10 of the best stylish and supportive swimsuits for new mums

Best tummy control swimsuits at a glance:

• Best tie-front: Cupshe Bermuda Plunge Neck Sash Front One Piece Swimsuit, £19
• Best variety of colours and patterns: Next Ruched Side Tummy Control Swimsuit, £38
• Best belted swimsuit: Tu Sainsbury’s Turquoise Textured Tummy Control Belted Swimsuit, £20
• Best classic choice: Marks & Spencer Tummy Control Padded Wrap Plunge Swimsuit, £29.50
• Best for longevity: Youswim Aplomb One-Piece, £126
• Best for a bikini look: Figleaves Costa Rica Underwired Plunge Cut Out Tummy Control Swimsuit, £65
• Best versatile swimsuit: Curvy Kate Wrapsody Bandeau Swimsuit Black, £63
• Best for strong support: Magisculpt Lose Up To An Inch Swimsuit Longer Length, £42
• Best for extra coverage: Speedo Women’s Hyperboom Splice Legsuit Black/Pink, £40
• Best for large bust: Bravissimo Amalfi Frill Swimsuit, £65

What to consider when buying tummy control swimsuits:

Size – We have a range of sizes in the swimsuit choices below ranging from 6-32. Most swimsuits are designed with a reasonable amount of stretch but do bear in mind that the tummy control panels tend to be a more solid fabric so do resist the urge to size down as you may find it very restrictive unless you're opting for a style specifically designed to adapt to a changing body.

Support – In addition to tummy control, you may want some support in other areas, so look out for features like built-in cups or underwire. Also, some of the options on our list have adjustable straps too, this is great if your swimsuit just needs a little bit more adjusting to make it perfect for your body.

Style and design – All of the styles here are swimsuits but they vary in colour, cut, patterns and extra detail. Some have ruching and bow ties, others have plunge necklines and wide straps for comfort.

Coverage – If you desire more coverage on your lower half area we have included a legsuit, which basically has shorts as opposed to a brief-style cut. If you don't want your swimsuit riding up as you play with the kids then the legsuit or a swimsuit with full coverage is a good choice.

Longevity and versatility – Some of our luxury options can offer you more wear out of your swimsuit. Some are made with quality figure-moulding fabric that stretches to fit no matter how your body changes. We also have a swimsuit that can be customised and worn in various styles by wrapping the straps in different ways.

Care – Most of the swimsuits in our list are machine washable but some do need to be hand washed, and most will need to be rinsed straight after use to keep them looking their best. lways have a look at the care label of the swimsuit you have to make sure you're providing the proper care it requires. Fabric softeners can also damage the fibres.

Here are our top picks of tummy control swimsuits for 2023:

1. Cupshe Bermuda Plunge Neck Sash Front One Piece Swimsuit, £19

– Best tie-front

Size: UK 4-14 | Colour: Yellow, Multicolour, Blue | Machine washable: Yes

This Cupshe swimsuit has gorgeous plunge neckline and is in a halter-neck style which means the straps won't fall down. Though this swimsuit doesn't have tummy control technology, it features a cute tie front which can help you feel supported and cinched in the tummy area.

Parent tester Lisa said she found the fit brilliant and loved Cupshe as a brand especially for their coverage options. "The only place I could find high waisted swimwear to cover my mum tum without it featuring what resembled a thong. The one piece with gathered tummy was a delight."

This swimsuit also comes in 3 different colours to suit different skin tones. Parent tester Claire commented on how good the Cupshe swimwear range is and found that they can be a bit pricey but good to buy during the sales. One thing to bear in mind is "They run on small size so I order larger but it’s good quality and comfy which is what you want when running after kids or in my case twins!"

Pros: Affordable on sale, tie front adds detail, variety of colours
Cons: No tummy control panel, can be expensive with full price

Available from: Cupshe

2. Next Ruched Side Tummy Control Swimsuit, £38

– Best variety of colours and patterns

Size: UK Regular 8-20, Tall 10-18 | Fit: Petite, Regular, Tall | Colour: Animal, Berry Red, Black Ditsy, Blue Spot, Brown Animal, Cream floral, Navy ditsy, Navy zig-zag, Navy/Ecru floral, Orange, Pink paisley print | Machine washable: Yes

This Next swimsuit has a gorgeous print, great for wearing on holiday to make a statement. The gathered ruched side detailing gives a nice cinched effect, plus you have the plunge wrapover neckline which will be very handy for breastfeeding mums who don’t want the faff of rolling down their swimsuit.

