10 Gorgeous Styles To Get You Strutting Poolside
As women over 50, shopping for a new swimsuit is a torture that falls somewhere between a root canal and a public speaking engagement—awkward, uncomfortable, and often full of self-doubt.
But with the plethora of new styles that have been designed to be both stylish and comfortable for women over 50, times are a-changing. Here are 10 swimsuit styles that will have you feeling confident and ready to dive in!
As we hit 50 and beyond, what we want and need in a bathing suit evolves, so it takes careful consideration to select the right swimsuit that does its job while making us feel comfortable and confident.
The search for the perfect bathing suit is an age-old quest for women of all ages, but for those of us over 50, the journey takes on added dimensions. As our bodies change and our personal styles evolve, therefore choosing a swimsuit that provides comfort, confidence, and style becomes even more important to us.
The Magical Ten
Here are ten swimsuits that are absolute game-changers for us women over 50 and I am thrilled to share them with you. Except where noted, many the suits pictured are from meetcurve.com in case you are looking to shop.
Ten Magical Swimsuits for Women Over 50:
- The Corset
- The Swim Dress
- The Swim Romper
- The Ruching Suit
- The Frilly Suit
- The Retro Suit
- Sarong Style
- Sheer Elegance
- The Belted Suit
- The Sleeved Suit
Before We Jump In
Before jumping in, an important question to ask is, Do you know your body type?
Body type should be your first and most important consideration. Some examples are curvy, busty, or a thick tummy area. By understanding your own requirements, you can confidently embrace your age and your body, at the pool, beach, lake or any summer outing.
Are you Curvy?
You’ve got a curvy figure, meaning fuller hips, thighs, and bust. When choosing a bathing suit, you should focus on enhancing your natural curves while providing adequate support and coverage. You want to accentuate your natural beauty while not being uncomfortable because you feel overly exposed.
One-piece swimsuits with ruching (i.e., fabric gathered in pleats) along the sides can offer a slimming effect and provide extra coverage. Tankinis can also be a great choice, offering the flexibility of a two-piece while covering any areas you’d rather not have on display. Also, thicker shoulder straps are always a great idea to stop that digging while also giving an elegant feel. Dark-colored solid fabrics or small, subtle patterns can help create a streamlined look. Look for swimsuits with built-in bras, underwire, or thicker straps to provide ample bust support. Thin straps have a tendency to dig into shoulders which is unflattering but more importantly uncomfortable. Ruffled or draped details can add interest to the bust area while maintaining a balanced appearance.
Have you got a thick’ish tummy area?
One normal and common change that happens during and post-menopause is a tendency for our bodies to hold weight around our midsections in a way that it never did in our younger years (thank you, estrogen). For those of us with a thicker tummy area, the focus is on finding swimsuits that provide tummy control so we can feel ‘snatched’ (as the kids say) and confident.
High-waisted bikini bottoms or one-piece swimsuits with ruching along the midsection can help camouflage and shape the tummy. Wrap-style swimsuits with adjustable ties allow for customization of the fit around the waist while also looking so pretty.
Swimsuits with solid colors and diagonal lines can create the illusion of a slimmer waist. Ruching, shirring, or draping details can also help divert attention away from the tummy area. Many swimsuits now feature tummy control panels that provide gentle shaping without sacrificing comfort. These panels can help smooth out the midsection and boost confidence.
Are You Busty?
Women with a busty figure need swimsuits that offer sufficient support and coverage, plus enough balance to create a proportional look. Done well, the right bathing suit can offer a gorgeous and sexy bustline that is still controlled enough to not feel as if you may ‘fall out’ at any moment.
Halter necklines or swimsuits with thick straps can provide extra lift and support for the bust. Overly thin or string straps are a big no-no: they either dig into your shoulders or provide no support at all, both are bad. V-necklines and scoop necks can help elongate the neck and draw attention upward. But beware of suits that tie at the back of the neck – these always give me a terrible headache after an hour or so.
Try using patterns —they can be great for the bust area because they make the suit feel less see-through when wet. Just be sure to choose patterns that are proportionate to your body size. Swimsuits with built-in bras, underwire, and adjustable straps are essential for maintaining comfort and preventing sagging. Look for swimsuits that offer cup-sized options for a more precise fit.
Ten Magical Swimsuits for Women over 50
#1: The Corset
The Corset Swimsuit, created by company TA3, hit the market as the first shaping swimsuit. Its design is so special it has a design patent pending! Much like a corset, these bathing suits have built-in lacing at the back that you are able to adjust and tighten to accentuate your hourglass figure. This suit is perfect for us women over 50 who may have lost some of our hourglass figure due to a tendency for us to hold weight around the waist.
These beautiful and well-constructed suits are able to actually create a waistline – which is indeed magical!
The creator of these suits is TA3 and here is the link to their site. It is true that their prices may seem high, but take a look at their reviews – most are excellent. Many reviews mention the high-quality fabric, wide range of designs, and inclusive sizing. I have personally purchased my own TA3 and can confirm that it is absolutely magical!
#2: The Swim Dress
Many women over 50 (and under 50 too, for that matter) are often uncomfortable with the traditional bathing suit – after all, when wet, its pretty damn close to being publicly naked, so there is good reason for the discomfort. The swim dress was once a piece relegated to grandmas looking for a bit of modesty, but things have come a long way.
