Shoppers Rave About These $188 and $30 Shaping Swimsuits for Summer 2023

One was a highly anticipated launch from an Oprah-worn brand, while the other is an Amazon favorite.

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Facing the heatwave without an air conditioner was tough, and all I yearned for was a nice dip in the pool wearing my favorite flip flops. But my trusty old swimwear seemed to have tripled its original size over the years and desperately needed replacement. When selecting a new one, I always look for a few basics: neutral shades, a non-dowdy one-piece style, and most importantly, enough comfort to let me lounge for hours. These specifications may appear straightforward, but finding a suit that ticks all boxes and also enhances your figure can turn into a challenging endeavor. In an effort to spare you the ordeal of scrolling through countless options that pop up with a simple "swimsuit" search on Google, I've found two swimsuits that seem to have won universal acclaim from shoppers. The first is Spanx's $188 Pique Shaping Plunge One Piece, a brand that has expanded from just shapewear to fashion-forward attire regularly sported by celebrities like Oprah and Jennifer Garner. The second is the $30 Cupshe One-Piece Tummy Control Swimsuit, which boasts almost 17,000 perfect ratings on Amazon and glowing reviews from loyal buyers. Deciding whether to splurge or save on this essential summer item can be difficult, so I've provided a detailed comparison below for your convenience.

Save: Cupshe One-Piece Tummy Control Swimsuit

Buy It: $30, amazon.com

Key Features:

Main Specs: This one piece gently hugs your body without squeezing you in, and provides flattering cinching and ruching in the mid section to keep you feeling confident and comfortable. 

Other Features: A deep V-neck keeps this look fun without compromising on security, thanks to adjustable straps and removable cups.

Best for: All day wear at the beach, pool, or lake.

What We Love:

Discovering a high-quality swimsuit that costs just $30 and flatters various body shapes can be quite a task. However, numerous customers have praised this particular one as being "exceptionally flattering". A customer who had been feeling self-conscious following her C-section said this swimsuit made her feel stylish post-birth. She endorsed it to anyone seeking a "fashionable, comfy, and superior quality" design. Another reviewer who had always found it difficult to find the right swimwear felt confident in this one-piece suit. They described it as "perfect", adding that it accentuates their curves beautifully.

Keep in Mind:

The sizes offered for this item max out at XL, which is generally considered to be around a size 16, suggesting that it may not cater to all body sizes. In addition, some reviews pointed out that the length might be too short for individuals with longer torsos.

Splurge: Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge One Piece

Buy It: $188, spanx.com

Key Features:

Main Specs: Layers of soft fabric compress your core and underarms, lightly pushing up your cleavage in order to accentuate your curves. 

Other Features: Carefully placed bust darts further cinch the material to your shape. Meanwhile, coverage over the rear shows a little booty without being too revealing. 

Best for: Those looking for a boost of confidence from a body-contouring design. 

What We Love:

The same geniuses behind the famous Booty Boost Leggings have created yet another incredibly flattering design in this latest launch. The Pique Shaping Plunge One Piece offers all the sculpting security of the brand’s famous shapewear in a garment that’s waterproof and comfortable enough for a full day at the beach. Better still, it’s available in sizes ranging from XS to 3X. 

Keep in Mind:

While some people are fine with a little compression — and others even prefer it — some wearers may not be a fan of the snug fit this swimwear offers. 

In Conclusion:

Unquestionably, Spanx apparel has my heart and, while I may hold a preconceived fondness, I'm convinced the Pique Shaping Plunge One Piece swimsuit will soon be out of stock and turn into a favorite for countless customers due to its distinctive silhouette-enhancing features. Nevertheless, shelling out $188 might seem a steep investment for a single item. The $30 Cupshe One Piece Tummy Control Swimsuit might not offer the same sculpting benefits, but it's a highly complementary alternative that ensures you'll feel fantastic, without breaking the bank.