The 15 Most Flattering Swimsuits for Women with Wide Hips (Plus 1 to Avoid), According to Experts

PureWow’s Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals Rachel Bowie loves her Boden swimsuit so much she waxed poetic about this halter one-piece. While her style, the Santorini, is now discontinued, Boden continues to make stylish colorblocked swimwear with updated cuts every season, with similar construction like built-in bra cups and shapewear panels. “From the waistband detail to the extensive side paneling and the surprisingly flattering bands around each leg, the design draws the eye in,” Bowie says of her suit.. “It’s also inherently retro, so when I wear my suit with a pair of flashy shades, I just feel downright glamorous.” This Campania style is a close approximation to hers, including the contrasting stripe at the waist that the same effect of a structured belt—minus the pinching.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 2 to 22; regular/long
• Materials: polyamide, polyurethane, polyester elastane

If you’re in the market for a timeless bikini you can wear summer after summer, this Swimsuits for All design should definitely be a contender. The sweetheart top comes with removable, adjustable straps and the subtle ruching on the high-waist bottoms is super flattering. There are also multiple vibrant colors to choose from, including Barbie pink and classic black. But perhaps the most appealing detail for those with wide hips is the fact that you can select totally different sizes for the top and bottom. Add to that the fact that this bikini is currently on sale, and you’ve got yourself a no-brainer.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: top US 6 to 28, bottom US 4 to 34
• Materials: nylon, spandex

This sleek bikini bottom combines two expert-recommended silhouettes for women with wide hips: a high-cut leg and a high-cut waist. The result is a cool ‘90s vibe that’s also reportedly incredibly comfortable. The back is fairly cheeky (though it is by no means a thong), but reviewers note that it doesn’t ride up or create a wedgie, even after swimming through ocean waves. The material also offers great support while smoothing your silhouette all over. Per one shopper, “This feels sexy while also keeping me held in where I feel most self-conscious.”

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XXXL
• Materials: recycled polyester, spandex

Aerie has included a cross-front waistband bikini bottom in its lineup for years now, and it continues to be one of the absolute most flattering options summer after summer. For 2024, the best-seller got an update with ribbed material that helps smooth your silhouette without compression, and a subtle shine that looks oh-so dreamy in the sunshine, especially after a dip in the pool. The back offers full coverage and the high waist supports your hips and stomach. As for a matching top, there are lots of different styles to choose from, including a strapless bandeau, a string triangle top and a tankini with adjustable straps

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Materials: recycled nylon, elastane

Finding cute swimsuits for long torsos isn’t so simple, but luckily Summersalt offers plenty of chic and fun options, all in sizes US 2 through 20/22. Most popular is definitely this colorblocked wrap design, which uses contrasting hues to break up your torso and draw the eye in. The material also has a decent amount of compression, but not so much that you feel constricted, and the wrap is functional (to a degree) so you can tighten or loosen it to best fit your hips and bust. As for coverage, Summersalt describes the rear as “a little cheeky” and the neckline is definitely low, but won’t drape all the way down to your belly button—a sort of Goldilocks level of sexy vs. modest.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 2 to 22
• Materials: recycled polyamide, elastane

This retro-cool swimsuit is incredibly flattering thanks to the combination of the stretchy belt at the waist and the princess seams running down the torso. The shoulder straps are also fully adjustable so you can knot them to fit your midsection perfectly. As for the bust, there is a built-in shelf bra with removable bra pads for support and comfort. The back has moderate coverage, but Beach Riot notes that this year’s version of the best-selling Sydney style has been specifically designed with more room in the hips—huzzah!

