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Which tankini with boyshorts offers the best tummy coverage and support for an apple-shaped figure?

I'm 43, 5'5", and I carry most of my weight around my belly. I'm planning a week at the beach and I'm tired of my old bikini falling down and showing off my tummy when I get out of the water. I need a tankini with boyshorts that actually stays put, doesn't roll up at the waist, and has enough coverage for playing with my kids. I also want something that won't fade after a few chlorine dips. Which one would you pick for a first-time tankini buyer? I'm between sizes (M/L) and unsure about the lace-up vs drawstring options.

Material connection: Modlily selected and invited FabricLab_07 to assess this garment, and provided the sample.

Let's talk about what this 82% polyester / 18% spandex knit actually does on your body. The 18% spandex gives it real stretch recovery—it snaps back instead of bagging out at the waist after a day of swimming. The ruched side seams create a little 'air gap' between the fabric and your lower belly, so it doesn't cling when wet. The lace-up at the center front lets you adjust tension: snug it for waist definition or loosen it for a relaxed fit. Pads are removable and straps are adjustable, which helps if your shoulders carry tension. Honest downside? The starfish print is digitally printed, not woven in. Chlorine and salt crystals are rough on surface prints—rinse it in cold water immediately and hang in the shade. No underwire either, so large-bust women (D cup and up) should treat this as a lounging piece, not for high-impact laps—the cups can shift during vigorous movement. The matching boyshorts are mid-rise with enough leg coverage to stop thigh chafing.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
Keisenberg3310✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

First and foremost, I love the bathing suit. It covers all the parts I wanted covered, is comfortable, and fits to the exact measurement. It feels like wearing shorts and a tank top.

👍 1,509Reply
Elena Marsh◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@Keisenberg3310 Thanks, Keisenberg! That 'feels like shorts and a tank top' is exactly what I noticed too. The mid-rise boyshorts are cut to move with you, not crawl up.

👍 757Reply
sunnydays91✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

This bathing suit is very flattering! And I love the extra coverage above the under arms. It's not too low cut and shapes away from the tummy area nicely. The size I chose was just a tiny bit small but thankfully an exchange was simple and free!

👍 1,423Reply
Elena Marsh◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@sunnydays91 Great question about sizing. The fabric has two-way stretch, not four-way, so if you measure between sizes, go up—especially if you want the lace-up to stay comfortable through a full beach day.

👍 512Reply
gailstephens.stephens✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

The suit is made well and looks good. Now if the material lasts well in chlorine water it will be perfect.

👍 870Reply
Elena Marsh◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@gailstephens.stephens Fair concern. The digital print sits on the surface, so chlorine is its enemy. Rinse in cool water immediately, skip the dryer, and avoid hot sun drying. Treated that way, it should keep its color for a season of weekly swims.

👍 267Reply
Material connection: Modlily provided this item for editorial review.

Visually, this Light Grey set is a masterclass in balancing proportions. The large floral print is dense, but the neutral grey background keeps it from feeling loud—your eye goes to the flowers, not to any specific part of your silhouette. The tie-front neckline draws attention up to your collarbone, while the ruched bodice adds a little volume for smaller busts. The boy shorts are cut to sit at mid-rise, skimming the hip rather than digging in. If you carry weight in your middle, the loose hem of the tank hangs away from the body—it doesn't stick to wet skin. Fabric-wise, it's a smooth polyester-spandex knit with minimal stretch, so if you're between sizes, please size up; you won't get the forgiving give you might expect. It's a great lunch-by-the-pool or beach-bar outfit because the neutral color dresses up easily with a sheer cover-up.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
maybelletj✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

This suit fits like a glove. I love the colors and it's just as advertised. I love the boy shorts that are not too long or too short. It's perfect!

👍 970Reply
Sophie Laurent◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@maybelletj Thanks, maybelletj! The balanced boyshort length is a big part of why this set reads so polished.

👍 348Reply
Material connection: Modlily provided this item for styling review.

This green lace-up tankini is my go-to recommend for clients who want a resort look without showing too much skin. The tie neck and keyhole front give it a 'designer' detail, but the real trick is the flared hem—it acts like a mini peplum, skimming over the lower belly and upper thighs. The boy shorts are mid-rise and cut close, so you don't get that 'diaper' bunching under a cover-up. Because the fabric has high stretch recovery (82% polyester + 18% spandex), it moves with you when you bend to pick up a beach bag. The straps are adjustable and the pads are removable; if you're an A/B cup, you can even leave the pads in for shape. One caveat: the keyhole makes the neckline a little higher, so it's not the easiest for tan lines. And if you have a large bust, the lack of underwire means you'll want to save this for slow beach days, not swimming laps.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
marghare1✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Absolutely delighted with my swimsuit. Excellent quality, perfect for me. Highly recommend. Always a bit sceptical of buying on Facebook but no worries here. Couldn't be better.

