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The best swimsuits for women over 50, according to style experts
Check out these confidence boosters, packed with strategically placed ruching and underwire galore.
Shopping for swimwear can be stressful at any age, but finding a stylish and flattering suit presents a particular set of challenges for women over 50. You want to look great but still have support and coverage. After years of reaching for basic black one-pieces or skirted options, it seems that the masses — including celebs — are wearing whatever makes them feel good, and we’re here for it. Case in point: Jennifer Lopez, who at 53 was still posting sexy selfies in sultry cut-out swimwear, and Martha Stewart, who became the oldest Sports Illustrated cover model last year at 81. If you’re a woman over 50 and need some swimsuit guidance, you’re in the right place. We tapped three fashion experts to get the scoop on the most figure-flattering and fashion-forward options around. Keep reading to find a suit that’ll make you feel like a million bucks.
CUPSHE Women's One Piece Swimsuit Tummy Control Cutout High Neck Bathing Suit, L Black
Best overall
Summersalt Sidestroke Swimsuit
Best one-shoulder
J.Crew Ruched V-Neck One-Piece
Best ruching
Hunza G Classic Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit
Best one-size-fits-all
Old Navy High-Waisted Bikini
Best affordable
Onia Valerie One Piece Swimsuit
Best underwire
Miraclesuit Crossover With Mesh One Piece Swimsuit
Most flattering
Cupshe Bowknot Bathing
Best wrap waist
Maaji Peacock Queen High Neck One Piece
Best high neck
Skims Scoop Neck One-Piece
Best color choices
Summersalt Marina Swimsuit
Best colorblock
Monday Swimwear Aruba One-Piece
Best celeb-approved option
Best overall swimsuit for women over 50
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Design details: Tummy control, lace-up back | Silhouette: One-piece, high neck | Sizes: XS-XXL | Color options: Black, green, orange, purple, blue, blue-black two-tone, green-black two-tone, pink-black two-tone, red, turquoise, navy floral, blue floral, white floral
This popular number is expert and shopper-approved. Over 50 blogger Marie listed Cupshe as one of her favorite swimsuit brands, thanks to its stylish designs and supportive details. This top-selling option has ruching around the midsection to smooth out any lumps and bumps and removable padded cups for extra shaping. Also, it’s fully adjustable at the back, to help you easily find your perfect fit. One five-star reviewer raved, “After three children and some weight gain I am self-conscious in a swimsuit, so my friend recommended this one. I have to say that it gives me a confidence boost. It runs true to size and provides a flattering fit on both mine and my friend’s body frames (that are very different).”
Other top swimsuits for women over 50 we recommend for 2024
Material: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Design details: Full bottom coverage, no top padding, back cut-out | Silhouette: One-piece, one shoulder | Sizes: 0-24 | Color options: Seaweed, seaglass and white sand; sky blue, mountain and white sand; white sand; olive; lava, hibiscus and white sand; deep sea; sea urchin; deep sea, hydrangea and white sand; spritz, strawberry and white sand; floral fête; vintage floral and sea urchin; preppy petals in hydrangea and pink; blue isle
There are 18 styles to choose from. This popular Summersalt one-piece made Katz's list of faves because of its “sexy cut-out on the back and built-in slimming detail.” The suit uses diagonal seaming, and the brand’s signature compression fabric keeps everything in place. It is size-inclusive, ranging from 0 to 24, is super supportive at the bust without using any added cups or padding and has full coverage at the rear. Thousands of shoppers are fans and love how flattering it is and the fact that they never have to adjust themselves when wearing it.
Material: 82% recycled nylon, 18% elastane, 92% polyester, 8% elastic lining | Design details: Full coverage bottom, high coverage back, low-cut leg, removable padding | Silhouette: One-piece, V-neck | Sizes: 0-24 classic torso, 0-16 long torso | Color options: Fuschia, navy, black, lemon, wildfire, warm chimney, cerise, iris, papaya, safari, sail blue
This sleek J.Crew suit is a bestseller for a reason! Katz loves this stylish one-piece “for the ruching detail, its slimming effects and very sexy plunging V-neck.” The suit ranges in size from 0 to 24 and even comes in a long-torso version. Along with being machine-washable, this full-coverage suit also has built-in UPF 50 sun protection. Even better, it is made of 60% recycled materials — so you can feel good about your purchase.
Material: 88% lycra, 12% lycra elastan | Design details: Knit-like fabric, stretch fit | Silhouette: One-piece, scoop neck | Sizes: One size | Color options: Black
You can never go wrong with a classic black one-piece. Rassi is a fan of this minimal maillot as it’s stretchy yet sculpting. Like all of Hunza G’s suits, the swimsuit is one-size-fits-all thanks to the brand’s signature “figure-flattering fabric that flexes to sculpt and support all shapes.” The scoop-neck silhouette offers just a hint of skin at the front but the plunging back makes the suit a sexy, unexpected option. Just keep in mind: This textured knit suit needs to be hand-washed.
