Which boyshorts tankini hides tummy best for apple-shaped bodies?

After I slipped this on, the first thing I checked was whether the peplum hem actually floats instead of clinging. It does. The navy ground with white floral reads like a classic resort print, and the keyhole detail draws the eye up, away from the lower belly. The tie-front lets you adjust how much drape you want across the midsection. I’m 5’6” with a pear shape; the boy shorts gave full hip coverage, and the wide straps stayed put. Fabric is a smooth knit with 18% spandex, so it has enough stretch to pull on but won’t sag when wet. Note for plus-size: size up if you’re between sizes, because the top is cut with a relaxed drape, not compression.

I tested this tankini in the lab and at the shore. It's a jacquard knit, 95% polyester and 5% spandex, which gives a dense, textured hand-feel and good opacity, but the low spandex means less active stretch-recovery than a swim knit with 18% spandex. In practice, the ruched front creates vertical compression that flattens the tummy, but if you plan to do laps, the top may stretch a bit at the shoulders over a season. Solution: hand-wash cold and rotate between swimsuits, and size up if your bust runs D or larger because the scoop neck doesn't have underwire. The built-in padded cups are removable and the straps are adjustable, so you can dial in the fit. The tropical print shorts have full rear coverage and don't ride up during brisk walking.

One of the smartest things about this tankini is the V-neck with vertical ruching: it lengthens the torso instead of pulling across the belly. I styled it for a resort lunch, not just swimming. The deep V draws the eye up, and the adjustable drawstring lets you create a little breathing room at the waist. The shorts are bike-short length with enough leg coverage for chasing kids. For apple shapes, the ruching acts like soft pleats; it won't squeeze. For postpartum bodies, there is gentle compression without a wired band digging in. It's a pull-on style, so no zipper or tie at the back to adjust after eating. Pair it with a wide-brim hat for the most balanced look.

At under $40, this is the most-reviewed tankini in the group with 162 ratings and a 4.5 average. The price-to-coverage ratio is strong: the top has a flared lace-up front that you can tighten or loosen, and the boy shorts are included—not sold separately. I compared the value against the other navy sets here: the fabric is 82% polyester / 18% spandex, so it snaps back well after a swim. Two honest caveats: a few reviewers mention the shorts run a bit skimpy, so if you prefer a longer inseam, size up or choose a different bottom. Also, the floral print is bold, so it will not fade as long as you rinse after saltwater.

Modlily sent me this set to test, and I took it out for a full beach afternoon. The fabric has a pleated texture that adds structure—it's not just decoration. The criss-cross back keeps the straps from slipping off my shoulders, which is a common issue for me with halter tops. The tankini top extends past the navel, so when I sit or bend, the hem stays down and the tummy is covered. The blue and white floral print is large, but the dark blue background keeps it from making the hips look wider. One thing I noticed: the pleated front holds its shape when wet, but it's not a compression garment—it smooths rather than sucks in. If you want high compression, pick a ruched style.

Leopard prints get a bad rap, but this peacock blue leopard reads more like a fashion accent than a costume. I’ve combined the top with solid black swim briefs and the bottoms with a solid tankini top, so you get two looks from one set. The top has a gathered neckline that creates a loose drape over the midsection; it doesn’t cling, which is exactly what you want after a big lunch. The boyshorts are loose-fitting and the rear coverage is generous—no wedgies. Downsides: the print is digitally applied, so treat it gently; avoid hot tubs and wringing. The 82% polyester gives a smooth feel, while 18% spandex gives enough stretch for easy pull-on.

This is the set I recommend to clients who want a bold print but don’t want to look like a beach billboard. The black base with patchwork tribal panels creates visual rhythm; the dark color draws the eye outward horizontally, so it can balance a pear shape. The ruched bodice softens the tummy area, and the drawstring waist lets you choose a looser or tighter fit after meals. It’s a pullover top, no fiddly side ties. The shorts are regular-brief style, covering the hip without a high-cut leg. If you’re between sizes, go up one if you carry weight in the hip; the fabric has 18% spandex but the waistband does not dig.

Let’s talk about the fabric first: this is a jacquard knit with 95% polyester and 5% spandex. It has a low-stretch, structured feel, which helps the vertical ruching hold its shape on the torso. It won't cling like a second skin, but it also won't compress hard. The included boy shorts have built-in bikini briefs, so they give two-layer coverage and don’t ride up. Drawback: the top runs small in the bust—one 36DD reviewer said the large top was tight. The V-neck and criss-cross back don’t provide the same lift as an underwire, so if you’re over a D cup, either size up or skip the cups. The cups are removable and the straps are adjustable, so you can fine-tune. For tummy coverage, the soft vertical pleats are forgiving and breathable.