors on your shoulders, chest, or legs to highlight these areas. Keep darker tones over the belly while using floral, dotted, and geometric prints to camouflage irregular contours.

Further reading

Best swimsuits for apple-shaped bodies

Swimsuits for large bust support

Complete guide to the best swimsuits

Best modest bathing suits guide

Sun protective swimwear for women in neon