Various factors including age and genetics play key roles in how your body shapes itself over the years. Fat tends to collect along upper arms, midsections, hips, and thighs. Pregnancies and menopausal hormonal imbalances can cause hard-to-lose weight gains. Now that you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, your triangle bikini days may be gone. But you can still look and feel fabulous without exposing excess skin.
Today’s bathing suits that balance contours naturally can transform every body type and size miraculously. Ideal options accentuate your positives while minimizing or de-emphasizing problem areas. Check out the most becoming and comfortable tankini and one-piece recommendations below. You’ll discover many extra elements that will flatter your mature shape. Then shop Swimsuits Direct for your favorite swimsuits for older women.
Areas of Concern
Upper arms: Off-the shoulder swimsuits with ruffles or flounces will conceal saggy upper arms while looking fashionable.
Big chest: Women with bigger busts will appreciate the uplifting and figure-enhancing support bra cups and underwires provide. High necklines will keep your assets in place and avoid accidental yet embarrassing spillovers. Pairing a plainer top with a wilder bottom will detract from a generous bust. Go for thick adjustable straps that are wide enough to hold up your ample chest without digging into your shoulders.
Thick midsection: Drawing attention to balanced upper and lower measurements will slenderize a large waist. Halter and boat necks will make your shoulders appear broader. An ornamental neckline can pull gazes upward to your bustline and face, taking the focus off your middle. Look for details like lace-up fronts, keyholes, crochet inserts, or color blocking.
Tummy toner panels provide comfortable control. Shirring, gathered fabric draped across your midriff in parallel lines, bring welcoming, slimming, and smoothing effects. It will cinch in your waist and flatten your stomach for a sleek, beautiful shape. For a looser fit, try blouson tops that disguise fuller bellies. Or use belts to trim your waist. Side splices and vertical stripes will make your midsection look longer and leaner. Bottoms with bright tones, bold patterns, or ruffled skirts will stand out more than your abdomen.
Broad hips: Combine dark solid hues and/or small, simple prints with moderate leg cuts for wide hips to appear narrower. Choose lighter tints and bigger motifs for your upper half to claim the focus.
Large rear: Avoid vividly colored and open-back swimsuits. Dark, covered backsides are less likely to draw unwanted attention.
Thick thighs: Anything from longer tankini tops to shorts in deep solids can conceal thick thighs. But skip swim dresses and skirted bottoms with embellishments like ruffles that enlarge that already wide area.
Multifunctional Styles and Elements
Swim dresses: These one-piece bathing suits feature skirts that hang down over attached bottoms. Hem lengths vary so you can disguise as much of your hips, rear, and thighs as you want.
Empire waists: Tankini and one-piece swimsuits with empire waists are attractive styles that provide age-appropriate modesty. Some combine gathered material concealing your midsection with separate panties. Others’ longer flowing fabric extends from bustlines over butts and upper thighs like skirts with hidden briefs.
Breast prostheses pockets: Modern designers are catering to breast cancer survivors. Chic one-piece bathing suits feature dual pockets to accommodate external post-mastectomy prostheses.
Tiered ruffles: Rows of front and back ruffles can hide midriff and back fat. Look for tiered bandinis with separate bottoms and one-piece fauxkinis.
Rash guards: If you’re into active water sports, try rash guard swimsuits to protect your skin. Besides offering greater coverage, today’s functional fashions have become more stylish with vibrant colors and fun designs.