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Which Tankini Boy Shorts Swimsuits for Women Fit Best?

Hi everyone, I'm a 42-year-old mother of two, and I'm heading to the beach next month. My main struggle is a soft lower belly that shows in clingy swimsuits, and I also need enough support for a 36C chest without underwire. I'm looking at tankini boy shorts swimsuits for women, but I keep going back and forth on sizing: some say order your usual size, others say size up. I also want a color that won't look washed out in photos and a fabric that can handle salt water without fading. Which set would you recommend for my body type and beach vacation?

After two kids, the belly area is rarely flat, and the last thing you want is a swimsuit that turns into a second skin the minute you step out of the water. This sage green tankini set gives your midsection room to breathe: the pleated top is cut loose enough that it doesn't suction against your tummy, and the mid-waisted shorts sit at your natural waist instead of digging in below it. The double straps are adjustable, so you can shorten them to lift the bust without feeling like you're in a straitjacket. The fabric is a nylon-spandex knit (82% nylon, 18% spandex) with a smooth, cool touch; it dries faster than cotton and keeps its shape after repeated wear. If you have a petite frame, the horizontal stripes on the shorts add a little visual width, which helps balance a slim lower half. One honest caution: this is a pull-on style, so there's no zipper or hook; make sure the top fits over your shoulders before you remove the tags. For care, rinse in cool water after a swim and skip the dryer.

πŸ’¬ Replies to this recommendation
MakeYoumineβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

Excellent value. Looks like something from a high-end surf shop.

πŸ‘ 1,053Reply
Maya Reynolds2 weeks ago

@MakeYoumine Thanks, MakeYoumine! I agree the stitching and finish punch above the price point.

πŸ‘ 187Reply
donofridβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

The green is soothing and looks great in photos.

πŸ‘ 771Reply
Maya Reynolds2 weeks ago

@donofrid That cool green is the shade I keep reaching forβ€”it reads calm in photos and doesn't wash out medium skin tones.

πŸ‘ 434Reply
Material connection: Modlily selected and invited FabricLab_07 to assess this garment, and provided the sample.

Let me talk fabric first: 82% polyester and 18% spandex. That's a classic swim blend. The polyester keeps the floral print sharp, and the spandex gives you about 20-25% stretch in both directions. The lace-up front is not just decorative; it lets you adjust the neckline so the shelf bra sits where it should. The boy shorts have a mid-rise waist, but they run a little on the skimpy side for some hips - that's the main trade-off. If you want more thigh coverage, order one size up; the waist will still fit because of the drawstring side ties. The print is applied with a heat-transfer process, which means chlorine and salt can dull the colors if you don't rinse the suit after swimming. In cold water, it holds up well. Machine wash on gentle is okay, but hand washing extends the life. This is not a suit for high-intensity lap swimming; the loose top can balloon when you dive. It's made for lounging, pool parties, and walking along the shore.

Green Mid Waisted Lace Up Tankini Set
β˜… 4.5 Β· 199 reviews
$41.98
View Details
πŸ’¬ Replies to this recommendation
cheriebaker0815βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

I loved the top, but the shorts felt a bit skimpy for me. Did you find the sizing runs small on the bottom?

πŸ‘ 1,669Reply
FabricLab_07β—† Invited Review2 weeks ago

@cheriebaker0815 They do run a little brief. If you prefer more coverage, size up. The top is forgiving, but the shorts are the part to watch.

πŸ‘ 468Reply
odonna925βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

Good quality, good fit.

πŸ‘ 1,137Reply
FabricLab_07β—† Invited Review2 weeks ago

@odonna925 Glad the quality came through. The fabric blend is why it holds its shape.

πŸ‘ 266Reply

This plus-size navy set is for women who want to feel polished at the pool without pulling at their suit. The navy base with white floral print is a classic slimming combination; the dark background recedes while the flowers give your eye a place to rest. The top has a flared peplum hem that skims over a soft belly instead of clinging to it. The lace-up detailing at the neckline lets you control how much coverage you want, and the wide straps are padded but wire-free. The boy shorts reach the upper thigh, so they don't ride up as much as a standard bikini bottom. One thing to know: this set is sized up to 4X, and the fabric mix is 82% polyester with 18% spandex, so it has enough stretch for a comfortable fit but not a compression garment. If you're between sizes, go up for a relaxed fit; if you want more support, go with your bust measurement. Avoid fabric softener; it can break down the spandex over time.

