Swimwear Options for Women Over 60
The subject of swimsuits creates anxiety for a lot of women. Time and gravity do take their toll. And waistlines disappear. So let’s look at some of the trends in swimsuit fashion and consider how they might work for different body types.
(And yes, most of these images are of younger women. It’s still next to impossible to find advertising photos of older women in swimsuits!)
Shopping for Swimsuits After 60
Pay attention to the back of the suit as well as the front. A lot of swimwear will have very lowcut backs, or lots of lacing in the back that you will have to deal with.
Also, consider how high an angle you are willing to go in the leg area. Visually, a slightly higher cut leg opening will elongate the look of your legs and make you look slimmer than one that is pretty much straight across.
As for two-piece suits, one major consideration is how much support you need in the bust area. There are two-piece suits with under wires, but are they actually comfortable for swimming? Probably no less than a one piece with a built-in under wire. But if you need the support, you just need the support!
So, let’s survey what’s available for us that might work.
#1: “Lingerie” Two-Piece
If you’re still willing to wear a two-piece, there are some very interesting options. Of course, bikinis will always be around, but this year they are being re-interpreted. You might take exception with calling them bikinis, but that’s how a lot of them are being described.
One take on this theme is the bra top and bottom look. Frankly, a lot of these are pretty much indiscernible from bras and matching panties. The bottoms are more substantial than panties, of course, but I bet you could buy certain lingerie sets like these and wear them by the pool and nobody would bat an eyelash.
So who can wear them? Well, for the larger busted women the underwire style works, as long as you’re comfortable wearing a two-piece. The tricky part is the tummy. But many of them have matching bottoms with a very high waist. Those will slim up your mid-section.
This one is probably more appealing to a slenderer body with a smaller bust.
This one is from a company that primarily made lingerie but has now expanded into very supportive swimwear. This is one of their versions of this trend.
#2: High Neck One Piece
This year we’re seeing a lot of suits with very high necklines. These are terrific if you feel at all uncomfortable about the skin above your bust line, or if you simply want more coverage. (Speaking as someone who hates the cold, it feels less shocking to enter cold water if my upper torso and neck area have some coverage.)
Some of these are zip ups, which is a cute and sexier version. And many of the patterns and trims make them more than just swimwear. They become a fashion statement unto themselves. Small – and large – ruffles are another theme these year.
Sleeveless Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit
This one is very straight-forward, but the color is the wow factor. Note that the leg openings are straight across. This angle might be a good choice if you have stretch marks or a lot of cellulite on your upper thighs.
Chlorine Resistant Aquamore Pink High Neck One-Piece
Tribal Printed High Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
And this last one segues into our next trend, which makes maximum coverage not just acceptable but very cute and fashionable.
Elodie Ditsy Zipper Short Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit
#3: Even More Coverage
A lot of us wish we had stayed out of the sun in our youth. Maybe the young ‘uns have gotten the memo too, because a very popular trend among all age groups is what is called “rash guard” swimwear. That simply means you will avoid sun rash (and skin damage) because not only do these suits cover more of your skin, many of them are made from textiles that actually protect the skin from UV damage.
Essentially, they look pretty much like wetsuits but with more pizzazz. So you get the triple benefit of looking athletic, fashion-forward, and still covered up.
Anne Cole Long Sleeve Open Back One-Piece Rash Guard Swimsuit
This one sells the tops and bottoms separately.
Garnet Hill Signature Rashguard
#4: Maillots and Trendy One-Piece Versions
For a lot of us, though, the old reliable one-piece is our swimsuit of choice. But this year they’ve added some details to make them a little, well, unique.
You will see some that are asymmetrical, meaning they have just one shoulder strap. I guess if that shoulder strap is strong enough you don’t have to worry about a sudden wardrobe malfunction when you dive into the water.
La Blanca Women’s Linea Costa One Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
This one also incorporates another theme, a feminine one, which is ruffles.
Hilor Shoulder Swimwear Asymmetric Swimsuits
And color blocking is another theme you will find in this and other one-piece styles. The darker bottom in this one is very slimming.
Sidestroke Deep Sea Hydrangea White Sand
Then there is the simple v-neck or square neck maillot, which withstands the test of time, year after year. This is because they are flattering on just about all body types and suitable for just about every personal style.
The Amalfi Flat Cherry Red Classic
A lot of them have adjustable straps too, just like lingerie tops.
Island Goddess Lingerie One-Piece Swimsuit
But there are some nice variations that bring it fashion-forward like this ruched striped suit. It has a nice high square back too.
Garnet Hill Ruched-Front One-Piece Swimsuit
The Mini Ruffle Sweetheart Coast One-Piece Swimsuit
#5: Tankinis
The advantage of tankinis – two-piece suits that look like maillots – is that you can get the tops and bottoms in different sizes. For a while lately they were looking a little dated. But there have been some upgrades that make them another worthy contender.
A brighter color or bold print freshens up the feeling of the traditional tankini.
Painted Garden Floral Print Bra Sized D Cup Shirred Bandeaukini Tankini
This one has the option for a shorter shirred version or a longer straight top that won’t leave the belly gap you see here.
Sunsets Island Life Simone Tankini
For those of you who still identify with your inner girly-girl, the peplum top tankini is a sweet option you’ll be seeing a lot.
Yellow Sunflower Peplum Striped Tankini
This one has a built in underwire bra and is sold by bra size. It is paired with either a solid colored high-waist bottom or a swim skirt.
Women’s Coastal Palm Printed Twist Underwire Tankini
#6: Skirted
Speaking of skirts, skirted swimsuits are back. Actually, I’m not sure they were ever gone, but they certainly are prevalent now. They are often made with a lot of support for a larger bust, and they cover your upper thighs and bottom. And a skirt is always a feminine garment, because it has motion.
They call this one a “swim dress” which is a very good description. It is feminine, playful, and devoid of any of the less than flattering associations we might have about skirted swimsuits.
Kaleidoscope Coral Floral Print Swim Dress
This one is more typical, but the pattern and cut of the top adds interest.
This one comes in regular and plus sizes – up to size 22.
How to Choose
Now, for those of you who are completely comfortable in your skin, the following may not even be a concern. But if you want to de-emphasize certain parts of your body, or if you are just more modest, here are some things to consider.
Do you have black “flab?” or “love handles?”
Avoid very low-back suits.
Are your upper arms exceedingly flabby?
Consider one of the cap sleeve or “rash guard” elbow length or wrist length tops.
Want to avoid skin cancer?
See above. Those full-length sleeve “rash guard” swimsuits are becoming very popular now, even among younger women who have very fair skin.
Do you hate your varicose veins?
Try a self-tanner. The chief ingredient in these is considered “mostly safe,” (whatever that means) works on the outer layer of the skin, and only last a few days. Just avoid using it around your eyes.
Are you uncomfortable about the texture of the skin above your bust?
Try one of the new high-neck styles.
Short Sleeve Multifit Front Zip One-Piece Swimsuit
I just want to add one last comment, for those of you who are supremely self-confident. A friend of mine, a former runway and cover model, has posted un-retouched photos of herself as she has aged well into her 70s. She recently shared this meme:
“How to get a bikini body? Buy a bikini. Put it on your body.”
Good advice.
What is your favorite swimsuit style? Have you bought a new one lately? What kind of swimwear did you once wear that you simply won’t wear these days?
