Are you looking forward to wearing your bathing suit or bikini again, or are you dreading it? Finding a great bathing suit is never easy so we’re here to help and have selected some of the best bathing suits for women over 40 this summer.
You may one day go to the dead sea and float in the water, go for a wonderful beach holiday or plunge into a natural pool in the jungle. Or you may just be enjoying the sunshine in your back garden. Either way, you may as well look good!
This time of year is perfect for swim suit hunting
If you’re thinking of getting a new swim suit, now is the best time to buy as the selection is usually the biggest.
You will have plenty of opportunity to try on a few swimsuits at home. Plus, choosing a new one may help to give you something to look forward to when travel, or exercising at your nearest pool, becomes a possibility once more.
Many of the options for the best bathing suits for women shown below are comfortable and flattering for women over 40 so you can be sure you will step out on the beach or swimming pool in confidence and style.
Sheree @shesheshow above looks beautiful in a classic red swimsuit.
Recreate her outfit with these swimsuits from Andie, Seafolly and Karla Colletto Swim, similar earrings, necklace and sunglasses.
Where to buy swimsuits: Brands to consider
If you aren’t sure where to start your search, some great brands to consider for swimwear include:
- Seafolly – high quality, hip & youthful
- Miraclesuit – figure flattering and slimming
- Lands’ End – Also has a lot of modest swimwear
- Becca – edgy and on trend
- Sea Level – timeless with flattering ruching options
- Summersalt – modern with color blocking
- Magicsuit – stylish tankini options
What swimwear 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 snorkeling or do some serious swimming I wear a rash guard, which is why I have included some in this list too.
I’m not interested in getting a tan and always protect my skin with high SPF sunscreen. Here is why I feel you too should embrace your beautiful pale skin!
Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find something you like in my selection of bathing suits, bikinis and rash guards.
My favorite swimwear brand
similar bikini top, bikini bottom, sunhat and sunglasses.
Like many of you, I don’t enjoy buying swimwear, but I love browsing the collections of brand Seafolly.
These pieces are high quality, have a wonderful tactile feel and are comfortable. Check out their current collection at their website, Nordstrom and Amazon.
If you prefer a black swimsuit, the halterneck bikini (below) is a stylish classic.
Seafolly Collective Halter Bandeau Bikini Top / Collective Roll Top Boyleg
You could also opt for a one shoulder style like the print bikini (below).
Seafolly Sereno Ditsy One Shoulder Bikini Top / Sereno Ditsy Full Coverage Bikini Bottom
If you’re more of a one-piece swimsuit person, this is a great one.
Seafolly Collective Deep V One Piece
For extra coverage, the surfsuit swimsuit (below) will keep you covered if you’re spending a long time in, or on, the water.
Seafolly Collective Zip Front Surfsuit
Seafolly also have great cover-up options.
I got the kaftan in this design as well from Seafolly.
similar kaftan, sandals, sunhat and sunglasses.
One-piece bathing suits
One-piece swimsuits are a favorite for many women over 40. Below are some of the most stylish we’ve found in stores this season.
Miraclesuit Swim Cappadocia Temptation One-Piece Swimsuit
You could also opt for a stylish print.
Johnny Was Metalli Mix Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit
Another good place to have a look for flattering swimsuits is Boden which understands that women over 40 want stylish options that aren’t too revealing. A square neck, like the swimsuit (below) is particularly flattering if you have a larger bust.
Boden Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit
I really like the draped bathing suit from La Blanca which I believe is perfect for women over 40.
La Blanca Island Goddess High Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
Magicsuit is a good choice if you want a tummy flattering look.
Magicsuit Gianna Chain Link One-Piece Swimsuit
Or opt for a modern print like the COS swimsuit (below), which also comes with a matching kaftan
Nikki @40notfrumpy above chooses a bright, ruffle swimsuit.
Check out these ruffled swimsuits from CUPSHE and Holipick and similar sunglasses.
