Summer is upon us, and whether you’re heading off on your holidays or taking a dip in the local pool, finding the best swimwear for women over 50 can be a tough task. The high street is packed full of so many different styles, which can feel a little daunting when it comes to buying swimwear, but we've spoken to the experts and have rounded up the very best buys.
It doesn’t matter what your shape or size is, searching for new swimwear is up there as one of the most challenging shopping tasks. We understand that as we get older, stripping down to your swimsuit and flashing some flesh can be even more of a big deal, so the pressure to find the perfect set of swimwear to keep you looking and feeling your best while out in the sun, can make the shopping task all the more tricky.
Just like adding any piece to your wardrobe, when it comes to choosing swimwear, you want to find the best swimwear for your body shape and personal style, to make you feel amazing when making a splash or lazing in the sunshine. We are firm believers that every body is a beach-ready body, but If you’re not feeling overly confident, opt for clever technical details that will smooth over any lumps and bumps, like the best tummy control swimsuits. Nifty designs such as high waist bottoms and well-placed seams, can magically slim down the appearance of your silhouette and accentuate your natural shape, and look for bikini tops that provide as much support as the best bras for mature women, as this can make a huge difference to how comfortable you feel.
While most 50+ women won't want to wear the same bikini or one piece that they might have worn while on the beach in their 20s, there’s no reason to only opt for something plain or simple as you get older. There is no age limit on style, and the top swimwear trends of 2024, are brilliantly inclusive and wearable for all.
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 clients 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.”
So whether you want something timeless or to looking to try something completely new, we have handpicked the very best swimwear for women over 50 that will work now and for years to come
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. Women over 50 will feel supported by the wider straps.
RRP: £75 | Boden's latest swimwear collection nails grown-up boho, and this is our favourite design. This halter neck style is available in sizes 6-20, regular and longer length. Halter necklines have the ability to pull in your bust and uplift it at the same time, making them a flattering choice for women who usually need extra support around their bust.It will look fab under an open white shirt and a pair of shorts for a post swim stroll too.
RRP: £32.50 | This modern classic from one of our go-to British clothing brands looks great while giving your figure a boost as it's made from control fabric, and has light padding at the bust. Fashion Editor Julie Player was a big fan while trying on and explained, "the wrap front creates a plunging neckline that flatters a fuller bust and the side tie detail draws the eye to the waist and creates an hourglass silhouette. It’s made from super stretchy fabric that feels comfortable and has a hidden layer of firm power mesh over the tummy area for additional support. "
RRP: £59 | While making a statement with bold colour, this bright red swimsuit also has a ruched and criss-cross, wrap front to cinch in at the waist and create the illusion of a smaller middle on all body shapes. It's made a of a light control fabric for a gentle smoothing effect around the tummy and sides, and comes in regular and long options as well as covering sizes 10-28.
Best tankini tops for women over 50
A great choice 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.
RRP: £66 | Crafted by one of the best plus size lingerie brands, this tankini is available up to a size 26. “At Elomi we ensure all our swimwear has the same great fit as our lingerie” says Charlotte Davies, senior designer at Elomi. “This tankini has an internal non-wired shelf with moulded cups to ensure support and smooth coverage. It’s gently flared, to skim the wearers curves."
RRP: £45 | Featuring padded cups and underwired support this tankini top will boost a smaller bust. The straps are fully adjustable for a comfortable fit. Available in bra sizes 32 - 38 B - G cup, the top has a choice of 2 styles of briefs that match, regular or high-waisted.
RRP: £29 | The ruched sides of this tankini top are long enough to be pulled down to create a dress, great if you want more coverage or to get more mileage from a capsule holiday wardrobe. The straps are removable to create a bandeau design. Team with the tummy control swim shorts for a sporty look.
Best navy swimsuits for women over 50
Navy is the new black! If you are looking to update your summer holiday wardrobe and need to replace your classic black swimsuit, consider making the switch to this dark blue shade. If you're asking yourself what colour suits me, navy is a safe bet for anyone. Heidi Gosman, co-founder and creative director of Heidi Klein, says “navy is a brilliant shade for any skin tone, as black can be harsh and hard to wear.”
