7 best tankinis for modest coverage this summer
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The best tankinis — previously a style thought to be appropriate maternity swimwear or exclusively for those favouring light tummy-control. However, if Burberry's latest collaboration with Hunza G has taught us anything, it's that longline bikini tops are back in Vogue for summer 2026.
Yep, Simone Ashley modelled the limited collection (launched April 27th) which included the Burberry x Hunza G Devyn Swim Skirt/Tube Top, crafted from the latter's trending crinkle swimsuit material, and finished with the former's iconic check. However, priced at a hefty £225, let's just say this bikini is well out of budget for my upcoming holiday.
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Instead, I've spent the last three months reviewing a host of tankinis from swimwear brands like Bravissimo, Marks & Spencer and Pour Moi to see which ranked best — and might persuade me to overlook my beloved one-piece swimsuit this season.
So, read on to discover the best women's tankinis and bikini sets to wear poolside in 2026, as well answers to common swimwear FAQs from industry experts. And, if you're looking for sustainable swimwear, long-sleeve swimsuits or swimwear for large busts, I've already called out the very best in those categories, too.
Ahead, the best tankinis to shop ahead of summer 2026, reviewed:
Panache Iris Gingham Tankini Top
Available sizes: 32E — 38K.
Material: 86% polyamide, 14% elastane.
Care: Not detailed.
Colours: 1.Rarely do I put on a swimsuit and feel my very best – the vibe tends to be ‘this is good enough to wear without a sarong or beach cover up’. However, this gingham tankini top from Bravissimo offers customisable coverage (thanks to the drawstring sides) and lifted my chest as well as my favourite t-shirt bra, left me feeling body confident and ready for the beach. Exclusively for those with breasts measuring above a 32E, the underwired, non-padded balconette cups provide ample support — as in there was minimal bounce or spillage as I recreated Pam Anderson's iconic sprint. The thicker adjustable straps also ensured a comfortable fit on the shoulders. My only qualm? Bravissimo has a unique size chart, so an in-house fitting is essential.
Pros & ConsPros- Underwired, non-padded balconette cups deliver high levels of support and shaping.
- Adjustable sides let you vary the tummy gathers and coverage.
- Made with soft-touch (almost brushed) fabric for all-day comfort.
- This style is also available as a swimsuit and a bikini.
Cons- Bravissimo uses a unique size guide, so a fitting (virtual or in-person) is essential.
Available sizes: UK 4 — 22.
Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane.
Care: Machine washable.
Colours: 6.I knew Boden excelled when it came to maximalist summer dresses, but swimwear? Off my radar for far too long. This swimsuit (available in six designs, some vibrant and more classic staples including all black) is fitted with self-tie halter tankini top so you can customise the support. Plus, the design of the top meant you can wear it strapless while sunbathing, too. While fitted with lightly padded fixed cups for a smooth shape, the lack of a shelf bar or an underwire means there is risk of migration for those with a larger bust. I'm also a big fan of the ruching which helps camouflages any curves I'd rather not show off. Just size down if you're between.
Save when you shop for the best tankinis with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Adjustable self-tie halterneck.
- Lightly padded fixed cups deliver a smooth shape.
- Provides UPF 50+ protection.
Cons- One of the most expensive high-street styles in this edit.
Free Spirit Underwired Lightly Padded Tankini Top
Available sizes: 32B — 38G.
Material: 82% recycled polyamide, 18% elastane.
Care: Not detailed.
Colours: 1.An LBB (little black bikini) is a timeless classic that you'll call on for breach breaks and city escapes for years to come. However, Pour Moi has fitted this full-coverage option with an underwire and light padding, delivering extra lift and shape to those who want it. As with all swimwear styles by this brand, I personally found this one true to size and super comfortable — there was not cutting or digging in, and the longline top didn't ride up once, even when in the water. With a fully adjustable back and shoulder straps, support wasn't a concern. In fact, I had very few while wearing this tankini on a recent day trip to a London spa. Can I just request a few more options in terms of colour and print, please?
Save when you shop for the best tankinis with these Pour Moi discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Sold in cup sizes, ensuring a flush fit.
- Lightly padded, underwired cups for lift and support.
- Fitted with a smoothing tummy-control panel.
- Made from 82% recycled materials.
Cons- Requesting more fun colours and designs, please!
Available sizes: UK 6 — UK 24.
Material: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane.
Care: Machine wash at 40° on a delicate cycle.
Colours: 1.For those craving coverage across their midriff but no tan lines across their décolletage, Marks & Spencer has delivered a fun strapless tankini adorned with holiday-inspired motifs. Fitted with added stretch, I'd recommend sizing down once if you're between sizes — otherwise, stick with your usual. Fitted with removable padding and adjustable straps, this has the capacity to provide some support — although, as a someone with a bigger bust, I can confirm it's minimal. Yet, it's super comfy to wear and works as a top when paired with cobalt blue linen trousers or poplin shorts. In terms of cut, this one falls just under your belly button unless, like me, you have a short torso. Just be sure to adding the matching bikini briefs (only available in a high leg cut) to your basket!
Save when you shop for the best tankinis with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Super comfy, thanks to that added stretch.
- Removable padding for gentle shaping.
- Size inclusive, available in every size between a UK 6 and 24 — plus true to size.
Cons- Minimal bust support.
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Available sizes: XXS — XXL.
Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane.
Care: Not detailed.
Colours: 3.For wild swimmers and modest dressers alike, lonng-sleeve tankinis can be hard to come across. Yet, sustainable swimwear brand Wallien has ensured us girlies have colourful options that look like a fashion choice, rather than a last resort. This cobalt blue (bang on trend for S/S 2026), comes in a 2000s-inspired statement print and finished with a frilled neckline. However, it's also seriously functional, offering UPF 50+ sun protection and unrestricted movement for surfing, paddling, and swimming. Crafted from eco-friendly, chlorine-resistant fabric that, confirmed by my extensive personal testing during a recent weekend staycation to Bournemouth, holds its shape over time. Just be to sure to size down if you're looking for a more slimline fit.
Pros & ConsPros- Made with ECONYL regenerated Nylon to decrease our reliance on fossil-fuel-derived virgin plastics.
- Free Returns within 30 days!
- Size inclusive (although you will need a tape measure).
- 2 styles of bikini bottoms and 1 triangle top available in a matching hue.
Cons- Not all will enjoy the cropped cut.
Available sizes: S (UK 10) — L (14-16).
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex.
Care: Machine wash cold on a delicate cycle.
Colours: 1.For classic swimwear cuts finished in on-trend designs, Cupshe is the place to head. Case-in-point: the brand currently has more than 15 polka dot styles on site, giving those of us wanting to lean into Spring '26s biggest trend plenty of choice.
Talking of this style specifically, I love the combination of chocolate brown and baby blue — as well as the bra-style fastening offering a little extra support around the bust. Fitted with removeable cups, it delivered a nice shape and some lift, courtesy of those adjustable straps. My two qualms though? You can't choose the size of the seperates, and the size range is minimal. However, for an affordable option that you'll love for a season, maybe two, she satisfies.
Save when you shop for the best tankinis with these Cupshe discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Flattering square neckline that simultaneously elongates the neck and balances proportions.
- Removable soft cups for added shaping.
- Price includes both the tankini and adjustable bottoms.
Cons- Limited size range.
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Tankini FAQs, answered:
“We find our customers prefer tankinis when they feel their most confident in swimwear with the coverage of a swimsuit, but they still want the ease of a two-piece style,” says Emily Mackay, Customer Experience Manager at Bravissimo. “Tankinis mean you can mix and match your bottoms, wear as a top to take you from beach to bar — especially if you go for one of our styles with bra-sized support — and feel your most confident with a coverage level you feel comfortable with. For many they're the best of both worlds!”
“Much like bikinis and swimsuits, there are many different shapes and styles, so there's a tankini to fit and flatter every body type,” details Emily. "Design features like tie-side ruching that allows you to adjust the length of the tankini top, adjustable straps, and of course, different shapes of built-in bra, mean that you can find a style that feels tailored to you.
“We always recommend having a swimwear fitting with one of our Bravissimo fitting experts who can help you find the perfect tankini that works for you.”
Meet the expert:
| Emily Mackay | Customer Experience Manager at Bravissimo. |
How I choose the best tankinis:
I've spent at least three months overhauling our swimwear content in a bid to have you fully prepared before summer even starts. Because I already have an extensive collection of one-piece swimsuits, bikinis and tankinis (some former samples, some gifted and some bought of my own accord), I first consulted those — which more modest options do I reach for most when on holiday? If my suitcase got lost or stolen, which tankini would I miss most?
But I also consulted the wider Glamour team to discover which high-coverage swim tops they love the most. This informed which swimwear brands I reached out to for further samples.
Once I had multiple tankinis, I wore them for a minimum of two dips — either in the local lido, for a quick cold plunge at the gym or while on a recent press trip — before scoring against the following criteria:
| Functionality | Was the tankini comfortable to move, lounge and swim in? Is it true to size, and is the brand size inclusive? Did it ride up, slide down or twist uncontrollably? |
| Design | Was the tankini both aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? What's the tankini made of? Was the tummy-covering top quick-drying and not overly absorbent? |
| Price point | Is the tankini of good quality? Is the price for one item, or an entire set? Would I be willing to spend that much again? |
| Delivery | How quickly did the tankini arrive, and what were the associated costs? How easy is the returns or exchange process? |
Unsurprisingly, only the tankinis that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn't meet my standards:
- Marks & Spencer's Tummy Control Printed Bandeau Tankini Top, £30 — Fun design and super affordable, but I found it began to roll up within minutes of pulling it on. The thin straps also dug in, so I'd say this is best suited to those with a small chest.
In terms of what I'm currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:
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Why you can trust me:
As a girl whose main body insecurity is her stomach, tankinis aren't a swimwear style that's new to me. However, I've got more than experience on my side.
While I started my journalism career as a writer for a tabloid agony aunt, I quickly pivoted into shopping and have now been a commerce writer for just over three years. In that time, I've found a passion for functional fashion — menstrual health accessories like period pants and menstrual cups, activewear, and swimwear, whether that's long-sleeve swimsuits, tummy-control swimsuits and swimwear for big busts.
To ensure I'm an authority on all things high-performing fashion, I attend countless press launches to get my eyes (and hands) on as many new launches as possible. But, I also spend my working work chatting with swimwear designers, gynaecologists, women's health experts and brand founders to gain answers to common shopping FAQs, and scouring the runways to keep track of the latest trends.
