apple-shaped5'5"165 lbsbeach vacation

Which tankinis with shorts bottoms fit apple-shaped bodies?

I'm 42 and planning my first beach vacation in three years. My biggest fear is pulling a tankini down every five minutes. I have a soft midsection and a 36D bust, and I hate wires. I want a tankini with shorts bottoms that hides the tummy, supports me without digging, and doesn't look like a medical garment. Which of these would you choose? Do they run true to size? I'm between M and L. Also, which one is least likely to show sweat marks or fade after chlorinated pool time?

I get it—after 30, midsection changes and you don't want a swimsuit that clings like plastic wrap. This black tankini uses a high-waisted black short to anchor the print and a ruched side panel on the top that creates a little 'air gap' between fabric and skin. The fabric is 82% polyester + 18% spandex, so it has real stretch recovery, meaning it snaps back instead of bagging after you sit down. The scoop neck and wide straps give enough coverage for a 32DD without wire. But don't expect hardcore lift for high-impact swimming; the removable pads are soft, not encapsulation. And the bright tropical print? It's a digital print on knit, so saltwater and chlorine can dull it if you skip rinsing. Rinse in cold water after every beach day and hang in the shade. Most 5'5", 160 lb reviewers take a large, so if you're between M and L, size up in the top if your bust is fuller.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
braicak✓ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

I received this bathing suit just in time for a family pool party yesterday. Delivery was faster than expected. I believe it was about 10 days. It fit perfect, I'm approximately 5'5" and 160 and I purchased a large. The colors are vibrant and the suit is very comfortable. I'm going to buy another one in different color. I would highly recommend.

👍 1,665Reply
Ana Delgado2 weeks ago

@braicak Thank you for the detail, especially the 5'5", 160 lb / large reference. That's exactly the kind of real-body data that helps other shoppers. The vibrant colors hold up if you rinse after chlorine, as you likely did. Good call on buying another color.

👍 515Reply
stacyprissel✓ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

I really wanted to love the design, but the top just didn't look good on me. Do you think it's the cut, or should I size up?

👍 1,601Reply
Ana Delgado2 weeks ago

@stacyprissel It might not be the size—it's the X-shape cut with ruched sides. If your bust is fuller or your waist shorter, the top can bunch. Try adjusting the straps first; if still off, size up in the top. The black shorts are usually true to size, so mixing sizes is okay.

👍 259Reply

This light grey floral tankini is the quiet workhorse of the batch. The regular tank shape means no extreme ruching or cutouts—just a flattering drape over the tummy. The bowknot at the neck gives a soft focal point, and the mid-rise shorts are actually boy shorts with enough length to stop thigh chafing. Price-wise, $43.98 is reasonable for an 82/18 stretch fabric and digital floral printing. One honest caveat: the fabric has moderate stretch, not compression, so if you want serious tummy smoothing, add a high-waisted brief underneath. It's not true compression. Also, the floral print is dense and large, so it reads casual, not formal. Good for boardwalk lunches and swimming, not a black-tie pool party.

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maybelletj✓ Verified Buyer2 weeks 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!

👍 1,578Reply
Rachel Kim2 weeks ago

@maybelletj Glad to hear it! The boy short length is a big deal for thigh chafe. Since it fits 'like a glove,' you likely have good proportions for the regular tank draft. If anyone between sizes, I'd still lean up for comfort.

👍 792Reply
Material connection: Modlily selected and invited FabricLab_07 to assess this garment and provided the sample.

Let's talk physics. This dark coffee animal print tankini is a warp-knitted swim fabric: 82% polyester for shape memory, 18% spandex for four-way stretch. The high elasticity means it moves with you when you bend for a beach bag, but the cut-out keyhole neckline is the weak point for high-impact movement—if you sprint into the waves, the top can shift because there's no underwire. The removable pads are convenient but not a substitute for a bra. And the digital print is gorgeous, but it's sensitive to chlorine; hand-washing in cold water is non-negotiable. The plus side? The board short bottoms give more coverage than typical briefs, and the pattern's vertical lines help elongate a shorter torso. For apple shapes, the relaxed fit over the midsection is forgiving. Downside: if you have a very large bust (38DD+), the scoop neck may gap when you lean forward. Sizing up and tightening the wide straps helps.

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Ptetrault✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Gorgeous suit. High quality, fit perfect, beautiful design. I loved it and got many compliments.

👍 1,124Reply
FabricLab_07◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@Ptetrault Thanks! Those compliments are probably because the animal print has high contrast and the board shorts are confidence-friendly. If you swim in a chlorinated pool often, keep using cold water rinses—it'll stay 'high quality' longer.

👍 765Reply
gailstephens.stephens✓ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

I love it, but will the animal print last in chlorine water? I think the fit is beautiful, but I'm nervous about fading.

