20 Most Flattering Bathing Suits for Women Over 50
Updated: Aug. 25, 2022These confidence-boosting bathing suits for older women will help you have your best summer yet.
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The best bathing suits for older women
Buying sunglasses, flip-flops, and sunscreen can happily get you in the mood for summer, but shopping for a new swimsuit? Not so much. Swimsuit shopping can be challenging at any age, but if you’re a woman over 50, you may feel like skipping the beach altogether when you see some of the season’s more revealing styles. Don’t worry, though. We’ve found the best bathing suits for women over 50—from tankinis and bikinis to plus-size swimwear and tummy control swimsuits—that will flatter your figure with subtle features like fuller-cut bottoms and strategic ruching. In fact, they might give you so much confidence, you may decide to skip the cover-ups and just accessorize with a cute, flirty summer hat.
Before you start shopping, though, there are a few things you should know. We asked stylist Samantha Brown to answer the most common questions about bathing suits for women over 50 so you can shop (and strut your stuff) with confidence.
Can older women wear swimsuits?
Of course! Women of all ages can wear swimsuits. “The key is to find a style that highlights your current shape and draws attention to the areas where you want it and away from the areas you don’t,” says Brown. “Cinching and ruching help define your waist and camouflage your tummy, and ruffles can help build up your bust.” The bottom line: The best swimsuit for you boils down to which features you want to emphasize or camouflage.
Can older women wear two-piece swimsuits?
Without a doubt, yes. Just ask celebs like Liz Hurley, Christie Brinkley, and Halle Berry—or the plethora of over-50 women at the beach who are enjoying summer to its fullest. That said, Brown suggests avoiding skimpy styles and instead looking for a higher-waisted bottom and full-coverage top. “Miraclesuit is one of my favorite brands, as they have shapewear built into their suits,” she notes.
What kind of swimsuit should a 50-year-old woman wear?
“I never think of clothing in terms of age,” says Brown. “The focus should be on what’s the most flattering for your current body type. That being said, the right amount of coverage is important at all ages.” It’s also important to consider the types of activities you’ll be doing and your own personal needs. For example, your ideal bathing suit may be different if you’re into paddleboarding versus if you prefer spending your pool day under an umbrella with a good book.
How do I find the right swimsuit for my body type?
“I always tell my clients, ‘Just try it on,'” says Brown. “Order suits online so you can try them on at home with better lighting.” She suggests ordering your usual size but also taking into account online reviews to see if you should try a size up or down. And her biggest piece of advice? “Ignore the trendy hashtags, and wear what fits!”
How we chose the best swimsuits for women over 50
As a woman over 50 myself, I asked my friends and colleagues for their own personal recommendations, read tons of online reviews, and tried on dozens of swimsuits to find the ones that looked good and—just as important—made me feel good. These are the ones you’ll want to wear all summer long.
Best overall
Miraclesuit Must Haves Oceanus One-Piece
Living up to its name, this flattering one-piece is definitely a must-have and kind of a miracle. It’s designed to make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds, thanks to Miratex fabric, which provides all-over body control, similar to the best shapewear. If you’re doubting its miraculous powers, check out the hundreds of five-star reviews that attest to its success. “This suit is fantastic,” raves one happy customer. “Worth every bit of the price tag because it actually does what it says.” Beyond the fabulous fabric, the shirred, wrapped waistline combined with the solid color is a winning and slimming combination. It’s the swimsuit equivalent of the little black dress.
Pros:
- Fabric has twice the shaping power of regular Lycra
- Wrap style visually slims your midsection
- Moderately cut leg elongates thighs, making them look thinner
Con:
- Pricey
Best tummy control
Cupshe Bright Day Shirring One-Piece
This bathing beauty is the #1 tummy control one-piece swimsuit on Amazon, with more than 10,000 five-star reviewers singing its praises for its good looks and flattering fit. “Not only did it fit perfectly, but by some magic, this suit made me look even slimmer! I love it!” raves one fan. Others call out this Cupshe suit’s stellar body contouring and incredibly affordable price tag. Can’t decide which of the 12 colors to choose? Orange is the top seller because it’s cheery and flattering to all skin tones, but since this suit is less than $30, you may want to do what many reviewers have done and treat yourself to more than one.