Animal print is a popular design but if that's not your thing there's a wide variety of colour ways and patterns to choose from in this swimsuit style. You're spoilt for choice when it comes to size options too: if you're on the petite or taller side then you're able to also select your size in this swimsuit.

It includes tummy support so will hold you in at all the right places, and is made with recycled waste such as plastic bottles, supporting more sustainable choices. Parent tester Georg commented "I bought this swimsuit for extra support post c-section. It fits well and because it’s snug it still fits since losing quite a bit of weight. It washed well and I found it to be a reasonable price."

Parent tester Sammy also loved this swimsuit and mentioned how flattering it looked and felt on her. " It also has a good bum coverage, as so many now seem to be more of a Brazilian cut, which always give me a wedgie! "

Pros: Lots of colours and patterns, lovely ruched detail, tummy control, lots of size options
Cons: Might be expensive for some

Available from: Next

3. Tu at Sainsbury's Turquoise Textured Tummy Control Belted Swimsuit, £20

– Best belted swimsuit

Size: UK 6-26 | Machine washable: Yes

Besides its beautiful turquoise colour, the belt across the centre is super flattering, nipping in at the waist. With tummy control to give you support and a smooth silhouette, you'll feel confident and supported while you're on the beach.

This swimsuit also features wide straps and a fairly high neckline which is a good option if you feel conscious about your chest area and want straps that will offer that practical support to your upper body area (although there are no built in wires or chest support beyond this). The size options go from size 6 up to 26. Parent tester Carly rejoiced "I found a lovely one in Sainsbury's a few weeks ago" as she praised the flattering tummy control feature it had.

Pros: Bright colour, tummy control, cute belted detail
Cons: No underbust support, right colour might not be for everyone

Available from: Tu Sainsbury's

4. Marks & Spencer Tummy Control Padded Wrap Plunge Swimsuit, £29.50

– Best classic choice

Size: UK 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 | Machine washable: Yes

Sometimes you just need a good trusty, staple swimsuit to take with you only holiday or have on standby in your wardrobe in case you decide to go for a swim locally.

Marks & Spencer has a great range of costumes designed to smooth and flatter, and this classic black number offers more than the bare minimum. It features a sweetheart-plunge neckline and adjustable straps, perfect for ensuring you have a comfortable fit that's tailored to your new body. The breast cup padding will have you feeling secure and will offer the support you desire.

With M&S's Magic 360° tummy control technology and Secret Slimming power mesh, this will made your tummy area look smooth from all angles. The ruched detailing across the middle adds a lovely touch. And if all that wasn't enough, this swimsuit is made with chlorine-resistant fabric which means that it will keep its stretch for a long time.

Pros: Magic 360° tummy control, Secret Slimming power mesh, adjustable straps, chlorine-resistant fabric
Cons: Might be expensive for some, no small or large sizes

Available from: Marks & Spencer's

5. Youswim Aplomb One-Piece, £126

– Best for longevity

Size: UK 6-18 | Colour: Cosmic, Solar, Tide | Machine washable: No, cool hand wash only

Made in the UK, the Youswim swimsuit ticks so many boxes, particularly if your weight fluctuatates. It's a "one-size-fits-most" swimsuit and is ethically created with stretchy fibre fabric that accommodates a big baby bump, a petite frame and even tall body types.

Though it's on the luxury side when it comes to price tag, it certainly makes up for it with the longevity aspect. You can wear this swimsuit while pregnant and also after baby is born due to the figure hugging adaptable fabric. Parent tester Charlotte agreed saying it's the "most expensive swimwear I’ve bought but worth it as I don’t have swimwear digging in and will fit my body whatever the shape."

Along with the luxury price, this swimsuit requires luxury care. When it comes to washing, gently hand wash with a small amount of mild detergent. Also it's best to handle it carefully as it can snag or loose its shape if it's not taken care of. If you prefer more structured chest support then this swimsuit isn't for you but it has a scooped back if you fancy showing more skin in that area. The ease of wearing this swimsuit means it'll be easy to breastfeed in too. With a few colours to choose from, you're bound to find one that suits you.

Pros: Long-lasting, good colour options, fits a range of sizes
Cons: Expensive price, no bust support

Available from: Youswim

6. Figleaves Costa Rica Underwired Plunge Cut Out Tummy Control Swimsuit, £65

– Best for a bikini look

Size: 32DD-GG, 34D-G, 36D-F, 38DD

With a gorgeous cut-out detail at the back that makes it look more like a two-piece than a swimsuit, and a tropical tiger print design all over, you're bound to turn heads wearing this on the beach. This swimsuit by Figleaves also has underwire cup support in the chest area which great if you want some extra lift to boost your confidence and feel put-together after having a baby. Parent tester Jen testified to this and said her Figleaves swimsuit was "nice and supportive".

