The SPANX Guide to Shaping Swimwear (Plus 5 Essential Pieces)
Between the glare of the sun and the relentless hunt for a lounger with some shade, the last thing you want to stress over is a swimsuit that clings, digs, or shifts in all the wrong ways.
That’s where shaping swimwear steps in—the kind that holds you gently, smooths subtly, and stays put when you dive, bend, and beach-walk.
But not all shaping swimwear is created equal. Some “sculpting” styles feel more like scuba suits, and others look cute but offer zero support. SPANX shaping swimwear, on the other hand, takes everything we know about compression, comfort, and cut—and applies it to swimsuits that actually work and look good.
3 Essential Features of Shaping Swimwear
If you’re trying to find a shapewear swimsuit that supports without squeezing, here’s what to look for:
1. UPF Sun Protection
The less you have to rely on sunscreen doing all the work, the better. Look for suits made with built-in sun protection (UPF 50+ is the gold standard) to help guard against rays—especially in spots that tend to get missed during the first frantic sunscreen swipe.
2. Gentle Compression
The best shaping swimwear doesn’t feel like a full-body corset. It supports and smooths in all the right places, without restricting your cannonball form or cutting into your hips. A little gentle compression goes a long way—it should feel secure, not suffocating.
3. Breathable Fabric
A good shaping swimsuit moves with you. Prioritize materials that stretch and breathe so you don’t overheat or feel like you’re wrapped in plastic wrap. (Bonus points if it dries quickly and has clean, dig-free seams.)
The 5 Best Shaping Swimwear Pieces from SPANX
Ready to upgrade your poolside lineup? Here are five SPANX shaping swimwear styles that deliver on support, style, and SPF—all without sacrificing comfort.
SPANXshape Swim Pique Bikini Set
A bikini that shapes, flatters, and actually stays in place? That’s the Pique Bikini Set. This duo is crafted with subtly textured pique fabric and flexible layers that move with you—plus built-in UPF 50+ protection, so you’re covered even when the sunscreen misses a spot.
The Pique Plunge Bikini Top features a soft plunge neckline for a feminine fit, removable invisible pads, and strategically placed bust darts that help it fit like it was made just for you.
Pair it with the Pique Hi-Rise Cheeky Bottom, which offers 360 degrees of shaping thanks to hidden power mesh and no-dig leg openings that sit smooth on your hips. It hits the sweet spot between cheeky and full coverage.
SPANXshape Swim Pique Short Sleeve One-Piece
Sporty meets sculpted in this one-piece wonder. The high neckline and cap sleeves offer confident coverage up top (and bonus UPF 50+ built right into the fabric), while a back cutout keeps things breezy.
With 360 degrees of shaping from built-in mesh, removable pads for adjustable support, and smooth no-dig leg openings, the Pique Short Sleeve One-Piece does the absolute most—without feeling like it.
SPANXshape Swim Pique Plunge One-Piece
If you like your swimwear dramatic but not high-maintenance, meet the Pique Plunge One-Piece. The deep neckline makes a statement, while the high back and underarm coverage keep things secure. This one delivers all-over shaping, a smoothing textured fabric, and a glove-like fit thanks to tailored bust darts.
Bonus: It’s made with UPF 50+ protection baked into the fabric, so you can dive in (or lounge on the deck) with a little less SPF stress.
SPANXshape Swim Convertible Pique Bandeau One-Piece
Sleek, sculpting, and built for poolside compliments—this is not your average bandeau. The SPANXshape Convertible Pique Bandeau One-Piece is crafted from textured pique fabric with built-in SPANXshape™ technology for 360 degrees of smoothing support. The double-lined construction hugs in all the right places, while the power mesh subtly sculpts without digging in.
Removable, adjustable straps let you switch up the style (and support) depending on your summer vibe. Bonus: It’s got built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can soak up the compliments, not the rays. It’s everything you want in a swimsuit, minus the constant adjusting.
SPANXshape Pique Shaping High Rise Swim Skort
Designed for movement, coverage, and comfort, this shaping swim skort layers a flirty skirt over a hidden high-rise bottom for a smooth, stay-put fit. Inside, shaping power mesh supports from every angle, while the outer pique fabric creates a polished, all-over smoothing effect.
A hidden tie helps keep the skirt in place while swimming, and the shaping inner layer provides just the right amount of rear coverage. Like the rest of the collection, this skort features built-in UPF 50+ protection—so you can feel confident in and out of the water.
Your Summer, Fully Supported
The best shaping swimwear isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling like your most confident, comfortable self while you’re living your best summer life. Whether you’re diving in or lounging hard the right suit should have your back (and your front, and your sides).
That’s why we’re big fans of swimwear that multitasks—think breathable fabrics that stay comfy in the heat, built-in UPF 50+ protection, and shaping that smooths without squeezing the joy out of your day. Every SPANX shaping swim piece is built with those essentials in mind, so you can spend less time adjusting and more time swimming, sunning, and sipping something with a paper umbrella.