Best swimwear for women over 50 - the comfortable, flattering styles you can rely on

Finding the best swimwear for women over 50 can be tricky. There are so many different styles to choose from - do you go for a swimsuit or a bikini? Strapless or plunge neckline? Underwired or tummy control? The list is endless.

So we've done all the hard work for you. We've spoken to experts and road-tested a whole load of styles ourselves here at woman&home. We've even roped in a few friends, too!

Shopping for a new bikini or swimsuit can be a headache, whatever your shape or size, and as we get older, it gets even more challenging. You want to feel confident and comfortable as well as supported and stylish - a lot of pressure for one tiny piece of clothing!

Finding the best swimwear for your body shape is key. Everybody is a beach-ready body, however, if you’re not feeling overly confident, you may want to opt for styles that use clever technical details to smooth over any lumps and bumps, like the best tummy control swimsuits. Bikinis with high-waisted bottoms will offer more coverage, and wrap-over designs can magically slim down the appearance of your silhouette and accentuate your natural shape. If you are curvy, look for bikini tops that provide as much support as the best bras for large busts, as this will make a huge difference to how confident you feel.

You might not want to wear the same swimwear as you did in the past, but you still want to follow swimwear trends and are probably willing to invest in good quality designs that will last longer than a week in the sun. Whether it's a classic black swimsuit or a colourful bikini, there's a style to suit everyone, and age is no limit when it comes to looking great.

The best swimwear for women over 50

Ask any expert, and they will tell you that buying swimwear is all about finding something comfortable for you. Heidi Gosman, co-founder and creative director of Heidi Klein says, “When speaking with our client,s I always emphasise that they must choose something they feel confident wearing - it’s so important to get out of the mindset of over-thinking and following trends that may not suit you. Wear what makes you feel good and suits your personal style. When it comes to flattering swimwear, built-in support features are what every 50+ woman is hugely grateful for.”

Best wrap swimsuits for women over 50

Universally flattering, the cross-over design is a great shape for all body types and is especially flattering on curvy figures. The wrap-over detail creates a deep V-neckline that is great for bigger busts and accentuates your waistline for an hourglass silhouette, while the cleverly draped fabric disguises the midriff.

Best bandeau swimsuits for women over 50

If you're not a fan of tan lines, or like to show off your shoulders, a strapless or bandeau swimsuit is a great option. The ideal style will have removable straps so you have the choice of how to wear yours.

Best tankini tops for women over 50

A great pick if you want to feel relaxed and confident around the pool or on the beach, a tankini will offer you more coverage than a bikini, but with the flexibility to roll up the top when sunbathing. The ability to buy mix-and-match briefs will give you a choice of leg coverage depending on your preference.

Best luxury swimsuits for women over 50

If you're looking for an extra special swimsuit and can afford to splash out, there are a plethora of designers who make stunning swimwear using the highest quality fabrics. These swimsuits are designed to last and are ideal if you're a frequent traveller who wants to make an investment in your holiday wardrobe.

Best high-waisted bikinis for women over 50

These bikini briefs offer full coverage up to your waistline, with tummy-control mesh linings and a low-leg design that will cover your bottom - ideal if you like to be active on the beach. Mix and match your bikini top to suit your personal preference, a sensible solution if you are a different size top to bottom.

Best cup-sized swimwear for women over 50

If you are looking for swimsuits for large busts, opt for a style from a specialist lingerie brand that offers a wide choice of back and cup sizes. These swimwear styles are underwired and feature lots of technical design elements that will increase the level of support, without being uncomfortable, and ensure you feel confident on the beach. Women with smaller busts will appreciate the support of these structured styles too.

Best tummy control swimsuits for women over 50

Most swimsuits claim to have tummy control properties, and all of the swimwear chosen for this feature have firm linings that will hold you in to a degree. However some have more robust inner linings than others with more 'holding power' and can really make a difference to how you look and feel in your swimsuit. Much like the best shapewear these suits will smooth over the tummy area and create a slimming effect.