Pros:
- Strategic shirring around the tummy creates a slimming visual effect
- The chinlon-spandex blend is supportive without being restricting
- Affordable
Con:
- Some reviewers say it’s a little “cheeky”
Best wrap
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
This aptly named swimsuit from Summersalt is a fantastic bathing suit for women over 50 because of its universally flattering wrap style and comfortable compression. “The color, the fit, the comfort—it’s all perfection,” writes one five-star reviewer. “I can’t speak highly enough about this incredible swimsuit.” Another fan raves: “I like a suit that covers me for snorkeling and body surfing but is flattering (to this now-middle-aged body) and fun to wear. A tall order, and this suit does it!” Available in lots of colors and prints, this suit makes shopping a snap for your next beach trip: As soon as you try it on, you’ll know it’s a wrap!
Pros:
- Perfectly placed wrapping is slimming
- Just-right compression holds you in
- Also available in a “long torso” version
Con:
- Some reviewers say it runs a little small
Best sun protection
Carve Designs LS All Day Onesie
You don’t need to hide under a beach umbrella all day to stay protected. Thanks to UPF 50 and a full-coverage design, this long-sleeved beauty lets you soak up the sun all day without worry and then throw jeans over it to head out for the evening. It’s smoothing with just the right amount of spandex for stretch and has a built-in bra for the perfect amount of support. Plus, it’s available in three totally original prints that are likely to garner lots of compliments—and are different enough to rationalize getting them all.
Pros:
- Made of recycled material
- Built-in shelf bra for extra support and coverage
Con:
- Can be challenging to put on and take off
Best traditional fit
Andie The Amalfi
Andie’s signature maillot (aka tank suit) fits just like you hope it will, which means you’re likely to want it in all 17 colors. “Love, love, love this swimsuit. So comfortable,” writes one five-star reviewer. “And trust me, I never usually say I am comfortable in a swimsuit.” Another adds, “If you want to feel confident like Lara Croft, get this bathing suit.” Made of soft, recycled nylon, it features a scoop neck and thin, adjustable straps for stylish support. It’s a modern classic, just like you!
Pros:
- Also available in long torso
- Sustainably made
- Removable cups
Con:
- Available only in medium coverage
Best plus size
Eloquii Ruffle Shoulder One-Piece with Belt
This eye-catching Eloquii swimsuit is hot (pink), and to quote more than one five-star reviewer, it’s a “show stopper!” The ruffles at the neckline and shoulders add the perfect amount of style and drama, elevating your look in an instant, and the attached belt, which ties in the back, is a flattering detail around the waist. The suit is also fully lined to shape and support, creating a smooth silhouette. It also comes in black and two colorful prints, all of which make a bold fashion—and confidence—statement.
Pros:
- The brand is dedicated to sizes 14 to 28
- Can be worn as a top with jeans or a skirt
Con:
- Provides moderate, not full, coverage
Best value
Cupshe Leafy Wrap Tie Bikini Set
Proving once again that you can’t judge a swimsuit by how much it costs, this two-piece from Cupshe is high quality and low priced. What makes it one of the best bathing suits for women over 50? Its solid wrap top offers amazing shape and support, thanks to the molded cups and adjustable straps, and the pretty print bottom provides surprising coverage for a bikini and features a contrasting piping detail that’s as flattering as a belt.
“Absolutely loved this suit!” raves one of more than 2,800 five-star reviewers of this Amazon best seller. “Turning 50 this year and really appreciated the coverage.”
Pros:
- Under $30
- Molded cups
- Available in a dozen colors and prints
Con:
- Can’t buy as separates
Best sleek one-piece
Dos Gardenias Uzi: The Bodysuit One-Piece
Proving that less is more, this simple yet chic Dos Gardenias swimsuit has a clean, sleek style and is flattering to every body type, thanks to the brand’s commitment to working with fit models of all different shapes and sizes. Made of 100 percent Econyl Regenerated Nylon, it is fully lined and features two-way stretch for comfort. The high neckline and modest scoop back give it a sophisticated look that will make it your summer go-to.