👍 1,647Reply
FabricLab_07◆ Invited Review2 weeks ago

@gailstephens.stephens Great question. Chlorine is tough on digital prints. Hand-wash with mild detergent in cold water immediately after swimming, never leave it wet in a gym bag. Machine wash on delicate is okay, but skip the dryer and direct sun. That prolongs the color.

👍 817Reply

This coral red number is a vacation styling cheat code. The A-line babydoll top skims over the tummy without being tent-like, and the striped shorts keep the lower half playful. I'd pack it for a Caribbean trip, a resort pool day, or even an outdoor shower-to-lunch transition. The scoop neck and bow tie draw the eye up, so your legs look longer. Fabric has 18% spandex, so it moves, but the spaghetti straps are not adjustable—if you're small-busted, the top may feel loose; if you're big-busted, the neckline won't give lift. It's a lounging suit, not a lap-swimming suit. And the bright coral + black stripes is a statement; if you prefer minimal, this will feel loud. But for sunny photos? It pops.

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psuggs5775✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

This is the very best fitting swim suit ever had. No tucking and pulling no showing to much. Love it

👍 1,424Reply
Tara Nguyen1 week ago

@psuggs5775 That's exactly what a babydoll cut should do—no tucking, no pulling. The A-line shape is doing the work. I'd suggest checking the strap length if you have a shorter torso; it might hit the right spot as-is.

👍 828Reply
Kellis1313✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Very comfy. Fits to size. Love this suit, got diff colors.

👍 1,426Reply
Tara Nguyen1 week ago

@Kellis1313 Love that you got different colors! The coral base is surprisingly versatile. Just remember the spaghetti straps aren't adjustable, so if you found the perfect size, stick with it.

👍 887Reply
Material connection: Modlily selected and invited BeachTester_Jen to assess this garment and provided the sample.

I wore this three-piece set for a full day at a family beach—swimming, chasing kids, then sitting under an umbrella. The layered tank top uses a geometric laser-cut pattern on the sides, which keeps the tummy area covered without making you feel wrapped. The shorts have a mid-rise cut and enough leg coverage to avoid riding up. The fabric is 82% polyester + 18% spandex, so it dries fast and has decent stretch recovery. What surprised me: even after a few hours, the hem didn't roll. But pay attention to sizing—several buyers reported it runs small, so if you're between sizes, size up, especially if you have a larger bust. Also, the navy/white pattern is opaque in person, but the geometric cutouts show skin where they sit. For a more modest look, layer the cover-up.

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stephanie.belella✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Love the layered look that hides the small little bulges but still has a feminine flair.

👍 943Reply
BeachTester_Jen◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@stephanie.belella That layered laser-cut fabric is a clever trick—it gives your midsection a little breathing room without looking like armor. If you're between sizes, I'd still size up because the cut can run snug in the top.

👍 283Reply
racawilson✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

I ordered my usual size and it ran very small. Should I size up for this style?

👍 1,285Reply
BeachTester_Jen◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@racawilson Yes—several buyers mentioned the fit runs small. I sized up for my test too. The shorts are forgiving, but the top's relaxed fit needs the extra room if your bust is above a C cup. Go one size up from your usual tankini size.

👍 568Reply

This navy floral set is a stylist's glue piece. The halter neckline visually lifts the bust and widens the shoulder line, which balances pear-shaped hips. The ruched bust detail gives soft shaping, and the mid-rise shorts are high enough to sit comfortably below your navel. Pair it with a white linen shirt, a woven tote, and you're dressed for a beach club. The fabric is a small jacquard with 18% spandex, so it feels more textured than a flat print—nice change from basic swim nylon. It has only a few reviews so far, so I'd advise checking the size chart carefully. The navy background hides minor imperfections, but the white floral print is high-contrast, so it can draw the eye to your midsection if that's a concern. For apple shapes, the halter + dark bodice actually does a good job of framing the face.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
Sammie59.sa✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

Nice suit, good fit.

👍 1,466Reply
Sofia Marino1 week ago

@Sammie59.sa Thanks! The good fit comes from the halter and ruched bust working together. Since it's a newer style, I'd still compare the size chart to your usual Modlily size. Navy and white is a classic combo that won't date.

👍 533Reply

This rose-red geometric tankini is for someone who wants to feel dressed on the beach, not half naked. The deep V-neck makes your torso look longer, and the layered ruffle hem is pure flattery for hip coverage—it skims over thighs instead of cutting into them. The high-waisted X-shape tank silhouette has a structured feel, and the set includes a top and shorts. The fabric is a jersey knit with 18% spandex, so it stretches easily. But because the skirt is ruffle-layered, it may flutter in water and feel heavier when wet; not ideal for serious swimming. It's more of a poolside lounging / beach bar piece. The geometric print is busy, so keep accessories minimal. I've seen customers say they wear it as a top with jeans—versatile.

