The best swimsuits to hide tummy bulge
Whether it is a postpartum belly or your body is naturally curvy, the right swimsuit makes all the difference. We'll help you choose the best swimsuit to hide your tummy and get your confidence back on track.
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How to shrink your tummy with a swimsuit
SwimZip's sun-protective swimwear collection offers stylish designs for tummy control with patterns and ruched details that flatter the midsection while providing UPF 50+ protection against harmful UV rays.
How to choose a swimsuit that conceals your tummy
Swimsuits are meant to reveal, but with the right shapes, colors, and materials, they can also help you choose to show your best self. Here’s how you can pick a swimsuit that tightens, tucks, and shrinks your tummy:
- Compression material: This tight, stretchy material puts constant pressure on the midsection. It holds in and smooths out the stomach area, which results in a flatter, more toned appearance. Compression fabric also adds support, which improves posture and creates a sleeker silhouette.
- Power mesh lining: This strong, flexible net-like fabric exists inside the swimsuit. It adds extra support and control with a gentle inward press on the tummy. Power mesh distributes body weight more evenly, which reduces the appearance of bulges and results in a smoother, more contoured look under the main fabric.
- Ruching: Ruching is a technique of gathered or folded fabric, which creates a textured surface on the swimsuit. This bunched-up material hides the shape of the stomach underneath, which makes any bulges less noticeable. The irregular surface breaks up light reflection, which further minimizes the appearance of bumps or unevenness.
- Diagonal seams: These angled lines of stitching across the swimsuit create visual interest, pulling the eye away from the midsection. They also contour the body. Diagonal seams create the illusion of a narrower waist and a more balanced figure.
- Waist-defining bands: These strips of fabric or detailing sit at the narrowest part of the torso. They emphasize this smaller area, which creates a contrast that makes the stomach above and below appear smaller. Waist-defining bands also break up the torso, resulting in a more flattering proportion.
- Color blocking: This technique uses contrasting colors in different areas of the swimsuit. Darker colors over the stomach area have a slimming effect. Lighter or brighter colors attract attention to other areas, diverting focus from the midsection and creating a more balanced look.
Best one-piece swimsuit to hide your tummy
One-piece swimsuits are a staple for those wanting to hide their tummy because they offer comfort and coverage, and they provide extra midsection support.
The right suit can help you feel confident and relaxed at the beach or pool. This full-coverage option smooths the stomach, creating a sleeker silhouette.
Check out this Palm Breeze one-piece suit. It has long sleeves, a back zipper, thumb holes, and it is made of high-quality fabric. It also blocks 98% of harmful sun rays.
The four-way stretch fabric adapts to your body shape, offering support and a flattering fit to minimize your tummy.
Best tankini to hide your tummy
Tankini tops provide reliable tummy coverage with their extended length. This style combines the flexibility of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece. It's also more convenient than a one-piece for bathroom trips.
Our tankinis feature high necks for additional coverage and support. You can pair them with any high-waisted bottom of your choice for even more tummy control.
For example, this Swirl tankini shifts attention from your tummy to your entire figure. Its eye-catching pattern creates a visual effect that flatters your whole body, drawing focus away from any specific area you might want to conceal. Pair it with the matching Swirl high-waisted bikini bottom for extra coverage and a sleek, coordinated look that smooths your silhouette.
Best high-waist bikini bottom to hide your tummy
High-waisted bikini bottoms offer excellent tummy control and a classic silhouette. This style sits above the navel, provides generous coverage for the midsection, and helps smooth belly pooch. The higher cut makes legs look longer, creating a flattering swimwear option for different body types.
These bottoms work well with many bikini tops. You can mix and match for your style. Many high-waisted options have ruching or extra fabric for additional midsection control. They give more coverage during beach days while still letting you enjoy the versatility of a two-piece bathing suit.
Look how this Tropic high-waist design is flattering. This fun tropical print features iconic leaves set against a vibrant orange background, perfect for summer beach days. The above-the-belly-button fit and adjustable knotted front tie add extra tummy control while creating a stylish look.
Best swim dress to hide your tummy
Swim dresses offer excellent tummy coverage with their flowing, extended designs. This style combines the ease of a one-piece with the flattering silhouette of a dress, providing full midsection concealment while still looking fashionable.