How we tested

To test the best swimwear for women over 50, we asked a range of women to wear one-pieces and bikinis in various cuts and colours, and give us their honest opinions on everything from fabric to size range.

Fashion Director Paula Moore and her friends jetted off on holiday with numerous styles in their suitcase, and woman&home's Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes did the same.

Back home, Freelance Fashion Editor Julie Player (pictured above) has been reviewing the best swimsuits for large busts, and so gave us her thoughts on some of the styles she's tried.

We thought about a number of factors, including price, level of support, comfort and care, to come up with our definitive list of the best swimwear for women over 50.

How to choose the best swimwear for your body type

Senior designer at Elomi, Charlotte Davies told us – “The key to finding a swimsuit that is great for you is to find one that gives you the support and fit that you need to suit your body shape. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to making a bold choice if it makes you feel confident.” We totally agree – the most important thing to consider is your natural shape. Not sure what to look for? Here's a very simple guide to finding pieces to suit you and your figure.

• Pear Shapes – If you carry more weight on your bum and thighs, you should aim for pieces with higher cut legs, that will make your pins look longer and slender, rather than pieces that cut off on your hips. A bikini top will ruffles or frills will draw the eye upwards, while balancing out a curvier bottom half.
• Apple Shapes – If you hold most of your waist on your middle, look for swimsuits or bikini bottoms designed to cinch in your waist to create curves. A belted detail or a tie sash will do this nicely.
• Hour Glass Shapes – If your shoulders and hips are a similar width, you can get away with wearing most swimwear with ease. Accentuate your natural curves with a high waist bikini set, or go for a wrap-front swimsuit for the most flattering finish.
• Rectangular Shapes – If you have quite a straight frame, you can cleverly create the illusion of curves with well placed panels and wrap shapes that draw the eye to the middle of your figure.

FAQs

What is the most flattering style of bikini for women over 50?

The best swimwear for women over 50 have no rigid rules, and its totally down to your personal preference. If you feel like wearing a bikini then go ahead and wear one. Age should never be a barrier to anything we want to do. Body confidence is the key, if you feel happy and relaxed in a bikini then wear it with pride, however skimpy it is.

Confidence comes when you are feeling comfortable and relaxed. Choosing the right style of bikini that flatters your figure and gives you the support you want will help you to achieve that sense of satisfaction. “A suit with underwires will give you more support and a more lifted bust shape, especially if you are fuller busted,” says Fantasie Senior Designer Abi Body. “Features like an adjustable leg give the flexibility to style the leg line to the coverage that feels best for you. These features paired with a great-looking colour or print will have you summer-ready.”

How should bikinis be worn by women over 50?

With pride! The key to choosing the best swimwear for women over 50 is to opt for a style that will suit your needs. If you plan to spend your two-week vacation flat-out on a lounger and want to go home with a tan, then opt for a simple bandeau top paired with high leg briefs. The most important rule for this scenario is to use plenty of sun screen, regularly, and be mindful about the sun's hottest hours - as even with sun cream there is still a risk.

If you are planning to be more active, either on the beach or in the water, choose a style that will allow you to move and stretch in comfort. Look out for supportive features like wider, adjustable straps and briefs that offer fuller coverage.

The key is to be prepared and test out your choice of bathing suit before you leave for your vacation. Trying out a variety of styles at home will allow you to put them through a few simple tests, can you lift your arms above your head or touch your toes without bits of your body falling out that you would rather keep hidden? And once you've sourced your bathing suit, you'll be vacay-ready.

What colour swimwear is most flattering for women over 50?

There are no hard and fast rules to choosing a colour, whatever age you are. While black is universally considered to be a 'slimming' choice, this is by no means the only option, so consider dark navy or khaki as solid colour alternatives when looking for the best swimwear for women over 50. Playful bold patterns will look great in the sunshine and ideal for holidays while you may want something less vibrant if you are exercising in your local pool.