swimsuits that flatten your stomach

Photo: Peter Rosa and Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

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Q: "Like so many women, I'd love a suit that will tame my tummy. What should I look for if I want the ultimate smoothing effect?"

A: Ruching, wrap details, color blocking, and built-in shapewear are your friends. Each of these suits uses visual trickery and well-placed color to draw the eye away from trouble spots.

Clockwise starting with model:

1. Available in sizes 12-32. ($89, torrid.com)

2. Pretty pleats camouflage lumps and bumps. Available in sizes 4 to 16. (Calvin Klein, $128; macys.com)

3. A side-tie wrap cinches the waist. Available in sizes 6 to 16 (Gottex, $182; bloomingdales.com)

4. Asymmetrical ruching smooths all over. Available in sizes 8 to 16. (Magicsuit, $166; lordandtaylor.com)

5. Has a seaming, color blocking, and tummy-control fabric. ($138, )