Have you had a chance to wear your bikinis or bathing suits this year yet? Are you looking forward to wear your bathing suit or bikini again, or are you dreading it?
I’m here to help and have selected some of the best bathing suit for this summer. They are are comfortable and flattering for women over 40 so you can be sure you step out on the beach or swimming pool in style.
What bathing suits will you wear this summer?
Are you still wearing bikinis or do you prefer bathing suits?
My preference is still for a bikini as I find them more comfortable and on my body still more flattering. However, when I go snorkling or do some some serious swimming I wear swim shirts, like the one on the left that protect you from the sun. I’m not interested in getting a tan and always protect my skin with high spf sunscreen, but will need to discuss that in another article!
Whatever your preference, you may find something you like in my selection of bathing suit, bikinis and 2-pieces!
Bathing suits
I really like the vintage bathing suits of Esther Williams which I believe are perfect for women over 40. The legs are not cut too high and they give good coverage for the rest of the body. Very stylish! The bathing suits from Miraclesuit are great too. A lot of ruching which camouflages any bulges you may have in the stomach area and an overall flattering look.
Bikinis
I still love bikinis, but I usually opt for ones that have good coverage of the breasts and have a higher brief. I also like briefs that have small pipes, so I don’t have to constantly keep up my bikini line! The retro bikini from Esther Williams is great as well! If you can still manage a skimpy bikini then the nice green blue stripe Marcel Stripe Sweethaeart bikini is a great choice.
Currently in stores:
Do you have a favourite swim wear brand? What are you going to wear to the beach this Summer?
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I haven’t had a chance to wear my bikinis yet this season, and it’s too cold for swimming here so there won’t be any until I go to Greece in the end of August:) Even with my extra pounds I prefer wearing bikinis to swimsuits, altough I am considering buying a swimsuit to wear when I go snorkling. It would have to be a halterneck style with a low cut back though, because I tan easily no matter how much sunscreen I put on and I don’t want ugly tan lines:) I don’t have a particular brand that I prefer, but a couple of particular styles: Tops should be bandeau or halterneck, and bottoms should be semi high with a medium cut thigh, because that’s what looks best as I have big thighs. Boy shorts and low cut legs only makes them look bigger.
I would just wear a spf 50 shirt when you go snorkelling. You burn really quickly doing that and it’s much better to completely cover you up. Yes, you are right about boy shorts. I often see bigger women wearing those and it is not flattering at all…
Love the green one. Very 50s.
Yes, that’s my favorite bathing suit too.
I don’t go to the beach much these days. I used to, but now I am too lazy for it.
Unlike you Sylvia, I like a tan. That is a hang up from my teens and early twenties.
My colleagues used to say to me at least three times a day: “I know you don’t tan easily but o dear how white your legs are…. it is unbelievable.” Which was understandable as I had never been in the sun until I was 22.
So I took to sun couches. I know…. very bad for you,. Skin cancer and old skin. The last I am experiences already, the first I hope to escape.
And I still do it. So much easier than going to the beach and sunbath.
I have two bikinis (quite recent ones) and I will keep it at that. Oh yes and I have one ancient black swimsuit which is still fine.
Have you tried the self tanning sprays? Perhaps better for your skin?
It will be a lot better for my skin, but it takes me too much time. You have to let the spray dry you see. And the old tanning sprays used to slightly stain your clothes. Never dared to use it after that.
I heart that green number! I’ll be swimsuit shopping for my post baby bod soon…EEEEK!
I think that one would be perfect for it. Exciting times ahead for you!
That Polka dot retro one piece might make me forget all about bikinis! Love it.
Like you I’m a bikini girl, but I like a more modest bikini with a skirt or more covered boy short. Love your surfing story. Too funny.
Oh yes, love that one too. Perhaps even better than the green one… From what I can tell from your blog, I think you would have been right up there trying it with me!
I haven’t gone swimming yet this year, but planning to do so within the next few weeks. Last year’s bathing suit, is slightly too snug. So i’ve been shopping around for a new one. I’m looking more into vintage bathing suits, something like Esther Williams.
The Esther Williams bathing suits seem to be very well designed, so that may just be perfect. Good luck with your search!
I just love the Esther Williams suits…elegant and retro. Reminds me of the pin-up girls. I mean that in a good way. I live in the southeast part of the US. Definitely time for pools and beaches. I’ve been looking for a new suit this year and was thinking of the “shortini”. I like the look of shorts and a tank….full coverage, but separates. I’m concerned about Nanne’s comment about making the thighs look larger. I’m overweight, but don’t have huge thighs. I think I’ll take the “plunge”
Hi Michelle. Thanks for your feedback! Yes wear something you are comfortable with. I think it’s true that bigger shorts and briefs will have the effect of making you look larger. But for the retro look that is what is meant to happen. Perhaps make sure your shorts are not too baggy and long and you should be ok!
Thank you so much for this! It is so refreshing to see fun styles for the women over 40! If more swimsuit designers would understand that women over 40 like more than just flowers, polka-dots or solid color swimsuits, they would make a fortune! It seems whenever a junior print comes along in a women’s swimsuit, it tends to sell out. I would love to see more swimsuits with beach print material such as flip flops. Or surf boards. Or sunglasses. Or shells. It is a neverending list of beachy prints!
hi Lee, Glad you like this item and welcome to the site!