The best tankinis are here to make you look and feel your best this summer. Offering the extra coverage of a swimsuit but with the flexibility of a two-piece, a tankini makes for a smart swimwear solution.
We all know finding the right swimwear for your body shape is a sartorial minefield. We don’t live in a ‘one size fits all’ world so it can take a whole lot of patience, time and energy to find the perfect fit. The best tankinis, however, are here to make the process a whole lot easier. If you’ve not yet considered a tankini, let us sell the swimsuit type to you.
The two-piece bathing suit is made up of a tank top and briefs. Providing that extra coverage, they’re great if you’re conscious of your middle area but enjoy the versatility of a two-piece. The best tankinis also take into account that you may be different sizes on your top and bottom. If you’re petite or tall, you may struggle to find a one-piece that fits your torso perfectly and this is where the tankini steps in to solve all your swimwear woes.
“A tankini gives the ease of a bikini whilst maintaining a classic and elegant one-piece look. They’re a great option for longer torso customers,” says Angelique Delaney, designer at Sea Level.
15 best tankinis to shop now
From the best sustainable swimwear brands to nailing those swimwear trends, there are heaps of tankini options on the high street to help you start your swimwear journey. Whether you’re after a classic black design you can wear on repeat or looking to make a splash in bold prints and vibrant hues, you’re bound to find one that slots in seamlessly with your holiday capsule wardrobe.
"A tankini is a great choice, especially if you are looking for the best bathing suits for woman over 50. If you want to feel relaxed and confident on the beach a tankini will provide more coverage than a traditional bikini. There’s also the added bonus of being able to roll up the tankini top when sunbathing. The ability to buy mix and match briefs will also give you more choice of bottom coverage, so opt for sporty shorts or high-cut legs depending on your preference.
"Tankinis are a wise choice if you have a long torso, often more comfortable than a one-piece and also good if you wear different sizes on the top and bottom. If you are looking for maximum support look out for bra sized tankini tops that are underwired, especially good if you are a DD+,” explains fashion editor Julie Player.
Some of the very best swimsuit brands stock stylish tankinis so we’ve done the hard work and rounded up our favourite sets to help you get beach-ready this summer.
RRP: £42 | It's one of our favourite British clothing brands, and Boden has pieces bursting with colour and prints for summer. This has lightly padded cups for support and to create a smooth silhouette. Pair with the contrasting bottoms for a modern, mismatched look.
RRP: £54.50 | Add a slice of paradise to your beachwear with this tropical print tankini. The twist front sweetheart neckline flatters the bust and there are concealed underwires for extra support. Little details such as the adjustable side ties ensure a flattering fit.
RRP: £101.69 | Blue and white make for a chic colour combo and this is made from over 70% recycled materials for extra eco-points. Featuring side boning and powermesh lining for shape and support, team with the blue bikini bottoms and a white kaftan.
RRP: £46 | Swap one of the best black swimsuits for this versatile piece. Forever chic, it has a flattering plunge neckline, non-padded cups and drawstring ties for the perfect fit. The gold accents give it a high-end finish, without the hefty price-tag.
RRP: £19.50 | A bargain buy from the high street giant, this halterneck style flatters all sizes and has clever UPF50+ technology to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The straps are adjustable and it has a hint of stretch for comfort.
RRP: £45 | Lean into that nautical vibe with this retro-inspired design. It’s non-padded and underwired with an easy clasp fastening. Perfect if you’re in the hunt for the best swimsuits for large busts, it’s stylish and supportive.
RRP: £90 | We love the Azure blue hue and buckle trim on this design. The straps are adjustable and convertible for flexibility, plus there are removable pads and a hint of stretch for a shape-enhancing fit.
RRP: £32 | Minimalists will love this neutral design. With delicate broderie detail, it’s pretty and feminine and has clever tummy control technology for an extra confidence boost. The neutral hue is guaranteed to go with everything.
RRP: £45 | For extra coverage and a sporty aesthetic, this is a front-runner. It has long sleeves and the zip closure makes it a breeze to get on and off. It's available in sizes 6 to 24, and there are matching swim shorts too.
RRP: £39.50 | The gorgeous tile print on this tankini top deserves to be soaking up the sun in the Mediterranean, cocktail in hand. The halterneck straps are detachable so you can convert to a bandeau style for strap-free tanning.
RRP: £32 | In a classic spot design and a simple fuss-free silhouette, this will stand the test of time. Stylish enough to double up as a top, save on suitcase space and team with a floaty tiered skirt off the beach too.
RRP: £70 | Who can resist a pretty floral print in the summer? With a flattering a-line shape, this is perfect if you’re after something more relaxed and less-figure hugging. The straps are padded for extra comfort on the shoulders.
RRP: £44 | Boasting a higher neckline with mesh detailing, this stylish tankini is designed for comfort post-surgery. It has built-in support and preformed cups. Pair with the navy bikini bottoms and let the tie-dye print take centre stage.
RRP: £43.50 (was £58) | A monochrome print is forever elegant and timeless so you’ll get plenty of wear out of this beauty year-on-year. Designed for D+ cups, it has underwired balconette cups for support and coverage. There are three matching bottoms to choose from too.
RRP: £46 | Nail your pool laps with this tankini top from sports pros Speedo. It has a racerback design to aid shoulder movement and a bust shelf liner for light support. Quick-drying and chlorine resistant, it’s a no-brainer.
Are tankinis still in style?
Whilst tankinis have often been overshadowed in favour for the best one-piece swimsuits or a bold bikini, the longer tankini style has gradually been gaining momentum with plenty more trendy designs now available on the high street.
“Tankinis are such versatile pieces. We love how they provide that little extra coverage, while remaining flexible; no toilet fiascos here! It’s also super easy to throw a pair of shorts on for that beach to bar look. We adore tankinis at Panache, they’re a swim wardrobe must-have, and will never go out of style,” explains Faye Speddings, brand marketing manager at Panache.
Entirely flexible and adaptable, tap into some of the spring/summer fashion trends 2024, with a bandeau silhouette or a fun tropical pattern for that maximalism look. Timeless designs such as a black tankini or an animal print will truly never go out of style, so are always worth investing in.
