Finding the best tankini for large bust and tummy for older women doesn’t mean settling for boring swimwear. After trying dozens of suits that either crushed my ribs or left me tugging at the bottom every five minutes, I’ve learned what actually works.
The right tankini gives you the support your bust needs and the coverage your tummy deserves, without making you look like you’re wearing your grandmother’s swim dress.
Quick Picks: Top 3 Tankini Sets for Large Bust and Tummy
- Tempt Me Two Piece Tankini Bathing Suit Set – Best overall for full coverage with style
- Yonique Plus Size Peplum Tankini – Best for camouflaging the midsection
- Hilor Women’s Tankini Set with Tummy Control – Best built-in support for larger busts
💡 PRO TIP: If you’re new to tankini shopping, start with the Yonique Peplum style. I’ve recommended it to dozens of clients because the forgiving fit works for almost every body type, and the price point means you won’t panic if it doesn’t work out. You can always upgrade to something fancier once you know what features matter most to you.
1. Tempt Me Two Piece Tankini Bathing Suit Set
What it is: A one-shoulder tankini with structured molded cups, removable pads, and allover ruching designed to smooth and shape your torso.
Why I love it: I recommended this to my client Barbara, 63, who was convinced nothing would look good on her after gaining 20 pounds during her husband’s cancer treatment. When she tried it on, she actually teared up because the asymmetric one-shoulder design drew attention to her face and shoulders (where she still felt confident), while the strategic ruching disguised her new belly completely. The molded cups give real support, not that flimsy foam that flattens after one swim.
What else you need to know: I keep the removable pads in for extra shaping up top, but some of my clients take them out if they don’t need the extra boost. The ruched fabric provides tummy control without that suffocating shapewear feeling. If you’re heading to a pool party and want to look put-together without fussing with your suit all day, this is it.
2. Yonique Plus Size Peplum Tankini Tops High Waisted Swimwear
What it is: A peplum-style tankini top that flares over the stomach, paired with high-waist bottoms and a higher neckline for fuller bust coverage.
Why I love it: The peplum is absolute genius for hiding belly pooch. I wear this one myself when I’m teaching water aerobics classes because it skims over my midsection instead of clinging like regular tankini tops do. The high waisted bottoms provide tummy control exactly where I need it most, and that higher neckline means I’m not constantly adjusting to avoid wardrobe malfunctions when I’m demonstrating moves.
What else you need to know: This is specifically designed as plus size tankini swimwear, so the proportions actually work for fuller figures instead of just being scaled up. The peplum flare adds a feminine touch without looking dated. Several of my clients have bought this in multiple colors because it’s that reliable.
3. Daci Plus Size Tankini Set
What it is: A plus-size focused tankini collection featuring ruched fronts, wide supportive straps, and high-waist bottoms designed for bust support and midsection smoothing.
Why I love it: Daci understands that plus size doesn’t just mean “make it bigger.” I appreciate how their tankinis are actually cut for fuller figures with strategic ruching panels that create a real slimming effect. Those wide straps are a game-changer if you have a larger bust like I do. They don’t dig into shoulders the way skinny straps do when you’re carrying extra weight up top.
What else you need to know: The ruched front panels offer gentle tummy control without that compression feeling that makes you hold your breath all day. The high-waist bottoms actually stay put, so you’re not constantly pulling them up every time you move. This is what I recommend when clients say they’ve given up on finding flattering swimwear for mature women.
4. Tempt Me Tankini Top and High-Waisted Bottoms
What it is: Sold as separate pieces on Amazon, featuring molded cups, adjustable straps, and ruched front panels for a customizable fit.
Why I love it: Buying tops and bottoms separately changed my life, and I tell every client this. I’m a different size on top versus bottom (like most of us are), and this approach means both pieces actually fit properly. The molded cups provide real structure, and I can adjust those straps to get the perfect fit for my longer torso.
