Most Comfortable...Bathing Suits
Bathing suit season is in full swing and, as you are probably aware, finding the right swimsuit can be no small feat. The goal is to find a bathing suit that is flattering, comfortable, and affordable. Sounds simple, right?
Lucky for you, we did a lot of the leg work for you. We asked different women of all ages to tell us what their most comfortable and flattering bathing suit is and they told us loud and clear. From tankinis to bikinis to swimdresses to one pieces if you are still in the market for THE suit for the summer, read the below and find out what the most comfortable bathing suits are.
Coco Reef Swimsuit
$44.99 (Retail $94)
"The most comfortable bathing suit is the Coco Reef Swimsuit. The tummy control holds me in with a soft, lightweight material. My stomach looks so flat without having a "girdle like feeling". It does not ride up on the buttocks, and the softly padded built in bra accentuates my small bust."
-Donna, 38, New York
Athleta Bolsa Chica Mini Sarong & Matching Top
Sarong, $44.99 | Top, $44.99
"My favorite bathing suit is the Bolsa Chica Mini Sarong with matching top by Athleta. For women who want a little more coverage with a skirted bottom but still a youthful look, this bottom is just the ticket with the wrap design and slit on the side. The wide waistband is slimming, the nylon/spandex blend is ultra comfortable, and the cute paisley print is adorable."
-Caryl, 47, Virginia
Calvin Klein Allover Pleated Swimsuit
$54 (Retail $98)
"The most comfortable and slimming bathing suit I have worn recently is the Calvin Klein Allover Pleated Swimsuit, in Smoke Animal Print. I love this swimsuit because it provides full coverage in the front and back, while also letting me show off my playful side with its cute 'Retro' style."
-Stephanie, 27, California
Tibi Sundial Banded Halter Top & Matching Drawstring Boyshorts
Top, $103 | Boyshorts, $120
"The most comfortable bath suit I've found is the Tibi Sundial halter/boyshort two piece. The halter style doesn't ride up, slip or leave strap marks. The adjustable boyshorts allow me to decide just how much I want to show and stay in place no matter what. It's very flattering for hips and backsides and also makes smaller chests look great."
-Dawn, 27, North Carolina
J. Crew Ink-dot Underwire Top & Matching Hipster Bottom
Top, $39.99 | Bottom, $34.99
"This summer I am loving the J.Crew Ink Dot bathing suit. It has an adorable retro look but with a very modern twist. There's great underwire protection for those of us who have a little bit more to control on top. However, unlike a lot of bathing suits that fit the 'comfortable and covered' mold, it still has a great design that makes you feel sexy without showing too much."
-Ali, 26, New York
Norma Kamali Halter Bill Swimsuit
$350
"Wearing the Norma Kamali Halter Bill Swimsuit to the beach in California envelops me in a breathable fabric that clings to my body. The snug fit fills me with confidence making embarrassing adjustments around the thighs unnecessary. At 35, the suit provides elegant appropriate sex appeal while hiding any belly bulge with ruching."
-Kim
Moroccan Beach Tiki Tri Tankini & Matching String Bikini Bottoms
Top, $46 | Bottom, $34
"After weeks of ignoring "DO SIT-UPS!" post-its, I admitted I was not bikini ready. Solution: Moroccan Beach Tiki Tri Tankini from roxy.com. This sleek suit highlights my figure while its low hanging top provides tummy coverage. So, until I perfect my six-pack, I feel comfortable in this tame two piece."
-Christina, 36, New York
Diane von Furstenberg 'Rochelle' Reversible Printed Wrap Swimsuit
$230
"This is one of the most comfortable bathing suits on the market. The 'Rochelle' incorporates the best features of DVF's famed wrap dress into a reversible swimsuit. The v-necked suit provides a flattering solution for women with a larger chest, while the mock wrap cut can provide the illusion of curves for women with less curvy figures."
-Jasmine, 21, Pennsylvania
Magicsuit Firm Control Retro One-Piece
$109 (Retail $146)
"My favorite bathing suit is the Victoria's Secret retro one-piece. The retro styles are fabulously flattering and comfortable. I have hip and bottom issues, the shirring of this retro style smooth out my hips and makes my legs look slimmer. The full bottom coverage also makes my tush look smaller."
