The Most Flattering Swimsuits for Moms (Tried On by an Actual Mom)

I am SO excited about the summer with Thomas and Charles! Thomas loves the water, and he took swim lessons last year, so he will be SO much more confident in the pool this summer. I’m personally not a big pool fan (I’m not a super strong swimmer), but since Thomas loves it, we’ll spend lots of time at our neighborhood pool this summer. That being said, I needed to do some swimsuit shopping.

If you’re like me (and you probably are if you’re reading this post!), you’re looking for cute, flattering swimsuits that are still conservative and comfortable, especially if you’re an older mom like me. (I’m 40 with a 4 and 1 year old.) I don’t want anything too skimpy, and I need to be able to move around and hold the kiddos without worrying about things staying in place. I also don’t usually like anything too trendy or super cheaply made. (However, if there’s an occasion you want a fun swimsuit for, sometimes a cheaper option is best for one-time wear.)

I believe in quality over quantity, so I typically buy 1-2 nice bathing suits a year and just alternate. Again, the key here is buying suits that are simple and not too trendy. In this post, I’m rounding up my favorite picks so far, at lots of different price ranges.

The Most Flattering Swimsuits for Moms (Tried On by an Actual Mom)

One Piece Swimsuits

Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit (My #1 Pick!)

The La Blanca Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit is hands-down the best one-piece swimsuit for the price. It has everything you could want: a built-in bra for support, just the right amount of tummy control, and a flattering silhouette that enhances your shape. The neckline is tastefully sexy and the bum is full-coverage. The fabric is soft yet holds you in, and the straps stay put even when you’re running after kids. It’s classic, timeless, and worth every penny. I find that it runs true-to-size (maybe a tiny bit small). I have a size 4 in this. See how it fits in this LTK video.

Stylest DreamSculpt Square Neck One Piece

The DreamSculpt Square Neck One Piece is viral for good reason. It’s designed to feel like shapewear and it does. They use luxury French compression fabric that targets key problem areas. This swimsuit is ultra flattering, but it isn’t easy to get on and off because it’s so tight. If you’re looking for the most cinching swimsuit on the market, this is it. It’s comfortable once you’re wearing it, but I’m telling you, getting it on and off is quite an ordeal. I do recommend it, but just be aware! Size up 1 size in this. I shared a short video try-on on LTK here.

Left On Friday Peak One Swimsuit

Left On Friday is known for high-quality, sporty swimwear, and the Peak One-Piece is no exception. It’s made of a compressive yet comfortable fabric that keeps everything secure (it feels similar to activewear). The neckline is flattering but not too revealing, and the leg cut elongates your frame but it’s not cheeky. I bought two different colors in this swimsuit for the upcoming summer, but I’ll probably only keep one since they’re the same style. I love the fun cutout that makes this swimsuit interesting but still pretty conservative. Go up 1 size in this too.

The ONLY qualm I have is that their swimsuits aren’t lined, so I recommend getting these nippies to wear underneath. They’re waterproof and last for SO many uses. (I have a two piece from LOF that I love, as well, which you’ll see further down in the post.)

J.Crew Ruched Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit

This hot pink one piece from J.Crew is SO flattering with the front ruching tummy control (especially if you’re postpartum) and the neckline is nice too! It’s fully lined AND has a full coverage bottom. I wasn’t a fan of bandeau cuts on me before this suit, but I wore this non-stop last season (and the year before) and plan to do the same again this year. It comes in 10 colors, and it comes in a classic fit or a fit for long torsos, which is great for taller women. I wear a size 2, and I’m typically a size XS in most items. I think this style would be flattering on all body types.

Two Piece Swimsuits

Left On Friday Sunday Top and Bottoms

This Left on Friday bikini set is my very favorite of all of the two pieces I’ve ever had. The brand makes super high quality pieces that feel sporty while also being super flattering. I wear an XS in the top and the bottoms. I prefer the High Tide bottoms for a high-waist style.

J.Crew Squareneck Bikini Top

J.Crew is always one of my go-tos when shopping for swimsuits, since their styles fit really well, and the quality is top notch. This hot pink bikini top is a perfect option for our neighborhood pool, since it’s flattering but not too revealing. I’m wearing it with the J.Crew Classic Full Coverage Bikini Bottom in this fun Bright Cerise color.

Tularosa Dreamer Top and Bottoms

This Tularosa floral bikini set was another fun splurge for our recent trip to Dominica. I LOVE the color and pattern, and the cut is super feminine. The bottom is a little cheekier than I would wear to our neighborhood pool though, so keep that in mind. This is a good swimsuit for a vacation with your husband. Shop the bikini top here and the bikini bottoms here.

Amazon Cutout One Shoulder Bikini Set

For an affordable, trendy option, this Amazon Cutout One Shoulder Bikini Set is surprisingly flattering. The high-waisted bottoms offer tummy control, and the one-shoulder design adds a chic touch. It’s a great option if you want something stylish without spending a fortune. I have a size small in this set.

My Favorite Cover-ups

J.Crew Relaxed-fit Beach Shirt

I love a simple linen button-down as a swim coverup. It feels appropriate enough to wear over swimsuits when I’m running into the clubhouse or restroom; the sleeves add nice UV coverage, and I appreciate the relaxed feel. This Beach Shirt from J.Crew is slightly sheer and oversized.

Short Crochet Coverup

For an affordable pick, this short crochet coverup is amazing. I love the open-back and relaxed fit. I have a size small.

Pink Carolina Caftan

If you prefer a longer coverup, this Pink Carolina Caftan from Tuckernuck is really fun. I love the windowpane details, side slits, and faux pockets. It’s such a chic option.

What Style of Bathing Suit is the Most Slimming?

The slimming swimsuits usually combine ruching, tummy control panels, and high-waisted cuts. Dark colors and vertical patterns can also help create a more elongated, streamlined look. Fabrics like nylon and spandex provide the right mix of support and flexibility, ensuring a comfortable fit. The most slimming option from the swimsuits above is easily the Stylest DreamSculpt Square Neck One Piece.

How to Hide Mom Pooch or Hiding Larger Stomachs in a Swimsuit

Since I had my c-section, my lower belly protrudes just a little bit (and sometimes it’s a pretty noticeable shelf, especially when my scar is tight from working out). While it doesn’t bother me, I don’t really want others to see it. It just feels private, if that makes sense? I wore the La Blanca swimsuit all summer last year since the ruching disguised everything. Darker colors help a lot too. Look for swimsuits with ruching, peplum details, or a wrap design. High-waisted bikini bottoms can also help by smoothing out the lower stomach area. Tummy control panels are another great feature to look for, as they offer gentle compression without being too tight.

How to Lift Sagging Breasts in Swimsuits

For added lift, look for swimsuits with built-in underwire, molded cups, or thicker straps for extra support. Stylest actually makes swim bras that you can wear under your swimsuits – they have straps that can be removed if your swimsuit is strapless, too. Brilliant, right? Halter tops and balconette styles can also provide a natural lift. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit, ensuring you get the support you need. If your swimsuit isn’t padded, I recommend wearing these sticky nipple covers. They’re waterproof and reusable–I probably get 30 uses per pair.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect swimsuit as a mom doesn’t have to be a struggle. With these tried-and-true picks, you can feel confident, comfortable, and stylish—all while keeping up with your little ones. Whether you prefer a classic one-piece, a chic two-piece, or a stylish cover-up, there’s something here for every mom.

Happy swimming and lounging! And don’t forget sunscreen! Here’s a list of my favorite non-toxic sunscreens.

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