What else you need to know: The ruched panels on the top camouflage the tummy area without adding bulk. This is one of those mix and match swimwear options that gives you flexibility to create multiple looks. I bought three different colored tops to pair with my black high-waisted bottoms, and suddenly I have a whole swimwear wardrobe for less than the cost of two complete sets.
5. Hilor Tankini Set with Tummy Control
What it is: A supportive tankini with built-in bra construction, including a shelf bra and ruched tummy control front panel.
Why I love it: I’m not kidding when I say this isn’t just marketing fluff about “tummy control.” The built-in bra actually works like a real bra, with shelf support that lifts and separates instead of just smooshing everything together like some cheaper options do. I wore this to a client’s pool party last summer and felt completely supported all day long. The ruched front creates a genuine slimming effect across your midsection.
What else you need to know: The bra-style construction means you get real bust support for larger chests, not just the illusion of it. The tummy control panel is sewn in, not just tight fabric that cuts off circulation and makes you miserable. My client Susan, 68, told me this was the first swimsuit in 15 years where she didn’t feel like she was spilling out the top or bulging at the sides.
⚠️ WHAT TO AVOID: Stay away from tankinis with narrow spaghetti straps if you have a larger bust. They’ll dig painful grooves into your shoulders within an hour, and you’ll spend your whole beach day adjusting them. Always look for straps at least 1 inch wide, or better yet, 1.5 to 2 inches.
6. Cocoship Retro-Inspired Tankini Set
What it is: A vintage-style tankini with a classic bustline design and longer ruched torso that smooths the belly area with retro flair.
Why I love it: If you love that classic 1950s swim style but need modern support, I’m telling you this delivers. The retro-inspired bustline isn’t just cute, it’s actually engineered to support larger busts (I’ve tested this myself), and the longer torso length provides way more coverage than standard tankinis.
What else you need to know: The ruched torso creates visual interest while camouflaging your midsection. The vintage aesthetic means you don’t look like you’re trying to dress like your granddaughter, which honestly matters when you’re over 60. This is age-appropriate swimwear that still feels fun and feminine. I wore mine to a resort in Palm Springs and got more compliments than I’ve had in years.
7. Aqua Eve Plus Size Tankini with High-Waisted Bottoms
What it is: A widely reviewed plus-size tankini offering good bust coverage and a forgiving midsection fit, with high-waisted bottom options.
Why I love it: Sometimes you need to trust the reviews, and I did with this one. Thousands of happy customers can’t be wrong. I ordered this for my client Margaret who was panicking about an upcoming cruise, and it’s specifically designed for fuller figures with proportions that actually work for women with larger busts and tummies.
What else you need to know: The high waisted tankini bottoms provide coverage and control without that restrictive feeling. The bust coverage is generous without being matronly. This is reliable swimwear for mature women who just want something that works without a lot of drama. Margaret wore hers every single day of that cruise and said it was the best money she’d spent on her whole vacation.
8. Holipick Tankini with Mesh or Ruffle Front
What it is: A tankini featuring molded cups and adjustable straps, with either mesh or ruffle overlay options to help disguise the tummy area.
Why I love it: I appreciate how the mesh or ruffle overlay is strategically placed to skim over your midsection without adding bulk. I’ve tried both versions, and honestly they both work. The molded cups provide real shaping and support, and I can adjust those straps to get the fit right for my torso length (I’m 5’7″ with a long torso, so this matters).
What else you need to know: The overlay detail adds visual interest while serving a practical purpose. It disguises belly pooch without looking like you’re trying to hide anything. Similar to what I talk about with choosing the right shapewear, the key is finding something that smooths gently rather than squeezes uncomfortably.
9. Septangle Tummy Control Tankini Set
What it is: A supportive tankini with wide straps and a ruched tummy control front panel designed for maximum support and smoothing.