RRP: £260 | Made from sustainable fabric, Heidi says " We have used our signature ribbed fabric, which both we and our clients refer to as the ‘Spanx of swimwear’, thanks to its shapewear qualities. "It truly sculpts and shapes the body and gets rid of any unwanted lumps and bumps - particularly the tummy area where some can feel more self-conscious” The legs finish slightly higher on the hip, which will give you the illusion of longer legs.
RRP: £25 | This one-piece has very cleverly placed seams and piping that will instantly create the illusion of curves on straighter frames or accentuate a smaller middle on curvier body types. As well as having a flattering design, it has inbuilt cups for boob support and adjustable straps to make it all the more comfortable. Its available in sizes 10-28.
RRP: £28.99 | A more modest design that will give you greater coverage over your middle, hips and thighs while still providing the support of a swimsuit. This swim dress is your confidence-boosting saviour. Simply add a sunhat and you have an outfit that you can rely on to take you from swimming in the sea to building sandcastles in style.
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.
RRP: £26 | These zesty print bikini bottoms are available in sizes 8-20 and come up high on the waist for plenty of coverage. The belt will help to cinch you in too, to add curves on a straighter frame. Fashion Editor Julie Player shared her thoughts from trying on - "The high-waisted bottoms are comfortable and cover my tummy, I like the retro vibe too. The matching sarong is perfect for going from sun lounger to beach bar."
RRP: £38 | The tie belt adds a cute finishing touch on these bikini briefs, which can be tied either in the centre or to one side. Available in sizes 8-20, with a matching underwired bikini top, sold separately. It's worth noting you can check out our how to shrink a swimsuit guide if any of your pieces start to stretch a bit too much over time.
RRP: £14.99 | Great value for money these lined bikini briefs are available in sizes 18-28 and have a matching top with thick straps and removable cups. The well-placed striped design will draw the eye to your middle and create the appearance or a slender and taller shape and the control fabric will smooth over any problem areas without feeling uncomfortable.
Best supportive bikini tops for women over 50
If you are looking for a bikini top with all the support of your best bra, especially if you are a DD+ cup size, opt for a style from a specialist lingerie brand that offer a wide choice of back and cup sizes. These bikini tops feature lots of technical design elements that will increase the level of support, without being uncomfortable, and ensure you feel confident on the beach.
RRP: £48 | “This flattering style has gathered, fuller coverage cups with all the benefits of a well-fitting bra“ says Fantasie Senior Designer Abi Body . “The powernet lined wings provide additional support.” Available in 32-44 D-J cup, with matching mid-rise or high waisted briefs.
RRP: £40 | Available in sizes 30-38 D-K cup this bikini top can be relied upon to give maximum support, with wider straps that are adjustable for comfort. The gingham print has a retro feel, ideal for glam pool parties! Match with midi gathered bikini bottoms.
RRP: £40 | If you are after a bandeau style, but still want support and full coverage, this strapless bikini top is the answer. With sizes ranging from 30-40 D-J cup, the top comes with optional straps for multi-way styling. Chose from classic or high waisted bikini briefs to complete the look.
FAQs
How we tested the best swimwear for women over 50
Fashion Editor Julie Player puts swimwear to the test.
Whilst testing and choosing the best swimwear for women over 50, we looked at everything from fabric to size range. Fashion Editor Julie Player talks us through what she considered - “When I’m looking for new swimwear I like to invest in styles that will be both supportive and comfortable. I wear a size 32FF bra, so it’s important that I feel secure and confident on the beach. I am a typical apple shape and I prefer to cover my tummy area so usually go for a one-piece swimsuit or high-waisted bikini. While trying on swimwear, I thought about the quality of fabrics and how supported I felt, as well as the overall design and fit."
What is the most flattering kind of bikini for women over 50?
The best swimsuits 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 a swimsuit 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.
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.
Julie has over 30 years experience in the fashion industry and is a regular contributor to Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines, creating engaging fashion and lifestyle content for women of all ages. She also works in the wardrobe department at ITV, dressing the presenters for Good Morning Britain. Aged 57, Julie loves seeking out the most figure-flattering fashion for every occasion. She’s a qualified sustainable fashion expert with a wealth of knowledge of planet-friendly fashion brands and ways to shop more ethically.
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