9 Extremely Flattering Swimsuits That Aren’t Diapers Or Thongs
We’ve hit the holy grail of bottoms, my friends. And it’s shaped a bit like a holy grail.
Image from J. Crew
by The Candidly Team
We’re not going to drag out all the usual self-deprecating tropes about finding a flattering swimsuit. But there IS one thing we hate above all other things about most of the ones out there.
It’s the thing that ruins even the prettiest, stretchiest, most curve-celebrating of suits.
We, of course, are talking about the bottoms.
Specifically the sorry excuse for a strip of fabric meant to “cover” our bottoms.
Either it’s the world’s skinniest triangle whose only real aspiration in life is to be a thong. Or it’s so wide and pouchy, we look like a toddler.
All of it equates to so much awkward adjusting, that the southern halves of our suits mostly just end up being hidden under bulky towels and linen shorts.
But no more.
Because we found 9 perfect suits that fit as gorgeously as they look. They’re long … enough. They’re wide … enough. They’re smoothing and sculpting and supportive … enough.
Slipping on any one of them comes with the breath of fresh air and buzz of excitement of finally finding a suit we look forward to wearing to all those lovely, sun-kissed, summer things.
And here they are:
1. The Perfect, Classic One-Piece
We start with what might be our favorite one-piece of all time. In fact, we wrote a whole love letter to it HERE, complete with many original photos. The fabric holds you in in a way that makes you feel deeply supported, and while the shape offers plenty of bum coverage, the cut is still very chic and jussst sexy enough. It sizes up to XXXL and comes in long torso, so you can achieve your perfect, non-adjustment-needing fit. We particularly like the ribbed version, which doubles as a very flattering tank when we’re ready to toss on a skirt and head to lunch.
Price: $128
2. The Waist-Cinching Bandeau
J. Crew Ruched Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit
We know we’re talking about backsides here, and believe us, this J. Crew suit has the exact right “angles” of butt coverage, but the ruching round the middle also makes it an incredibly flattering suit on thicker waists. J. Crews suits have an impressive size and color range. Also, very few people realize how beautifully a bandeau top will frame fuller arms and chests, where straps can actually make us look wider. It’s true. Give it a test run.
Price: $49.50
3. The Blissfully High-Waisted Bikini
Left On Friday Hi Tide Bottom And Sunday Top
We feel our best in a high-waisted bottom, but the shape needs to be very clever for it to not enter diaper territory. This suit has achieved this better than any other. Oh and the color selection as well as the different top styles are the stuff of dreams. We personally love this particular top because it has the same effect of a low-cut, string bikini but with more fabric up front for our over 35 chests, so we don’t feel like we’re spilling out every time we toss someone the sunblock.
Price: $95 for the bottom and $95 from the top
4. The Sculpting, Smocked Suit That Doubles As A Top
Boden Milos Smocked Bandeau Swimsuit
Smocking is a very smart move when it comes to keeping things smooth and in place. This suit is stunning on every shape but has plenty of support for fuller chests, and again, the correct amount of coverage in the back. Although we will say, it also makes the prettiest top to pair with shorts or a midi skirt, giving you a very cute hourglass. And no one will even know you’re in a swimsuit.
Price: $125
5. The Chic And Smoothing One Shoulder Suit
We will hop on the one-shoulder trend when it’s this chic and fits curves this well. Summersalt suits size up to 24 and come in long torso for us lengthier ladies, which means we can comfortably live our lives without having to adjust the top or the bottom.
Price: $95
6. The Bikini Set You Won’t Be Adjusting Every 18 Seconds
Summersalt The High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom And Plunge Bikini Top
For anyone looking for an A+ classic bikini that fits in magical ways, this could be your go-to. The cut is simplicity itself, but the high leg means we don’t feel like it’s falling off or like we’re pouring out of it.
Price: $45 for the bottoms, $50 for the top
7. The Prettiest Printed Suit
Boden Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit
This one is for those who don’t want to settle for something boring and black just because it’s the only suit that fits well. In fact, because the fit of this suit from the beloved British brand Boden is so stunning, we can comfortably do a more vibrant print. And it comes in no fewer than 11!
Price: $110
8. The Only Peekaboo Suit We Adore
When you want to dip a toe in showing more skin but aren’t feeling a bikini, this suit is a godsend. The skinny straps and scooped neckline frame chests to perfection, and the bottom has that iconic cut we’ve fallen in love with from Left on Friday.
Price: $180
9. The One-Piece That’s Perfection On Curves
J. Crew Ruched V-Neck One Piece
This is the ultimate, walk, run, and lounge around swimsuit that makes you forget you’re in a swimsuit altogether. Sort of the dream, no? Again, it has the waist-nipping ruching, but the narrowing V-neck and supportive straps also give us all the coverage we need to move about freely. Already imagining the mocktails we’ll be serving up at the pool parties this suit has singlehandedly inspired.
Price: $60 - $118
BONUS: The Chic Cover-Up Skirt
J. Crew Beach Cotton Midi Skirt
We do not love tying a sarong. It’s hard and annoying and just never looks that great. So having this light, full length, whisper of a skirt to button (yes, button) over our swimsuits makes us feel like Grace Kelly on a yacht off the south of France. Also, because it’s J. Crew, it’s always on sale. So maybe more like Grace Kelly on a budget.
Price: $79.50
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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