-Rose, 28, California
Ellen Tracy by Magicsuit Swimsuit
$92.99 (Retail $138)
"The Ellen Tracy by Magicsuit Swimsuit, Abby One Piece Tummy Control Bathing Suit is by far the most luxurious piece of swimwear I have ever worn. The cozy soft cups coupled with the supportive over the shoulder straps offer a pleasant fit for the ample upper part of my figure."
-Ronica
Spanx Halter Tankini with Bikini Bottom
$76.80
"The most comfortable bathing suit in my collection is the Spanx Halter Tankini with Bikini Bottom. Without a doubt, Spanx has come to my rescue with great tummy coverage, built in bosom support with adjustable ties, and silhouette trimming qualities that conceal the telltale signs of having children."
-Stephanie, 35, Texas
Magicsuit Firm Control Shaping Halter One-Piece
$100 (Retail $134)
"When it comes to bathing suits, comfort is just as important as style. For me, this swimsuit has it all. This bathing suit accentuates all my best assets, and tucks away the rest; it gracefully sculpts my body and makes me feel secure and confident. Amazingly lightweight, the suit has no bulky padding or extra material that adds heaviness when wet."
-Mary, 22, California
Nautica Swimdress
$48.99
"With swimsuit season officially underway, I I feel so comfortable and at ease when I am wearing my Nautica swimdress! They not only look elegant and can be found for the same price as a regular bathing suit; but they flatter my shape. I feel relaxed when wearing it because there are adjustable straps."
-Jeannette, 24, Pennsylvania
Dolphin Bathing Suit
Top & Bottom, $22.50 each
"The Dolphin bathing suit is the most comfortable bathing suit I've ever worn. It's a rare combination of style and comfort. I love how the material shapes to fit your body curves. I have it in black and it feels just as good as it looks - an easy fit and durable.
-A.G., 29, New York
This should be the summer that you feel and look your best at the beach and the pool. Wearing a comfortable bathing suit will make spending time in the sun all that much more enjoyable.
Shop more suits:
What is your most comfortable bathing suit? Leave a comment below or be sure to tell us on Facebook. If you want even more bathing suits to shop.
New on AOL Shopping
Have you taken our new Style Finder Quiz? Take our quiz to get your style personality and unlock a world of personalized product picks, lookbooks and style advice -- it's all FREE!
Read more about AOL Shopping's new features >>
Related stories
Travel Light with Chick on the Go
What's Trending In for Summer 2011!
Beach Chic: Sarongs
Rethink Cork Platform Shoes
Lucky for you, we did a lot of the leg work for you. We asked different women of all ages to tell us what their most comfortable and flattering bathing suit is and they told us loud and clear. From tankinis to bikinis to swimdresses to one pieces if you are still in the market for THE suit for the summer, read the below and find out what the most comfortable bathing suits are.
Coco Reef Swimsuit$44.99 (Retail $94)
"The most comfortable bathing suit is the Coco Reef Swimsuit. The tummy control holds me in with a soft, lightweight material. My stomach looks so flat without having a "girdle like feeling". It does not ride up on the buttocks, and the softly padded built in bra accentuates my small bust."
-Donna, 38, New York
Athleta Bolsa Chica Mini Sarong & Matching TopSarong, $44.99 | Top, $44.99
"My favorite bathing suit is the Bolsa Chica Mini Sarong with matching top by Athleta. For women who want a little more coverage with a skirted bottom but still a youthful look, this bottom is just the ticket with the wrap design and slit on the side. The wide waistband is slimming, the nylon/spandex blend is ultra comfortable, and the cute paisley print is adorable."
-Caryl, 47, Virginia
Calvin Klein Allover Pleated Swimsuit$54 (Retail $98)
"The most comfortable and slimming bathing suit I have worn recently is the Calvin Klein Allover Pleated Swimsuit, in Smoke Animal Print. I love this swimsuit because it provides full coverage in the front and back, while also letting me show off my playful side with its cute 'Retro' style."