Best tummy control swimsuit
I’ve already mentioned Miraclesuit as a great brand for figure flattering and slimming, but below are a few more very well-reviewed options for you.
Miraclesuit Swim Network DD Madero Mesh-Paneled One-piece Swimsuit
Miraclesuit Escape Underwire Tummy Control On-piece Swimsuit
The fabulous asymmetric swimsuit (below) from Summersalt also offers compression technology.
Summersalt The Sidestroke Swimsuit
The retro style halterneck swimsuit (below) comes in a huge range of colors and has more than 20,000, largely positive reviews, from women who say it is quite possibly the most flattering swimsuit for an older demographic.
Smismivo Tummy Control Halter One-piece Swimsuit
The ruching on the La Blanca suit (below) will help to hide a tummy.
La Blanca Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit
Bikinis
I still love bikinis and when I’m not snorkeling or spending a lot of time in the water, that is what I will wear.
I usually opt for ones that have good coverage of the breasts and which have a higher brief. I also like briefs that have small pipes, so I don’t have to constantly keep up my bikini line!
Take a look below at more flattering bikini options.
The scoop neck bikini (below) features a subtle cutout and has a high waist.
Robin Piccone Ava Elongated Scoop Neck Bikini Top / Ava Mid-Rise Twist Bikini Bottom
The Summersalt bikini (below) is flattering, and comes in a choice of colors.
Summersalt The Plunge Bikini Top / The High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom
Or try a square cut option like the J.Crew bikini (below), which comes with full-coverage bottoms.
J.Crew Square Neck Bikini Top / Classic Full-coverage Bikini Bottom
We love the twist detail at the front of the bikini top (below).
Lands’ End Twist Front Bikini Swimsuit Top / Smoothing Control High Waisted Bikini Bottoms
Add a print to your summer beach wardrobe with the Boden bikini (below).
Boden Levanzo Halter Bikini Top / Levanzo Fold Bikini Bottoms
If you want a higher waist, then choosing a retro style bikini like the two-piece below is a good choice.
Tempt Me Ruched Two Piece Halter Swimsuit
One way to give your beach outfit a modern look is to choose mismatched colors or patterns for your bikini top and bottom. The COCOSHIP bikini (below) has good reviews from women who say it covers up a “mommy tummy”.
COCOSHIP Ruched Ruffle High Waist Two Piece Bikini Set
The bikini set (below) features a high waisted bikini bottom and a flattering crossover top. Reviewers say that it is figure flattering even if you don’t usually wear a bikini.
Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) chooses a bikini in a beautiful coral shade, and covers up with a white shirt.
She is wearing a bandeau bikini top and bottoms from Bromelia Swimwear (Similar set here). Check out this similar linen cover-up to complete the look.
Black swimsuits
You really can’t go wrong with a flattering black swimsuit, in the same way as a little black dress will never go out of style.
Miraclesuit Swim Rock Solid Europa One-Piece Swimsuit
Haight. Crepe V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
SPANX Shaping Piqué Swim Dress
Rash vest picks
I am a big fan of rash guards. I love how they protect my skin and many are very sexy too.
I always wear them when I do some serious swimming or go on a snorkeling trip or white water rafting.
The Roxy rashguard (below) is ideal if you want to pop on a rashguard over your bikini top.
Roxy Whole Hearted Long Sleeve Rashguard UPF 50+
Another well-reviewed option is the AXESEA rashguard (below). Women who have worn this one say it is thick and good quality but not heavy.
Combine the look of a rashvest and swimsuit with the Lilly Pulitzer rashguard (below). It has the benefit of having UV protection.
Lilly Pulitzer Randee Rashguard UPF 50+
similar rashguard, swim shorts, sandals, sunhat and sunglasses.
Tankinis
A great hybrid between the one-piece swimsuit and the bikini, tankinis can be a fantastic option if you don’t feel tummy confident, but you want to wear a two-piece.