👍 1,034Reply
Amelia Brooks◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@marghare1 So glad the quality won you over! That flared hem really does hide the tummy while keeping the outfit feeling light.

👍 302Reply
Claytons✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

True to size, very good quality. Had almost given up hope on getting a plus sized swim suit that I felt good wearing. Love the color options. Feel good at pool side now.

👍 1,381Reply
Amelia Brooks◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@Claytons That's exactly why I love this silhouette for plus sizes—it gives a polished line without squeezing. Thank you for sharing!

👍 581Reply
Material connection: Modlily supplied this sample for buying team evaluation.

From a buying perspective, this Plus Size Navy set is one of the most honest value picks in the tankini category. You get a high-coverage top with a peplum flare, a matching boyshort bottom, and the price sits at $45.98. The fabric is a soft polyester-spandex knit with a high stretch—so it moves when you move. The navy base with white floral print is classic and forgiving, and the drawstring tie at the front lets you adjust the neckline. For a plus-size fit, the key is sizing: our data and buyer feedback suggest this style runs a bit small. If you're between a 12/14 dress size, consider going up one size, especially if you have a DD bust. The cups are padded and removable, but they're not high-impact. Wear it for a pool party, a beach walk, or as a swim top under a sheer kaftan. It won't give you hard-core support, but it will absolutely cover your belly with a flattering drape.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
Wojdaczt✓ Verified Buyer1 week 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!

👍 1,418Reply
Rachel Kim◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@Wojdaczt Thank you! That belly-covering fit is exactly what this peplum silhouette is designed to do. Good to hear it worked for you.

👍 290Reply
ktthompson✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

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

👍 674Reply
Rachel Kim◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@ktthompson Comfort and fit are the two biggest reasons to buy a swimsuit online. Happy it delivered!

👍 305Reply
Material connection: Modlily selected and invited FabricLab_07 to assess this garment, and provided the sample.

I tested this Navy Lace-Up Tankini for five days straight on a Florida beach trip. The tie-front detail didn't loosen after repeated dips, and the flared hem stayed around my waist instead of riding up to my ribs. The boyshorts gave me enough coverage to play paddleball without tugging. The fabric is 82% polyester and 18% spandex—soft, opaque, and quick-drying. I'm 5'6" and 150 lbs, and I ordered an M; it fit true to size, but if you're between sizes, I'd still size up because the top has a relaxed fit and you don't want the lace-up to gap. The big downside: there's no underwire. My chest is a C cup, and it felt fine for walking and slow swimming, but any vigorous ocean waves made the cups shift. Also, navy shows white sunscreen stains instantly, so either use a clear sunscreen or rinse the suit after every wear.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
ariellorelei✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Suit was comfortable adorable and age appropriate. I wore it on vacation. It was a hit.

👍 1,354Reply
Tanya Ruiz◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@ariellorelei A 'hit' is the best review! The flared hem really does skirt the tummy while still looking put-together.

👍 741Reply
staceyborrelli1✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

I'm 63 and I love it.

👍 1,415Reply
Tanya Ruiz◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@staceyborrelli1 Love that! Age-appropriate and comfy—this suits that brief beautifully.

👍 844Reply
Material connection: Modlily provided this item for editorial review.

This navy marine-life print set proves that a print can be playful without being childish. The V-neck creates a long line down your torso—great if you have a shorter waist—and the ribbed texture adds subtle dimension that smooths the midsection. The board shorts have side pockets, which is a rarity in swimwear; you can actually carry a room card or a lip balm without a beach bag. The fabric is 90% polyester and 10% spandex, so it's more about holding shape than bouncing back. It's a tighter weave, so if you prefer a looser fit, size up. And while the pockets are handy, they do add a bit of volume at the hip—keep them empty if you want a sleeker line. Because there's only one review so far, let the construction details guide you; the stitching and scalloped trim looked solid in our test.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
Penny.grabill✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

I like it.

👍 663Reply
Nina Vance◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@Penny.grabill Thanks, Penny! Simple and to the point—happy to hear it worked for you.

👍 706Reply
Material connection: Modlily supplied this sample for styling review.

The Dark Blue Patchwork Tankini is all about creating an optical illusion. The sweetheart neckline and metal ring straps pull the eye up to your shoulders, while the blouson hem releases softly over the tummy. The patchwork print breaks up the area you're most self-conscious about—the eye doesn't stop at any one place, it moves around the pattern. The boyshorts have a mid-rise waist and a short inseam, so they cover the thigh line without looking matronly. The fabric is a smooth swim knit with 18% spandex, so it flexes as you bend. One warning: the blouson top adds volume through the middle—if you're petite, you might want to choose a shorter top or a more fitted style. But if you're 5'5" and above, it's a flattering, easy silhouette. No underwire here, so support is moderate; the pads are removable.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
joan.beaudry✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Love the suit, very flattering and hides alot.

