Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Swimsuit shopping. It’s not most people’s first choice of activities—especially as we get older. But if you wanna get into the water (and you do!), it’s a necessary one. It can even be more enjoyable than you might think! With the right advice and styling, finding the best bathing suits for women over 50 can be a fun experience.
To help navigate the sea of options, we consulted top celebrity stylists who work with A-list clients to share their expertise on the most flattering swimwear for more mature (and fabulous!) women. One-pieces, bikinis, good coverage, slimming and supportive fits—we’ve got them all.
Related: 5 Essential Tips for Wearing Swimsuits if You’re Over 50, According to 80s Supermodel Kim Alexis
What Swimwear Is the Most Flattering for Older Ladies?
Amanda Massi, a celebrity stylist who has worked with everyone from Macy Gray to Kate Upton, recommends vibrant colors like cobalt blue that complement a range of skin tones. “Look for suits with thicker straps for comfort and proper bust support,” she advises, pointing to designs that provide coverage while still looking stylish.
“The key is finding a suit with strategic support in the right places,” adds celebrity stylist Jackie Schiavone of My Someday Project. “Elements like ruching, adjustable straps and structured cups can make all the difference.”
When shopping for swimwear after 50, consider these expert-recommended features:
- Thicker, adjustable straps for comfort and support
- Higher necklines for elegant coverage
- Strategic ruching to flatter the midsection
- Quality fabric with good elasticity
- Built-in shaping features
What Swimwear Makes You Look Slimmer?
Contrary to popular belief, bold prints and strategic design elements can actually create a slimming effect. “Most would think to avoid stripes but the bold print and combination of color truly helps to conceal areas you like the eye to avoid,” explains Massi.
Schiavone adds, “Vertical ruching on a halter provides support and coverage, while horizontal ruching with a U-tie shows skin without compromising comfort and style. Ruching at the waist camouflages the middle and adds softness to your torso.”
Slimming swimwear features to look for:
- Strategic ruching around the midsection
- Bold prints that draw the eye where you want it
- Color blocking that creates visual definition
- Higher-waisted bottoms for tummy control
- V-necks and wrap styles to elongate the torso
Related: 18 On-trend Swimsuits to Shop for Your Next Vacation
Top Swimsuits for Mature Women
- Most Supportive Overall: Cupshe Ocean Blue Slim Sculpt Wrap Front One-Piece
- Best Modern: Boden Mykonos Deep V Swimsuit in Rainbow Stripe
- Best Supportive Bikini Top: Lascana Halter Underwire Bikini Top
- Best Two-Piece: Cupshe Vibing Seersucker Bikini Set
- Best One-Piece: Boden Porto V-Neck Swimsuit
- Most Figure-Flattering: Popilush Shapewear Twist Front Ruched Sculpting Swimsuit
- Best Coverage Without Sacrificing Style: Montce Lilac Crochet Kim One-Piece
- Most Confidence-Boosting: Swimsuits For All Shirred Underwire One Piece Swimsuit
- Best for Smaller Chests: Swimsuits for All Essential String Triangle Bikini Top
9 Best Bathing Suits for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists
1. Cupshe Ocean Blue Slim Sculpt Wrap Front One-Piece, $38.99
Cupshe
Massi loves this wrap-front one-piece for its flattering V-neck and smoothing fabric. “The ocean blue color is vibrant and complements a wide range of skin tones, while the wrap style creates a slimming silhouette,” she explains.
Why it works: The deep V-neckline elongates the torso while the wrap design creates definition at the waist. The adjustable straps provide customizable support.
2. Boden Mykonos Deep V Swimsuit in Rainbow Stripe, $130
Boden
“Bold stripes can actually be very flattering,” says Massi. “This suit’s pattern draws the eye where you want it and creates visual interest that distracts from ‘problem areas.'”
Why it works: The deep V-neckline elongates the torso while the strategic placement of stripes creates a slimming effect. The built-in support ensures comfort for all-day wear.
3. Lascana Halter Underwire Bikini Top, $39
Lascana
Schiavone recommends halter styles for women over 50, explaining, “Halters tie at the neck and are customizable, providing great support without the appearance of a bra or underwire. They’re especially flattering for women who may not completely fill the top.”
