Summer is almost here and if bagging the best swimwear for women over 50 is on your list, we've asked a 50+ fashion expert to find the best styles for you. From bikinis to swim dresses, these are the most figure flattering and comfortable bathing suits for women over 50.
Pursuing the perfect swimwear can be stressful, regardless of age. The ideal design will make you feel confident and flatter your figure while being easy to wear and fit for purpose. There are lots of different options to consider that will be an asset to your over 50s capsule wardrobe and ensure you'll feel your best on the beach or in the pool this summer.
Whether you want to invest in a dark coloured one-piece or update your holiday wardrobe with a bold and bright bikini, it is possible to find the perfect design. The key is to find the correct style that suits your shape and accentuates your best features. The styles you wore in your twenties may no longer work for you. “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,” says Charlotte Davies, senior designer at Elomi. “Age shouldn’t be a barrier to making a bold choice if it makes you feel confident.”
The best swimwear for women over 50
The experts are in agreement when asked what are the best bathing suits for women over 50. 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 nail the latest fashion trends, here's our round-up of the most flattering styles to look out for this summer.
Best wrap swimsuits for women over 50
Universally flattering, this 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 | If you are looking for a great print in gorgeous colours Boden will have the solution. 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 the best bras for larger busts that like to celebrate their curves.
RRP £195 | Made from a unique fabric that features three times as much spandex as traditional materials, this design provides all-over body compression, feeling firm and contained while still being comfortable. This confidence-boosting swimsuit will work as hard as your best plus size shapewear Available in sizes 10-20.
RRP £25 | The straps of this swimsuit cross-over at the back for added support. The darker background of the print has a slimming effect while the bold design is eye-catching and will make a statement. Throw over a white linen shirt for poolside chic. Available in sizes 8-22.
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. Blue is one of the biggest colour trends for summer 2024 and is just as flattering. 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 £38 | This one-piece has a high zip-up neckline that’s ideal if you are looking for greater coverage across your bust and cleavage. The sporty shape has a higher-than-average back too, which covers the underarm area, giving extra smooth and sculpting properties - much like the best bras for back fat. With ample coverage over the bottom this is a good all-rounder bathing suit for women over 50, and is available in plus sizes too.
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 tropical print bikini bottoms are available in sizes 8-22 and are ruched at the side to give extra coverage over the tummy area. Complete the look with either the matching bikini or tankini top options.
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.
RRP £12 | Great value for money these bikini briefs are available in sizes 8-22 and have a matching top with detachable straps. The perfect choice if you are looking for a comfortable option with a light level of support.
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.
Can women over 50 wear a two piece?
The simple answer is yes! The best swimsuits for women over 50 have no rigid rules. 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.
-
32 candid pictures of the Wales family, from world tours to family days outWhether it's quality time with one of their children or all five of them out together, we love these candid photos of the Waleses
-
32 facts about Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation that you may never heard of beforeQueen Elizabeth II's Coronation was a monumental moment in history and the first event many watched on TV