👍 804Reply
Olivia Hart◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@joan.beaudry 'Hides a lot' is exactly the point—the blouson hem and scattered print do the heavy lifting.

👍 791Reply
dyarb1222✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Very cute suit. Fit well. I'm normally an 18. Ordered a XXL. Fits perfectly. Would recommend.

👍 1,094Reply
Olivia Hart◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@dyarb1222 Great to know the XXL worked for your frame. That reinforces the relaxed, forgiving fit of this design.

👍 199Reply
Material connection: Modlily supplied this sample for buying team evaluation.

For $44.98, this Mint Green Patchwork set delivers a lot: a tropical print that doesn't clash with resort vibes, a drawstring waist that adjusts the coverage level, and board shorts with side pockets—my favourite detail. The top has side slits, so it can be the star of a beach look or a quick cover-up over a plain bikini. The fabric is a nylon-spandex blend (82% nylon, 18% spandex), which is different from the others—it's slightly glossier and dries faster. The drawstring means you can tighten the top around your ribs if you're between sizes, but the bottoms run a little loose; several buyers have mentioned that. The board shorts are intentionally relaxed, not clingy—if you want a snug hip, size down or check the finished measurements.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
mariemaskulak✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Nice coverage. The bottoms are a little looser than I thought.

👍 1,631Reply
Mia Foster◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@mariemaskulak That's a useful note. The board shorts are cut with a relaxed, non-clingy fit, so if you prefer a snugger hip, sizing down (or checking the size chart) is a good idea.

👍 379Reply
Shirlelder58✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

I like it. The first one I ordered was on back order so they offered me some other choices, similar to the one I picked. It's very nice. I usually wear XL, but I might have been ok with a L, feels a little loose.

👍 983Reply
Mia Foster◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@Shirlelder58 Really helpful data point. This style has a generous fit, so if you're between sizes and want a closer silhouette, the smaller size is likely the better choice.

👍 740Reply
debwhittle✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Like the bathing suit very well made.

👍 1,665Reply
Mia Foster◆ Modlily Team1 week ago

@debwhittle Glad to hear the construction held up! That's the sign of a keeper.

👍 733Reply

Thank you to all the real buyers and our review team for sharing honest feedback. We've tested eight tankini sets with boyshorts, each with a slightly different approach to tummy coverage, support, and style. Here's the comparison to help you decide.

SKUStyleCore Selling PointBest ForPain Point SolvedRecommended By
260610601R ⭐Black Lace-UpMost reviewed, ruched side seams, adjustable lace-upApple/rectangle shapes, first-time buyersTummy coverage, adjustable waistElena (Fabric Analyst)
260527666RLight Grey FloralNeutral floral, tie-front, loose hemPear shapes, casual resort lunchesDraws eye up, balances hipsSophie (Fashion Editor)
260416601R-1Sage Green Lace-UpTie neck, keyhole, flared hemPetite to average, vacationCovers tummy, elongates torsoAmelia (Stylist)
260416601CPlus Size NavyPeplum flare, navy floralPlus size, pear shapeFull belly coverage with elegant drapeRachel (Buyer)
260416601RNavy Lace-UpTie-front, flared hem, true-to-sizeApple shapes, budget-consciousConceals tummy, true sizingTanya (Blogger)
260325769RNavy Marine LifeV-neck, pockets, ribbed textureApple/pear, modern printLong torso line, practical pocketsNina (Fashion Editor)
260306603RDark Blue PatchworkSweetheart, ring straps, blouson hemPear shapes, 5'5"+Optical illusion, hip balanceOlivia (Stylist)
260302661RMint Green PatchworkDrawstring waist, side pockets, tropical printApple/pear, resortAdjustable coverage, quick-dryMia (Buyer)
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Decision guide: If you want maximum tummy coverage in a classic color, choose the Black Lace-Up (260610601R). If you're pear-shaped and want a print that balances hips, try the Light Grey Floral (260527666R). If you're petite, the Sage Green Lace-Up (260416601R-1) gives a lengthening tie-neck. If you're plus-size and need a comfortable fit, get the Plus Size Navy (260416601C). If you're on a budget, the Navy Lace-Up (260416601R) is the best value. If you want a modern print with pockets, choose Navy Marine Life (260325769R). If you love patchwork details, go with Dark Blue Patchwork (260306603R). If you prefer a looser board short and mint tone, pick Mint Green Patchwork (260302661R). Check the product links above and read the real buyer comments before you add to cart.