By HANNAH SKELLEY, FASHION EDITOR Updated: 11:59 BST, 9 July 2026
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreWhether you’re jetting off to paradise or gearing up for the next heatwave, styling your summer looks can be daunting if you’re feeling tummy conscious.But there are plenty of dressing solutions to flatter your lower half whilst keeping cool and chic.From sarong skirts to swimwear with built-in shapewear, tactical ruching and clever co-ords, these are the insider styling hacks that will flatter your midriff. Plus, the silhouettes and trends to avoid!AVOID: Pencil skirtsTRY: Sarong skirts Consider this the bottom half of a wrap dress. Tummy-flattering and waist-cinching, this is the silhouette to lean into if you’re feeling conscious of your midriff – a tight pencil skirt will only accentuate lumps and bumps. Whilst the sarong shape feels beachy and it will look great over a cozzie or a bikini, it’s a great way to survive the heat in the city, too. Just pair yours with a simple vest top or a billowing boho blouse, and you’re good to go.AVOID: Cut out swimsuitsTRY: Swimwear with shapewearGetting beach-ready is simple now that brands have cottoned on to hiding shapewear – aka tummy control panels – in their swimwear. Whether you’re sunbathing or heading for the deep end, these canny styles smooth over lumps and bumps and supply a little added support across your tummy. Flattering, rather than frumpy, if you want to feel pulled together, these swimsuits are a worthy investment. Bravissimo’s Lake Garda sculpting one-piece is one of the best I have tried – it also has a fabulous balconette shape to the bust. Naia’s Selene blue dream with ruching and glamorous gold hardware is sexy yet supportive. I also love Next’s wrap take for just £40. Or try Cupshe’s ‘slim and sculpt’ floral design, which would look stunning on the Amalfi Coast.AVOID: Frills and rufflesTRY: RuchingFrills and ruffles will only add volume to your figure. But if you hate the idea of shapewear in your swimwear, try midriff-disguising ruching instead. The gathered fabric draws the eye away from any bumps and lumps and causes the material to ripple and skim over, rather than cling to, your tummy. Boden is an expert in this department – its chocolate brown and pale blue polka dot number is a shoo-in. Aspiga’s glorious Azure Blue design is another winner in my book – with fabulous figure flattering ruching around the bust, too. Calzedonia’s draped crossover style is ultra-elegant in an olive green that’s right on trend this season. Tu’s magenta take is excellent for under £20 if you’re working on a budget.AVOID: Stringy thong bikinisTRY: High waist bikinisPrefer a two-piece? Barely-there stringy styles won’t cut it. Your best bet for looking sexy by the sea is to lean into high waisted styles instead. Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe were the original arbiters of this look. Pay homage to these icons and opt for slightly retro inspired pin-up designs. At M&S its cherry red briefs are cut in subtle ‘tummy control’ fabric. Agua Bendita supplies beautiful patterns in classic colourways. Or head to Farm Rio for statement prints like this pretty porcelain set.AVOID: Drop-waist dressesTRY: Draped dresses Look for what I like to call ‘Greek Goddess’ dresses – these frocks are beautifully draped, with fabric that slinks around curves instead of clinging to them. Ninety Percent is my top spot for this kind of vibe. See its Priam dress, which comes in four shades but the classic black looks extra luxe. The White Company’s clay coloured asymmetric cotton number looks as though it walked out of Homer’s Odyssey (in a good way). If you’re off to a wedding, look no further than Mango’s silky fuchsia style. Or for a purse-friendly supermarket showstopper, see F&F’s chartreuse column maxi.AVOID: Satin slip dresses and bodycon midis TRY: Clever co-ordsBreaking up your silhouette is a great trick for disguising a tummy and a co-ord is a simple way to achieve this whilst still looking put together. Maebe’s duster jacket and fabulous tie detail trousers will cover your midriff from all angles. Jigsaw’s relaxed linen striped suit comes with a fabulous peplum-effect jacket that will give the illusion of a smaller waist, whilst skimming over a belly. Align’s aqua blue shorts pairing also has a top that supplies this flattering shelf finish over the waistline. Or if you’re petite try Ro&Zo’s easy breezy zodiac print cami and trousers set.