Why I love it: Those wide straps are honestly the difference between a swimsuit you can actually wear all day and one that leaves groove marks in your shoulders. I learned this the hard way after a full day at the pool left me looking like I’d been attacked by a cheese grater. The tummy control front isn’t just tight fabric, it’s engineered ruching that creates a flattering silhouette without the squeezing.
What else you need to know: The supportive swimwear construction means you get real bust support from those wide straps. The ruched design provides gentle compression without feeling like a girdle. My client Linda, 65, has a DD chest and chronic shoulder pain, and this is the only swimsuit she can wear for more than an hour without hurting.
10. CUPSHE Tankini Sets with Ruched Midsection
What it is: A collection of tankinis with molded-cup tops and ruched or flowy-front designs for midsection camouflage.
Why I love it: I appreciate that CUPSHE offers multiple styles within this category, so you can choose the amount of coverage you actually want instead of being stuck with one option. The ruched midsection designs create a genuine slimming effect, and the molded cups provide shaping without underwire digging into you.
What else you need to know: I recommend their flowy-front options if you want more camouflage (that’s what I wear on vacation), or the fitted ruched styles if you prefer a sleeker look. The molded cups mean you can skip underwire but still get support. This is versatile flattering swimwear that works for different preferences and body types.
11. Talisea Tankini Bathing Suit with Skirt
What it is: A skirted two-piece with a ruched tankini top and tummy control swim skirt that provides added coverage for hips and thighs.
Why I love it: The swim skirt is perfect if you want extra coverage on your lower half, and honestly, I was skeptical at first because I thought it would look like my mother’s old swimdress. But this is a modern take with a separate tankini top and skirt bottom that actually flatters without looking dated.
What else you need to know: The ruched top provides tummy control, while the swim skirt adds coverage for hips and thighs. This is one of the best modest swimwear options for older women who want more coverage without giving up the convenience of a two-piece. My client Carol wears this to her senior community pool and says she finally feels comfortable bending over to pick up pool toys with her grandkids.
12. Firpearl Women’s Tankini with Underwire
What it is: A supportive tankini featuring either underwire or balconette-style molded cups for lift, with a longer torso for gentle tummy shaping.
Why I love it: Real underwire in a swimsuit changed everything for me when I have a larger bust. This provides the same support as my everyday bra, lifting and separating instead of just compressing. I can actually bend over without feeling like everything’s going to fall out. The longer torso smooths your midsection without riding up when you move.
What else you need to know: The underwire tankini design means serious support for D cup and up. The balconette style creates a flattering neckline while providing full coverage. This is one of the best bra sized tankini tops if you need genuine bust support. I wear this one when I’m doing anything active like playing with my grandkids in the pool.
13. ZAFUL Tankini Swimsuit with Ruffle Trim Textured
What it is: A ruffle-trim textured tankini top with removable pads and high-cut, high-waist bottoms that show more curves than they shape.
Why I love it: This option is for women who want to show off their curves rather than hide them, and I respect that. The textured fabric and ruffle trim add visual interest, while the high-cut bottoms elongate your legs. The removable pads let you customize your coverage based on what you’re comfortable with.
What else you need to know: I’m being honest here—this provides moderate support. It’s more about style than serious shaping. The high-waist bottoms offer some tummy coverage, but this is better for women who want to embrace their figure rather than camouflage it. It’s a confidence-boosting option for those ready to own their look, similar to the mindset shift I talk about with my clients who are ready to stop hiding.
What Makes a Great Tankini for Large Bust and Tummy?
Built-In Bra Support Matters
I’m going to be blunt with you. At our age, gravity needs all the help it can get. A good tankini should lift and support your bust like a real bra, not just smush everything together. I’ve tried enough swimsuits to know the difference between actual support and wishful thinking.
Look for these features:
- Molded or underwired cups for D cup and up
- Wide, adjustable straps that won’t dig into shoulders
- Removable pads for customizable coverage
- Shelf bra construction for added support
💡 PRO TIP: When you try on a tankini, do the bend-over test. Lean forward like you’re picking something up off the pool deck. If everything stays in place and you don’t feel exposed, you’ve found a keeper. If you’re spilling out or constantly adjusting, keep shopping.
