Best flattering women's swimsuits for summer 2022
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Swimsuit shopping is never easy. From the cut of the leg, to the thickness of the straps, there are so many elements to consider — all of which can either work together to ensure a flattering fit, or conspire to leave you constantly readjusting, unable to relax or swim in comfort.
As with so many things in life, the proof is in the pudding – which in this case means 'the swimming'. So a good way to gauge the difference between a truly flattering swimming costume and a terrible one, is to take a look at how popular they are with shoppers and whether reviews rate them highly or poorly.
To make your summer swimwear shop a little easier, we've rounded up 12 one-piece swimsuits that are selling fast or which have glowing reviews. Scroll down to find your new fave for summer 2022.
M&S Collection Tummy Control Ruched Plunge Swimsuit | £29.50 at M&S
Racy red one-pieces will always be an iconic look, but while tight lycra Baywatch styles may not flatter everyone, this ruched swimsuit with a pretty crossover front and adjustable straps is proving popular with shoppers.
Available in sizes 8 to 24 and cut it in a regular fit, this swimsuit has added stretch and 'Tummy Control' mesh lining designed to flatter curves. Customers who have written reviews, recommend sizing up, especially if you have a bigger bust.
Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit | £65 at Boden
"This is the most perfect swimming costume," writes one happy shopper in a review for this swimsuit. "Great fit and support. I ordered two hoping they would be good, but they are great, so delighted to have the costume dilemma sorted. You will not be disappointed."
You'd never guess this halterneck swimsuit has lightly padded fixed cups and a body-sculpting lining to help keep everything in place. The striped panel design and waistband detail give added hourglass shaping. Available in sizes 6 to 22, this swimsuit also comes in regular and long lengths, making it a good choice if you're tall and one-pieces normally feel like they could cut you in two.
Goodmove Animal Print Padded Scoop Neck Swimsuit | £25 at M&S
This bold print will draw the eye in a flattering way. Cut in a regular fit with a classic scoop neck, this swimsuit has subtly padded non-wired cups for comfortable support.
Available in sizes 8 to 24, the consensus among shoppers is that you should size up for a good fit. "Lovely material, very comfortable," writes one customer in a review. "Perfect for swimming or aqua aerobics. So good that I bought two."
John Lewis & Partners Plain Twist Front Swimsuit, Black | £39 at John Lewis & Partners
This little black swimming costume is the epitome of elegance, with a plunging neckline that tapers into a twist front and medium-shaping control. The legs are medium cut and the back is a flattering low scoop.
Available in sizes 10 to 20, finish off your look by pairing it with a large sunhat and oversized sunglasses. One shopper revealed in the reviews that she has worn this costume so often that she has now bought a second one. "I fully recommend this swimsuit," she wrote. "I was so impressed by it. I swim four times a week and it lasted ages, kept is shape and is very flattering."
M&S Collection Tummy Control Ruched Square Neck Swimsuit | £29.50 at Marks and Spencer
If a plunging V-neckline feels too revealing for you, then a classic square neck is a good alternative. This swimsuit has padded cups for a smooth outline, as well as front and back 'Magic 360 Tummy Control' panels to sculpt your shape. Available in sizes 6 to 24, reviewers again advise you size up when ordering.
One shopper who said she bought this for a holiday as she "needed support and did not want to reveal too much", commented in a review that: "the body did not ride up when being worn and the tummy panel did the job well. Was comfortable when being worn in both sea and pool".
M&S Collection Tummy Control Padded Plunge Swimsuit | £29.50 at Marks and Spencer
Ribbed fabric is a great choice if you find the skin-tight nature of swimsuits off-putting. The V-shape slit at the neckline on this swimming costume may not look supportive, but rest assured it has been designed with built-in pads to give your bust a supportive lift. Shoppers describe this suit as "classy and sexy" while also being "not too revealing".
"Stunning, flattering, quite low-cut but everything stays in place," comments one reviewer who added that despite its reasonable price tag the swimsuit is "expensive looking". Available in navy or black in sizes 8 to 24, going up a size is again recommended.
Flyrong Swimming Costume Tummy Control V Neck One Piece | £23.99 at Amazon
Available in sizes S (UK 8-10) to XXL (24-26), this swimming costume has garnered an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,400 buyers. It is also available in a wide variety of colours and prints, lessening the likelihood of bumping into another swimmer in the same outfit as you. It has adjustable straps, which cross at the back to give a customised fit, soft wire-free cups and the fabric is shirred for a flattering silhouette.
Anne Weyburn Tummy-Toning Swimsuit | £35 (Was £70) at La Redoute
Rated an average five out of five stars from 83 reviews, this swimsuit has an unusual transparent panel at the top and a pretty tie back. "I love this swimsuit, so classy, fits well. I ordered a 12, usually a 10 but swimwear I find comes up small," reads one review. "I wore it at the lido this week and had lots of compliments. I would even wear it as a top with jeans, highly recommended."
Available in sizes 8 to 24, the cups have removable foam padding and are wire-free, plus the whole swimsuit is lined at the front with 'shaping tulle for a tummy-toning effect'.
Shaping Swimsuit | £29.99 at H&M
One customer who left a review for this swimming costume admitted she was "sceptical" about ordering it, but was pleased to find it has "such a lovely fit". "I’m a little conscious of my midriff," she explained. "But needn’t be with this costume, as it pulls you totally in and [ruches] in the middle, which was a bonus for me. The material is quite thick, but not noticeable, it feels much more expensive than it is."
Available in sizes 6 to 22, this swimsuit has adjustable shoulder straps and supportive cups with removable inserts. If you're not a fan of the nautical stripes, it also comes in khaki green and black
Paradise Floral Print Twist Bandeau Swimsuit, Green/Multi | £35 at John Lewis & Partners
"Fabulous fit, very flattering. I was the envy of my girlfriends on our hot tub on holiday," writes one happy customer in a review for this swimming costume. Available in sizes 8 to 18, this adjustable halterneck swimsuit features a bold tropical floral print and has been designed "to sculpt your shape in a smoothing fit throughout, topped with twist detail at the bust".
Melissa Odabash Panarea One-Piece Swimsuit | £210.94 at Nordstrom
Cindy Crawford, Eva Longoria, JLo, Amanda Holden, Christie Brinkley and Millie Mackintosh are all fans of luxury swimwear brand Melissa Odabash. This bright blue one-piece features flattering ruching across the bust and waist, adjustable straps, removable cups and medium cut legs, making for a figure flattering shape. Available in sizes 2 to 12 at Nordstrom, or in sizes 6 to 16 direct from Melissa Odabash for £246, shoppers are again advised to buy a size up from their usual dress size.
Square-Neck Textured Swimsuit | £69 at The White Company
"Love this swimsuit, unusual material is very flattering as it moulds to your body and smooths out lumps and bumps," comments one customer in a review. This stylish black one-piece, is available in sizes XS (6-8) to XL (16-18) and features a cut-out detail at the neckline and a square cut across the front and back.