Material: 83% polyester/17% spandex, 92% polyester, 8% spandex lining | Design details: High waist bikini bottom, comfortable stretch, full lining | Silhouette: Two-piece, high-waisted | Sizes: XS-4X | Color options: Dragonfruit, white palm tree, palm green, floral midnight, red, black
That's right — 13 bucks! Who says cute swimsuits need to cost an arm and a leg? Another one of Rassi’s picks is this high-waisted bikini from Old Navy. While each piece is sold separately, you can buy the entire thing for next to nothing. The high-waisted bottom boasts an elasticized high-rise waistband and leg openings that won’t dig into your legs, while the bandeau top offers extra coverage in the bust. The bikini’s stretchy material is not only soft and comfortable against your skin but it’s also quick-drying and UV-protective.
Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex, 84% nylon, 16% spandex lining | Design details: Underwire, fixed padding, contrast stitching | Silhouette: One-piece, sweetheart neckline | Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: Black
Give your bust a boost with this underwire option. Not only does this Onia swimsuit have underwire for extra bust support, it also features adjustable straps, providing ample coverage in the rear. The textured fabric adds dimension, while the contrasting white stitching gives the simple suit a high-fashion feel. Plus, as Rassi told us, “If you’re looking for an instant slimming and streamlined effect, always go for black!"
Material: 69% nylon, 31% spandex | Design details: Soft cup bra, sheer detail, shaping fabric, mesh cutouts | Silhouette: One-piece, crossover, scoop back | Sizes 8-16 | Color options: Sangria, navy, black, nova
A bathing suit that’s sexy and supportive? Bring it on. Mirclesuit has been treating us to figure-flattering swimwear for decades, so it makes sense that this cute option is at the top of Katz's list. “The Miraclesuit is a supercharged one-piece with a sexy sheer detail and fabric that shapes you to perfection,” he said. Sultry mesh cutouts are flanked by classical draping and shirring to hide any imperfections. Its deep-scoop back shows off some skin, while the thick straps help keep everything in place as you move around.
Material: 80% chinlon, 20% spandex | Design details: Padded cups, bow knot waist | Silhouette: One-piece, wrap front | Sizes: XS-XXL | Color options: Orange and white
You can’t go wrong with this popular one-piece. “Built-in bra cups and the tie detail create a great slimming illusion, and the price is right,” said Katz about this top-rated Cupshe option. The bow knot at the waist helps create an hourglass shape, while the color-blocked design gives it a fun twist. “Honestly, the most comfortable swimsuit I’ve ever worn!" raved one shopper. "Flattering on, and I love the color. I’m 5’5”, 145 pounds and I got the large. I have a longer torso, and this suit fits perfect. I’ll definitely be ordering more! Also, I’m in my 60s, so this suit is appropriate for everyone.”
Material: 88% recycled polyamide, 8% spandex, 4% polyester knit | Design details: Zipper front, lace-up back | Silhouette: One-piece, high neck | Sizes: S-L | Color options: Reversible blue to white floral
We can’t get over how cute this reversible suit is! “This is another great one-piece with a zipper front detail,” said Katz. “ It follows the athleisure/aquatic sports vibe and it's reversible so you get two suits in one! It is also on trend with the sparkly detail in the fabric.” Despite the high-neck silhouette, the front zipper allows you to decide just how much skin you want to show. The back features adjustable criss-cross straps so you're sure to find a comfortable fit.
Material: 76% recycled nylon/24% spandex | Design details: Adjustable straps, sculpting | Silhouette: One-piece, scoop neck and scoop back | Sizes: XXS-4X | Color options: Onyx, gunmetal and cocoa
Size-inclusive and available in tons of colors, this Skims suit is an all-around winner. Blogger Dana shared her love for Skims swimsuits because of their sculpting ability and classic designs. This one's available in XXS to 4XL and comes in a ton of colors. You can opt for classic black, gray or nude shades or go for a pop with a pretty pastel or bold neon. Looking for some additional coverage? Layer on this matching swim top and/or swim skirt.
Material: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Design details: Shelf soft-cup bra, compression seaming, adjustable straps, color blocking | Silhouette: One-piece | Sizes: 2-22 | Color options: Leopard; grapefruit, color, and white sand; sky, blue mountain and white sand; Atlantic, sea urchin, and white sand; lava, hibiscus and white sand; seaweed, seaglass and white sand
Stand out on a crowded beach in this colorful suit. Dana is also a major fan of Summersalt swimwear. This fun color-blocked option has smoothing diagonal seaming, built-in cups and adjustable straps for a figure-flattering look. It has full coverage at the rear and a shelf bra with built-in soft cups that give your bust area a nice smooth shape. “I am a 63-year-old slim, small woman with a thick waist. This suit makes me look like I have a figure! My husband loves it as much as I do,” raved one five-star reviewer.
