Let’s face it flattering swimsuits are a challenge at our age. Many of us have varicose veins, spots, belly fat, arm flab…Did I forget anything? Let’s chat about Chic Swimwear for Women Over 50 of all Shapes & Sizes.
In my case, I have all of the above including one leg with 3rd degree burn scars and matching scars on both legs from duo hip replacements. Currently I am also carrying a few extra pounds. Ahhh the joys of swim season. Needless to say I will not be modeling swimsuits. I do swim. I am not going to miss out on the fun.
Here is What I look for in a Swimsuit
GOOD BUTT COVERAGE
I have a large butt (that’s why you don’t see me in anything tight from the back)
Most tankini’s have the option of a full-coverage high-waisted bottom. I love these full coverage bottoms with the Athleta Tankini tops.
It’s often a crap shoot with one piece bathing suits but most of Lands Ends offerings provide good bottom coverage. I like this one strap version from Lands’ End. It is also chlorine-resistant with adjustable straps which is a plus.
WIDE STRAPS
I have a large bust so no skinny straps for me. I like the one piece Malibu from Andie Swim. The tank style provides wide shoulder support. I am tempted to try this one. This version I would guess is long on comfort due to the wide straps. It comes in different colors as well.
GOOD SUPPORT
Swimsuits without either underwires or built in bras are not pretty at my age. Cross back straps always offer another level of support. I like the Tulum from Andie Swim. It comes in multiple colors and has removable padding.
BRA SIZED FOR PROPER FIT
Two-piece swimsuits can be a long torso’s dream. I love a tankini top that comes in cup sizes for a proper fit. Bikinis often come bra sized as well but those days are long over. This tankini from Athleta has long been a favorite. It is the most flattering suit I own and has ample support. I own it in black and red. It is currently on sale, and you can often find discontinued colors on eBay here.
SLIMMING FEATURES
Hello belly fat. A Durable fabric with spandex and ruching across the midsection for tummy control is a plus. .The Summersalt Sidestroke is a favorite of many for it’s slimming features. I wanted to order the white version but it wasn’t available in the long torso.
LONG TORSO
I am only 5’4 but most of my height is on the top. I can’t wear a one piece unless it comes in a long torso version. Athleta, Andie, and Summersault all offer long torso versions, as well as many others. I love this ruched J Crew swim dress that covers a bit of the thighs. I appreciate that it covers a multitude of sins without looking too matronly.
We use our pool a lot in this climate so I am adding a couple of swim accessories that I feel are necessary. I have ordered this rash guard from Athleta. I like the high neck. My arms don’t need any more sun. I have already sustained enough damage to last a lifetime.
If the high neck is not your jam you might like this Torquay version from Andie Swim.
As I mentioned above I have multiple scars I am dealing with. I ordered this tidal swim skirt from Athleta. I think it will be my friend.
COVER-UPS FOR SUN PROTECTION
Cover-ups are a mandatory for sun protection here in the summer. I don’t think you need to purchase cover-up specific items. I usually repurpose things I already own. They come in handy while traveling so they can be worn multiple ways. However, I couldn’t resist this Zara dress for a coverup when I popped into the store with my daughter a few weeks ago.If you wear it as a dress, I would purchase the linen slip from amazon here, as it is see through. I am wearing a Small but certainly could have used an XS as well.
I wear this CP shades maxi dress as a cover up as well as a casual dress. It is lightweight linen and protects me from the sun. I am pairing it with one of my favorite Helen Kaminski hats & Dolce Vita Gracie sandals.
I wear this Zara dress as a coverup as well. This is no longer available but you can find them on eBay here. The hat is from Helen Kaminski. It is great to have a dress that is casual enough to throw on over a swimsuit, but capable of being dressed up enough for a day of shopping. Great for travel when you don’t want to drag too many things. Both of these dresses can be hand-washed and stretched to dry.
When it comes to swimsuits avoid trends, instead opt for types that flatter your particular figure and conceal your imperfections. Many of my above selections are on sale so now is the time to buy. You might also enjoy these articles:
Best Swimsuits for those with large breasts
AARP Swimwear for Women Over 50
Thank you for reading Chic Swimwear for Women Over 50 of all Shapes & Sizes. You might also enjoy last month’s Signature Style post Step up Your Comfort Game with these Stylish Sandals. Now let’s pop over and visit Kim to see what she has to share.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
I so appreciate your honesty! You make the reader*(me) feel like we are all in a sisterhood!
Hi Jeanine
Thank you so much. I do this sale for you ladies, because I know so many of you love it. I probably spent two solid days scouring it! Hopefully, it will help some of you wade through the bargains!
