The sun is finally beginning to shine which for us screams the promise of beach holidays and a gorgeous summer to come. Cue everyone and their mothers running to the department store to search for the perfect swimsuit that'll make their body look banging. But you don't have to do the dreaded in-person shopping experience for swimwear because online brands have you covered with the best tummy-control swimwear that'll cinch in your waist, and accentuate your body shape in all its beauty.
So, how does tummy-control swimwear work exactly? And what makes them different to normal swimsuits? Well, tummy-control swimwear is a type of shapewear that comfortably compresses the stomach and waist to create a seamless smooth figure. Like shapewear swimsuits, these tummy-control pieces usually have a mesh panel across the belly that creates a perfect silhouette.
The best tummy control swimwear at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Tummy Control Printed Plunge Swimsuit, £32.50 on M&S
Best ruffle tummy-control swimwear: Ruffled Tummy Control Halterneck One Piece Swimsuit, £34 on Cupshe
Best striped tummy-control swimwear: Radiance V Neck High Leg Tummy Control Swimsuit, £33.60 on Pour Moi
So, get ready to sunbathe or have a cheeky swim on your upcoming vacation in style, with these nine tummy-control swimsuits that actually look good. Yes - no boring swimsuits with one colour or leg cuts that even your grandma would call prude. Our fashion masters at Closer have got you covered.
SHOP: The best tummy-control swimwear
Editor's Choice
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Our top pick has to be the Tummy Control Printed Plunge Swimsuit from M&S, featuring a vibrant geometric print, feminine plunge neckline and adjustable straps. Its padded, non-wired bust is paired with the Magic 360 Control technology, a power mesh around the tummy to create a streamlined silhouette.
Best ruffle tummy-control swimwear
cupsheuk.cupshe.com
Add a bit of pizazz to your look with the Ruffled Tummy Control Halterneck One Piece Swimsuit from Cupshe. Available in seven different patterns, our favourite has to be the off-white/ivory shade, with beautiful floral embellishments. See - we told you shapewear swimsuits don't have to be boring.
Best striped tummy-control swimwear
pour moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
You can't get better than a classic striped bathing suit, and the Radiance V Neck High Leg Tummy Control Swimsuit from Pour Moi is a worthy match. This stylish v-neck swimsuit features hidden support and adjustable straps for added comfort and style points.
Best cut-out tummy-control swimwear
cupsheuk.cupshe.com
Cut-out swimsuits add a sexy, risque edge to your poolside look, without going overboard. The Cupshe Twist & Cut-Out Floral Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit does just that, whilst offering that tummy-control support.
Best black tummy-control swimwear
matalanwww.matalan.co.uk
The most affordable option on our list - sometimes you can't get better than a black swimsuit. It's simple, sultry and stunning. The Black Tummy Control Wrap Front Swimsuit from Matalan is designed with clever shapewear technology, and ruched tummy control panelling streamlining your figure.
Best animal print tummy-control swimwear
cupsheuk.cupshe.com
Fashion in spring 2024 has been marked by animal print - and we wager this obsession will continue into the summer. Hop onto the trend with Cupshe's Leopard Print Plunge Halter Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit, with a sexy plunge neckline for added effect.
Best crossover tummy-control swimwear
john lewiswww.johnlewis.com
If you like to show off your back muscles, opt for the Ayanna Wrapped Tummy Control Swimsuit, with its beautiful crossover back. Offering medium control, this swimsuit has wrapped details across the midsection allowing you to display your best figure. We love the Mediterranean-style pattern, too.
Best colour-block tummy-control swimwear
pour moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
A best-seller on the Pour Moi website, the Colour Block Tummy Control Swimsuit has an on-trend buckle feature, lightly padded moulded cups and a secret support shelf sewn in. What's more, the Colour Block Tummy Control Swimsuit is made from recycled materials, which is always a nice bonus.
Best tummy-control swimsuit multi-pack
cotton traderswww.cottontraders.com
Shop smart and save money with this multi-pack from Cotton Traders, featuring two tummy control swimsuits for under £40. With a plain and patterned choice, you'll have options in your suitcase. With a tummy control panel and bust support, you can look and feel confident with every stride.
What does a tummy control swimsuit do?
Just as you'd expect, the beauty of tummy control is that it gives your midsection extra support and shaping to help you feel your most comfortable, as well as being seriously flattering. The built-in shapewear panels typically feature a firm fabric like spandex or Lycra to really help smooth out your tummy. You can also find some swimsuits with ruching and strategic seams that help accentuate your waist for a contoured shape.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.