How to Choose Swimwear That Flatters Your Tummy (and Boosts Confidence)

Whether you’ve already had your summer getaway or you’ve still got a beach holiday planned, the right swimsuit will flatter your figure, highlight your best features and make you feel confident.

Finding swimwear to suit your body shape is much easier these days, but it’s also important to understand your body proportions. Especially if you’ve had fit issues in the past – saggy bottoms, straps cutting in, or the occasional ‘falling out’ mishap. Often, your proportions are the culprit, rather than your body.

Aside from this, a common problem finding a swimsuit is how to disguise your tummy. So, let’s tackle it with some style tips to boost your confidence along with some suggestions.

What styles are most flattering for the tummy?

Ruching or gathered fabric across the tummy area helps to disguise any lumps and bumps. Check out the Weird Fish Penelope Eco Printed Swimsuit and others here.

Wrap styles create diagonal lines that visually slim the waist area. This ‘Towan Pink Wrap textured swimsuit’ from Fat Face has a lovely little bow detail – perfect for ‘warm’ colouring types. Find this and more here.

Peplum styles add a floaty layer that can softens your middle section. Alternatively ruffles can be another way to draw attention – depending where the ruffle is of course. The ruffles in this Aspiga frill v-neck will create an ‘eyes-up’ approach and away from your tummy area. Find this one and more here.

Tummy-control swimwear

There are many swimsuits which contain built-in tummy-control panels. They offer gentle shaping without feeling too restrictive and help you feel a little more ‘tucked-in’. The Peacocks floral print swimsuit has tummy control, ruching and pattern! Find it and more here.

Prints and patterns

Whilst not for everyone, clever prints and patterns can help to draw attention away from your tummy area.

Opt for one with panels at the sides with a brighter or patterned centre such as the Boden Santorini swimsuit shown below and it can create the illusion of a more streamlined silhouette. Get it and more here.

The pattern featured in the Joe Browns Cala Carbo Bay swimsuit is very clever as the detail will disguise your tummy area. Plus, they’ve got matching sun trousers and a skirt which help to cover up! Find this and more here.

Necklines

Halter, v-neck, and one-shoulder styles can draw the eye upwards taking attention away from your tummy area. This Joules Jasmine Navy Blue Halterneck ticks the box for patterns, panels and a halter-neck style! This and more can be found here.

Depending upon your body shape, they may also help to balance your proportions. If you’ve got narrower shoulders than your hips, the halter-neck style may accentuate this, so opt for another style like the one-shoulder. This plus-sized, one-shoulder asymmetric style swimsuit from La Redoute keeps simplicity to the minimum. Check it out and others here.

Which brands are worth a look?

Along the ones featured above, there’s so much choice!

Also check out:

Lands’ End

Marks & Spencer

Pour Moi

Dancing Leopard

Next

Also worth noting is that both Next and M&S offer access to multiple brands too.

Cover-ups and accessories

Sarongs, kaftans and oversized shirts can be thrown on over your swimwear for extra confidence-boosting. Add a hat and some fabulous sunnies and your look is complete! If you really want to up the style stakes, wear some jewellery – bangles and necklaces are great tools to draw attention, whilst taking the eye away from your tummy! Just be careful about the metal as I wouldn’t want you getting burned!

Extra tips

Read my earlier blog on finding the perfect swimsuit for your shape for more inspiration here.

If a bikini is more your thing, I’ve got some tips on looking good and feeling confident here.

Want help identifying your body shape or proportion dilemmas?

This post contains some affiliate links and I will be compensated if you purchase after clicking through at no cost to you.

Tips on choosing swimwear

When it comes to choosing swimwear, here’s a few tips to help guide you just in time for your summer holiday.

Busts and Tummy

If you’re big busted, a good strap will give you a better shape and is far more comfortable to wear. Choosing one for your bra size will also ensure you have the support you need.

Are you conscious about your tummy? A double mesh panel will smooth out this area and give the appearance of a flatter stomach. A print will distract the eye and your tummy magically disappears! Much more flattering than a block colour. Go for a v neck or cross over style which can emphasise a bust and help detract attention away from your tummy area.

The swimsuit featured is from Pour Moi who have a great range of inclusive sizes.

Short legs & long bodies

If you want to elongate your legs, try and avoid shorts style and those that sit at the top of your thigh. Look for high cuts that will give you appearance of length in the leg. Be careful if you’re pear shaped as this can emphasise your wider hips.

Go for styles with detail on the top half to draw attention upwards. The stripes on the one featured are both confusing and interesting, so automatically the eye is drawn upwards.

If you’re longer in the body, you’ll already know that swimsuits can be uncomfortable. Opt for tankinis and bikinis. Make sure you have detail below the bust which will have the effect of lifting the natural waist line.

These are from Next who have a good range but feature more brands online.

Colour

Finally, opt for a flattering shade rather than black which can get very hot in the sun. Go for a cheerful and uplifting colour instead!

Try not to get daunted when shopping for swimwear. Shop by style personality, in colours and styles which flatter your features and you’ll make the right choices.

Holiday capsule wardrobe

If you need help shopping for a holiday capsule wardrobe, do get in touch for some one-to-one support. If you’re jetting off on holiday, avoid packing the kitchen sink by using my Holiday Capsule Wardrobe Workbook