If you're on summer holiday countdown, you may be thinking about getting new swimwear for the sun lounger.
Beyond the usual one-pieces and bikinis - why not consider a tankini? I myself own quite a few (I stocked up on Amazon's best style) and they're honestly brilliant. Less restrictive than a swimsuit but more covered up than a bikini, you get the best of both worlds.
- Best halterneck design: Boden Ruched Tankini, £55 / $99
- Best plus size 2-piece: Magisculpt Medium Control Twist Front Bandeau Blouson Tankini, £32
- Best vibrant design: Pour Moi Santa Monica Strapless Tankini, £42
- Best 2-piece for mix and matching: Amazon Genfien Tankini, £21.99 / $31.48
- Best black tankini top: Cupshe Black Tides Are Turning Tankini Set, £37 / $35
- Best for big bust: Fantasie Black Shell Bay Underwire Tankini, £80
What is a tankini?
Tankinis were made popular in the 90s and have been a hit ever since. The top is described as a tank top (hence the name!), and it'll come with a matching bikini brief to go with. The trends have evolved now, and you have so many options; strapless styles, halternecks, shorts and even tummy control. There is also a large selection for fuller-busted ladies.
Keep scrolling for our top picks for summer 2025. Though we haven’t personally tried on all of these styles, we’ve trawled the web looking for the top-rated, most flattering styles using our shopping expertise.
Why are tankinis better than bikinis or swimsuits?
Tankinis have so many benefits! HELLO! Online’s Senior Lifestyle Editor Karen Silas says: “Tankinis are great because they combine the comfort and flattering coverage of a one-piece with the fun and versatility of a bikini. No awkward wriggling out of it when you have to change (or go to the loo!), and you can just throw on a sarong or linen trousers for a poolside or boardwalk-ready daytime look.
"You can also have fun with your tankinis, by mixing and matching tops and bottoms - just like you can with a bikini - for limitless styling choices.”
How we chose the best tankini sets
- Style And Fit: We searched high and low for the tankinis that were flattering, stylish and in a variety of different prints, colours and styles to suit all tastes
- Reviews: Though we haven’t personally tried on or tested all of these tankinis ourselves, we’re confident in our recommendations as we chose the ones with high volume of positive reviews, which gave the tankinis the thumbs up for quality, style, fit and other factors.
- Fabric: All the tankinis in our guide are made with good quality fabric - where possible, quick drying and chlorine resistant too.
- Price: We chose tankinis with a competitive price point without sacrificing on quality.
Shop the best tankini sets
1/9
Boden Kythira Ruched Tankini
© BodenEditor's Note:
"Halter neck is such a flattering style for all body types -and it doesn’t get much chicer than this polka dot Boden tankini! (Though it’s available in a number of different colourways if you’re after something a bit brighter.)
"The top has super flattering ruching, and an adjustable tie at the neck."
3/9
Santa Monica Non-Wired Strapless Tankini
© Pour MoiEditor's Note:
"The quality of this tankini is great. The material is sturdy, the fit is great and after a few months wear and washes it still looks brand new. The top is very flattering and I’m in love with the vibrant print. All the rest of my swimwear is monochrome so this feels like a welcome departure into the world of colour. I love that the tummy area is slightly ruched which is very forgiving."
4/9
Amazon Genfien Tankini
© AmazonEditor's Note:
"I can tell you from personal experience that this bargain Amazon bikini is great - I loved it so much I bought it in 6 different colourways to mix and match. After several months use and washes, it still looks new and I get compliments every time I wear it."
5/9
Cupshe Tides Are Turning Tankini
© CupsheEditor's Note:
"This bargain tankini is great - you can't go wrong with classic black with chic detail, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better price than this! Pair it with a vibrant floaty kimono to elevate your look at the beach or pool."
6/9
Fantasie Black Shell Bay Underwire Tankini
© NextEditor's Note:
"Next is a great destination if you're after a flattering tankini, there are lots of lovely options but I'm rather smitten with this black and white style.
"What I love about this is that it's ideal for those with a big bust as it goes up to size 40GG."
7/9
M&S Printed Bandeau Tankini
© M&SEditor's Note:
"Fresh and summery, this printed tankini features an on-trend postcard print that's crying out for a holiday to the Greek isle.
"With a flattering square neckline and a bandeau shape, the removable straps make it a versatile piece."
8/9
Aspiga Recycled Ruched Tankini
© AspigaEditor's Note:
"The print immediately caught my eye when I saw this tankini with its flattering ruched front, adjustable straps and padded bust cups. It's made from recycled nylon, making this swimwear responsibly sourced to reduce waste originally headed for landfill."
9/9
Lands' End Shine Knot Front Tie Back Tankini
© Lands' EndEditor's Note:
"This tankini has a real fun look thanks to its shiny, rib-like texture and knotted detail. Although it doesn’t have underwire, the double tie back allows you to tighten or loosen, dependent on how you like it to fit.
"The UPF 50 fabric provides support from the sun and it’s chlorine resistant too."