Tummy Control That Actually Works
Real tummy control comes from strategic design, not just tight fabric that makes you hold your breath all day. I’ve learned this through trial and painful error. Ruching creates texture that disguises bulges. Panel construction smooths without squeezing. Peplum styles skim over your midsection instead of clinging to every curve.
What I look for:
- Ruched front panels for visual slimming
- Compression panels that support without restricting
- Longer torso length for full coverage
- Peplum or flowy designs that camouflage
The Right Bottoms Make All the Difference
High-waisted bottoms aren’t just trendy, they’re practical for older women. I switched to high-waisted styles three years ago and I’ll never go back. They provide coverage where you need it, stay in place better than low-rise styles, and smooth your midsection without feeling like shapewear.
Best bottom styles I recommend:
- High-waisted for tummy control and coverage
- Skirted styles for hip and thigh coverage
- Mid-rise for moderate coverage
- Full-coverage backs (because nobody needs a wedgie at the pool)
Fabric Quality Counts
I learned this lesson after buying a cheap swimsuit that lost its shape after three wears. Quality fabrics maintain compression, resist chlorine, dry quickly, and offer UPF sun protection. Just like I recommend quality soap for aging skin, you want to invest in good fabric that will last. Look for fabrics with at least 10 to 15 percent spandex for good stretch and recovery.
How to Choose Your Size
For the Top
I always tell my clients to measure around the fullest part of your bust and check the brand’s size chart religiously. Every brand is different. If you’re between sizes, size up for comfort. I’ve learned this the hard way after ordering too small and spending an entire vacation uncomfortable. Tankini tops with molded cups often run true to size, while those without structure may run small.
⚠️ WHAT TO AVOID: Never guess your size based on what you wore 10 years ago or what you think you should be. Your body has changed, and that’s okay. Measure yourself now, today, and order based on those measurements. Pride won’t keep you comfortable, but the right size will.
For the Bottom
Measure around the fullest part of your hips. High-waisted styles should sit at or just above your natural waist. If you carry weight in your midsection like I do, don’t be tempted to size down thinking it will look better. The right size will smooth better than one that’s too tight and creates bulges where you didn’t have them before.
When to Buy Separates
If you’re more than one size different between top and bottom, buy separates. I’m a large on top and a medium on the bottom, and buying separates was life-changing. Many brands now offer mix and match options so you can get the perfect fit for both pieces.
Caring for Your Tankini
I know it’s tempting to just toss your swimsuit in your beach bag and deal with it later, but trust me on this. Rinse it in cool water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. These things break down the fabric faster than you’d think.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Never, and I mean never, put swimwear in the washing machine. I ruined a $75 tankini that way and learned my lesson. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight, which breaks down elastic fibers.
With proper care, a quality tankini should last 2 to 3 swim seasons. That’s worth the extra five minutes of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tankinis work for large bust and tummy?
Absolutely yes, and I wear them myself. The key is finding tankinis with actual bust support (molded cups, underwire, or shelf bras) and strategic tummy control features like ruching or compression panels. Generic tankinis don’t work as well, but the ones designed specifically for larger busts and tummies make a huge difference. I’ve worked with dozens of clients who thought tankinis wouldn’t work for them, and the right style changed their minds completely.
What size tankini should I buy if I’m between sizes?
I always tell my clients to size up when you’re between sizes. A slightly looser tankini is infinitely more comfortable than one that’s too tight and creates bulges. Measure yourself carefully (bust at the fullest point, hips at the widest part) and compare to the brand’s specific size chart. Every brand sizes differently, so don’t assume your usual size will work.
Shop the bathing suits in this video
Are high waisted bottoms flattering for older women with belly pooch?
