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Shopping for swimwear can be a drag even for the most body-confident among us.
In fact, surveys over the years have identified that half of British women dread baring their tummy at the beach more than getting naked with a new man for the first time, while 73% of women admitted in a Refinery29 survey that wearing a swimsuit or bikini to the beach was their biggest cause of stress when it came to their bodies.
Needless to say, tummy control swimwear is a hugely sought-after item. This is why it's currently flying off the virtual and IRL shelves at Marks & Spencer – the brand renowned for being one of the best at making swimwear for real women's bodies.
Luckily, there are loads of lovely swimsuits available from lots of different brands that'll help you feel your best on the beach this swimwear season.
So you can get on with enjoying your holiday, we've curated five of the most wearable, tummy-flattering swimsuits out there.
In this edit, you'll find clever cuts, ruching, ruching, tie belts (to enhance and draw attention to small waists) or special fabric that holds you in.
Like an LBD, the LBS (Little Black Swimsuit) is a classic summer staple. Available in sizes 8-24, this chic M&S bathing suit has ribbed fabric with a slightly plunging, non-wired, V-neck. And it has built-in pads for more support and lift.
It also features chlorine-resistant StayNew™ fabric meaning it won't sag or bag and will retain its shape and quality for years.
The best bit? The special M&S Secret Slimming™ tech for a comfortable and flattering fit.
It can also double as a top. There's even a photo of one customer wearing it as a 'bodysuit' with a pair of smart green trousers.
Plus shoppers of all shapes and sizes love the fabric and fit. "Great fit. Looked stunning. Was not too revealing. Classy and sexy," wrote one, while another loved its secret slimming effect: "The ribbed fabric is thick and structured, the shaping is perfect. Offered brilliant support and hold without you ever knowing it was a 'tummy control' suit."
This customer also rated its flattering effect: "Lovely swimsuit with supportive fabric that holds all the lumps and bumps in. Bust area is cut well and very flattering."
Boden does swimwear well and this gorgeous swimsuit is available in 10 lovely prints and colours ranging from florals to fuchsia, palm print and classic black.
But we love this stylish navy and white polka dot look. In sizes 6 to 20, Boden's Corsica V-neck Swimsuit features body-sculpting lining at the front and back. It has silicone tape at the neckline and boning in the side seams for extra support, with fixed, moulded pads in the bust, and the straps are adjustable. Another plus point? It comes in long and regular sizes.
Customers are keen, too, with reviews mentioning the fab fit: "Looking for swimwear is nothing short of traumatic for me so imagine my surprise when this arrived and ticked every box! Stylish, great fabric and fits like a dream! 10/10".
Its confidence-boosting benefits were a winner, too: "Swimsuits are just plain intimidating and I can honestly say I feel confident in this suit. Boden never disappoints, bravo!"
And taller shoppers were happy with the longer length option: "I am 6'3' and ordered the 12L and was very pleased with the length of the torso. Cute style and something different than the typical suits found with long torso length."
Perfect for curvy figures, this stunning emerald-green swimsuit comes in OX/16-18; 1X/20-22; 2X/24-26; 3X/28-30.
The vintage-inspired one-piece features halter ties that turn into adjustable cross straps at the back, and a plunging neckline. The shirring in the centre helps flatter your tummy area.
Never heard of CupShe? It's an online-only brand that's soaring in popularity due to its size inclusivity and affordability (you can currently get plus-size sale pieces for under £20).
And it has some of the most unique, feminine swimwear designs around for women of all shapes and sizes.
Needless to say, this standout plus-size suit hit the swimwear sweet spot with CupShe's customers. "Very figure-flattering for curvy girls! 10/10 would recommend!" raved one, while another wrote "Lovely and great fit. Feel held in and comfortable in this."
And this customer has found 'the one': "I'm in love with this suit! It is so flattering on and I feel so sexy and confident in it. Enhances my smaller waist and minimises my larger belly and hips."
You'll definitely feel like prowling around the pool in this leopard print number. It's currently a best-seller and we can see why.
Not only is the print sensational, but the wrap front is flattering and provides medium tummy control. It's non-underwired for comfort and has crossover straps at the back (which can also be worn straight) with a high-cut leg.
Customers love the John Lewis & Partners Yala Wrap Swimsuit as much as we do. "Lovely swimsuit, adjustable straps for extra support, felt good on!" said one.
This shopper found a myriad of reasons to praise it: "I really love the colour and design, the plunge neck feels super glam and the wrap across the tummy area is quite flattering (I have a little to conceal!). I also like that the straps can be worn straight or crossed over, it's nice to have the option depending on whether you're sunbathing or swimming as it will be more secure (ie no straps falling off your shoulders)."
This customer summed it up: "Stunning swimsuit, really comfortable and very flattering to wear."
Another CupShe gem, this is a serious hit on the beach, with one mum-of-four enthusing that it made her feel great: "Love love this suit, I have a very hard time feeling comfortable in swimsuits. At 50 and having had 4 kids, well it's hard. This suit is very classy yet sexy. I recently took a trip to SoCal and I was stopped several times on the beaches asking about my suit and how they loved it. I would highly recommend it. So pleased with this purchase."
Another satisfied purchaser commented: "I absolutely love this swimsuit! I was apprehensive about buying a one-piece, but it looks so good, even with my extra curves. Fits true to size, too!"
The secret to its success? The black at the bottom half of the suit is slimming, while the criss-cross tie will draw attention to smaller waists (perfect if you have an hourglass/pears shaped figure.)
This tropical print swimming costume comes in sizes 6-14, has a crossover back with adjustable straps, and removable padding in the bra cups.
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