-Stephanie, 27, California
Tibi Sundial Banded Halter Top & Matching Drawstring BoyshortsTop, $103 | Boyshorts, $120
"The most comfortable bath suit I've found is the Tibi Sundial halter/boyshort two piece. The halter style doesn't ride up, slip or leave strap marks. The adjustable boyshorts allow me to decide just how much I want to show and stay in place no matter what. It's very flattering for hips and backsides and also makes smaller chests look great."
-Dawn, 27, North Carolina
J. Crew Ink-dot Underwire Top & Matching Hipster BottomTop, $39.99 | Bottom, $34.99
"This summer I am loving the J.Crew Ink Dot bathing suit. It has an adorable retro look but with a very modern twist. There's great underwire protection for those of us who have a little bit more to control on top. However, unlike a lot of bathing suits that fit the 'comfortable and covered' mold, it still has a great design that makes you feel sexy without showing too much."
-Ali, 26, New York
Norma Kamali Halter Bill Swimsuit$350
"Wearing the Norma Kamali Halter Bill Swimsuit to the beach in California envelops me in a breathable fabric that clings to my body. The snug fit fills me with confidence making embarrassing adjustments around the thighs unnecessary. At 35, the suit provides elegant appropriate sex appeal while hiding any belly bulge with ruching."
-Kim
Moroccan Beach Tiki Tri Tankini & Matching String Bikini BottomsTop, $46 | Bottom, $34
"After weeks of ignoring "DO SIT-UPS!" post-its, I admitted I was not bikini ready. Solution: Moroccan Beach Tiki Tri Tankini from roxy.com. This sleek suit highlights my figure while its low hanging top provides tummy coverage. So, until I perfect my six-pack, I feel comfortable in this tame two piece."
-Christina, 36, New York
Diane von Furstenberg 'Rochelle' Reversible Printed Wrap Swimsuit$230
"This is one of the most comfortable bathing suits on the market. The 'Rochelle' incorporates the best features of DVF's famed wrap dress into a reversible swimsuit. The v-necked suit provides a flattering solution for women with a larger chest, while the mock wrap cut can provide the illusion of curves for women with less curvy figures."
-Jasmine, 21, Pennsylvania
Magicsuit Firm Control Retro One-Piece$109 (Retail $146)
"My favorite bathing suit is the Victoria's Secret retro one-piece. The retro styles are fabulously flattering and comfortable. I have hip and bottom issues, the shirring of this retro style smooth out my hips and makes my legs look slimmer. The full bottom coverage also makes my tush look smaller."
-Rose, 28, California
Ellen Tracy by Magicsuit Swimsuit$92.99 (Retail $138)
"The Ellen Tracy by Magicsuit Swimsuit, Abby One Piece Tummy Control Bathing Suit is by far the most luxurious piece of swimwear I have ever worn. The cozy soft cups coupled with the supportive over the shoulder straps offer a pleasant fit for the ample upper part of my figure."
-Ronica
Spanx Halter Tankini with Bikini Bottom$76.80
"The most comfortable bathing suit in my collection is the Spanx Halter Tankini with Bikini Bottom. Without a doubt, Spanx has come to my rescue with great tummy coverage, built in bosom support with adjustable ties, and silhouette trimming qualities that conceal the telltale signs of having children."
-Stephanie, 35, Texas
Magicsuit Firm Control Shaping Halter One-Piece$100 (Retail $134)
"When it comes to bathing suits, comfort is just as important as style. For me, this swimsuit has it all. This bathing suit accentuates all my best assets, and tucks away the rest; it gracefully sculpts my body and makes me feel secure and confident. Amazingly lightweight, the suit has no bulky padding or extra material that adds heaviness when wet."
-Mary, 22, California
Nautica Swimdress$48.99
"With swimsuit season officially underway, I I feel so comfortable and at ease when I am wearing my Nautica swimdress! They not only look elegant and can be found for the same price as a regular bathing suit; but they flatter my shape. I feel relaxed when wearing it because there are adjustable straps."
