The Ultimate Guide to Finding Flattering Swimwear: Fit, Support & Confidence
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Flattering Swimwear: Fit, Support & Confidence
Finding swimwear should be exciting.
You're shopping for holidays, sunshine, swimming and days spent by the pool—not standing in front of a mirror wondering whether you're wearing the "right" swimsuit for your body.
Yet finding flattering swimwear can sometimes feel unnecessarily complicated.
Should you wear a bikini or swimsuit? High-waisted or lower-rise bottoms? Halter neck or bandeau? Do you need more bust support? Should you cover your stomach? And does your age suddenly determine what you're allowed to wear?
At SWIMSARA, we think there's a much simpler way to approach it.
The most flattering swimwear is the swimwear that fits properly, gives you the support and coverage you want, and makes you feel confident enough to forget about what you're wearing.
This guide will help you find it.
Discover Swimwear Designed to Make You Feel Incredible
SWIMSARA combines flattering fits, fierce prints and innovative tan-through fabric to give women more choice over how they look and feel in swimwear.
From minimal bikinis to fuller bottoms, supportive halter styles, long sleeves and flattering one-pieces, you choose the level of coverage that makes you feel your best.
And because our specialist fabric allows a proportion of sunlight to reach the skin beneath, choosing more coverage doesn't necessarily mean accepting dramatically stronger tan lines.
What Makes Swimwear Flattering?
Let's start with something important.
There isn't one universally flattering swimsuit.
Women have different bodies, different proportions and—just as importantly—different ideas about what makes them feel confident.
For one woman, that might be a plunging one-piece.
For another, it's a tiny bikini.
Someone else might feel incredible in high-waisted bottoms and a supportive top.
Rather than asking:
"What should I wear for my body?"
Try asking:
"What do I want from my swimwear?"
Think about:
- How much coverage you prefer
- How much bust support you want
- Which parts of your body you love highlighting
- Where you'd prefer additional coverage
- Whether you'll be swimming or mostly relaxing
- How secure you want your swimwear to feel
- Whether tan lines are important to you
Once you know those things, finding your ideal swimwear becomes much easier.
Step 1: Get the Fit Right
The most beautiful swimsuit in the world won't look its best if it doesn't fit properly.
Swimwear should sit closely against your body without feeling painfully tight.
If it's too loose, you may notice:
- Gaping
- Wrinkling
- Straps slipping
- Bikini bottoms moving when you walk or swim
- A lack of bust support
If it's too tight, you may experience:
- Uncomfortable digging
- Excessive pulling
- Straps cutting into your skin
- Feeling restricted when moving
The aim is a secure, smooth and comfortable fit.
This is particularly important with tan-through swimwear because the fabric works best when it sits smoothly against your skin.
Step 2: Decide How Much Coverage You Actually Want
Forget what you think you're supposed to wear.
Think about what makes you comfortable.
Swimwear coverage can range from very minimal to considerably more covered.
If You Prefer Minimal Coverage
Look at styles such as:
- Bandeau bikinis
- String bottoms
- Thong bottoms
- Tanga bottoms
These styles are ideal if you love showing more skin and want to minimise the amount of fabric you're wearing.
If You Prefer Medium Coverage
Consider:
- Halter bikinis
- Classic bikini bottoms
- Crop bikini tops
- One-piece swimsuits
These can give you a little more security without feeling overly covered.
If You Prefer More Coverage
Look at:
- Full bikini bottoms
- High-waisted bottoms
- Crop tops
- One-piece swimsuits
- Long-sleeve swim tops
And remember: more coverage doesn't mean less stylish.
Read our Best Swimwear for More Coverage Without Sacrificing Style guide for more ideas.
Step 3: Find the Right Bust Support
Bust support is one of the biggest considerations when choosing swimwear.
And more support doesn't necessarily mean you need underwire.
The right construction can make an enormous difference.
Look for features such as:
- Wider straps
- Adjustable halter necks
- Secure under bust fits
- Adjustable necklines
- Crop-style tops
- Stretchy, supportive fabric
For a Fuller Bust
A halter neck can be particularly useful because you can personalise the fit rather than relying on fixed straps.
The Halter Bikini provides a classic halter neck silhouette with wider straps for a secure, comfortable feel.
The Aurora Halter Bikini gives you even more control through its adjustable centre toggle, allowing you to alter the neckline and personalise the amount of cleavage and support.
Prefer more coverage? A Crop Top Bikini can provide additional security across the bust while maintaining a soft, wire-free feel.
Shop Supportive Bikini Styles
For more advice, read our Best Swimwear for a Fuller Bust: Supportive Styles Without Underwire guide.
Step 4: Choose Your Bikini Bottoms Separately
One of the easiest ways to improve the fit of your bikini is to stop assuming your top and bottom need to be the same size or offer the same level of coverage.
Many women are a completely different size or proportion through their bust, waist and hips.
