The Very Best Swimsuits For Petite Gals With Shorter Torsos
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At this point, being 5’1 has become a part of my personality. And it’s definitely influenced the way I shop, too—I gravitate towards sites that have petite sections for everything from dresses to denim. When it comes to petite swimsuits, finding the right picks for shorter girls can certainly be tricky, but I’ve got a few good go-to brands and silhouettes that make my short torso look long(er) and lean(er). Lucky for you, I’m not gatekeeping my tips, either.
Best Swimsuits for Petites Glance
Best set: Pink Queen Women’s Crop Top High Waisted Cheeky Bikini Set, $24.99
Best metallic: Wild Fable Foil Bandeau Bikini Top, $20
Best mid-rise style: Abercrombie Mid-Rise High Leg Bottom, $32
Best cut-out swimsuit: Pretty Little Thing Black Crinkle Cut Belted Swimsuit, $23
Best triangle style: H&M Padded Triangle Bikini Top, $18
Best crochet style: JMP The Label Manzanillo High Waist Bottom, $98
Best adjustable one-piece: Lovers and Friends Living Life One-Piece, $138
Best tankini: Spanx Halter Tankini, $110
First off, let’s talk about the standard swimsuits that simply don’t work for us short-torso gals. More than anything else, I find that cut-out swimsuits can be trickiest, as they’re designed for a longer tummy area and don’t “cut out” at my most flattering spots. That said, fully-covered one-pieces can be just as complicated. No one likes a ton of extra fabric bunching around the belly button, after all!
That’s why sites like PrettyLittleThing, ASOS and Athleta all deserve a slow clap for offering swimsuits specifically designed for petite bodies. No more wondering if that cut-out will sit too high or dangerously low! Still, there are tons of other cute swimwear brands out there that I want to explore, so I just keep in mind each swimsuit’s silhouette as I add to cart. Anything with adjustable ties is a life-saver and choosing the right pair of bottoms can create the elongated illusion I seek.
Below, read on for my favorite on-trend swimsuits for summer 2024, all of which will look amazing on short and petite shoppers.
What to Look for When Shopping for Petite Swimsuits
To figure out the easiest way to shop for petite swimsuits, we tapped swimwear designer and co-founder of JMP The Label, Jaymi Washburn.
When choosing the right style for a petite shape, “opt for swimsuits that elongate your frame, like high-cut bottoms that can make your legs look longer or v-neck or halter tops can create the illusion of a longer torso,” explains Washburn.
It would be helpful to consider styling details that allow you to adjust the suit if needed. “Look for swimsuits with adjustable straps or ties that allow you to customize the fit according to your body proportions,” says Washburn. “This can help prevent gaps or sagging in certain areas.”
In terms of bathing suit tops, Washburn says “swimsuits with thicker, padded or push-up tops can add volume to your bust, creating a more curvaceous silhouette. Look for styles with removable pads for customizable support and enhancement.”
Best Petite Swimsuits in 2024
1. Wild Fable Foil Bandeau Bikini Top
Wild Fable Foil Bandeau Bikini Top
This metallic bandeau top will look striking both in and out of the water, especially alongside these extra cheeky, high-leg bikini bottoms that will give the illusion of a longer torso.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Colors Available: 1
Material: 84% recycled polyester, 16% spandex
Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns
2. Blooming Jelly Color Block Bikini
Blooming Jelly Color Block Bikini
The color block detail on this bikini set is super cute, but the short girl magic here lies in the V-shaped silhouette of the bottoms. That subtle dip at the front creates the illusion of a longer torso, so you can get an elongated look without having to wear a high-rise fit.
Size Range: S-XL
Colors Available: 7
Material: 82% nylon, 18% spandex
Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns for Prime members
Pros
Large color selection
Affordable
Cons
Smaller size range
3. Spanx Halter Tankini
Spanx Halter Tankini
This tankini from Spanx was designed with 360 degrees of shaping, has UPF protection and a peplum skirt in the front that will flatter shorter torsos. As added benefits, the suit comes with built-in bra cups, an underbust band and an adjustable halter neckline for those with larger chests.
Size Range: XS-3X
Colors Available: 2
Material: Shell: 91% Nylon, 9% Elastane, Lining: 82% Nylon, 18% Elastane, Mesh: 66% Nylon, 34% Lycra® Xtra Life™ Elastane.
Shipping and returns: $7.95 shipping and return fee
Pros
Has shaping features
Extensive size range
UPF protection
Cons
Shipping and return fee
4. PQ Mila Triangle Bikini Top
PQ Mila Triangle Bikini Top
Short girls, listen up—when it comes to two-piece suits, high-side bottoms are your friend. Especially on a string bikini, so you can really customize the fit! By showing more hip and tying the sides high up, you may think you’d be shortening your torso, but the overall look is actually super elongating for your petite frame.