Material: 82% recycled nylon, 18% spandex | Design details: Adjustable coverage, thick waist panel | Silhouette: One-piece, deep W-neck | Sizes: P-VVV | Color options: Black, ivory
Martha Stewart made a splash wearing this plunging stunner on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Martha’s exact white-hot swimsuit is designed to be slimming and flattering, thanks to the thick panel around the waist, wide straps for supporting large busts and a deep V-neckline which helps elongate the body. The gorgeous suit is made with recycled nylon and spandex sourced from leftover nylon yarn and scraps and can be yours in sizes ranging from petite to 3XL (or VVV, as it's listed on Monday Swimwear).
Factors to consider when choosing a swimsuit for women over 50
Material: The secret to finding the most flattering style? "Focus on support and shaping," said fashion expert and Afterpay brand ambassador Zanna Roberts Rassi, who added: “Look for a fabric that has a good stretch, but is also sturdy enough to sculpt. You want to ensure that over time, the swimsuit will retain its shape — no saggy bottoms wanted." Rassi believes the best fabric for swimwear is a nylon blend: "It’s super elastic and durable and much softer than polyester.” Another detail she always looks at is the leg opening of the swimsuit bottoms. “Sometimes, the seams can be stiff and cut into your legs, creating unflattering lines. You want to make sure the suit has a good amount of stretch around the seams.” Both Rassi and Katz recommend a suit with built-in underwire. “A one- or two-piece style with an underwire top — think a balconette shape — gives the suit a great visual detail while providing support,” said Rassi. Added Joseph, “Underwire is great because you don’t have to worry about support issues and it gives a clean, built-in-sexy look.” Other details to keep an eye out for are built-in mesh for smoothing purposes, sun-protective fabric and, of course, ruching. According to Katz, “ruching is a fabric-gathering detail that is terrific because it smooths edges and enhances natural curves.”
Design features: While over-50 style blogger Dana Marie believes the best swimsuits are “whatever you feel most comfortable in,” she also recommends reaching for “one-pieces and high-cut bikinis that provide support and have ruching details.” A higher cut elongates the legs and ruching is like magic, camouflaging tummy troubles and more. Style expert Joseph Katz, however, isn't jumping on the two-piece train, telling Yahoo Life: “The most popular swimsuits when we get to 50 and above tend to be one-pieces — they’re a little more forgiving as they cover the areas most women want [to hide].” But that doesn’t mean your maillot has to be basic! “The one-piece swimsuit has evolved, and it is not the dated look and feel we saw years back. Today the one-piece swimsuit is built to look sexy, show off curves or add definition in places women need them and cover the areas women don’t want to show,” he added.
Silhouette: “One-piece swimsuits, long-sleeve and retro styles (specifically high-waist bottoms) are among the most popular," Rassi said. "According to Afterpay data, sales for retro styles are up 211% YOY with long-sleeve styles following suit, up 159% YOY.” Katz is partial to one-shoulder suits, as they “show a bit more but also give great coverage." He added that “it’s not a typical look in swimwear, so you will stand out a bit, in a good way.” Look for options that represent your personal style — and have fun! Experiment with cut-out details, splashy prints, sheer panels, color blocking and sparkles.
Swimsuit FAQs
How do you know if a swimsuit is good quality?
The most telling sign of a good swimsuit is the material. Good material will be thicker and won't show skin through when stretched. High-quality material will also feel smoother and silkier to the touch, while poor-quality swimsuits can have a plasticky or rough feel
How do I choose a swimsuit for my body type?
If you prefer board shorts, bra tops or short sleeves on your swimsuits, go with what makes you feel the most comfortable. That being said, if you're looking to try a new style, identify your body type and pick a swimsuit design that you think fits your body best. You can always add on accessories like a cover-up, a sarong or a romper. Also, consider your swim style—ruffles or skorts work for leisure but not athletic swims.
Should you wash your swimsuit after every use?
Yes, wash your swimsuit after every use. You don't want to be sitting in day-old chlorine or dried ocean water. However, if you want to preserve the material of your swimsuit and choose not to wash it, make sure you're at least rinsing off any sand or excess sunscreen before your next use.
Is it OK to machine wash swimsuits?
Most swimsuits are at least delicately machine-washable, but that's a rougher way to get your suit clean. If you're going to throw your swimsuit in the washing machine, make sure you remove any cups from your bikini tops beforehand so they don't get messed up and try to use a mesh bag so they don't snag on each other or other items in your wash. If you'd rather be more gentle on your swimsuits, hand-wash them in the sink.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
