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 swimsuit hunting
If you’re considering getting a new swimsuit, 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 give you something to look forward to when traveling 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 S3, 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
- Trina Turk – your go-to if you love print
What swimwear will you wear this summer?
Are you still wearing bikinis or do you prefer bathing suits?
I still prefer 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, sun hat and sunglasses.
Like many of you, I don’t enjoy buying swimwear, but I love browsing the collections of the brand Seafolly.
These pieces are high quality, have an excellent tactile feel, and are comfortable. Check out their current collection at their website, Nordstrom and Amazon.
If you love a graphic print, the blue and white bikini (below) is a stylish choice.
Seafolly Bralette Bikini Top / Seafolly Reversible Hipster Bikini Bottoms
For a timeless classic, you could opt for the black bikini (below), which has good coverage and flattering draping.
Seafolly Twist Front Soft Cup Halter Bikini Top / Seafolly Standard Gathered Front Retro Full Coverage Bikini Bottom
If you’re more of a one-piece swimsuit person, this is a great one. We love the beautiful print.
Seafolly Deep V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
For extra coverage, the swimsuit (below) will keep the top of your shoulders and decolletage out of the sun, and the zip offers subtle sex appeal.
Seafolly Standard Cap Sleeve Zip Front One Piece Swimsuit
Seafolly also have great cover-up options like the essential cover-up (below), which comes in a choice of black or white.
I got the kaftan in this design as well from Seafolly.
similar kaftan, sandals, sun hat and sunglasses.
One-piece bathing suits
Many women over 40 love one-piece swimsuits. Below are some of the most stylish we’ve found in stores this season.
Miraclesuit Adorn Siren One-Piece Swimsuit
Magicsuit Coco Underwire One-Piece Scuba Swimsuit
Another good place to look for flattering swimsuits is Boden, which understands that women over 40 want stylish options that aren’t too revealing. It’s also a great place to look if you want a little out of the ordinary print.
Boden Rhodes Cup-Size Swimsuit
J.Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau Cutout One-Piece
Summersalt is another fantastic place to look for flattering swimwear. The classic sidestroke comes out in different shades each year.
We really like the draped bathing suit from La Blanca, which we believe is perfect for women over 40.
La Blanca Island Goddess High Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
Nikki @40notfrumpy above chooses a bright, ruffled swimsuit.
Check out these ruffled swimsuits from CUPSHE and Holipick and similar sunglasses.
Best tummy control swimsuit
We’ve already mentioned Miraclesuit as a great brand for figure-flattering and slimming, and below are a few more very well-reviewed options.
Miraclesuit Razzle Dazzle Zip-Up One-Piece Swimsuit
The fabulous wrap swimsuit (below) from Summersalt also offers compression technology.
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
Lands’ End Slender Suit Grecian Low Leg One Piece 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 Eomenie one-piece (below) will help to hide a tummy.
Eomenie One-Piece Tummy Control Swimsuit
See how the colored panels at the side on the color block one-piece (below) create a slimming effect.
BMJL Color Block Tummy Control 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 Summersalt bikini (below) is flattering and comes in various colors.
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap Bikini Top / Summersalt The Wrap High Leg High Rise Bikini Bottom
Robin Piccone Amy Racerback Bikini Top / Robin Piccone Amy High Waist Bikini Bottoms
Lands’ End Tugless Tankini Top and High Waisted Bottom Swimsuit Set
La Blanca Island Goddess High Neck Bikini Top / La Blanca Island Goddess Overlap Bikini Bottoms
J.Crew Lana Bikini Top in Classic Sculpt™ / J.Crew Hallie Bikini Bottom in Classic Sculpt™
Blooming Jelly High-Waisted Bikini Set
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 (a Similar set is available here). To complete the look, check out this similar linen cover-up.
Black swimsuits
You can’t go wrong with a flattering black swimsuit, just as a little black dress will never go out of style.
Magicsuit Amelia Open Back One-Piece Swimsuit
Miraclesuit Swim Twisted Sister Adora Swim Dress
Popilush Shapewear Ruched Cross-Front Sculpting One-Piece Swimsuit
Lands’ End Twist Front Bikini Swimsuit Top
Rash vest picks
I am a big fan of rash guards. I love how they protect my skin; many are also very sexy.
