4 Swim Cover-Ups That Will Flatter Your Figure — and Make You Look 10 Pounds Thinner
Feeling shy about hitting the beach or pool this summer? All you need is one of these super-cute swim cover-ups! These flattering styles mask the trouble spots you want to hide, without hiding the assets you’re happy to show off, so you can feel beautiful and confident all summer long.
Looking for the perfect swimsuit to wear underneath? Shop these picks for the best swimsuits for women over 50! And for more swim cover-ups, check out our roundup of gorgeous plus-size styles. (Another tip? Wearing matching colored swim bottoms helps “stretch” the body for bonus slimming!)
Belly bumps? Choose a halter ‘dress.’
Tying a sarong into a halter dress strategically covers up the torso and skims over lumps and bumps — all without adding bulk to the body. That’s because wrapping it around the neck (rather than tying it around the waist), creates a tapered, diagonal appearance that “stretches” the figure for a more statuesque silhouette. Look for one with fringe accents, which draw attention up and away from the midsection.
1 World Sarongs Solid Swimsuit Cover-Up Sarong
Get the look
To tie this cute cover-up into a dress, wrap it under your arms like you would a towel, then cross the left corner up and over the right shoulder, and the right corner up and over the left shoulder. Tie the two corners together behind the neck.
Thick waist? Try a belted romper.
Thanks to an elasticized belt that cinches the waist and carves out curves, a structured romper not only conceals a thicker-looking middle, it optically minimizes it too. What also helps: A romper with a deep V-neck acts like an arrow pointing in and down, creating the illusion of a tiny waist, while one with thigh-skimming , flared-hem shorts directs attention away from the middle and toward gorgeous gams instead.
Famulily Printed V-Neck Summer Jumpsuit
Get the look
We love the print on this sweet romper — and so does this reviewer: “Love! Favorite print of all time. So many compliments on it, and amazing for the price!”
Flabby arms? Opt for a rash guard.
Tossing on a long-sleeve rash guard stylishly covers and reins in jiggly upper arms for an instantly more trim and toned appearance. And since these toppers feature a blend of stretchy and breathable nylon and spandex, they won’t leave you feeling overheated or restrict movement when participating in outdoor activities. Bonus: Most rash guards also come with UV protection infused into the fabric (called UPF 50+) that blocks skin from harmful rays, so you can enjoy your time at the beach or pool sunburn- and sun spot–free!
L.L. Bean ReNew Swimwear Rash Guard
Get the look
This cute rash guard comes in blue or white and is available in sizes from XS to XL. One happy customer says, “I have had other rash guard tops before, but this one stands out! The zipper was a nice stylish touch. It is a very comfortable and versatile top. I am ordering it in the blue this year!”
Heavy thighs? Pick palazzo pants.
We love using pants as swim cover-ups! The thin, flowy fabric of this palazzo pair camouflages lower-body bothers, from cellulite and thigh jiggles to flabby skin and spider veins, while letting the breeze blow through. Tip: Opt for a high-waisted pair that features a bright and vertically oriented pattern.
Iris Blue Tile Print Wide Leg Pant
Get the look
Buy from Urban Outfitters, $59
The pretty print on these pants draws the eye up and down, optically elongating legs so they look long and lean. And the belly button–grazing design helps the waist appear as if it sits higher on the torso, which optically lifts a droopy derriere. The result: 360 degrees of gorgeous.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.