Why it works: The halter style offers adjustable support and lift, while the underwire provides additional structure. Pair with side-tie bottoms for a customizable fit.
4. Cupshe Vibing Seersucker Bikini Top With High-Rise Bottoms, $34.99
Cupshe
“The waist height of a bikini should hit an inch below your belly button or at the smallest part of your waist,” explains Massi. “This high-rise set hits at just the right spot while the textured fabric adds visual interest.”
Why it works: The high-rise bottoms provide tummy control while the textured seersucker fabric camouflages imperfections. The adjustable straps on the top offer customizable support.
5. Boden Porto V-Neck Swimsuit in Navy Rik Rak, $130
Boden
Celebrity stylists recommend V-necks for their elongating effect. “This classic navy suit with subtle pattern detail offers sophistication with a flattering neckline,” says Massi.
Why it works: The V-neckline creates length in the torso while the pattern adds interest without overwhelming. The built-in support and full coverage bottom provide confidence.
6. Popilush Shapewear Twist Front Ruched Sculpting Swimsuit, $59
Popilush
“Ruched waists are great for midsection camouflage,” notes Massi, pointing to this stylish black one-piece as an excellent example of strategic design elements.
Why it works: The twist front and ruching create visual interest while smoothing the midsection. The shapewear fabric provides additional support and control.
7. Montce Lilac Crochet Kim One-Piece, $218
Montce
“Montce Swimwear makes the softest swimsuits ever!” raves Massi. “Plus, the cuts and designs are on point.”
Why it works: The premium fabric and expert construction ensure a perfect fit that lasts. The crochet detail adds texture and interest while the cut is both flattering and comfortable.
8. Swimsuits For All Classic Black One-Piece with Ruched Waist, $69
Swimsuits for All
Inspired by Martha Stewart’s sophisticated swimwear choices, Schiavone recommends a classic black one-piece with ruching. “If done well, ruching can be a girl’s best friend,” she notes. “It camouflages your middle and adds softness and shape to your torso.”
Why it works: The timeless black color is slimming while the ruched detail adds texture that camouflages imperfections. The full coverage provides confidence.
9. Swimsuits for All Triangle Top Bikini, $24+
Swimsuits for All
For women who want a more youthful look, Schiavone recommends a triangle top paired with side-tie bottoms like those worn by Bethenny Frankel. “For ladies who don’t necessarily fill out tops, the triangle style helps to visually define the chest,” she explains.
Why it works: The adjustable nature of both pieces allows for a completely customized fit. The triangle shape creates definition in the bust while the side ties add length to the legs.
Related: 5 Essential Tips for Wearing Swimsuit Cover-Ups if You’re Over 50, According to Model Molly Sims
Expert Shopping Tips
Schiavone offers these additional tips for swimsuit shopping success:
1. Prep With a Spray Tan
“Whether shopping in stores with unflattering fluorescent lights or trying on suits at home, having a little bit of a tan will make the task less daunting,” she tells Parade. “Plus it helps you to determine if the swimsuit color will work with your skin tone.”
2. Try on With Heels
“Wear wedges or heels when trying on suits,” she recommends. “Adding length to your legs will help you to be less critical when examining the suit from every angle.”
3. Keep an Open Mind
“Try on a variety of brands, styles, colors and patterns,” she suggests. “Don’t focus on trying to fit into a specific size. If a larger size looks and feels better, go for it and cut out the tag when you get home.”
4. Don’t Forget Cover-ups
Caftans, sarongs, and elastic-waist pants or skirts complete your beach look and offer easy on-and-off coverage throughout the day.
“When I socialize by the pool, bar or beach, I like to have a little coverage,” she says.
5. Accessorize Thoughtfully
“Whether you accessorize with a hat, statement necklace or overlay, adding visual interest to your outfit can help to balance your look and increase your confidence,” she explains.
Remember, confidence is the most important accessory you can wear with any swimsuit. The perfect suit should make you feel comfortable and beautiful, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time by the water rather than worrying about how you look.
Up Next:
Related: 7 Best Cocktail Dresses for Women Over 50, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Sources
- Amanda Massi, a celebrity stylist who has worked with everyone from Macy Gray to Kate Upton
- Jackie Schiavone, celebrity stylist of My Someday Project.
