A swim dress is a swimsuit with a skirt. It's usually a one-piece with a flared or A-line hem that falls over the hips and upper thighs, and some styles have built-in shorts or briefs underneath. Women choose swim dresses for extra coverage, a flattering silhouette and the confidence to go from pool to lunch without a cover-up. The best swim dress for you depends on how much coverage, support and tummy control you want. Here's how to choose, plus how a swim dress compares with a tankini.
Shop now: swim dresses, tankinis or all swimwear.
Quick Picks: The Best Swim Dresses at Fashionfitz
- Best for tummy control and coverage: Ruffled Lace Trim V-Neck Swim Dress, £39.62. Short sleeves, a skirted hem and 82% polyamide / 18% elastane. Navy or black, sizes S–2XL.
- Best with built-in shorts: Pink Swim Dress With Built-In Shorts, £25.95. 85% polyester / 15% elastane, sizes S–2XL.
- Best quick-dry: Navy & Dusk Blue Contrast Ribbed Flounce Swimsuit, £23.96. A high-waist flounce in 90% polyester / 10% elastane.
- Best A-line shape: Mist Green Square Neck A-Line One-Piece, £23.16. Padded, with adjustable straps.
- Best statement stripe: Blue Stripe Patchwork Crossed Strap Swim Dress, £37.18.
Why Women Love Swim Dresses
- Coverage where you want it: the skirt skims the hips, bottom and upper thighs.
- A flattering shape: a fitted bodice with a flared skirt creates a waist on almost every body shape.
- Beach to bar: it looks like a sundress, so you can walk to the café without changing.
- Practical: built-in shorts or briefs keep everything in place for swimming, chasing children or water sports.
How to Choose the Right Swim Dress
For tummy control
Look for a higher elastane content (around 15–20%), a ruched or ruffled front and a skirt that starts at the natural waist. The Ruffled Lace Trim Swim Dress is cut specifically for tummy control.
For active days
Choose a swim dress with built-in shorts so you can swim, climb and play without worrying. The Pink Swim Dress with Built-In Shorts is designed for exactly that.
For arm coverage and sun
Short or cap sleeves cover the upper arms and shoulders, which is great for sun protection and confidence. For more sleeved styles, see our swimwear with sleeves guide.
For a fuller bust
Choose padded cups, wider or adjustable straps and a square or V neckline, like the Mist Green Square Neck A-Line style.
For plus size and curves
All our swim dresses above come up to 2XL. A V-neck and an A-line skirt are the most flattering combination. Our plus size swimwear guide has more.
Swim Dress vs Tankini vs One-Piece
- Swim dress: one piece with a skirt. Most coverage over the hips and thighs.
- Tankini: a tank-style top with separate bottoms. Easier for loo trips, and you can mix sizes top and bottom. A longer tankini top gives similar tummy coverage to a swim dress.
- One-piece swimsuit: no skirt, a sleeker line, best for swimming lengths. See our one-piece swimsuits guide.
Best tankinis for tummy control
- Blue Stripe Tummy Control Tankini, £29.99. 82% polyamide / 18% elastane, sizes S–2XL.
- Ruffle Crossed Cutout Tankini Set, £24.38, black.
- Tie Shoulder Floral Print Tankini Set, £19.24, a rose red floral.
- Four Leaf Clover Tankini with Swim Shorts, £34.80.
Swim Dress Sizing and Fit
- Go by your bust and hip measurements on each product's size chart. If you fall between sizes, choose the one that fits your bust for support.
- The bodice should feel snug when dry, because swimwear relaxes in the water.
- The skirt should move freely and not cling or ride up when you sit.
- Built-in shorts should sit flat without digging in at the leg.
How to Style a Swim Dress
- Beach day: a straw hat, flat sandals and a tote. You probably won't need a cover-up.
- Poolside lunch: add a kimono or shirt and gold jewellery. See our beach cover-ups guide.
- Family holiday: built-in shorts and quick-dry fabric make it the easiest outfit for long days.
- Winter sun: a swim dress packs flat and doubles as a sundress.
How to Care for Your Swim Dress
- Rinse in cool fresh water after every swim.
- Hand wash with a mild detergent and don't wring it out.
- Dry flat in the shade.
Quick Questions
What is a swim dress?
A swimsuit with an attached skirt, often with built-in shorts or briefs, that gives extra coverage over the hips and thighs.
Can you swim in a swim dress?
Yes. Swim dresses are made from the same stretch swim fabrics as swimsuits. Choose one with built-in shorts if you're active in the water.
Is a swim dress or tankini better for tummy control?
Both work. A swim dress gives a smoother line from bust to thigh. A tankini lets you mix sizes and is easier for loo trips.
Do swim dresses have built-in bras?
Many have padded or shelf-lined cups. Check the product details for padding and adjustable straps.
What is the difference between a swimdress and a swim skirt?
A swimdress is one piece. A swim skirt is a separate bottom you pair with a tankini or bikini top.
Shop Swim Dresses at Fashionfitz
Find your perfect fit in our swim dresses and tankinis, or browse all women's swimwear.
