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12 Swimsuits for Older Women
Best Overall: The Sidestroke, $95 at Summersalt
It’s very likely you’ve seen this exact swimsuit advertised on Instagram, and there’s good reason it comes up so often. Summersalt pays attention to flattering angles, and their suits come in sizes 0-26 (this particular suit also comes in a long-torso version). The Sidestroke not only has figure-friendly diagonal stripes but it’s made with the company’s signature compression fabric and the fullest butt coverage. There are seven color block options, four solids and one print. The Sidestroke, $95 at Summersalt
Best Tummy Control: Women’s Slimming Tanksuit, $99 at L.L.Bean
This one-piece from L.L.Bean checks quite a lot of boxes—full coverage, subtle shirring at waist and hips, and, best of all, a tummy-control panel. When it comes to the reviews, the words “comfortable” and “flattering” come up again and again. Women’s Slimming Tanksuit, $99 at L.L.Bean
Best Hip Minimizer: Lingerie Strap Swim Dress, $110 at Swimsuits For All
Swimsuits For All is arguably the most versatile place out there to shop for bathing suits. Their sizes range from 8 to 40, and you can filter by your body type or the fit solution you’re looking for. As for the latter, there are countless hip-minimizing styles. We’re partial to this lingerie strap swim dress because the flowy A-line bottom is balanced out by a strappy top. In addition, it’s made with a shelf bra that has soft wire-free molded cups and a tummy-control front lining. Lingerie Strap Swim Dress, $110 at Swimsuits For All
Best Slimming Silhouette: Victoria Off Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit, $138 at Albion
Albion is a family-owned company that designs everything in-house and buys only USA-made fabrics. Their swimsuits are made for a variety of body types, including this sexy-yet-modest full-coverage one-piece. The strategic ruching creates a slimming effect, there’s a bust-boosting twist-front bodice and the straps provide extra support. Victoria Off Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit, $138 at Albion
Best Chest Coverage: The Malibu, $95 at Andie
If picking the right size feels stressful, Andie’s Fit Quiz will make finding a swimsuit a more enjoyable experience. You can also reach out to one of their Fit Experts for real-time advice on sizing. And you can actually trust their guidelines since the swimsuits have been tested on more than 300,000 real-life women. The silhouettes and colors are all basic in order to focus on well-made, well-cut suits that are comfortable. For women who prefer more coverage in the chest area, the Malibu one-piece is a great option. The snaps mean you can control how much skin you’re showing, and it features the maximum bust support. The Malibu, $95 at Andie
Best Strapless: Ruched Skirted Swimdress, $108-$110 at Swimsuits For All
No tanlines? No problem. This suit, another favorite from Swimsuits For All, gives you that strapless look with all the extra support that’s hard to find in the style. There’s a full shelf bra underneath the crisscrossed bandeau, as well as a tummy-control lining and a subtle hip-minimizing skirt. There are also detachable straps if you feel more comfortable putting them on for swimming. Ruched Skirted Swimdress, $108-$110 at Swimsuits For All
Best Plus Size: Ruffle Shoulder One Piece With Belt, $149.95 at Eloquii
“We know fashion doesn’t stop at size 12,” says super stylish plus-size brand Eloquii, and we couldn’t agree more. Take, for example, this ruffle shoulder one-piece. It’s designed to flatter, with a fully lined body that’s not only comfortable but makes for a smooth silhouette, along with an attached belt to accentuate the waistline, flirty ruffle sleeves and a high-cut bottom to elongate the legs. Ruffle Shoulder One Piece With Belt, $149.95 at Eloquii
Best Tankini: Bondi Bra Cup Tankini, $74 at Athleta
Athleta was one of the first brands to feature women of all shapes and sizes as models, so clearly they’re committed to making apparel that is sensitive to women’s bodies. This tankini top slightly flairs out at the hem to accentuate an hourglass shape. It also has hidden underwire supports to get that bra-like lift. Bondi Bra Cup Tankini, $74 at Athleta
Best Loose-Fitting: Cassie Tankini, $84 at Carve Designs
In addition to having a unique loose-fitting top, this tankini is made by sustainable brand Carve Designs. All their swimsuits are made with sustainable fabric sourced from recycled plastic bottles. The company was also founded by two female surfers who felt they couldn’t find bathing suits made for real women’s bodies. True to that goal, the Cassie Tankini is a super-cute option if you’d prefer something that isn’t tight around the mid-section. It also has a built-in shelf bra and adjustable straps. Cassie Tankini, $84 at Carve Designs
Best Two-Piece With Skirt: Cabana Coral Coast Tankini, $154 For the Set at Talbots
If you’re looking for a swimsuit that feels like more of an outfit, this tankini and swim skirt from Talbots is lovely for women of all ages and sizes. It would be a good choice for a day at the beach or pool when you’ll be running from the water to the concession stand. The pattern keeps it playful, while the slit in the skirt adds a little bit of flirtiness. For an even more complete look, add on the matching tunic cover-up. Cabana Coral Coast Tankini, $154 For the Set at Talbots
Best Shoulder Coverage: Short-Sleeve Cropped Swim Top and High-Waisted Sarong Swim Skirt, $67.98 For The Set at Old Navy
Need to protect your shoulders from the sun? That doesn’t mean you can’t still feel youthful and stylish in your swimsuit. There are lots of long-sleeved bathing suits out there, but we love this knotted short-sleeved top from Old Navy. Do note that it’s not lined, so if you need chest support, you’ll need to wear a bikini top underneath. It’s ridiculously cute and age-friendly when paired with the high-waisted, wrap-front sarong swim skirt (which does have a fully lined bikini bottom underneath). Short-Sleeve Cropped Swim Top and High-Waisted Sarong Swim Skirt, $67.98 For The Set at Old Navy
Best Swim Shorts: Lands’ End Quick-Dry Thigh-Minimizer Swim Shorts, $59.95 to $69.95 at Kohls
Swim shorts can be tough because if they don’t hit at the right spot, there can be some unflattering bunching. This pair is designed to hug you in all the right spots, complete with a high-rise, thick-banded waist and a thigh-minimizing fit. Pair them with a tankini or bikini top depending on your preference. Reviewers love that they can double as bike or hiking shorts if you’re the outdoorsy type. They’re also available in 18 colors/prints. Lands’ End Quick-Dry Thigh-Minimizer Swim Shorts, $59.95 to $69.95 at Kohls