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kitrinajackson✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

I wear as a top with skirts or shorts as well as a tankini.

👍 1,495Reply
Maya Chen1 week ago

@kitrinajackson Yes! That's the best hack with this ruffle hem. The geometric pattern is bold enough to be a crop top, and the high-waisted shorts can pair with a plain tee. It's a 2-in-1 value.

👍 889Reply
kelseyrcantrell✓ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

The materials are all very good quality and very comfortable when wearing and wash very well and do not lose the color or shape. Fit really well, nice fabric and well made. I had a very good and very friendly customer service contact with the team.

👍 1,688Reply
Maya Chen2 weeks ago

@kelseyrcantrell Excellent—that's real durability feedback. The jersey-knit blend with 18% spandex usually keeps its shape if you hand-wash cold. Good to hear the service team matched the product quality.

👍 378Reply
Material connection: Modlily selected and invited SummerTester_Lucy to assess this garment and provided the sample.

I tested this lace-up grey stripe set for five mornings at the beach. The lace-up front is a cute detail, but it did loosen during a boogie board ride, so I had to re-tie it. The fabric is 82% polyester + 18% spandex with a smooth warp-knit finish, so it's soft against skin and dries in about twenty minutes. The boy shorts are modest and comfortable—no wedgie problem. What I liked most is the curved hem on the top: it covers the tummy when you're standing, but it also moves with you when you sit. The stripe pattern is multi-directional, so it gives a playful, sporty vibe. But because the lace-up is at the front, the top can feel snug in the bust for some. If you're between sizes, size up and use the lace to cinch the waist. It's not the suit for hardcore lap swimming, but for paddling and lounging it's great.

💬 Replies to this recommendation
Newton5512✓ Verified Buyer2 weeks ago

I Love how this fits. I feel comfortable and confident in it. The shorts are just what I've been looking for. Great quality and fit!! Overall great buy and im super picky about swim suits.

👍 1,001Reply
SummerTester_Lucy◆ Invited Review2 weeks ago

@Newton5512 That means a lot coming from a picky swimsuit shopper. The boy shorts are a standout—they don't ride up, and the curved hem on the top strikes a balance between coverage and style. Do a quick lace re-tie after swimming if you're active.

👍 560Reply
dlunsd1234✓ Verified Buyer1 week ago

The shorts fit great, but the top felt a little too small. Should I size up or is it true to size?

👍 1,638Reply
SummerTester_Lucy◆ Invited Review1 week ago

@dlunsd1234 This is a known trade-off: the shorts run generously, but the lace-up top can feel snug in the bust. If you're between sizes, size up and use the lace to cinch the waist. That gives you more room without losing the fit.

👍 634Reply

Thanks to everyone who shared their beach-day wins and fit warnings. We loaded eight tankinis with shorts bottoms and asked our editors, buyers, stylists, and testers to do the heavy lifting. Here's the short version.

SKU款式特征Core StrengthBest ScenarioPain Point SolvedPromoter
⭐ 251203661RBlack tropical, ruched sideHigh-stretch knit + tummy drapePool party / family beachSoft midsection coverageAna (Fashion Editor)
260527666RGrey floral, bowknotEasy fit, boy shortsDaily casual / resortThigh chafe, low-key styleRachel (Buyer)
250109701Animal print, board shortsFour-way stretch + coverageBeach bar / swimmingHigh-energy movementFabricLab_07
220419800R-2Coral striped, bow tieA-line flirty cutResort photo daysTummy drapingTara (Senior Stylist)
230423767RNavy tropical, laser cutLayered coverage + reviewsFamily beach / tanningBulge camouflageBeachTester_Jen
260414600RNavy floral, halterShoulder balance + textureBeach club / brunchPear hip balanceSofia (Matching Stylist)
211022045RRose geometric, ruffleVersatile skirted stylePoolside / barThigh coverageMaya (Fashion Editor)
240319767RGrey stripe, lace-upSporty + dry fastActive beach daysSnug top optionSummerTester_Lucy
← scroll →

If you want tummy coverage and a bold print → pick 251203661R. If you want a quiet, everyday tankini → pick 260527666R. If you want animal print and board short coverage → pick 250109701. If you want a flirty vacation look → pick 220419800R-2. If you want the most reviews and layering options → pick 230423767R. If you want a classic navy floral → pick 260414600R. If you want a versatile skirted tankini → pick 211022045R. If you want sporty lace-up style → pick 240319767R. Still torn? Drop your height/weight/bust in the comments, and our testers will give you a direct match.