Our swim dresses feature adjustable sides for a customized fit. You can find them in a variety of prints so you can choose a style that suits your preferences. These versatile pieces are great for both swimming and casual beachside activities.
For instance, this Tropadelic swim dress showcases a surrealistic tropical-inspired print. It features a mix of fantastical, vibrant botanicals set on a lush blue background. This flattering swim dress offers a classy and covered look, perfect for those wanting to conceal their tummy while enjoying beach days in style.
Best swim skirt to hide your tummy
Swim skirts provide excellent tummy coverage with their flared, extended design. This style combines the comfort of a bikini bottom with the added coverage of a skirt, offering effective midsection concealment while maintaining a feminine look.
Our swim skirts have a high rise that hits around the belly button. They feature a three-inch waistband for tummy compression. Each skirt includes a hidden waistband pocket for small items like keys, cards, and hair ties. An internal bikini liner adds extra security and comfort.
Check out this Navy A-line swim skirt. This classic color pairs well with nearly any SwimZip design. Its timeless appeal works for many beach days and pool outings. The navy hue also has a slimming effect, which minimizes the appearance of belly fat.
Best swim shorts to hide your tummy
Swim shorts give excellent tummy coverage with their relaxed, extended design. This style mixes the comfort of regular shorts with water-friendly fabric. It conceals the midsection while keeping an athletic look.
Our swim shorts have a high rise that hits around your belly button. They include a side pocket for your phone, keys, and cards. A waistband drawcord lets you adjust to the perfect fit. The XS–XL sizes have a 5-inch inseam, while the 1X–3X sizes have an 8-inch inseam.
Get these Color Pop swim shorts and be ready to rock the beach. The bright, bold design focuses on eye-catching color block combos that make a splash at the pool and everywhere else. These shorts match with many of our solid colors, including scuba blue, fuchsia festival, sulphur spring, navy, red, and yellow.
What is the best tummy control swimsuit for a postpartum body?
When choosing a tummy control swimsuit for a postpartum body, comfort and support are key. Here are some great options that offer flattering coverage and help boost confidence:
- High-waisted bikini bottoms with ruching
- One-piece swimsuits with built-in tummy control panels
- Tankini tops paired with high-waisted bottoms
- Swim dresses with adjustable sides for a customized fit
- Swim shorts with a high rise and wide waistband
These styles provide extra coverage and support for the midsection, helping to smooth and flatter your postpartum figure while you enjoy your time by the water.
For more detailed recommendations on postpartum swimwear, read our article about the best swimsuits for new moms. This guide focuses on styles that promote body positivity and comfort during your beach or pool outings.
Choose SwimZip for your tummy control swimwear
With so many flattering styles, SwimZip offers tummy control options for every preference. Each design combines style with function, featuring UPF 50+ sun protection and comfortable, supportive fabrics. SwimZip's high-quality swimsuits let you enjoy the beach or pool with confidence.
We’re also proud of our other collections, including:
Swimwear FAQ
What type of swimsuit is the best for a big belly?
High-waisted bottoms paired with a tankini top or a one-piece with ruching are excellent choices for a big belly. These styles give extra coverage and support to the midsection. Dark colors and vertical stripes can also create a slimming effect. Swimsuits with tummy control panels smooth your silhouette.
Is a two-piece or one-piece style better for larger busts?
For larger busts, both two-piece and one-piece styles can work well, depending on individual preferences. Two pieces with underwire or built-in bras give better support and adjustability. One-pieces with molded cups or halter tops also work for larger busts.
How can I look less fat in a swimsuit?
To look slimmer in a swimsuit, opt for darker colors or flattering prints that create visual interest. High-waisted bottoms and one-pieces with ruching can smooth your silhouette. Avoid horizontal stripes and choose vertical patterns. A well-fitted swimsuit that supports your figure will always look better than one that's too tight or loose.
What color swimsuit is most flattering?
Black swimsuits are universally flattering as they create a slimming effect. Deep jewel tones like navy, plum, or emerald can also be flattering. For lighter options, choose rich earth tones or dark pastels.
What are the best swimsuit styles for pear-shaped figures?
For pear-shaped figures, draw attention upward with eye-catching bikini tops or one-piece styles with interesting necklines. High-waist bottoms balance your proportions. The ruching technique on the hips can minimize wider areas. Dark colors on the bottom and brighter prints on top flatter your figure.
Further reading
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