You might love a revealing bikini top but want fuller bottoms.
Or you might prefer more bust coverage with a minimal bottom.
Where available, choosing your bikini top and bottom separately gives you much more control over the final fit.
SWIMSARA offers different bottom styles depending on the design, including:
- String
- Thong
- Tanga
- Classic
- Full pant
- High-waisted
Choose the one that makes you feel best.
Step 5: Think About Your Stomach and Waist
One of the most searched-for questions when women shop for swimwear is how to find a swimsuit that's flattering around the stomach.
But you don't automatically need to cover your stomach.
If you're happy showing it, wear the bikini.
If you'd feel more comfortable with additional coverage, you have several options.
High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
High-waisted bottoms give you more coverage around the stomach while still allowing you to wear a bikini.
They're also easy to mix and match with different tops.
One-Piece Swimsuits
A well-cut one-piece naturally provides more coverage through the torso.
Rather than looking for something designed purely to hide your body, choose a swimsuit that celebrates your shape.
The Paula Fitted Swimsuit, for example, combines body coverage with a plunging neckline and open back.
You get coverage without losing femininity.
Step 6: Choose Swimwear for Your Body Shape—Without Getting Obsessed With Rules
You'll find endless advice online telling women exactly what they "should" wear based on whether they're pear-shaped, apple-shaped, hourglass or athletic.
These guides can be useful as a starting point.
But they're not rules.
If You Have a Fuller Bust
Adjustable halter necks, wider straps and crop tops can provide additional support.
If You Have Fuller Hips or Bottom
You might prefer classic, full or high-waisted bottoms—or you might love highlighting your curves in a tanga.
Both can work.
If You Want to Define Your Waist
High-waisted bottoms and fitted one-piece swimsuits can naturally draw attention towards the waist.
If You Have a Smaller Bust
Bandeau, plunge and adjustable bikini styles can all work beautifully depending on the look you want.
If You Have an Athletic Figure
Plunging necklines, bold prints and bikini separates can add visual shape—but again, there's no reason you can't wear something completely different.
Use body-shape advice for ideas, not restrictions.
Step 7: Bikini or Swimsuit?
The answer is whichever you prefer.
But each offers different advantages.
Choose a Bikini If You Want:
- More freedom to mix and match
- Different sizes on top and bottom
- Control over bottom coverage
- More exposed skin
- Easy changes between different styles
Choose a Swimsuit If You Want:
- More coverage through the torso
- A streamlined one-piece look
- Less movement between separate pieces
- An outfit that can double as a bodysuit
- A balance of coverage and statement styling
And there's no reason you need to choose just one.
A bikini one day and a swimsuit the next can also help vary where your swimwear sits against your skin.
Step 8: Don't Let Your Age Decide Your Swimwear
There's no age when you suddenly become "too old" for a bikini.
And there's no age when you're required to start covering your body.
Your preferences may change over time—but that's different.
You might want:
- More bust support
- Fuller bottom coverage
- A higher waist
- More coverage around your stomach
- A swimsuit rather than a bikini
Or you might want exactly the same bikini styles you've always loved.
Choose according to your body and confidence today, not a rule attached to your age.
For more inspiration, read our Best Swimwear for Women Over 40 guide.
Step 9: Don't Be Afraid of Colour and Print
There's an old idea that black is always the most flattering swimwear colour.
Black can look beautiful.
But it isn't your only option.
Bold prints can be incredibly flattering because they draw the eye across the entire design.
Animal print, tropical patterns, florals and vibrant colours can also make your swimwear feel like an outfit rather than simply something practical for swimming.
SWIMSARA was created around the idea that coverage and confidence don't have to mean blending into the background.
If a fierce print makes you feel incredible, wear it.
Step 10: Think About What You'll Actually Be Doing
The perfect bikini for lying beside the pool might not be the one you choose for swimming in the sea.
Think about your holiday.
For Sunbathing
You may prefer bandeau styles and minimal bottoms.
For Swimming
A more secure halter, crop top or swimsuit may feel more comfortable.
For Active Beach Days
Look for styles that feel secure when you're moving.
For More Upper-Body Coverage
Consider a Long Sleeve Set.
SWIMSARA's Long Sleeve Top is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, making it a versatile alternative to a traditional heavier rash vest.
Pair it with the bottom that gives you your preferred level of coverage.
What About Tan Lines?
Coverage presents one obvious problem with traditional swimwear: the more fabric you wear, the more areas of skin are usually covered from the sun.
This is one of the reasons SWIMSARA was created.
Our innovative tan-through fabric is designed to allow a proportion of sunlight to pass through the material and reach the skin underneath.
That means you can choose styles with greater coverage while still working towards a softer, more even-looking tan.
It doesn't guarantee completely line-free tanning. Results can vary according to factors including your skin type, UV levels, fit and how consistently you wear the swimwear.