Pros:
- Can multitask as a layering piece
- UPF 50+ for sun protection
Con:
- The brand recommends sizing up
Best bikini
Kenny Flowers The Positano Lemon Print Sporty Bikini Top and Bottom
When life gives you lemons, head to the beach! Just because you’re over 50, it doesn’t mean you have to give up bikinis. This pretty bikini top and bottom are sold as separates, so you can mix and match sizes, and the adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit. We particularly love that the athletic style offers a good amount of coverage that will make you feel more supported than a revealing string bikini. Both pieces are designed with universally flattering details older women will appreciate, such as a scoop neck, adjustable straps, and high legs, and the vibrant print is summer at its juiciest.
Pros:
- Sun-protective fabric
- Removable light padding
- Ethically made by an all-women-run team in Colombia
Con:
- Available only in sizes XS to L
Best tankini
Magicsuit Muse Carma Top and Jersey Brief with Shirring
A great option for keeping you covered yet stylish, this patterned tankini and coordinating black brief are made by Magicsuit from Miraclesuit, so you know they’re designed to support a woman’s figure. Made from fabric featuring exclusive shaping and slimming properties, the top is blooming with a tropical floral print, and the high-cut brief features ruching that flatters by hiding bumps and lumps for a smoother look. The pieces are sold separately, so you can mix and match sizes to find the perfect fit.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- An attached side tie defines your waist
- Bottom offers full coverage
Con:
- Available only in sizes 8 to 16
Best print
Johnny Was Barcelona One-Piece
No one does prints like Johnny Was, whose boho-chic style will evoke a sense of nostalgia for women over 50. This beautiful Barcelona one-piece acts as the canvas for a fresh floral print blooming with color that you might have thought was reserved for your favorite summer house dresses. But don’t think it’s all just eye candy. The suit is fully lined and features thick straps, removable cups, and a straight neckline for coverage and support. It’s a work of art in itself.
Pros:
- Pretty enough to wear with a sarong or shorts
- Removable cups
- UPF 50+ provides sun protection
Con:
- Pricey
Best long sleeve
Venus Blanc Long Sleeve One-Piece
Whether you’re uncomfortable showing off your arms or you just don’t want to get too much sun, a long-sleeve swimsuit can be a great choice. This one from Venus comes in three great-looking prints, all of which feature thumb holes to keep the sleeves from rolling up while you’re swimming. “This is super cute and can be worn more open or closed, and I will wear it snorkeling so my back and arms have better sun protection,” writes one five-star reviewer from California. “And the little thumb holes are the best! No futzing with the sleeves.”
Pros:
- UPF 50 fabric for extra sun protection
- Wide variety of sizes (4 to 22)
Con:
- Can take more time to get on or off
Best sustainable
Mylo Swim Tuscany One-Piece
This citrus-y Mylo suit in Arianca (which means orange in Italian) is so cheery, and you’ll smile even more knowing it’s made from 100 percent Econyl fabric, which recycles synthetic waste and regenerates it into a new nylon yarn. While that’s pretty amazing, you’ll also adore the style: With its tie straps and straight neckline, this body-contouring swimsuit provides full coverage so you’re not constantly adjusting it. It also comes in a pretty color called Blushing, which is what you might be doing with all the compliments you’ll be getting.
Pros:
- Sustainably made
- Double lined for durability
Con:
- Available only in basic sizes (XS to XL)
Best sophisticated
Melissa Odabash Rio Belted Textured Swimsuit
This high-end look will make you feel like you belong in the pages of a fashion magazine. The belt cinches your waist to create the perfect hourglass figure, just as if you were wearing your favorite classic dress, while the ribbed fabric is lightweight and comfortably stretchy. Plus, the warm mocha color is soft and flattering to all skin tones.