Oh, Cindy! I would be so happy if I had your ‘imperfections’…I would gladly trade my very high waist and flat/no rear-end, for your long torso and a rounded behind!! 🙂 Honestly I don’t see any imperfections in you. You wear it all so beautifully. I purchased a ‘Miracle suit’ from Dillard’s this summer that I like alot. The brand has its own website with so many styles and sizes to fit truly any shape, even up to a DD cup (which is definitely not my size!). I really like the ‘high neck’ styles since my neck/chest area is not something I want to make someone look at…NOT pretty! And I found a really pretty cover up from Talbots designed by a skin cancer survivor. it has a lot of protection for women! https://www.talbots.com/cabana-life-nautical-stripe-embroidered-tunic-cover-up/P232014953.html It’s 40% off right now too. Thanks for all you do to keep us ‘in-the-know’ and looking our best.
Hi Pam
For those of you that are regulars here Pam and I have been friends since high school and we went to Purdue together! Thanks pal for the tips. I had a miracle suit one time and it was so much work to get in and out of it. I gave it to the goodwill! I need to go back and revisit.
We’re all too hard on ourselves. And, you! No one sees any imperfections … just a fun, beautiful, smart and funny style icon. I do love being our age and finally letting go of ridiculous body image concerns. This year I finally put on a swimsuit and went on not one but two warm weather vacations. Woo hoo! And suddenly I’m interested in swimwear again. I love all the options you’re showing. Full coverage bottoms and wider straps are welcome. I really like the Sidestroke suit from Summersalt, and the one shoulder look in general. Great idea to search eBay for older styles in coverup. Your Zara black and white one is a beauty. Thanks for tackling this topic … and all the wonderful inspiration. The weather is heating up … it may finally be summer! xo
Hi Juliet
I know that most don’t see my imperfections, but I feel like it is important to share. I don’t dwell on them because the beauty of being our age is we have more important things to think about. I hope by sharing, I can make others feel more comfortable with whatever issues they may have. I was a cheerleader in high school and wore short skirts just like everyone else. Fortunately, now I don’t have to!
Hi Cindy,
With the imperfections that you see in yourself I see nothing but a beautiful person.
We all have something to deal with when shopping for a swim suit. You know what you are doing to create the best comfort for yourself and still feel good about yourself.
Thank you for pointing out smart things to look out for. You are a pro at this type of thing.
Hi Katherine
You are so sweet. Thanks for the kind comment.
OMGosh I just got an email from Spanx and they have a long sleeve swim top!!!! Now I just need bike shorts and I will be all set! The more I can cover up the better….
Hi Sharon
Ha ha!! I need to go check that out!
We just got back from the Galapagos and I bought more swimsuits in preparation than you can shake a stick at. Wish I’d had this post a month ago. ha. I even bought a couple last minute from amazon bc I was having a Lee Ann Morgan moment about swim suits (if you don’t follow her you should, she’s hysterical, google her name and bathing suit and you will be ROLLING but I digress. The ones from amazon were my favs from our trip. I’ll send you the links 🙂
Hi Nancy
That is great to hear. I am always afraid to link to anything on Amazon without a recommendation. Lee Ann is hysterical!!
I have an unconventional answer to the age told swimsuit dilemma – TARGET! I found these mix and match pieces several years ago and now I wear nothing else. The bottoms are actually little shorts with a liner like a regular swimsuit. NO TUGGING to cover your bottom, even during water aerobics class. I own the bottoms in navy and black. They have wide waistband (flattering) and pull on. Then the tankini tops coordinate with them, and I own more tops than bottoms – mix and match. And did I mention they are inexpensive?! I live on a lake and actually wear my suits and these are durable and my favorite ever. I don’t mind being “seen” in a swimsuit when the bottoms are little shorts.
Hi Linda
I love Target! Little shorts rule!
It’s become really hard to find a swimsuit that actually covers your bottom. I know the young and very fit like to expose it all but there should be more modest ones for those that don’t want to flaunt it all. I went on a cruise in February and had to hunt to find a suit that covered my bottom and had good support for the girls. plus was cute. It was $200. Yikes! But worth it because I felt comfortable and confident while wearing it.
I have a couple of dresses that I use as a cover up or wear casually. I only use my swimsuits when I travel, as we don’t have a pool. It’s not pretty but I’m not missing out on any of the fun! I’m 70 so I’ve had to get over it.
I find that Land’s End has the best selection for me at age 65. I’m tall and thin but my challenge now is I had implants from age 21 to 62 (the boob fairy never visited any of the women in my family :-)) so now that I’m flat chested again it’s been a challenge to find cups that fit into a top and stay put. I LOVE the Zara dress you were in and rushed to go buy it, plus the slip. Another fun article to read!!
Cindy, totally agree about using your dresses in tunics as a cover-up. Yours are super cute. I love that Zara. You look terrific in everything
You found some beautiful bathing suits I think I may try to order that white one. I also love the one with the shoulders because I have a lot of damage on mine!