I always wear them when swimming, going on a snorkeling trip, or going whitewater rafting.
Sea Level Zip Long Sleeve Rashguard Top
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap Long Sleeve Cover-Up
Combine the look of a rashvest and swimsuit with the Trina Turk swimsuit. It has the benefit of having UV protection.
Trina Turk Fluery Zip Long Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit
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.
similar rashguard, swim shorts, sandals, sun hat 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.
Wear these tankini tops (below) with your favorite bikini bottoms.
Lands’ End Square Neck Underwire Square Back Tankini Swimsuit Top
Summersalt The Cinched Square Neck Tankini Top
Magicsuit Indio Akikio Tie-Dye Tankini Top
La Blanca Twist Front Tankini Top
swimwear with sleeves
If you like to downplay your upper arms, your swimsuit options used to be pretty limited. However, swimsuits with sleeves (like the choices below) are particularly on trend this summer.
Lands’ End Crochet Long Sleeve Bikini Top and High Waisted Bottoms Swimsuit Set
Robin Piccone Ava Knot Front Tee Bikini Top
Trina Turk Fan Faire Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit
Swimwear with skirts
If you want extra coverage or to cover up your hips and thighs, choosing a swimsuit with a little skirt is the perfect option.
Magicsuit Celine One-Piece Swimsuit
Sunsets Escape Sienna Swim Dress
Plus-size swimwear
There is a lot of beautiful and flattering plus-size swimwear (Nordstrom and Amazon) and cover-ups in stores right now, making the most of curves while providing support where needed.
Swimwear that has a retro vibe often works wonderfully for curvy women!
Magicsuit Celine One-Piece Swimsuit
Summersalt The Ruffle Backflip
Lands’ End Plus Size Wrap Monokini High Leg One Piece Swimsuit
Blooming Jelly Tummy Control Plus Size Swimsuit
Bathing suits for your body type
As with everything, choosing a bathing suit that you love and that suits you is much more important than opting for the latest fad. Below are some ideas about the best swimsuits for your body type.
big bust
If you have a large bust, finding swimwear to fit can be tricky.
The choices below are well-reviewed, as well-fitting, supportive options.
J.Crew Nia Ruched Squareneck One-Piece
American Trends One-Piece Tummy Control Swimsuit
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 string bikinis! A halterneck will also work well for small busts.
With a small bust, you can wear anything as you don’t need to think about support so much.
J.Crew Ruched Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit
Trina Turk Birds of Paradise Cutout One-Piece
Hourglass
If you’re an hourglass, you could play up those curves by opting for retro styles. Anything that emphasizes your waist is a good choice.
Boden Lefkada Square Neck Swimsuit
Boden Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit
J.Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-Piece
Holipick Halter High Waisted Bikini Set
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. They are flattering because they show the collarbone and neckline without adding weight up top.
Magicsuit Halter Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
Boden Crinkle Texture Swimsuit
CUPSHE High Neck Tummy Control Swimwear Bathing Suit
Trina Turk Arches Buckle One-Piece Swimsuit
Rectangle
Rectangles and athletic shapes can either add curves with embellishments or patterns or play up their slim figure by opting for stripes or sporty swimsuits.
Boden Kasos String V Neck Swimsuit
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.
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
Summersalt The Sea Breeze Cutout One-Piece
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, sun hat and sunglasses.
long torso
If you have a long torso, finding a swimsuit that fits can be difficult. 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 Ruched Backflip
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 Kami Obi One-Piece Swimdress
Summersalt The Cinched Swim Skirt
Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) opts for a swimsuit on her trip.
Get her look with these similar swim dresses from Tommy Bahama and Hilor, 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.
After all, you never know when you might want to pop into the beach bar for a cocktail!
Elan Crinkle Gauze Cover-Up Maxi Dress
Summersalt The Going Places Gauze Tie-Shoulder Jumpsuit
Summersalt The Going Places Gauze Sarong
Summersalt The Going Places Gauze Frayed Hem Pants
Nikki @midlifechic above matches her cover up skirt to her bikini top.
You can 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 for women 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
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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…