Stylish at the Beach or Pool at 70 and Beyond

Shopping for a swimsuit or pool wear can be daunting at any age. But being 70-plus doesn’t have to increase the angst. Sandra Davidoff, director of corporate marketing and public relations for Miraclesuit, says, “People over 70 still want to look their best.”

For women, fabric technology and strategic design details in bathing suits can make all the difference, she says. “Look for features such as tummy control panels, built-in bust support, wider straps and sufficient rear coverage.”

• Miraclesuit’s best-selling Oceanus One Piece offers all of the above and is available in sizes 8 to 24 and with DD and DDD cups ($172, miraclesuit.com ).
• Lands' End offers a “Find Your Best Fit Guide” for women’s swimsuits, organized into categories such as Bum Coverage, Chest Support and Control Level. The selection includes rash guards with long sleeves for sun protection and skirted styles such as the Women’s Tugless High Neck Swim Dress ($135, landsend.com ) for more coverage.
• Target sells an array of ​aaffordable one- and two-piece suits with built-in, figure-flattering features in standard and plus sizes, such as the Shade & Shore Women’s Shirred Tummy Control Square Neck Full Coverage One Piece ($45, target.com ).

For menswear, there are fewer parameters to consider. Hal Rubenstein, founder of the Happy Grownup podcast and newsletter, says, “First, you have to admit your body at 75 is not the way it was at 35.” That said, he recommends square-cut trunks with waistbands that fall just below the navel and lengths that range from the upper to mid-thigh. “Closer fits are better than loose styles, which emphasize loose skin. If you aren’t fit, keep it solid and simple, but if you have a rockin’ body at 70, by all means wear a Speedo if you like.”

• In addition to briefs, Speedo offers classic men’s trunks such as the Lookout Volley 16-inch Swim Trunks ($76, speedo.com ).
• Polo Ralph Lauren’s 5.75-inch Traveler Classic Swim Trunks in seersucker ($90, macys.com ) and Old Navy’s 7-inch Inseam Trunks ($18, oldnavy.com ) are smart alternatives.
• When it comes to cover-ups, shirts and beach hats, look into online brands that offer clothing with built-in sun protection, such as L.L. Bean, Tommy Bahama and Coolibar. Older skin is thinner and more sensitive to UV rays.

The bottom line? One of the joys of getting older is not caring so much what other people think. Be grateful for the body you have and protect it. ​