It also means you can mix and match, perhaps opting for a bikini top one day for sunbathing, and the tankini top when you want more coverage. Here are some of my favorites.
You can wear these tankini tops (below) with your favorite bikini bottoms.
Magicsuit Eliza Chain-link Tankini Top
Profile By Gottex Dandy Bow-tie V-neck Tankini
Gottex Swimwear Floral Peplum Tankini Top
swimwear with sleeves
If you like to downplay your upper arms, the options used to be pretty limited when it came to swimsuits. However, swimsuits with sleeves (like the choices below) are particularly on trend this summer.
Robin Piccone Amy Raglan One-Piece Swimsuit
Fisoew WomTummy Control High Waist Bikini Set
Plus size swimwear
There are a lot of beautiful and flattering plus size swimwear (Nordstrom and Amazon) and plus size cover-ups in stores right now, which makes the most of curves while providing support where it’s needed.
Swimwear which has a retro vibe often works wonderfully for curvy women!
Magicsuit Celine One-Piece Swimsuit
L.L.Bean X Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-piece
Blooming Jelly Tummy Control Plus Size Swimsuit
Bathing suits for your body type
As with everything, choosing a bathing suit that you love and which suits you is much more important than opting for the latest fad. Below are some ideas about the best swim suits for your body type.
big bust
If you have a large bust, it can be tricky finding swimwear to fit.
The choices below are well reviewed as well-fitting, supportive options.
Fantasie East Hampton Underwire Tankini Top
You can opt for different matching bottoms here and here
Freya Nomad Nights Underwire Bikini Top
Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) opts for a cutout style black swimsuit.
Get her look with this similar swimsuit, sunglasses, earrings and necklace.
Small busts
Those with small busts may find that bathing suits with ruffles on the bust and hips add shape, while those with larger busts will need much more support than that afforded by the likes of string bikinis! For small busts, a halterneck will also work well.
With a small bust, you can really wear anything as you don’t need to think about support so much.
Summersalt The Ruched Backflip
MAI The Mod Bikini Top / The Mod Bikini Bottom
Hourglass
If you’re an hourglass, then you could play up those curves by opting for retro styles.
Holipick Halter High Waisted Bikini Set
Becca Prima Twist Front One-piece Swimsuit
Claudia @beafitmom.nl above looks fabulous in her asymmetric swimsuit.
Steal her look with this similar swimsuit (other options here and here) and cap.
Inverted triangle
Meanwhile, inverted triangles could try halter neck styles. It is flattering as it shows the collarbone and neckline without adding weight up top.
CUPSHE High Neck Tummy Control Swimwear Bathing Suit
Rectangle
Rectangles and athletic shapes can either add some curves with embellishments or patterns, or can choose to play up their slim figure by opting for stripes, or sporty swimsuits.
CUPSHE Wrap Color Block Bathing Suit
Pear
If you are a pear shape, you could opt for a bright color on top and a darker color on your bottoms to draw attention away from your hips and thighs. A swimsuit with sleeves will also help to balance your figure.
SPORLIKE Ruffle High Waist Swimsuit
Adisputent Store Tummy Control Highwaist Swimsuit
Vinlowis Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit
Suzette @suzettepetrov above opts for a lovely graphic print and off-the-shoulder style.
Check out these swimsuits from La Blanca and BCBGMAXAZRIA, similar earrings, necklace, sunhat and sunglasses.
long torso
If you have a long torso, it can be difficult to find a swimsuit that fits. The Summersalt brand has swimsuits specially designed to fit a long torso. Plus, choosing a two-tone style will break up your torso visually.
Summersalt The Long Torso Wave
Another good brand to look at for long torsos is Lands’ End.
Lands’ End Long Torso Fauxkini One-piece Swimsuit
best bathing suits for women – Modest swimwear
While swimwear and modesty can seem like an oxymoron, you may like to choose modest swimwear because of religious reasons, because of who you are vacationing with, or because you are self-conscious about a certain part of your body.