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XL
• Materials: polyester, elastane

The extra-wide waistband on this ribbed bikini bottom is a true triple threat—it smooths your hips, helps lengthen the look of your legs and whittles your waist with the aid of that subtle ruching detail at the front. Plus, the material is made using recycled polyester for an eco-friendly twist. “Great bikini bottom,” writes one reviewer. “The high-cut sides make it very flattering, the material is buttery soft and it runs true to size!’ The coverage in back is pretty minimal, but reviewers say it stays in place and doesn’t ride up or leave you with a wedgie after just a few steps.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XL
• Materials: recycled polyester, polyester

Reformation just launched swim earlier this year, and already folks are raving about the impeccable fit and luxurious materials. This high-waist bikini bottom is a totally timeless pick and comes in five gorgeous hues, including a black-and-white polka dot print. The angled seams on the front draw the eye in toward your waist and give the suit a retro vibe we adore.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XL
• Materials: EVO by Fulgar, elastane

For those who like a minimalist look, this J.Crew bikini is a much more flattering alternative to your classic string bikini. Why, you ask? The wider waistband evens out your proportions on bottom, while the high-cut leg helps lengthen your figure overall. According to reviewers, the cut is comfortable but not too covered, and there is a decent level of coverage in back. As for tops, you can pair it with the coordinating bralette.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to 3X
• Materials: recycled polyamide, recycled polyester, elastane, polyamide.

I am truly obsessed with Left On Friday swimwear. The material is just so dreamy—soft, comfortable, supportive—and the designers really know how to make flattering swim for all body shapes.

Indeed, lots of other reviewers rave about how comfortable and flattering this LOF one-piece is, with straps and leg holes that don’t cut in and fabric that’s just as soft when dry as it is when wet. The high-cut legs on the Streamline suit are particularly great for wider hips, as is the scoop in back. It also comes in long torso sizes, so everyone can get in on the sleek, chic fun.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Materials: nylon, polyester, Lycra

According to Collins-Rittling, director of Aerie styling, the crossover style highlights your natural body shape and draws the eye inward, while nipping your waist. While she was referring to bikini bottoms, this fun one-piece from Cupshe does its own spin. It features a peek-a-boo moment in colorblocked emerald and black, tied up with a ribbon. The self-tying halter straps offer medium support and built-in cups, and the fabric features the brand's Slim & Sculpt and PowerMesh technology.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Materials: polyester, spandex, nylon

Kitty and Vibe has long been a PureWow favorite due to its innovative sizing system. The brand doesn’t just offer sizes XS through 6X, it also offers all those sizes in two different booty cuts to ensure you get an ideal fit, no matter your figure. So if you have wider hips and a flat bum, you can opt for a size Large 1 which ensures you won’t look like you’re wearing a saggy diaper in back. Or, if you have a big butt, you can go for a Large 2 to avoid any pulling and wedgies. Either way, you’re getting a super-comfortable bikini that will fit you like a dream.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to 6X
• Materials: recycled polyester, X-Life Lycra

Hunza G makes some of the most comfortable bathing suits we’ve ever worn, and this two piece is no exception. The high waist cinches your middle in just the right spot, but thanks to the innovative super-stretchy material, it will never pinch or cut in. And while we’ll admit we were dubious when we first read about the brand’s “one size fits most” material, we have to say it really exceeds expectations. Emily Kerr, SVP of growth, says, “I was so surprised at how flattering and supportive the swimsuit was while also being mega comfy. A bunch of my friends had recommended it, and I was doubtful as a lot of my friends who recommended it are teeny, and I have a chonky arse and big, droopy boobs, but it lives up to the hype!”

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: one size (fits approximately US 2 to 12)
• Materials: polyamide, elastane

Combine a modern wrap silhouette plus classic navy-and-white gingham, and what do you get? A timeless, chic bathing suit that will simply never go out of style. Reviewers love the full coverage in back and the fact that the neckline doesn’t go too low, but the straps thin out in back to give you just the right amount of sex appeal. Those shoulder straps are also fully adjustable, as is the tie at the waist. There is a sewn-in soft cup bra for support and the material even has built-in UPF50 for added protection from the sun. Yeah, this is an absolute winner, in our book.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 2 to 18; regular/petite/plus/long torso; regular or D cup
• Materials: nylon, spandex

Lately, I've been getting into the idea of a swim dress, which offers more coverage than a traditional swimsuit. This under-$40 style from Old Navy also features a little side-tie that will define your waist and draw the eye upward, while creating movement and a little A-line that invokes the flattering triangle shape. It's available in 11 colors. Reviewers note that it provides good chest support and stomach sculpting, all while being comfortable.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XXXXL
• Materials: nylon, spandex, recycled polyester