Swimsuit season is just around the corner. If you are looking for swimsuits for women over 40, or just in general are looking for a more modest yet flattering swimsuit style, this post is for you.
I think the majority of us find shopping for swimwear to be a pretty daunting task. And it seems the older we get, the more challenging the process can be to find something flattering and comfortable.
There are so many incredible swimwear brands and styles these days, but as much as I love the skinny strapped triangle bikinis and low-rise bottoms, I am in a phase in my life where those styles do not feel comfortable to wear.
My goal for shopping for a new swimsuit is to feel sexy and fun, but still appropriate to wear around my kids or in public at the beach.
I want a swimsuit that flatters my body and is comfortable to chase my kids around.
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There is no perfect swimsuit, but when it comes to shopping for swimsuits for older women, my #1 advice is to wear what you feel the most confident in, WHATEVER that may be.
If a strappy bikini is what you feel best in, rock it! If you prefer a tankini style and high waisted bottoms, own it!
If you are on the hunt for the best swimsuits this season, here are some tried and true tips for older women when shopping for a swimsuit!
Tips for Shopping for Swimsuits for Women Over 40
#1 Purchase multiple styles to find what works for you and your body
You might be surprised how a different silhouette can flatter your body!
I was so surprised when I tried on a higher neck swimsuit top for the first time and realized how flattering the fit was on me.
Be open to trying different styles and really experimenting with different silhouettes to find what fit you like best and what shapes flatter your body type the most.
The best bathing suits are not what’s more popular or in style, it’s what fits best for you!
#2 Try on in the comfort of your own home
Trying on swimsuits at the store is something I will never do again.
After years and years of trying multiple styles on in store, and having to continue to grab different sizes or realize it looks different once I finally took it home and tried it on again, I vowed to never do this again.
Make it easy and order the styles you want to try on and have a try on haul in the comfort of your own home.
This gives you the freedom to take your time and really see what styles you love and in general be more comfortable and in a less pressure filled mindset from the beginning.
#3 Stick to colors/prints that make you feel the most confident and stylish
If you feel most confident in bright/bold colors – go for it! If you’re more of a neutrals girl, stick to classic black/white and earthy tones. It’s great to try out different colors as you’ll want to find something that flatters your skintone.
Your swimsuit should express your personal style while still being flattering and comfortable. There are so many swimsuit designs out there that you absolutely do not have to compromise on style for fit.
And if all else fails or you’re not sure what style you prefer… you can’t go wrong with black swimsuits!
Flattering and Affordable Swimsuit Styles for Women Over 40
I’ve rounded up a list of the best swimsuit styles and some really great affordable options for you below. If you are shopping for swimsuits, here’s where to shop:
- Nordstrom – So many different styles to choose from and a good range of pricing to work for all different budgets
- Summersalt – Well known for ultra flattering silhouettes and great quality
- Walmart – Very affordable and accessible
- Amazon – Convenient (prime shipping!) makes trying on at home so easy and wide variety of styles! Check my list here for the best swimsuits that cover your tummy.
- JC Penny – Tons of great affordable options and size ranges
- J.Crew – Good quality classic styles and pretty colors/prints. I own so many J Crew swimsuits and wear them year after year, they last forever!
- Zulily – The best deals! The only catch is that the sales only last a few days so I suggest to check often or subscribe to their newsletters. I’ve gotten some of the best deals on name brand swimsuits and sandals at Zulily.
- Nordstrom Rack – Another great place for high quality swimsuits at affordable prices. I love to shop in store for the hunt, but online the selection is amazing as well.
One-Piece Swimsuits
One-piece swimsuits are a go to for so many of us!
They give great coverage, support and look good on all different body shapes. My tips to finding a good one-piece are to look for flattering details in the tummy area for tummy control.
This one piece swimsuit is an Amazon best seller and for good reason! I own it myself and it holds you in, in all the right places and is just so comfortable.
Wrap style one-pieces or any style either gathered sides as the ruching is very flattering.
A thicker strap is something to look for, even if it is just a one shoulder style so that it doesn’t dig into the skin.
If you have a pear shape body, I suggest off shoulder or one shoulder one-piece suits that makes your upper body the focus and a darker color or print that flatters your bottom half.
Flattering Bikini Tops
When it comes to bikini tops for older women, I think coverage and straps are the two most important details to focus on.
Higher neck bikini tops are so flattering and offer great coverage, whether you have a small bust or larger bust. Halter tops are also a great choice and flatter most body types.
Adjustable straps are also so important as this gives you the freedom to fit the top to your specific needs as opposed to trying to adapt to a one size fits all situation.
They also can provide extra support where you need it.
Keep support in mind, as you may be running around with your kids and playing with them.
You’ll want to feel comfortable doing water activities in the bikini top that requires the proper support.
Flattering Bikini Bottoms
When it comes to shopping for bikini bottoms, the rise and coverage are what I look at first, and then the color/print which also plays a big role.
Many of us can relate to preferring some kind of tummy control or “sucked in” feature for our bottom half.
You should first decide if you prefer a higher rise, or a mid rise, and then the amount of coverage on your back side.
Look for bottoms that aren’t “cheeky” but that still flatter your shape.
Color/print is also important on the bottom half as you can be strategic with these elements in order to best flatter yourself.
It’s cute when you mix and match! You can mix solid colors with polka dots or animal print.
If you want more curves, look for a higher waisted, colorful and and ruching details to create that effect.
If you are looking for full coverage, maybe boy shorts in a darker color best suits your needs.
Tankinis & Tank Top Swimsuits
Tankinis are so versatile! They come as separates with a top and bottom making it easy to mix and match with multiple styles.
A tankini top has more coverage and also come in a variety of different fits, whether you want something more flowy away from the body or something more fitted to show off your shape.
When looking for tankinis, make sure the top feels supportive and flattering, and that the length of the top hits at a flattering place as well.
Especially if you have a long torso, you’ll want to make sure that the coverage works well for you.
You don’t want anything too short that cuts your torso off at a weird place, or something too long that may end up looking more frumpy than flattering.
Full Coverage Swim Dresses
If you prefer a swimsuit that is more full coverage, a swim dress is a great option for you!
Swim dresses work for all body types and give a similar feel to a tankini with the main difference being they are all one piece and hit a bit longer on the leg.
Wrap style swim dresses are so easy to wear, and even come in handy when walking from the pool back to the hotel, etc.!
They are an all in one “outfit” in a sense. I also love the styles that have a lighter top and darker bottom as I feel like they are the most flattering on all different body types.