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Wojdacztβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

This is the second bathing suit I've gotten from Modlily. Was so satisfied with the first one that I decided to get another one and I love that one too. The fit is perfect and it covers my belly beautifully!

πŸ‘ 685Reply
Dana Whitfield2 weeks ago

@Wojdaczt That's exactly what I like to hearβ€”the flared hem is doing its job.

πŸ‘ 536Reply
ktthompsonβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

Very pleased with this swimsuit. Fits perfectly and very comfortable and cool.

πŸ‘ 1,800Reply
Dana Whitfield2 weeks ago

@ktthompson The polyester-spandex knit breathes well, so you stay cool even on hot beach days.

πŸ‘ 778Reply

When a swimsuit has almost 600 reviews and still holds a 4.5-star average, that's a signal. This red striped set is one of those pieces. The red is a warm, bright tomato shade, and the stripes are spaced far enough apart that they don't look busy. The top has a gathered neckline and a drawstring waist, so you can loosen it after a big lunch. The fabric is 82% nylon and 18% spandex, which gives a soft jersey hand feel but still snaps back. What impressed me is the pocket on the shortsβ€”small but perfect for a hotel key card. The main limitation is the high-contrast red: dark red can fade if you sit on wet concrete or leave it in direct sun for hours. Rinse it after every wear and it will keep its color. For the price, you're getting a well-constructed two-piece that doesn't look cheap.

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lisahovey2βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

This set offers great coverage without sacrificing style.

πŸ‘ 1,120Reply
Rachel Kim2 weeks ago

@lisahovey2 Coverage and style usually pull in opposite directions; this one balances them well.

πŸ‘ 807Reply
brigittegoffart55βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

The stitching and quality exceeded my expectations.

πŸ‘ 927Reply
Rachel Kim2 weeks ago

@brigittegoffart55 The taped seams and adjustable straps make a huge difference in durability.

πŸ‘ 578Reply

Blue is the color of a clear-sky beach day, and this set leans into that. The square neckline is a smart detail for a smaller bust because it adds a horizontal line that can make the chest look fuller. The ruched bust and side cutout on the top create a little visual interest without exposing much skin. The shorts are regular briefs, not too long, not too short, and the elastic waist stays put when you're chasing kids. This is the set I'd pack for a resort vacation because it pairs with a white linen shirt, a straw hat, and flip-flops. The fabric is 82% nylon and 18% spandex, and it dried surprisingly fast in my test. The one caveat is the limited review historyβ€”only one review so far, so there's less long-term feedback. If you're between sizes, I'd size up for comfort because the fit is slim, not relaxed.

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kelly.riley2014βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

Very Happy with the suit, but took awhile to get it, get many compliments on it.

πŸ‘ 859Reply
Ava Thompson2 weeks ago

@kelly.riley2014 Nice to hear the delivery was the only frictionβ€”the compliments make up for it! Because it's a new listing, allow extra shipping time during peak season.

πŸ‘ 632Reply
Material connection: Modlily selected and invited Lena Ortiz to assess this garment, and provided the sample.

I tested this navy ruched set in the pool and in open water. The vertical ruching on the top acts like a series of gentle compression panels; it smoothed my midsection enough that I didn't feel the need to suck in, but it didn't cut off my breath. The V-neck is deep enough to elongate your torso, and the adjustable straps let you dial in the support. The shorts are bike-style, so they cover more thigh than a traditional bikini bottomβ€”a huge plus for women who want to move without checking behind them. The fabric is 90% polyester and 10% spandex, which is less stretchy than the 82/18 blend on other Modlily sets. That means it holds its shape longer but can feel tighter if you're between sizes. I would order one size up if you want a relaxed fit. It's not a suit for high-dive sessions, but for aqua therapy, snorkeling, and beach walks, it's excellent.

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labriggsβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

Love this suit and it was exactly as I expected! I needed a new one due to weight loss...my old one had gotten too big. I had lower lumbar back surgery 4 weeks ago and this suit will be perfect when I start Aqua Therapy again; everything should stay in place! I'm excited to be in the water again with a suit that fits!

πŸ‘ 1,231Reply
Lena Ortizβ—† Invited Review2 weeks ago

@labriggs That's a genuinely useful field report. The ruching does help keep everything in place during gentle movement, and the bike shorts add confidence.

