I have a confession to make! Writing this swimsuit guide for women over 40 is always difficult for me. As I shop for swimsuits for this guide, I can feel myself getting anxious during the whole process! Why? I usually have a dresser drawer of swimsuits from previous years I need to try on myself. And every year, it’s the same old thing. Do they still fit? Have I gained too much weight? Plus, I dread the whole process of searching for a new suit just as much as anybody else.
So, I have to take a step back and remember the important things. My body is not perfect, and no one else’s is either. I had imperfections in much better shape and much worse shape than I am now. I’m older now and that’s okay!! I can look just as cute in my swimsuit now as I did when I was younger.
I’m also a breast cancer survivor, and that taught me a lot of important lessons like what to focus on in life. I want to enjoy the fun moments and not be worrying so much about what I look like doing them. Generally as I get older, I’m learning to do this. But at times, I still have my moments. How about you?
So with all that out of the way, let’s talk swimsuits. Of course, we still want to look our best in any outfit including our swimsuit, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We all have features we want to highlight, and we all have features we want to downplay or camouflage. It’s just important to do what we can while also keeping a healthy perspective on how we look! So, here are some basic tips addressing three of the most common concerns to help us pick out a flattering swimsuit.
Camouflaging a Large Belly
This one hits home with me since I’m short waisted – weight gain shows up quickly here for me. There are tons of suits out there that have tummy control panels, and a few I’ve found probably do too. Yet, I’ve never been a fan of this type of suit! I like to be comfortable especially when the weather is hot. Plus, I want something that’s easy to pull up and down!
If you feel that way too, there are other tricks for downplaying that tummy area without a tight and constricting tummy panel.
First, look for ruching across the midsection to hide a larger belly like on these suits below.
Next, look for a swimsuit that cinches in the waist to create a more visually defined waistline. Ruching on the sides of a swimsuit can help with this but also wrap styles can create the illusion of a waistline. Patterns on swimsuits can also define the waist.
Finally, a loose fitting and flowy tankini top can hide your midsection. However, I would be careful when choosing this style since it can be considered frumpy. So, look for a top that’s playful and interesting.
As with any of these suggestions, wearing what you feel comfortable in is the most important thing! And if you feel comfortable in a two piece suit, you can certainly wear one even if your tummy isn’t as flat as you would like it to be. In fact, high waisted two piece suits are really trending again this year. If you carry your weight in your lower belly, they are a good option.
If you are short waisted like I am and carry more weight in your upper tummy, I would stay away from the really high waisted bikini bottoms and look for more of a midrise. Whenever I’ve tried on bottoms with a high waist, my upper belly spills over in a very unflattering way verses wearing something with a lower rise. Plus, you can find bottoms with a lower rise that do provide good coverage.
This suit – matching top plus bikini bottoms – appears to have a midrise. I also like bottoms that have ruching and roll at the waistline so you can adjust the coverage.
Camouflaging Larger Hips & Thighs
If you are more pear shaped or carry weight in your hips and thighs, a good way to balance out your proportions is to draw attention upward toward your neckline and shoulders. Look for suits with more details on top such as ruffles and interesting necklines. One shoulder swimsuits are a hot trend this year.
Just like darker jeans and pants look most flattering on pear shapes, the same concept can be applied to swimsuits. Look for one piece suits with color blocking making sure the darkest color is on bottom. Wear a darker color bottom on a two piece suit and choose a lighter color up top.
While wearing a swim skirt or dress is another way to hide bigger thighs and hips, I don’t love these. If you are truly going to be swimming, they can take forever to dry out. Plus, the extra material can get hot if not swimming. Unfortunately, these can look frumpy too. So again, look for a skirt style swimsuit that is fun with unique details.
Swimsuit Styles for a Large Chest
If you are most concerned about downplaying a large chest, then you’ll want to stay away from extra details on top like ruffles. Look for a swim top with good coverage and support. Swimsuits with wide straps are helpful too.
What has been most helpful to me is looking for swimsuit brands that offer bra sizing. One brand I love for their bra sizing and pretty styles is Coco Reef.
I’m sure I didn’t address every concern in this post. However, the most important thing is to think about what you want to highlight or downplay before shopping for a bathing suit. Then, search out those specific features.
One thing about shopping online for a suit is there are plenty of options! Plus, you can order a few and try them on more comfortably at home. I believe there is a great suit out there for everyone!