What modesty means will be different for different people. You will need to think about what you want to cover up.
Do you, for example, want a long-sleeve or a high-neck option, or do you want a tankini to cover your tummy, or a skirted swimsuit to cover up your thighs?
Below you will find more swimsuit choices offering a little more coverage than a ‘regular’ bathing suit or bikini.
Magicsuit Indio Kami Swimdress
Aleumdr Tummy Control Tie Swimdress
Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) opts for a swimdress on her trip.
Get her look with these similar swim dresses from SPANX and CUPSHE, earrings and sunglasses.
Swimsuit cover-up selections
Almost just as important as your swimwear, a nice cover-up is essential for any trip to the beach to pop over your best bathing suits for women choices.
After all, you never know when you might want to pop into the beach bar for a cocktail!
BLEU by Rod Beattie Cover-Up Caftan
Elan V-Back Cover-Up Maxi Dress
Becca Seaside Harem Cover-Up Pants
Nikki @midlifechic above matches her cover up skirt to her bikini top.
Recreate her outfit with this similar bikini top (another option here) and cover-up (another option here).
You can read more in my article on the best tunics and cover-ups for the beach.
shop the best bathing suits here:
Do you have a favorite women’s swimwear brand? What are you going to wear to the beach this Summer? What do you think the best bathing suits for women over 40 are?
Continue reading:
- 10 Of The Best One Piece Bathing Suits For Women Over 40
- Cruise Clothing Essentials: What To Pack For A Cruise
- The Best Bathing Suit Cover Ups – From Beach Cover Up To Maxi Kaftan!
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Feature image by Sheree @shesheshow
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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I too have self confidence issues with my body in public. Poochy thighs and very uneven breasts due to past cancer surgery. Now that board shorts are available ( I like the 9″ and
11″ Indians I buy those and always pair them with a Land’s End ranking to – feel confident. Also for women looking for more coverage of you Google “modest bathing suits” there are now companies making good quality suits that do cover more. BTW I am 69 so maybe looking for more coverage that those of you just over 40.
Best thing about a tankini: you can get a better fit by mixing and matching different size tops and bottoms. My favorite top is Moorea from Prana, not least because it can be adjusted on the sides. Also like the LaBlanca halter @ Garnet Hill. A friend loves Title 9.
Bottoms more hot or miss, I find. I have a pair from Nautica I like best. Garnet Hill also has decent options. FWIW & good luck!
For just plain swimming or water aerobics, you can’t beat the Land’s End Tugless One Piece. https://rstyle.me/+YRRqGTLtwSybedXTPqFHxA It’s very comfortable and very reasonably priced. LE often offers 25-30% off sales, which makes it a steal. The options for bra types and sizes is extensive. Comes in Petite, Regular and Long torso choices. You can choose solid, print or faux wrap styles. Not exactly “jazzy”, but if you want functionality, it’s a great choice.
I am very conservative. Going out in a bikini, to me, is no different than going out in my bra and panties IN PUBLIC, to a beach. I just don’t do it. I wish they would make vintage swimsuits for the woman that is conscience of this because the furthest that I’ll go is wearing a suit BUT I have an amazing cover up that I rarely take off. Designers need to reach this sect of women because it’s discouraging to go into stores to see nothing that will work for me as discreet as I am.
Hi Sylvia,
I’m not sure if you’ve already addressed my concern in some of your other comments. I am 62, not overweight, run and walk daily and lift weights regularly. Since my early 40’s I have had severe cellulite on my thighs and now, my upper arms. I am very active, but find it unbearable to wear a swimsuit which will expose my thighs, literally to my knees.
Do you have any suggestions for swimsuits that are shapely but would help me not feel so uncomfortable?
Thanks!
