Like most moms, I know that whatever photo shows up on the product model is not necessarily what is awaiting me in the dressing room mirror.
If you’re in my circle of friends, you’ll probably get an invitation from me at some point to come over and try on bathing suits. We try our best to test suits on a variety of sizes and shapes to assess what can legitimately be worn to the beach or the water park with a couple of kids in tow.
Our ad hoc research group is growing—10 people showed up for our last big try-on, and we put nearly 50 swimsuits to the test in the hopes that our fellow real mamas out there can find something to wear that makes them feel as beautiful as they really are.
Here are our favorite one piece swimsuits for moms, whether you’re a mom who wants to flaunt a little or you’d prefer to keep it covered.
Related: Best Two Piece Swimsuits for Moms

1. Cherry Cat Vintage Ruched Ombre Swimsuit
Best For: All figures
Why We Like It: Accentuates the back; downplays smaller torsos
Two of my friends, Sarahi and Susan, ended up purchasing the Cherry Cat Vintage swimsuit on the spot. They particularly loved the ombre dyed fabric and the ruching—always a flattering component of bathing suits on a variety of figures and the suit is true to size. After taking it for a test swim in the pool, Sarahi noted that when wet, the inner lining and stitching shows through, which she didn’t love.


2. Tempt Me V-Neck Monokini
Best For: All figures
Why We Like It: Accentuates bust; downplays waist
This Tempt Me v-neck monokini bathing suit has collected a bit of an internet cult following for being flattering on several body types, and we found that reputation to be well-deserved. On both petite and larger bodies, the ruching down the bodice plus the mesh peekaboo at the bust provides just the right amount of flirtiness while still being totally family appropriate.
Related: #MomGoals: Swimsuit Cover-Ups You Need In Your Closet Now


3. You Di An Front Cross Backless Bathing Suit
Best For: All figures
Why We Like It: Accentuates curves; downplays smaller chests (best for small and medium chests)
Some friends preferred this versatile You Di An backless bathing suit crossed at the back rather than at the front, while others with larger chests didn’t always like the fit of the cups. “Not for big boobs, but the rest fits,” said my friend Jessica. “I’d probably take the [sewn-in] cups out,” said Crista. “But I feel pretty comfortable.”


4. Shekini Skirted Ruched Retro Swimdress
Best For: Plus sizes
Why We Like It: Accentuates bust; downplays booty
I wanted to include at least a couple swim dresses in our batch, as some of my mom friends prefer them for an easy family day—you feel comfortable waiting in the snack stand or wading in the kiddie pool in these. I loved the nipped-in waist and peekaboo bust on this Skekini Skirted swimdress, but Jennifer warned of wayward cleavage, if that’s an issue for you.


5. Zando Tummy Control Swim Dress
Best For: Medium to large frames
Why We Like It: Accentuates hourglass figure and legs; downplays booty
“Tennis, anyone?” several friends chimed as some of us modeled this Zando Tummy Control bathing suit, but I thought it struck a perfect balance between flirty and covered-up, and steered clear of “matronly” territory, which can sometimes happen with swimdresses. “Modest and cute,” said Tina, who liked the sexy mesh fabric at the top and the thigh-hugging shorts underneath the skirt.


6. Zip Front Rashguard Suit
Best For: Beach-Going Mamas
Why We Like It: Accentuates small frames; downplays upper arms
Moms love rashguard suits for their kids, and more of us are also trying them out for ourselves and enjoying the benefit of more sun protection and the ease of keeping everything in place with no fuss. “I could ‘Mom’ in it for sure,” said Laren, a mom of twins who liked how this zip front rashguard suit nipped in her tummy. She noted that the built-in padded bra cups didn’t quite line up perfectly and it was a little hard to get in and out of.


7. Funnygirl Long Sleeve Rashguard Suit
Best For: All figures
Why We Like It: Accentuates waist; downplays arms
This Funnygirl long-sleeved rashguard option offers cute print options that flatter your figure while keeping your upper body protected from the sun’s harsh rays. Jessica called this “slimming,” but like most of the rashguard suits, it felt a little warm unless you’re planning on getting in the water ASAP. It comes with a swim cap.
Related: Bathing Suits for Moms That’ll Make You Look and Feel Good
Cynthia J. Drake is a travel writer based in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Since becoming a mom, she’s been stranded at sea with her family, gotten lost in the Rocky Mountains, dealt with more than her fair share of public vomiting, and still can’t wait for the next trip. She writes regularly for AAA magazines, Austin American-Statesman, Texas Highways and Cruise Critic. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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