Modern swim dresses come in all patterns and designs, with many making the bust a focal point which is extremely flattering. These swim dresses are made from swimsuit fabric so are light, comfortable to swim in and dry quickly,
#3: The Ruching Suit
We all know that feeling of wearing what we thought was a lovely bathing suit, only to emerge from the water feeling like your entire body is wrapped in sausage casing. Yes, fabrics tend to cling when wet – go figure. This is where ruching saves the day.
Ruching is when fabric pleats are sewn into designs, creating a fan or ripple effect. These pleats serve the important job of keeping the swimsuit fabric from clinging to you like cling wrap, while also creating an elegant and pretty design.
#4: The Swim Romper
The swim romper takes the swim dress that step further and creates what is now referred to as ‘swimleisure’. The swim rompers featured here are made by Honey Mark, and are bathing suits made from fast-drying swimsuit fabrics that fit more like a romper or skorts mini-dress.
Honey Mark calls it your “all-in-one outfit” that can be comfortably worn both in and out of the water. Gone are the days of rushing to put on a cover-up or towel after emerging from the pool or ocean. Freedom! Every Honey Mark suit features a form-fitting under layer so even though the suit itself fits quite loosely, underneath you are safety tucked in.
#5: The Frilly Suit
Picking a swimsuit with frills is a great idea because they are not just pretty, they are functional. These suits feature decorative frills, ruffles, or flounces along the neckline, straps, or waist, adding a playful and feminine touch to your swimsuit.
But they also create a flattering silhouette by drawing attention to curves and enhancing the bust and hips while offering extra coverage by keeping the bathing suit fabric from clinging in areas you’d rather not have on public display. Frilled bathing suits come in a variety of designs, from one-pieces to bikinis, so your choices are numerous. The frilly swimsuit offers that perfect blend of fashion and function, making it a fantastic choice.
#6: The Retro Suit
The retro design swimsuit is indeed timeless, and what a fun way to bring a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to the beach or pool.
These suits typically feature high-waisted bottoms, which are perfect for women over 50 who tend to carry weight around the midriff. The halter necklines, and vintage-inspired patterns like polka dots or gingham are also fun and unique. Another appeal of these retro designs is their ability to flatter various body shapes by cinching the waist and elongating the legs. They provide ample coverage and support, making them comfortable and classic. And best of all, their aesthetic exudes confidence and charm, which is exactly what you’re looking for!
#7: Sarong Style
Sarong-style swimsuits offer that perfect combination of fashion and function, offering modest coverage while not looking like a ‘modest’ bathing suit. Sarong style swimsuits incorporate a built-in sarong ‘skirt’ that isn’t a full skirt but adds just that small touch of elegance.
Sarong style swimsuits are stylish and flattering, while concealing areas of concern. And because it adds this touch of extra coverage, the swimsuit becomes all the more versatile, comfortable for swimming, lounging by the pool or even for strolls at beachside cafes.
#8: Sheer Elegance
Bathing suits that incorporate sheer fabric or lace into their designs bring an air of elegance and uniqueness to swimwear. Unlike typical swimsuits, these styles seamlessly blend fashion and function and scream out sophistication.
Swimsuits with sheer panels or delicate lace overlays add a touch of sensuality and sophistication and will make you feel alluring and confident. The lace serves a double purpose, adding design sophistication but also providing coverage. Sheer elegance suits reveal just that subtle glimpse of skin, which creates an alluring mystique while making you feel sufficiently covered. The combination of transparency with swimwear is also so unique – what a great way to stand out on the beach, looking exquisite and refined!
#9: The Belted Suit
A belt is a great way to add flair to a swimsuit, mainly because a belt is able to accentuate your waistline and creating an hourglass silhouette. The belted suit is ideal if you are looking to enhance your curves by drawing attention to your waist.
The belted suit is certainly a unique twist to traditional swimwear, perfect for women looking for an attractive, trendy yet flattering beach or poolside look. However, if you tend to have an overly high waist, beware – my belts tend to rise up to just below my bust which isn’t a good look. Also, if your body tends to be shaped straight down, with no waist, you don’t want a belt to draw attention to this.
#10: The Sleeved Suit
The sleeved suit offers an interesting take with short sleeves or cap sleeves creating a chic and modest alternative to traditional swimwear.
The sleeved suit is a great choice for those looking for a fun and stylish look that also provides extra sun protection and coverage of the upper arms (which I believe very few women would call their favorite area of the body). Loose fitting sleeves add a flattering and elegant look, great for women over 50 who want to bring a sophistication to their poolside look. A short cap sleeve brings a fun and casual look, with these sleeved choices resembling the very popular bodysuits that everyone is wearing. The sleeved suit is an excellent choice for those who value both fashion and comfort.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on your bathing suit quest, remember to keep the following in mind:
- Comfort is paramount for any woman, regardless of age or body type. Ensure that the swimsuit’s fabric is stretchy, breathable, and provides a comfortable fit.
- UV Protection should be top of mind, given that skin becomes more sensitive to sun with age. Consider swimsuits made from materials with built-in UV protection to shield your skin from harmful sun rays.
- Swimsuits with adjustable straps, removable padding, and convertible features can adapt to your preferences and needs.
- To make your life easier, opt for versatility, picking a swimsuit that can seamlessly transition from the beach to poolside lounging.
- The right bathing suit should boost your confidence and make you feel good so be sure to choose a style that aligns with your personal aesthetic.
By embracing your unique features, you can confidently choose a swimsuit that flatters your figure and makes you feel amazing. Whether lounging by the pool or strolling along the beach, with the perfect bathing suit, you can exude confidence and elegance, whether you are 50, 60 or 90!
