These 9 swim dresses are floating shoppers' boats — all under $40

Swimsuits with a tropical pattern always deliver vacation vibes. This one is easy, breezy and filled with flattering features including molded cups, a flowy skirt and a tummy-controlling boy shorts bottom. Meanwhile, the crossover sweetheart neckline gives it an eye-catching look. Warning: You may get too many compliments in this. 

"It's super supportive, even in the mid-section where I need it," shared one of the 13,500+ five-star reviewers. "It is flattering and honestly, this is one of the best swimsuits I've tried on as a plus-size woman. It hugs me in all the right places and doesn't emphasize my belly."

Found: The flirtiest tummy control swimsuit that will make you feel like the life of the (pool) party. Not only is there a slimming high waistband and skater-style skirt, the dress also features built-in shorts for full booty coverage. Plus, the criss-cross neckline and stylish cutout give it a little extra spice. 

"It's been a while since I found a bathing suit I felt both comfortable and cute in," shared a thrilled five-star reviewer who bought this for vacay. "This suit is super flattering for my shape and doesn't make me feel like an old lady wearing a sack. Great support in the chest area too! Definitely would recommend it, and so happy it arrived in time for my vacation!

Its modest silhouette, scoop neck and side-tie knot skirt are just a few of the reasons why this suit has racked up a near-perfect rating on Amazon. This curve-hugging swim dress comes in 36 colors and patterns in sizes XS to 22 Plus.

"I'm 61, so not what I used to be body-wise, but this suit made me feel good about myself," wrote one shopper. "The ruching was very flattering. Love the little side-tie skirt. It gives a little coverage for the top of my legs. I will more than likely be ordering another one in a different color or pattern."

The sportiest of the bunch, this swim dress is actually a tankini. The loose tunic top covers the body while the separate boy shorts bottom provides tummy control and flexibility. You can even mix and match the shorts with other bathing suit tops. 

"I love this suit," started one Amazon shopper. "It keeps you covered so you feel free to move around, but it doesn't look so conservative because of the sporty top. I have what a prior reviewer called a 'mom bod' and I actually got multiple compliments on what a nice bathing suit it is, so that was nice to hear."

If you want to trick everyone into thinking you're actually wearing a dress, then this style will be your best friend. The pleated skirt and belly ruching will boost your confidence while the removable pads and thick straps keep everything put. It comes in 25+ colors, but we love the vintage feel of this polka dot pattern.

One shopper even shared that they "felt like Super Woman" while wearing the suit: "This suit is everything I was looking for and extremely flattering," they wrote in their five-star review. "With a large chest, it is hard to find suits where things aren't falling out the sides. This keeps everything where it is supposed to be and gives support to the chest and stomach. Instead of being billowy like other swim dresses, it clings nicely and the draping on it makes a nice waistline."

A ruffled silhouette looks great on all shapes and sizes — and this swim dress is no exception. The high waist of the skirt covers everything and the build-in briefs will keep you comfy in and out of the water. You can also switch it up by wearing the straps as normal or in a criss-cross pattern. 

"This is not your standard 'mom' bathing suit, but I love that it's skirted" stated one fashionista. "The brown color is a nice change from all black. The skirt is very forgiving and hides a lot, it’s a little longer than standard. I also love the frilly sleeves. They look so feminine and pretty and add a nice little flair!"

The world of long-sleeve swimsuits is so much bigger than the utilitarian rash guard — they also include swim dresses like this number. It provides full coverage for extra sun protection and a zip-up neckline for those days when you want to show off the goods. 

"I sunburn so easily, so this rash guard was perfect for me," explained a well-protected Amazon shopper. "I also have very flabby upper arms from weight loss, and this covered them perfectly! The quality is great and all zippers and seams were properly covered so there was no irritation wearing this."

What's prettier than an ethereal dress? An ethereal dress you can swim in. The tummy control fabric is hidden by the mesh that effortlessly flows down your body. It's also super breathable for those hot summer days with an added adjustable front tie for a touch of sweetness. 

'[I] finally found a suit I can feel confident in," raved one happy shopper. "I love everything about it. Coverage in the right places, but still sexy and cute! I'm looking forward to my pool days now."

While the built-in shorts and elegant ruching across the torso and bust make this swim dress great, it's the darling flippy skirt that seals the deal for us. It just screams "summer romance" — right? It even comes with subtle push-up padding to make that will make you feel so confident.

"Great tummy control, very comfortable and kind of sexy without doing too much. I love it," raved one customer.