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Your ultimate guide to the best swimwear for women over 50, from flattering bikinis to comfy one-pieces

27 styles, all tried and tested in the sunshine

Paula Moore's avatar
Caroline Parr's avatar
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in Buying Guides
Four women wearing the best swimwear for women over 50
(Image credit: Tummy control swimsuits)
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Shopping for swimwear 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 - it's a lot of pressure on one tiny piece of clothing. That's where our guide to the best swimwear for women over 50 can help. We've spoken to experts and road-tested a whole load of styles here at woman&home. We've even roped in a few friends, too!

Finding the best swimwear for your body shape is key. Every body 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 offer as much support as the best bras for large busts, as this will make a huge difference to how confident you feel.

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.”

The best swimwear for women over 50 - tried and tested

Best printed swimsuits for women over 50

Not only will a statement print show your personality, but it can also distract from any areas you prefer not to emphasise. The adage that vertical stripes elongate is true, but you can also have some real fun with prints in a way that you might not with the rest of your holiday wardrobe.

Most affordable swimwear for women over 50

As much as we love an investment piece, there's nothing like buying a last-minute bargain right before your holiday. Supermarket brands like F&F and Tu might not be the first place you look for swimwear, but their designs are seriously impressive.

Best luxury swimwear 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 for frequent travellers who want to make an investment in their holiday wardrobe.

Best designer lookalike swimwear for women over 50

Who doesn't love a designer lookalike? Swimwear that looks and feels a million dollars, but will set you back a fraction of the price, saving you more money to spend on cocktails by the pool...

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 bikinis for women over 50

Age is no limit when it comes to looking great, so anyone can wear a bikini. High-waisted styles can be particularly flattering, and look for options where the top and bottoms are sold separately, meaning you can find your perfect fit.

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 wrap swimwear 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 tummy control swimsuits for women over 50

Most swimsuits claim to have tummy control properties, however some have more robust inner linings than others. 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 suitcases, and woman&home's Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes did the same.

We considered 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, which will make your pins look longer and slender, rather than pieces that cut off on your hips. A bikini top with 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 has no rigid rules, and it's 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 feel 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 holiday 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 sunscreen regularly and be mindful of 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 the airport. Can you lift your arms above your head or touch your toes with confidence?

What colour swimwear is most flattering for women over 50?

There are no hard and fast rules to choosing a colour, whatever your age. 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 are ideal for holidays, while you may want something less vibrant if you are exercising in your local pool.

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Caroline Parr
Caroline Parr
Fashion Ecommerce Editor

Caroline is Fashion Ecommerce Editor for woman&home.com, and has been a fashion writer and editor for almost twelve years.

Since graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent more than a decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation.

She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under-the-radar labels.

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