There are adjustable straps for you to make this swimwear more suited to your body and the tummy control technology will help your mid-area look smooth and flattering. If you usually wear a bikini but just don't feel quite ready post-birth, this could be perfect for you.

Pros: Adjustable straps, lovely print design and cut-out detail
Cons: Limited sizes available, on the expensive side

Available from: Simply Be

7. Curvy Kate Wrapsody Bandeau Swimsuit Black, £63

– Best versatile swimsuit

Size: UK waist 28-40 D-FF | Machine washable: Yes

Curvy Kate is known offering people with bigger busts the luxury of finding beautiful, stylish swimwear that fits well. This versatile swimsuit adds a touch of glamour with its mesh fabric detail that can be wrapped in multiple ways (shown above). Talk about versatile! Parent tester Katie commented "Curvy Kate all the way. I got an amazing one that can be styled so many ways, has wires for the much needed boob support, and is really flattering."

This Curvy Kate swimsuit is based on the brand's bestselling Luxe strapless bra, so you know your bust will be well-supported. It's sized based on bra band size, starting from 28 and going right up to 40 which is great for inclusivity. Cup sizes start at D and go up to HH. Although this swimsuit is also more on the luxury side, it definitely proves to be worth it with all the multiple ways you can wear it.

Pros: Multiple style swimsuit, sized based on bra size for great support
Cons: Limited colour options, not suitable for anyone below a D cup

Available from: Bra Stop

8. Magisculpt Lose Up To An Inch Swimsuit Longer Length, £42

– Best for strong support

Size: UK 18-32 | Machine washable: Yes

With Firm Control technology, this Magiscuplt swimsuit holds you in without sending the squish elsewhere, and claims to reduce your waist and tummy by at least an inch. Ideal if you've had a Caesarean section, the sculpting is comfortable and holds everything in place, giving you the flattering appearance you desire with a really secure feel, almost like a compression garment. It might be a bit tricky to put on initially but with patience you'll have it on and hopefully love it. The gorgeous leaf print would look great on the beach and you can also complete the look with a matching print sarong.

This swimsuit comes in sizes 18-32, making it a great choice for plus size women looking for something to wear on holiday. When it comes to care, you can place this in the washing machine on a medium temperature and it's good as new again.

Pros: Inclusive size range, gorgeous leaf print, Firm Control technology
Cons: Quite tricky to put on, not available in smaller sizes

Available from: JD Williams

9. Speedo Women's Hyperboom Splice Legsuit, £40

– Best for extra coverage

Size: 34, 36

If you wanted a bit more coverage on the bottom then this is the perfect choice for you. This legsuit is chlorine resistant which means it will last much longer compared to others. It also features recycled material derived from repurposed plastic bottles which ticks the box of being environment friendly.

There's a cut out detail in the back and the legsuit includes eye-catching hot pink and black print design that's accustomed to Speedo style. For some mums there's the preference of having good coverage on the bum and thigh area, and the sporty style is also great if you're a swimmer. Parent tester Iman commented "I bought one by speedo. It’s a boy leg one. I love it. I can easily take the kids swimming without getting anything riding up or fearing something falling out when going on slides etc."

Pros: Extra coverage, sustainable fabric, chlorine resistant
Cons: No tummy control technology

Available from: Speedo

10. Bravissimo Amalfi Frill Swimsuit, £65

– Best for bigger busts

Size: E-L bra cup | Machine washable: Yes

If you've found that since you've had your baby your breasts are much bigger with all the milk coming in – or if you have a big bust in general – this is perfect for you. Bravissimo is known for creating swimwear and underwear for women with larger busts and this doesn't rule you out if you're on the slimmer side but still have a big bust. Items are made to cater to all types of shapes and sizes, ranging from cup E to L.

This swimsuit features a pretty off-shoulder frill detail that will add that extra bit of glamour to your beach holiday look. The animal print is also very popular and is bound to have people questioning where you got it from. As well as being well supported in the chest area, the tummy control technology will have your stomach looking smooth and evened out.

Pros: Wide range of cup sizes, gorgeous print, frill detail
Cons: Might be expensive for some, not available in smaller cup sizes

Available from: Bravissimo

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