Size Range: S-L
Colors Available: 1
Material: Self: 79% polyamide, 21% elastane / Lining: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane
Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 30 days, exchanges within 60 days
Pros
Free shipping and returns
Cons
Smaller size range
5. Pink Queen Women’s Crop Top High Waisted Cheeky Bikini Set
Pink Queen Women’s Crop Top High Waisted Cheeky Bikini Set
On Sale 24% off
Set it and forget it; that’s what I always say. This bikini set comes with both pieces for under $25 and there are so many color options to choose from.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 34
Material: not listed
Shipping and returns: free
Pros
Affordable
Cons
Won’t work if you’re two different sizes on top and bottom
6. Good American Always Fits High-Leg Swimsuit
Good American Always Fits High-Leg Swimsuit
Finding a one-piece swimsuit when you’re petite can be difficult. You’ll want to look for a form-fitting design that won’t have excess fabric gathering around your midsection, like this suit from Good American that hugs in all the right places. Its high-cut legs lengthen the appearance of your entire body, too.
Size Range: XXS-5XL
Colors Available: 4
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
Shipping and returns: Standard shipping, returns within 21 days with fees
Pros
Fits like a glove
Extensive size range
Cons
Shipping and return fees
7. Abercrombie Mid-Rise Bottom
Mid-Rise High-Leg Moderate Bottom
On Sale 15% off
If you’re petite, it’s best to avoid high-waist cuts that might look like they swallow you whole when you have it on. Instead, opt for a mid-rise with high legs, like this bikini from Abercrombie.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 12
Material: 100% polyester (body: 88% nylon), 12% Elastane
Shipping and returns: free shipping over $99, $7 free returns
Pros
Stretchy fabric
Cons
Hand wash only
8. Pretty Little Thing Belted Swimsuit
Black Crinkle Cut Out Belted Swimsuit
On Sale 40% off
Kim Kardashian was recently spotted in a monokini like this one, so I’m glad to see PrettyLittleThing has a petite version for us shorties. Might have to cop it other colors, too!
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 1
Material: 97% recycled polyester 3% Elastane
Shipping and returns: $5 shipping, no returns on swim
Pros
Frequent sales
Cons
Sizes and styles sell out quickly
9. H&M Padded Triangle Bikini Top
H&M, Padded Triangle Bikini Top
The strings on this bikini top help you customize the style by deciding where exactly you want them to lie. If you want them to hit your waist, you can create a cinched look. Want to appear longer? Tie them right under the cups.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 1
Material: polyester 83%, spandex 17%
Shipping and returns: free over $60 or if you’re a member
Pros
Affordable
Cons
Smaller butt coverage on bottoms
10. JMP The Label Manzanillo High Waist Bottom
Manzanillo High Waist Bottom
This style gives that “cinch at the waist” feel that swimwear designer Jaymi Washburn suggested that petite girls look out for. Plus, since it’s v-shaped, it will give the illusion of an hourglass figure, making you look taller in the process.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2
Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Shipping and returns: free shipping over $75, returns within 21 days
Pros
Unique styles
Cons
Higher price point
11. Lovers and Friends Living Life One Piece
Lovers and Friends Living Life One Piece
The best part about this one-piece is that it’s essentially a strip of fabric and then tie strings are completely adjustable so you can have them hit your waist exactly as you want it to.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 1
Material: Nylon blend
Shipping and returns: free
Pros
Adjustable
Cons
Higher price point
12. L*SPACE Adalyn Bikini Top
L*SPACE Adalyn Bikini Top
On Sale 46% off
This top features adjustable straps for the perfect fit and the high-waisted bottoms sit perfectly at the belly button.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 3
Material: 92% nylon, 8% spandex
Shipping and returns: free
Pros
On sale
Cons
Sizes sell out quickly
13. ASOS DESIGN Petite Molded Swimsuit
ASOS DESIGN Petite Molded Swimsuit
On Sale 59% off
This suit earns a spot on the list for offering different sizes as well as cup sizes within each size for the perfect, customized fit.
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: 1
Material: not listed
Shipping and returns: free shipping and free returns within 14 days
Pros
Can shop by cup size
Cons
Styles sell out frequently
14. Abercrombie Love Tie-Strap Underwire Bikini Top
Abercrombie Love Tie-Strap Underwire Bikini Top
On Sale 20% off
This underwire bikini top and cheeky bottoms set is a great option for petite shoppers with its adjustable tie straps and high-waisted bottoms. There’s also a curve bikini top option for those who need stronger bust support.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Colors Available: 9
Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane / Lining: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Shipping and returns: Standard $7 shipping and return fee, within 30 days
Pros
Extensive size range
Option for larger busts available
Cons
Shipping and return fees
15. ASOS Petite Cross Back Swimsuit
ASOS Petite Cross Back Swimsuit
ASOS is another top spot to search for petite designed swimwear—though be warned, it’s all selling out fast. Scoop this sexy red one-piece for $35 while you can.
Size Range: 00-12
Colors Available: 1
Material: Not listed
Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 14 days
Pros
Extensive size range
Affordable
Cons
Shorter return window
Limited color selection
16. Pretty Little Thing Wire Detail Bikini Top
Pretty Little Thing Wire Detail Bikini Top
On Sale 60% off
Pretty Little Thing is one of the few retailers that specifically offers petite sizing for clothing and swim, like this black underwire bikini top with matching high-waisted bottoms. It’s currently on major sale.
Size Range: 00-10
Colors Available: 1
Material: Outer: 84% Polyamide, 16% Elastane / Lining: 100% Polyester
Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns
Pros
Extensive size range
Cons
Limited color selection
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