11 Super-Flattering Swimsuits

Try these super-powered shopping tips when you browse for this season’s perfect suit.
Published April 5, 2016

Rather have root canal than try on swimsuits? We hear you. (Those fluorescent overhead lights! Those fun-house mirrors!) But the worst part of the process is the number of duds you have to try on before you find your Holy Grail: a suit that makes you feel amazing. Here’s our cheat sheet of all the “swimsuit superpowers” to look for when you’re ready to shop…

 

Rushing


SUPER POWER: Gathered fabric wraps your torso in comfort and looks great.
Swimsuits For All Tropiculture Vigneto Control Wrap Swimsuit, sizes 10-24, $98; swimsuitsforall.com.

 

Ruffles


SUPER POWER: A top with a ruffled overlay is pretty without being frilly. 
SO flounce halter bikini top, $32, and hipster bikini bottom, $32, sizes XS-XL; kohls.com.

 

Halter Neckline


SUPER-POWER: A tie-behind-the-neck top provides extra support for a large bust and draws the eye up, putting the focus on your face and décolletage.
Target MAR by Vix swimsuit, sizes XS-XL, $54; target.com.

 

A-Line Tankini


SUPER-POWER: An empire tankini top with a slight flare skims over your midsection and elongates a short torso. The matching skort also provides extra coverage.
LL Bean Tidewater Swimwear Tankini Top, sizes 4-18, $50, and Tidewater Swimwear Skort, sizes 4-18, $50; llbean.com.

 

Color Blocking


SUPER POWER: Strategically placed color panels visually slim your shape.
Land’s End AquaSport Scoop One Piece Swimsuit, sizes 6-18 regular, 2-16 petite, $69, 16W-26W, $79; landsend.com.

 

Cut Outs


SUPER-POWER: Open areas add a dash of sexy without revealing too much—especially when they’re covered by transparent mesh.
Miraclesuit Jena suit, sizes 6-16, $160; everythingbutwater.com.

 

Geometric Prints


SUPER POWER: Allover patterns keep the eye moving, making you appear sleek and shapely.
Always For Me, plus sizes 14W-26W, $95; alwaysforme.com.

 

Built in Underwire


SUPER POWER: This lingerie-like top provides extra structure and comes in bra-cup sizes.
Cleo Swim by Panache Lucille tankini top, sizes 30-38 D-H, $78; classic brief, sizes XS-XXL, $36; barenecessities.com.

 

Diagonal Patterns


SUPER POWER: These visual details lend your torso a longer silhouette.
Reebok suit, sizes 8-18, $125; macys.com.

 

Control Fabric


SUPER POWER: Super-stretch, shapewear-like fabric holds you in for a slimmer look all over.
Land’s End Beach Living Scoop Tankini Top with Control, sizes 2-18 regular, 2-16 petite, $69, and 14W-26W, $75; Beach Living High Waist Bottoms with Control, sizes 2-18 regular, $39, and 14W-26W, $49. Both at landsend.com.

 

Extra Coverage


SUPER-POWER: With its fuller-coverage length, a swimdress or skirt slims upper thighs by hitting at the leanest part of the leg. And the attached bottoms underneath won’t show any VPL (visibile panty lines)!
Chico’s swimdress, sizes 8-16, $129; chicos.com.

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