Stretch marks are one of the most common things we hear about at Simply Beach, and there's no need to feel self-conscious about them. They show up on the tummy, thighs, bum, and chest, often after pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight changes. They’re completely normal and we all have them.
If you’re looking for a bikini for stretch marks, the right cut, fabric, and coverage can all make a bigger difference than the print or colour you choose.
This guide walks you through what to look for, from supportive tops to high-waisted bottoms, so you can pick a bikini that feels good and looks great too.
What to Look for in a Bikini for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere on the body, and everyone's marks sit a little differently. Some show up around the breasts or upper arms. Others appear across the stomach, bum, or thighs.
Here’s what to look for when shopping:
Fuller Bikini Tops
If your stretch marks sit around the chest or upper body, a fuller bikini top gives more coverage without feeling restrictive. Look for wider straps, underwiring, and structured cups that hold their shape in and out of the water.
We've found that a bralette-style top works particularly well, since it gives more coverage across the chest while still feeling soft against the skin. It's also a great match if you usually gravitate toward bikini for hourglass figure styles, since it keeps a similar supportive shape.
High-Waisted and Tummy Control Bottoms
The bottoms you choose make the biggest difference for tummy and hip marks. High-waisted styles give the most coverage without feeling heavy or old-fashioned.
Our high waisted bikini bottoms collection includes ruched and tummy control styles that smooth through the middle. The Savanna Ruched High Waist Bikini Pant is a good example of this. Its ruched front panel skims over the stomach while the high-rise waist gives full coverage, and it comes fully lined for extra confidence.
Styles like this also work well if you're searching for bikini bottoms to hide love handles, since the wider waistband smooths the same areas of the body.
More Coverage on the Bottom
If your stretch marks are across the bum, a fuller coverage cut usually feels more comfortable.
A classic brazilian bikini bottoms style offers a nice middle ground, giving more coverage than a cheeky cut without adding bulk. This is also where swimwear for pear shaped body searches tend to lead, since fuller coverage cuts balance the hip and thigh area nicely.
We recommend trying a few different rises and leg cuts, because the right one usually depends on your shape as much as your stretch marks.
Cover-Ups to Feel Confident
Sometimes, the easiest confidence boost isn't the swimsuit at all. A lightweight cover-up gives you an extra layer for walking to and from the pool.
It's a simple way to feel more at ease before you're ready to get in the water.
A classic black bikini pairs especially well with a sarong or kaftan, since black works with almost any cover-up you already own.
In our experience, having a cover-up you genuinely love makes it much easier to relax once you're actually in your swimwear.
One-Piece Swimsuits for Full Coverage
A one-piece swimsuit is one of the easiest ways to feel covered from top to bottom. It gives you support across the tummy, hips, and chest in a single piece, so you're not adjusting separate parts throughout the day.
Look for a one piece swimsuit that's fully lined and has some structure at the waist, like a wrap detail or a ruched panel. These features do a similar job to the ruched bikini bottoms mentioned earlier, smoothing over the stomach rather than clinging to it.
A high-leg cut helps lengthen the look of the leg, while a scoop or plunge neckline draws the eye upward if your marks show up mostly across the chest or tummy.
The Bottom Line: Wear What Feels Right for You
Stretch marks are normal, common, and nothing to hide from.
There's no single bikini for stretch marks that works for everyone, and that's completely fine. The best approach is choosing pieces that support the areas you want covered, whether that's a fuller top, a high-waisted bottom, or a fuller coverage cut through the leg.
Finding the right one for you also gets easier when you understand bikini styles for different body shapes and know what body type you are.
At Simply Beach, we hand-pick designer swimwear built for comfort, support, and confidence, whatever your shape or story happens to be.
Explore our full range of bikinis and beachwear to find pieces that make getting ready for the beach feel easy and fun!