-Jeannette, 24, Pennsylvania
Dolphin Bathing SuitTop & Bottom, $22.50 each
"The Dolphin bathing suit is the most comfortable bathing suit I've ever worn. It's a rare combination of style and comfort. I love how the material shapes to fit your body curves. I have it in black and it feels just as good as it looks - an easy fit and durable.
-A.G., 29, New York
This should be the summer that you feel and look your best at the beach and the pool. Wearing a comfortable bathing suit will make spending time in the sun all that much more enjoyable.
Shop more suits:
What is your most comfortable bathing suit? Leave a comment below or be sure to tell us on Facebook. If you want even more bathing suits to shop.
New on AOL Shopping
Have you taken our new Style Finder Quiz? Take our quiz to get your style personality and unlock a world of personalized product picks, lookbooks and style advice -- it's all FREE!
Read more about AOL Shopping's new features >>
Related stories
Travel Light with Chick on the Go
What's Trending In for Summer 2011!
Beach Chic: Sarongs
Rethink Cork Platform Shoes
Comments page 1 of 2
Highest Rank
KAREN said 7-29-2011 @7:56AM
could you use some models with some gurth! Everyone would look great in these suits if that was the norm...how many of us have hip bones that actually pertrude!
replyHighest Rank
Kare said 7-29-2011 @8:42AM
Thank you!!! Was thinking the same thing! My goodness if I was 27 or 28 again I could wear any of these suits! I am 49 and had two children, I am not huge, but as you stated I have some girth to me. Give me a break!
Highest Rank
TaylorGumms said 7-29-2011 @9:27AM
Three hundred and fifty dollars for a swimsuit?! I don't think so. It shouldn't cost so much for something you're only going to wear a few times a year. Make sure you're smart with your expenditures. Try searching for: con economics
The ideas and stuff you can get for nothin are worth it!
Neutral
Cody said 7-29-2011 @9:33AM
This selection of bathing suits are costumes not fit for the cast of "Cocoon". Dressing them up in the slim jim crew, does not protect them
replyfrom poor taste; wait till you see the real life, non vegetarian tribe
prancing around those 1950's rejects.....
Highest Rank
Flute Lady said 7-29-2011 @11:04AM
I can't believe these suits are being touted as being "affordable." Over a hundred dollars for a swimsuit - really! I swim for fitness all year round, so I go through swimsuits more than most people; I can't imagine how much it would cost me to keep several suits around at those prices. Trust me: you can get great-looking, flattering suits from Lands' End on sale (even some of their retail prices are better than these, but there are always some suits available in their "overstocks" catalog, and they can be as low as half price) any time of the year. As for women with larger figures, Lands' End has a nice selection of plus-size suits that are just as attractive as the standard sizes. Give them a try, ladies!
replyHighest Rank
Lois said 7-29-2011 @12:37PM
Since you mention Land's End, I purchased my last 2 swinsuits from them. I recently had a masectomy and they are one of the only companies that have them available in the catalog at a reasonable price ($30.00 or less on sale). No one even mentions that many of us have need of products like this, even in bras. Too bad someone manufacturers don't wake up.
Highest Rank
Caryn said 7-29-2011 @11:47AM
So true! Most of these suits are over a hundred bucks, and worn by size 2 models! How about some real women? I'm 57 and in pretty good shape, but have some cellulite and a bit of a pouchy belly-show ME in a suit that pulls up my tush and flattens my tummy!!!
replyHighest Rank
Nancy W said 7-30-2011 @11:12AM
I hear you! I, too, am 50-something and I'm in good shape FOR MY AGE, but, I would not look good in most of these suits. Unless you can afford a personal trainer, by middle age, gravity takes it's toll, even if you are thin.