As far as the support, the one shoulder from J.Crew seem to give a lot more support than some of their other swimsuits. Perhaps it’s the particular one with the really high neck..
This was fun and I am exploring all these other suits you shared. I need more rash guards too! xo
You donot have a BIG BUTT!
The last time I purchased a suit was probably 15 years ago!
Not hot enough up here and no pool.
I think todays temps will be 72 where is summer?
It’s in Virginia. 90° and 80° humidity! Sweltering.
I just bought a great boy-short one piece from Amazon. Nice built in bra with padded cups – very comfortable. Modest but flattering. I first ordered a medium which fit, but I felt it was too form fitting. I hate things too tight so I got the large. For me it’s perfect even though I don’t quite fill out the bust. I am 5’5′, 115lbs – 34-29-37ish. I found the manufacturer’s sizing guide helpful in ordering.
Holipick Women One Piece Swimsuits Boy Shorts Bathing Suit Teen Girls Athletic Boyleg Swimwear
https://www.amazon.com/Holipick-Swimsuits-Boy-Bathing-Athletic-Swimwear/dp/B09NDPTQ9F?tag=namespacebran486-20
holy cow! you are tiny! Wear the cute swimmies!!!!
I bought a new suit in May, and I love it! Zipper adjusts for different looks. Lots of sun coverage, https://annecole.com/products/anne-cole-womens-flutter-sleeve-zip-up-rash-guard-one-piece-swimsuit-2
I love to swim and often wonder why so many women’s swimsuits are so ridiculous. Why, exactly, have we arrived at the place where we have these particular styles of suits? (I know, it’s fashion.) I wonder especially about the leg openings, none of which seem to actually work well. My preference for a suit to actually swim in would be a unitard-like suit that had bike-short style legs. Kind of like Olympic swimmers wear. Nothing rides up, it’s modest, it’s functional, and who knows, it seems supremely comfortable.
I actually found a cute suit by Free People – Zip up Surf Suit. It covers my butt and is even a bit flattering. After breast cancer and a partial mastectomy I need a suit that has built in foam cups. I tried Andie Swim but the cups became weird and misshapen after I washed out my suit in the shower 🙁
All in all, I have gotten to an acceptance with my “mature” body and crepy skin. As long as I exercise and use a self tanner and grab some swagger from within I can do the swim suit thing. A great hat and linen drawstring pants work wonders, too –
Cheers to beautiful mature women and the bodies that house us!
Cindy, I LOVE YOU! I love that you keep it real and share the good, bad and the reality of aging.
I have a big butt too and have always been self conscious about it. So am always tryin to camouflage it. You do a wonderful job dressing for your size and always look beautiful, comfortable and sophisticated.
Thanks for sharing your swimsuit picks.
Hi Elizabeth
Thank you so much! You are the best! I love all that you do…
Morning….boy can I relate to everything you’ve said about “mature” bodies and swimsuits🤪. I do love the Zara coverup but wanted to ask what size you’re wearing. I have a very similar body to yours. Love your posts. Mary
Hi Mary
I am wearing a small (sorry just added) but I could have used an XS as well.
I love Zara for coverups too! With having a pool now, I need more swim suits. Thanks for this great post!
I bet you do Mary Ann! Have a wonderful trip!
Great styles and suits! I love your style! I wanted to mention, when I swim I prefer to cover up my thighs, so I wear a tankini suit or a swim dress. Land’s End has a great selection of skort swim bottoms, in regular and tall lengths as well as tummy support. I also have ordered swim dresses from Athleta which are comfortable and give good coverage, and still cute!
Hi Sandy
Thanks for the tips!
I LOVE swimming and the ocean, and the nice thing about swimming with my friends is that we are all aged between 70-80 and all carry the marks of age and then some, and none of us have a svelte form. We don’t care. We’re age-ing – what does it matter?
The fact that we’re alive and still able to swim and enjoy summer together is all that matters to us.
I mostly buy La Bianca one-pieces on-line and prefer a higher cut leg because I have short, stumpy legs and the higher leg cut are more comfortable to actually swim distances in.
Thank you for repeated elegance, excellence and style, Cindy – I do love your blog.
Hi Prue
I love your attitude. I have tried La Blanca love their suits but find the legs are too high cut and don’t cover my back side sufficiently!!
Very interesting!! I’m new to your blog and I must say, you definitely know how to dress yourself and photograph yourself to your best advantage!! I was kinda shocked to read your “description” of yourself!! You hide your “big butt” extremely well!! Your style is so classy and you always look like I “wish I looked”! 😂😂 I’ve always lamented my big butt!! Who knew the thing could be hidden so well!! Thanks for showing up on the World Wide Web in such a helpful way!
Hi Kathy
My mother was very small except for her behind. I inherited it from her!!