πŸ‘ 214Reply

This pink floral set is impossible to ignore, and color is the first thing I assess. The warm pink is high-saturation, so it reads vibrant, not washed out. The top has an A-line shape with gathered pleats at the bust, which creates a soft pyramid that falls away from the stomach. If you carry weight in the middle, this is the most forgiving cut in the lineup. The boy shorts are mid-rise and hit below the belly button, so they don't dig in. The fabric is 82% polyester and 18% spandex, and it has a smooth, slightly cool feel. The one real trade-off is the print: large floral patterns can make a small frame feel overwhelmed. If you're under 5'2", you might prefer a smaller print. Also, this suit is not meant for serious swimming; the crew neck can scoop water when you dive. For lounging and wading, it's a dream.

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m1z2a3.sbβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

I ordered one size up and it was a little big. Should I stick to my true size?

πŸ‘ 1,183Reply
Nina Patel2 weeks ago

@m1z2a3.sb If you prefer a relaxed fit, one size up works; if you want the gathered pleats to sit closer to your body, your usual size is better. Since you're keeping it for Bahamas, happy travels!

πŸ‘ 390Reply
mardiedwards1957βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

It is cool in the pool and fits nicely.

πŸ‘ 1,550Reply
Nina Patel2 weeks ago

@mardiedwards1957 Good to know it stays coolβ€”the lightweight poly-spandex blend is breathable.

πŸ‘ 319Reply

This navy set is my pick for women who want to go from the boardwalk to the water without changing. The board shorts are the star: they have an elastic drawstring waist and real pockets, so you can carry small essentials and skip the beach bag. The top is a loose A-line with a scoop neck and gathered front; it drapes over the midsection without clinging. The fabric is 82% nylon and 18% spandex, and it has a soft drape that doesn't feel like a wetsuit. The navy background hides minor sunscreen stains. The limitation is the length of the board shorts: they may not be for you if you prefer a shorter, cheekier bottom. Also, because the top is loose, it can gap if you bend forward; an adjustable strap helps, but it's still a relaxed silhouette. For a beach vacation where you want to be comfortable and practical, this is a strong choice.

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k.nelson1012βœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

Fits my post-baby body perfectly. Very forgiving.

πŸ‘ 1,264Reply
Marissa Cole2 weeks ago

@k.nelson1012 That's exactly the kind of feedback I likeβ€”loose doesn't have to mean sloppy.

πŸ‘ 809Reply
jandkalohaβœ“ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

The blue is a lovely medium shade, not too dark, not too light.

πŸ‘ 1,039Reply
Marissa Cole2 weeks ago

@jandkaloha The medium navy is versatile; it reads as classic without being boring.

πŸ‘ 849Reply

Thanks to all the buyers who shared their real experiences! Here's how the eight picks compare at a glance.

SKUStyleCore StrengthBest UseSolvesPromoter
⭐ 260113886R-3Green striped, pleatedTummy coverage + high reviewsBeach loungingSoft belly, mid-waist rollMaya
260416601R-1Sage floral, lace-upAdjustable fit, quality fabricPool partiesShorts too skimpy (size up)FabricLab_07
260416601CPlus-size navy floralFlattering plus fitResort daysBelly coverage for plus sizesDana
260113886R-2Red striped, drawstring594 ratings, pocketActive beach daysWaist roll, valueRachel
260508882RBlue floral, square neckBright color, slim fitResort photo setsSmaller bust, short inseamAva
260508610RNavy ruched, bike shortsSmoothing vertical ruchingAqua therapy/snorkelingMidsection smoothing, thigh chafeLena
260424882RPink floral, A-lineForgiving gathered topLounging/wadingPost-baby bellyNina
260423600RNavy board shorts, pocketPockets + coverageBoardwalk to beachPockets, hip comfortMarissa
← scroll β†’

If you want a crowd-tested tummy cover β†’ 260113886R-3. If you're plus size and want elegant coverage β†’ 260416601C. If you need pockets and board-short coverage β†’ 260423600R. If you want maximum smoothing for aqua therapy β†’ 260508610R. And if you're drawn to color and a forgiving A-line β†’ 260424882R. Whichever you choose, order by your bust measurement first, and check the size chart for the shorts length. There's a suit for every body in this line. Browse all tankini boy shorts swimsuits for women at Modlily and get vacation-ready.