Pros:
- Can be worn with or without the belt
- SPF50+ for sun protection
- Absorbent stretch fabric
Con:
- Not padded
Best designer
Swiminista X Christian Lacroix: Marvelous One-Piece Black Butterfly Print
With all the style of Christian Lacroix and the substance of Swiminista, this butterfly-print suit is equally at home on the runway as the beach. Not only does it offer full coverage, but it also features adjustable straps for custom comfort and support and a shelf bra with removable cups. The flowy designer print smooths over your midsection and keeps the attention on the suit itself.
Pros:
- Exclusive print
- Adjustable straps
- Removable cups
- Looks great as a bodysuit
Con:
- On the pricey side
Best square neck
Hermoza Marisa One-Piece
A square neckline is universally flattering, showing off the collarbone and acting as a stylish but modest frame. This feminine one-piece from Hermoza continues the theme with a square back and wide straps for extra coverage, and a built-in, supportive bra works to keep your bust lifted and secure. “What a beautifully designed bathing suit,” writes one happy customer. “The fabric, style, and look is perfect for any body shape.” Another comments, “It has a womanly, retro look that is very flattering on the body. I feel beautiful in it.”
Pros:
- Can be worn as a tank top
- Built-in bra for added support
Con:
- Shoulder straps aren’t adjustable
Best one-shoulder
Trina Turk Adeline Asymmetrical Maillot
Everything about the slimming silhouette of this Trina Turk swimsuit works together to create a perfect balance that’s oh-so-flattering. There’s the asymmetrical shoulder, the front cutout, the bow detailing, and the elongating chain print—all of which adds up to a super stylish and elevated look for women over 50. Made of Lurex Swim Knit, which features a little metallic for subtle sparkle and spandex for stretch, this is a bathing suit for older women that will definitely turn heads, whether you’re at your local beach or poolside at one of the best all-inclusive adults-only resorts.
Pros:
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Removable cups
Con:
- Runs small
Best color blocking
Athleta Coastline One-Piece Swimsuit
Color blocking has become a popular trend in swimsuits—not just because it’s so colorful but also because it’s visually slimming. This Athleta one-piece gives you pink- or blue-hued options, both of which are super flattering, thanks to the placement of the darker colors on the top and bottom, pulling the eye away from your midsection. “I really like the color blocking,” writes one five-star reviewer. “Plus, the suit is well cut and doesn’t show back or side imperfections.” Sleek and comfortable, it’s ready for all water sports and even has adjustable straps for extra support.
Pros:
- Sturdy enough for water sports
- Made of recycled fabric
- UPF 50+ for sun protection
Con:
- Some reviewers say it’s a little short in the torso
Best belted
Summersalt The Ribbed Belted Backflip
A sophisticated belt adds interesting detail to this already eye-catching swimsuit while also creating a slimming effect and giving you the perfect hourglass shape. “I think this style is so chic, and the mock belt creates an incredible flattering silhouette and waistline,” comments with one five-star reviewer. The ribbed fabric is also lightweight and comfortable, and the suit features sewn-in soft cups and wide straps for extra coverage and support.
Pros:
- The belt is attached, so it won’t fall off
- Sewn-in cups
- Made with recycled materials
Con:
- A little cheeky
Best swim skirt
Garnet Hill Active Swim Skirt and Tankini Top
Swim skirts are a great way to cover up the lower half of your body, and they have come a long way from the matronly bathing suits our moms wore. Just look at this Garnet Hill number, which is especially cute, modern looking, and great for water sports or family vacations when you’re chasing after the kids or grandkids. “I adore this swim skirt!” raves one fan. “Great quality, great coverage, and extremely flattering.” Made from exclusive soft, four-way stretch fabric for comfort, it features a built-in bikini bottom. Pair it with the matching racerback tankini top, which features front-and-center ruching to create a slimming effect and hits at the hip to lengthen your lines.
Pros:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Sold as separates for mixing and matching sizes
- Available in four pattern and color options
Con:
- Shipping can be pricey
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Source:
- Samantha Brown, stylist, Samantha Brown Style
