Bank Holiday weekend is a scorcher, so if you’re lounging around by a lido, pool or the seaside, shop these tummy control swimsuits, hand-picked by our fashion team
Bank Holiday weekend is shaping up to be a scorcher, which means Britain’s beaches, lidos and paddling-pool-filled gardens are about to be packed. And while bikinis will always have their place, there’s something reassuring about a swimsuit with a bit more support.
The good news is that tummy control swimwear has moved on massively in recent years. Gone are the stiff, overly structured one-pieces that looked more functional than fashionable. Now it’s all about subtle shaping panels, clever ruching and cuts that sculpt in a much softer, more flattering way. Add in bold colours, deep necklines and standout prints, and they look far more fashion-forward than older styles ever did.
So whether you’re heading to the seaside, lounging by a pool or attempting to recreate a Mediterranean holiday on a British Bank Holiday, these are the tummy control swimsuits our fashion team rates most this summer from the likes of M&S, Bravissimo and New Look…
New Look Dark Pink Tummy Control Double Ring Trim Swimsuit
Shop it for £29.99 in red or black
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Bold coloured swimwear always looks brilliant in the sunshine, and this textured one-piece stands out thanks to its crinkle fabric and ring-detail straps. Built-in tummy control mesh smooths through the middle, while the scoop neckline and thicker straps offer extra support. Available in sizes 6-22, it’s a great option if black swimwear feels a little too ‘meh’.
Next Shaping Tummy Control Swimsuit
Shop it for £38 in leaf print or brown
Don’t shy away from prints when it comes to swimwear – they won’t make your wobbly bits stand out if you pick the right one (like this). The sculpting fabric through the stomach creates a streamlined silhouette, while the SPF50+ fabric protects you from the sun. It’s also available in regular and petite lengths, which makes a huge difference if standard swimsuits tend to pull awkwardly through the body.
Bravissimo Sydney Tummy Control Swimsuit
*Head of Fashion’s top pick
Shop it for £72 in cherry print
Supportive swimwear for bigger busts can often look overly practical, but this cherry-print Bravissimo style manages to balance both support and style. Available in bra sizing rather than dress sizing, it combines hidden bust support with tummy control lining for a more sculpted fit overall. The print keeps it playful and summery, too.
M&S Tummy Control Deep Plunge Swimsuit
*Fashion writer’s top pick
Shop it for £36 in six shades
M&S has become increasingly brilliant for swimwear, and this deep plunge design looks particularly expensive. The lower neckline gives it a more fashion-led edge, while the sculpting tummy control technology smooths through the middle. Available in sizes 8-24, and in regular and longer length fits, the tummy control panel helps to sculpt your figure, while removable padding offers versatility.
Pour Moi Indonesia Twist Front Ruched Tummy Control Swimsuit
Shop it for £45 in three shades
Ruched swimwear continues to dominate for good reason. This Pour Moi style, in sizes 10-20, uses gathered fabric and a twist-front detail to add definition at the waist, while the tan-boosting blue gives it a holiday-ready finish. Hidden tummy control lining and light bust support add extra structure without taking away from the overall look.