High waisted bottoms are my go-to recommendation for women over 60 with belly concerns. They provide coverage and gentle compression right where you need it most. The key is finding ones that sit at your natural waist or just above, not ones that are so high they create a new bulge under your bust. I wear high-waisted bottoms exclusively now and won’t go back to low-rise styles.
Can I wear a tankini if I have a DD cup or larger?
Yes, but you need to be selective about which tankinis you choose. Look for styles with underwire support, wide straps (at least 1.5 inches), and bra-sized options if available. I have a DD chest myself, and tankinis like the Hilor and Firpearl options work beautifully because they’re engineered for real support. Avoid anything with spaghetti straps or no internal structure.
How do I know if a tankini has enough tummy control?
Look for specific features rather than just marketing claims. Real tummy control comes from ruched panels, compression fabric in the midsection, or peplum styles that skim over your belly. I recommend reading reviews from women with similar body types. If multiple reviewers mention that it actually smooths their midsection, that’s a good sign. Vague claims about “slimming” without specific construction features usually mean minimal actual control.
Should I buy tankini tops and bottoms separately or as a set?
If you’re the same size on top and bottom, buying a set is fine and often more economical. But if you’re different sizes like I am (large top, medium bottom), buying separates is absolutely worth it. The comfort and fit difference is dramatic. Many brands now sell separates specifically so you can get the right size for each part of your body.
What’s the difference between molded cups and underwire in tankinis?
Molded cups provide shape and structure without wires, which is comfortable for everyday wear. Underwire provides more lift and support, especially for larger busts (D cup and up). I use molded cups for casual pool days and save the underwire versions for more active situations or when I want maximum support. Both are better than no support at all, which is what you get with many cheap tankinis.
How long should a quality tankini last?
With proper care (rinsing after each use, hand washing, air drying), a quality tankini should last 2 to 3 swim seasons. I’ve had some last even longer. If you’re swimming frequently in chlorinated pools, you might get closer to 2 seasons. The fabric and elastic will eventually break down, but good quality construction makes a huge difference in longevity.
Can I find modest tankini swimwear that’s still stylish?
Absolutely, and this is something I help clients with all the time. Modest doesn’t have to mean frumpy. Look for tankinis with higher necklines, longer torsos, and skirted or high-waisted bottoms. The Yonique Peplum and Talisea skirted options both provide excellent coverage while still looking current and feminine. You can also check out my full guide on tankinis for women over 60 for more modest options.
Do ruched tankinis really hide belly fat?
Ruching creates texture and visual interest that helps camouflage belly concerns, but it’s not magic. The ruching breaks up the smooth surface that would otherwise highlight every curve and bulge. Combined with compression fabric and proper fit, yes, ruching genuinely helps. I’ve seen it work for countless clients. But you still need to choose the right size, don’t size down hoping the ruching will do all the work.
Final Thoughts
The best tankini for large bust and tummy for older women combines genuine support, strategic design, and quality construction. You shouldn’t have to choose between coverage and style, or between support and comfort. I’ve spent years helping women find swimwear that actually works for their bodies, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that settling for uncomfortable, unflattering suits is not your only option.
These 13 tankinis offer real solutions for real bodies. Whether you need serious underwire support like I do, generous tummy camouflage, or just a well-designed two-piece that flatters your figure, there’s an option here that will work for you.
Your swimsuit should make you feel confident enough to actually enjoy your vacation, not spend the whole time adjusting straps or tugging at bottoms. Find the features that matter most to you, invest in quality, and get ready to enjoy the water without constantly worrying about your swimsuit.
After 60, you’ve earned the right to feel comfortable and confident. Don’t settle for less than that.
Claudia Faucher is a fitness and lifestyle blogger who shares practical tips for women over 50 on staying active, stylish, and confident. As the creator of FitFab50.com and Beyond59.com, she covers topics like workout gear, beauty trends, and wellness routines. Claudia is passionate about helping others live their best life at any age.