Neutral
kristina said 7-30-2011 @1:42PM
what do you mean "real women"..i just was wondering what one has to look like in order to be considered "real"..and what are women who aren't built like you considered? men?? just wondering.. the phrase "real women" is pretty insulting
Highest Rank
Rachel said 7-29-2011 @1:28PM
I love, love, LOVE the first suit....Buuuuuut, like many others have already said, over $100 does NOT constitute as "affordable". I'm a single mom, working part-time, going to school full-time and managing a very careful, strict budget. When will I learn that whenever an article claims "affordable" they clearly mean "affordable for a two large-income, childless couple"? Maybe then I'd stop clicking on the links...
replyNeutral
Kara said 7-29-2011 @1:35PM
Target has the exact same bathing suit! And it is a fraction of the cost. I have it in black and LOVE it. I get so many compliments.
Lowest Ranked
fern said 7-29-2011 @2:55PM
slim ????????go to the beach,,,,,not>>>>>>>>>>>>>> donr waste ur time or hurt my eyes
replyHighest Rank
jt said 7-29-2011 @3:35PM
I hope some swimwear and/or athletic clothing designers read this. Many of us would love to swim and hang out at the pool or beach without exposing too much of a good or not so good thing. I love some of these designs but my thighs are not going to see the light of day again. What I want is something like what I wear to exercise class but maybe a lighter spandex that dries fast in a capri with maybe a little skirt and a longer tankini top that stays put when I swim. Am I the only one thinking that this would be comfortable, functional and maybe even cute beach attire for small, medium and large women? Take the original idea of a swimdress and use modern fabrics - call it ultra retro swimwear :-)
replyNeutral
Chappa-ai said 7-30-2011 @11:14AM
I actually made 1900's style swimsuits for my daughter and her room mate a couple of years ago, because they just wanted something different, and they got a lot of compliments on them. My daughter thinks she has flabby thighs (although, compared to a lot of women, she really doesn't) and the longer length at the bottom made her happy. Because it was all one piece, there was no riding up or drooping down. I think you have a good idea!
Lowest Ranked
Lastat Bain said 7-30-2011 @10:00AM
I know you girls may hate me for saying this but most of my friends also agree.Im a good looking male 27yrs old.I have been and slepped with overy 100 girls or more.I lost count at 5.About 2 per week.What i have seen in many womans bodies when they take there close off or there bathing suit off for the first time in front of me,many times i am and was by now very stunned at what a bathing suit and just cloths hide and or make a girl look very sexy in.Most of the beautiful girls i have been with i met them first usually at a beach or a swimming pool.But when they take that bikini off its a supprise at what cloths hide.I think it is a very bad idea for woman to make themselves up to look like a model.I like them to have that natural look and i go for those types of girls because they have nothing to hide and they are not competing with other girls.I like a girl who is just her self and not insecure.And thats what your showing in the pictures of these girls.Lets see what they look like without nothing on ????? And im very serious about what most men think and we all know about fake girls.
replyNeutral
hank said 7-30-2011 @11:21AM
These are what you call real women. I don't know what world you live in but I wish I lived in it too.
replyNeutral
Grandma Marilyn said 7-31-2011 @5:54PM
I like the nautica swimdress. Does it have separate briefs also, would like that. It's nice to have a suit that isn't so sexy, to go in the pool with the Grandson. Now I just have to find it. Thanks Marilyn
replyHighest Rank
Patty Du said 7-30-2011 @12:16PM
THESE ARE NOT REAL WOMAN ... REAL WOMAN JUST DON'T LOOK LIKE THEY BELONG A RUNWAY SHOWING OFF THEIR SHAPE ... HOW ABOUT SOMETHING FOR THOSE REAL WOMAN WHO ARE ON THE BEACH OR AT THE POOL TO HAVE FUN NO MATTER HOW THEY LOOK BUT WANT TO LOOK AS GOOD AS THEY CAN SO THEY ARE COMFORTABLE!!
replyNeutral
lois said 7-30-2011 @12:37PM
How about soemthing for us 40 year olds. All these are for young spring chickens with no birth fat !
replyHighest Rank
Leana H. said 7-30-2011 @12:47PM
Swimsuits for REAL women?? GIVE ME A BREAK!! They were using skinny, anorexic/bulimic type models again...How are THEY real women, with their bones still sticking out and not looking like what REAL women really do look like??!! Another setup....
reply