But it gives women another option beyond choosing between covering up or exposing more skin to tan.
Want to understand exactly how it works? Read our Ultimate Guide to Tan-Through Swimwear.
SWIMSARA Styles: Which One Is Right for You?
Aurora Halter Bikini
Best for: Adjustable cleavage and personalised support.
The centre toggle lets you adjust the neckline, while the halter neck gives you further control over the fit.
Halter Bikini
Best for: Classic support and a feminine neckline.
Wider halter straps provide a secure feel while still creating a flattering bikini silhouette.
Crop Top Bikini
Best for: Additional bust coverage and security.
A comfortable wire-free option for swimming, active beach days or simply when you prefer more coverage.
Bandeau Bikini
Best for: Minimal shoulder tan lines and a less structured fit.
Wear it strapless or use the detachable string when you want some additional security and support.
Paula Fitted Swimsuit
Best for: More body coverage with a feminine silhouette.
A fitted one-piece with a plunging neckline and open back.
Shop the Paula Fitted Swimsuit
Long Sleeve Set
Best for: Maximum upper-body coverage.
Lightweight tan-through fabric gives you additional coverage without the feel of a traditional heavy rash vest.
Choose your preferred bottoms to create the coverage that feels right for you.
How Do You Know When You've Found the Right Swimwear?
Try not to judge it purely by how it looks standing completely still in front of a mirror.
Move.
Sit down.
Walk around.
Raise your arms.
Imagine getting out of a swimming pool.
The right swimwear should make you feel secure enough that you're not constantly adjusting it.
If you spend your entire holiday pulling at your bikini bottoms or checking whether your top has moved, the fit isn't working for you.
Your swimwear should allow you to enjoy yourself—not become something you spend all day thinking about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most flattering type of swimsuit?
There isn't one universally flattering swimsuit. The best style depends on your proportions, preferred level of coverage, support requirements and personal style.
How do I choose swimwear for my body type?
Start with what you want to highlight and where you'd prefer additional coverage. Then consider bust support, bottom coverage and overall fit rather than following rigid body-shape rules.
What swimsuit is best for tummy coverage?
One-piece swimsuits and high-waisted bikini bottoms are popular choices if you prefer more coverage around your stomach.
What bikini is best for a fuller bust?
Look for adjustable styles, wider straps and secure under bust fits. Halter neck and crop-style bikinis can be particularly useful.
What swimsuit makes you look slimmer?
Rather than focusing on looking slimmer, choose swimwear that fits correctly and creates the silhouette you like. A secure fit, well-positioned neckline and comfortable bottom coverage can make a significant difference to how confident you feel.
Should I size up or down in swimwear?
Start with your usual size and check the individual product's fit guidance. Swimwear should sit securely against the body without uncomfortable digging or loose fabric.
Are high-waisted bikinis flattering?
They can be. High-waisted bottoms provide additional stomach coverage and naturally draw attention towards the waist, but whether you prefer them is ultimately personal.
Can women over 40 wear bikinis?
Absolutely. There is no age limit on wearing a bikini. Choose the level of support, coverage and style that makes you feel confident.
What swimwear is best if I want more coverage?
Consider one-piece swimsuits, high-waisted or full bikini bottoms, crop tops and long-sleeve swimwear. Read our Best Swimwear for More Coverage Without Sacrificing Style guide for more ideas.
Can flattering swimwear still be tan-through?
Yes. SWIMSARA offers bikinis, swimsuits and higher-coverage styles made using innovative tan-through fabric designed to allow some sunlight to reach the skin underneath.
Related Guides
Want to explore a particular fit or style in more detail?
Best Swimwear for More Coverage Without Sacrificing Style
Discover stylish options when you'd prefer additional coverage around your bust, stomach, bottom or upper body.
Best Swimwear for a Fuller Bust: Supportive Styles Without Underwire
Discover bikini and swimsuit styles designed to provide greater support without relying on underwire.
Best Swimwear for Women Over 40
Explore flattering swimwear that puts fit, confidence and personal style ahead of outdated age rules.
Best Tan-Through Swimwear for Your Body Shape
Find tan-through styles based on the fit, coverage and support you prefer.
The Ultimate Guide to Tan-Through Swimwear
Discover how tan-through fabric works, what results to expect and everything to know before trying it.
Find Swimwear That Makes You Feel Like You
Flattering swimwear isn't about changing your body.
It's about finding the fit, support and coverage that allows you to enjoy it.
Some women feel incredible in a bandeau and string bottoms. Others prefer a supportive halter, high-waisted bikini, fitted swimsuit or long-sleeve set.
Neither choice is more confident than the other.
At SWIMSARA, we want you to have the choice.
And with innovative tan-through fabric, choosing more coverage doesn't necessarily mean giving up on a more even-looking holiday tan.
Ready to experience the difference?
Shop SWIMSARA's best-selling tan-through swimwear collection.