For a top I do like to wear rash vests. some of them are super stylish and have long sleeves. For the bottom, if you are wearing the rash vest, try getting briefs that are a bit longer. Although you can now also get long pants as swim suits, I think that would only draw more attention there.
Rather I would buy a nice cover up. This can be semi see-through and go up to your knees but will do a good job at hiding your cellulite. (even though I don’t necessarily think that you should as probably only a few people would notice).
One last tip I’d like to give you is to perhaps try a roller. They have proven to be very effective to combat cellulite. There are specialist rollers for cellulite but I like this one http://amzn.to/2yJFTwb. Just lay on you side and roll your thighs over this with as much tension as you can bear. In the beginning you will not be able to do this for very long (or with much pressure) but with time it gets easier and you should see a lot of improvement with the cellulite. You may like to give it a try. In addition to combatting cellulite, it will also keep your muscles and fascia subtle 🙂
It would be nice if the models were 40+!!!
Makes sense to me!
I would like that too but that’s not possible for a site like ours and here’s why. https://40plusstyle.com/fabulous-40-plus-women/ You will still find LOTS of 40+ women on this site though.
Now that I’m over 50, I have been preferring more modest swim attire such as “swim dresses” that come down to either mid-thigh or just above my knees. I also prefer “boy shorts” with my bikini tops. I don’t see either of those swim options shown here so I wanted to let the ladies know that those options exist also. Venus has some and Athleta has some off the top of my head but others sell them as well.
Thank you for this. I inherited my Mothers legs and have broken blood vessels on both thighs. I saw nothing here to help me out. I’ll look into what you suggested!
You may like to consider a swimdress. There’s one option in the article but there are a few more options at https://amzn.to/3Kp4f3j
My bust is small, tummy large, very hard to flatter this figure post mastectomy! Like tankini top flowy style.
That black bathing suit by J Crew with the ribbons on the shoulder… so nice. I would be tempted but not for ordering from the USA. Alas.
Greetje
Thank you for showing true size women! So many of us over 40 just don’t have the body we used too. Have you ever looked at Lands End swim suits? I love their endless options of tankini tops then you can mix & match the “swim mini” bottoms. The bottom has little skirt that nicely covers cellulite on the backside or bikini line rash from waxing/shaving.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have added some pieces from their collection to the page!
I agree with Patti. I need a rash guard and the ones you are showing are lovely. Thank you!
I usually wear a rash guard (and the one you’re showing is very nice!) and board shorts. I need a lot of sun coverage.
Sadly, I don’t get to the ocean very often these days, though it is a great love of mine. I don’t wear swimsuits when I go, though. Somewhere along the line I decided I felt very awkward and exposed in a swimsuit (probably the same reason I don’t like figure-hugging clothes). I wear shorts and tees over a jogging bra (like I’m going running) all made of a quick-drying fabric. That way I can just step out of the water and walk on the beach without having to fuss with a cover-up. My father had melanoma before he died so I have no interest in sunning myself. I stick to going to the beach in the morning before 10am or after 4pm and use lost of sunscreen.
Yes good idea Rita!
I am still a bikini girl but usually take a swimsuit for trips out snorkelling or island hopping. I figure that I am never going to see the people I meet on holiday ever again so as long as I think I look ok that’s all that matters!
I always buy Freya bikinis as they fit like bras and always have nice patterns.
Yes very true Lorraine. I should look and see if I can find your Freya bikini online.
Freya are owned by the same people who make Fantasie u/wear & swimwear and their products are great quality. Forgot to say that I like the turquoise and blue shaded swimsuit.
Great! Found them and I have added some Freya pieces to the list.
Where can I purchase the vintage polka dot one?
Unfortunately that bathing suit is no longer available, but I added some other (polkadot) bathing suits to the list that you may like.
Amazon- and they have various color combo options.
so glad to find this website!
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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.
Love the green one. Very 50s.
Yes, that’s my favorite bathing suit too.
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…