Best Swimsuits: Slimming But Not Uncomfortable

Our picks will do more for your shape than a juice fast.

by Susan Swimmer • Fashion Features Editor

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Shades of Gray

The manipulated fabric (drapes, folds) contours your body. Sizes up to 24.

Sorella Swim, $198; shop.sorellaswim.com.

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Skirt with Sass

Whatever you’d like to hide, don’t go any longer than this—you’ll look matronly.

Bleu/Rod Beattie, $144; bleurodbeattie.com for stores.

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Tank You

The detailed print is an ideal midsection concealer. Sizes up to XL.

Lenny, $182; Bloomingdale’s, 212-705-2000.

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Tribal Trend

All tankinis are not created equal. The A-line top will skim, not squeeze, your middle.

Sunsets, $126; bestswimwear.com.

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Divide and Conquer

The top half provides a pretty face framer while the bottom half minimizes. Sizes up to 16.

Magicsuit by Miraclesuit,$152; miraclesuit.com.

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Optical Illusion

The black-and-white under-layer provides a smooth foundation; the mesh overlay creates movement. Sizes up to XL.

Agua de CoCo, $201; 212-575-1001.

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Sailor Stripes

Slip on a maxi skirt and sandals, and you’re cocktail ready.

Perry Ellis, $118; Dillard’s, 800-345-5273.

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Bold Graphics

Erase five pounds in an instant. Sizes up to 16.

Magicsuit by Miraclesuit,$170; miraclesuit.com.

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Cougar, Schmougar

If you’ve skipped more planks than you’ve suffered through, this will make it nobody’s business but your own. Sizes up to XL.

Kenneth Cole, $130; Lord & Taylor, 800-223-7440.

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1940s Flair

The high-design elements are what you’re paying for.

Kore Swim, $214; freepeople.com.

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Impressive Ikat

This print is on trend and totally flattering. Sizes up to 16.

Anne Cole Signature,$96; lordandtaylor.com.

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Paging Cleopatra

From the company that put wearable shapewear on the map. Sizes up to 18.

Spanx, $198; spanx.com.

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Meet the Swim Dress

Those kicky red straps attach to a red undersuit; the black overlay is forgiving.

MagicSuit by MiracleSuit, $168; dillards.com.

Want more swimsuits to choose from? Check out the rest of our Best Swimsuits for Every Age, Size and Shape.

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Originally published in the June 2012 issue

What’s your reaction?

Comments

Just wondering why these swim

Carmel 06.19.2012

Just wondering why these swim suits aren't modeled by women; why they are just laid flat? Do you not have any women over 40 to model these? How about putting them in some real life bodies huh? That would help me decide if I would be willing to spend $200.00 on a swim suit I will not get wet.