6 Flattering Swimwear Solutions Every Woman Should Know
Everything you need to know about the swimwear features and styling tricks that help you look and feel your best.
Swimsuit season is here, and for some of us, trying on swimsuits can be a challenge. Unlike almost any other item in our closet, swimwear has a way of putting our biggest body insecurities front and center. If you’re anything like me, you’ve moved beyond the teeny bikini years and want swimwear that’s flattering, comfortable, and still feels stylish and a little sexy.
Today’s swimwear is thoughtfully designed with details that showcase your assets, create a balanced silhouette, and downplay the areas you’re self-conscious about. Knowing what to look for can make shopping for a swimsuit a whole lot easier, and maybe even enjoyable.
Some Advice Before You Shop for Swimwear
Before diving into the top swimwear solutions, I want to share a piece of advice that really resonated with me. I spoke with Gina Ezell, VP of Sales at Raj Swim, and she said the most important thing to bring into the fitting room (whether it’s in a store or at home) is the right mindset.
Her advice? Be kind to yourself. Instead of focusing on your perceived flaws, celebrate the parts of your body you love and choose styles that naturally draw the eye to them. If there are things you’d rather not emphasize, let intentional design elements do the work for you. The goal is simple: highlight what you feel good about, soften what you don’t, and relish every minute of swimsuit season.
With that in mind, here are the swimwear solutions worth exploring the next time you shop.
The 6 Most Flattering Swimwear Solutions For Every Body Type
- Tummy Control
- Underwire & Bust Support
- High-Cut Legs & High-Waist Bottoms
- Ruching
- Prints & Colorblocking
- Cover Ups
Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Tummy Control
For many women, the midsection is the first place they notice when trying on a swimsuit. Whether you’ve had children, your body has changed over the years, or you simply don’t have the same flat stomach you did in your twenties, you’re certainly not alone. That’s exactly why tummy-control swimwear has become such a sought-after innovation in the industry.
Think of it as shapewear built into your swimsuit. Hidden shaper panels and firming fabrics gently hold in the midsection, resulting in a sleeker profile without being overly restrictive. Tummy-control technology is available in both one- and two-pieces, so you don’t have to compromise your personal style to enjoy its benefits.
If your stomach area is your main concern, tummy-control swimwear can provide the ideal amount of smoothing and compression.
Underwire & Bust Support
Long gone are my days of triangle string bikinis. These days, I’ll happily take all the lifting and shaping I can get, and thankfully, swimwear has come a long way. Many contemporary swimsuits include sewn-in cups, molded padding, and underwire that define the bust while providing added structure. These construction components make a noticeable difference, especially if your needs have evolved over time or if you desire additional support.
Another game changer is that several brands now sell tops and bottoms separately, making it much easier to find the perfect fit for you. Even better, a growing number of swimwear labels offer bikini tops in bra sizes rather than just small, medium, and large. That’s very good news for women with fuller busts, who can finally experience swimwear that fits as well as their favorite bra.
If you’re searching for either a slight enhancement or maximum lift, built-in cups and underwire make for a beautifully boosted bustline without sacrificing style.
High-Cut Legs & High-Waist Bottoms
This is one of my favorite swimwear combinations because it blends the best of both worlds. High-cut bottoms give the illusion of longer, leaner legs, while a high waist offers extra coverage and a secure fit through the lower belly.
If you’re someone who prefers to keep your belly covered, high-waisted bottoms are a modern alternative to skimpy bikini bottoms. They provide the concealment women want with the convenience of wearing a two-piece. Personally, I appreciate that they’re more functional during bathroom breaks, and I can relax on a lounge chair and not constantly adjust my swimsuit or worry about my stomach showing.
Another reason to adore them? High-waisted bottoms aren’t only for those seeking modesty. They’re among the hottest swimwear trends and appeal to a wide range of ages. It’s proof that you don’t have to show a lot of skin to be current and cute.
Ruching
Ruching is a technique that uses gathered or pleated fabric to produce texture and a sculpting effect. Not only does it add visual interest to a swimsuit, but it also serves a practical purpose by helping everything look just a little more snatched.
You’ll often see ruching through the waist and stomach, where it minimizes the midsection and accentuates an hourglass shape. But designers also use ruching in other strategic places, like the center of the cups to create the appearance of a fuller bust or on the back of bikini bottoms to achieve a rounded, curvier backside.
I’m a big fan of ruching because it complements various body types. Besides its figure-flattering benefits, it infuses the simplest swimsuit with dimension, transforming it into a polished, elevated look.
Prints & Colorblocking
Prints and colorblocking rely on optical illusions to balance your figure. Bold prints camouflage and distract the eye, making them a great choice if you want to shift attention elsewhere.
Colorblocking uses strategically placed shades to contour your silhouette. Darker colors visually recede and work well for areas you’d like to minimize, while lighter or brighter colors direct focus upward toward your face and shoulders. Vertical colorblocking creates the impression of a defined waist and more pronounced curves, which is particularly effective for straighter body shapes.
Of course, prints and color blocking aren’t just about enhancing your form — they’re also an easy way to make a fashion statement. From vibrant tropical florals to graphic color combos, they’re a fun opportunity to show off your personality.
Cover Ups
I’ll admit it, I’m a cover up girl. I’m partial to pairing a bikini with a fashionable crochet or sheer cover up that shows just enough without making me feel like I’m on full display. No matter how much you choose to reveal, there’s an option to suit your comfort level and style preferences. From pareos and skirts to shorts, tunics, and flowy caftans, the possibilities are endless.
If showing skin isn’t your vibe, a cover up is the ultimate swimwear solution. It makes transitioning from breakfast to the pool or beach, and perhaps lunch afterward, completely effortless. At the end of the day, the perfect layer is the one that fits your lifestyle and brings together the coverage, ease, and versatility you’re looking for.
The Bottom Line on Swimwear Solutions
When you’re ready to shop for swimwear, and if you’d like extra guidance, I recommend visiting stores such as Everything But Water, Nordstrom, or Dillard’s. They have an extensive selection, along with knowledgeable associates who can assist you in identifying the right fit. Or you may decide to order several suits online and try them on in the comfort of your own home.
However you choose to build your swimwear collection, I hope this guide has given you the tools to shop with confidence. From tummy control and underwire support to high-waisted bottoms, ruching, prints, and cover ups, today’s swimwear offers countless options designed to complement your shape and make you feel fabulous wearing them. The point isn’t to change your body. It’s to find swimwear that fits properly, flatters your figure, and gets you excited for your next sunny getaway.
Note: All dresses featured above are shoppable — just click the photos to purchase!
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