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4 Swimsuits That Channel Gayle King’s ‘Sports Illustrated’ Cover Style

Be summer-ready with these figure-flattering beauties

Cindy Weber-Cleary,

AARP

En español

Published May 21, 2024

Old Navy Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit in Jade; Miraclesuit Casbah Escape One Piece Swimsuit in Multi; La Blanca Fantasy Resort Underwire Lace Up One Piece-Plus in Multi

(Left to right) Old Navy Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit in Jade; Miraclesuit Casbah Escape One Piece Swimsuit in Multi; La Blanca Fantasy Resort Underwire Lace Up One Piece-Plus in Multi

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Old Navy; Miraclesuit; Nordstrom; Getty Images (3))

Gayle King, the 69-year-old co-anchor of CBS Mornings turned heads last week as the latest 60-plus woman to grace the coveted cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit issue. (She follows last year’s cover model, Martha Stewart, who broke records by making her SI debut at age 81.)

But it wasn’t just King’s megawatt smile that captured attention — it was the swimsuit she wore too.

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Wearing a one-piece with an underwire bodice in a multicolored zigzag pattern (and matching coverup) by Evarae, Oprah’s BFF looked relaxed, sexy and glamorous in the Cancun, Mexico, photo shoot.

So, what made that swimsuit such a winner? Two things: the structure and pattern.

The swimsuit structure her stylist chose was a wise one for a beautiful mature woman with generous curves. The bra-like underwire top is sexy but also supportive. An underwire bra can be part of a swimsuit’s external design or concealed within the lining. An underwire provides more support than a “shelf bra,” which is only supported by an elastic band underneath. Today, many companies — such as CUUP.com, Barenecessities.com and Cocoreefswim.com — offer one-piece bathing suits with bra-sizing, a boon for those of us who are bosomy.

Allover visual patterns — especially ones with vertical lines — like the one worn by King can be slimming because they distract the eye from the outlines of one’s silhouette. But an underwire one-piece in a solid color is also a winning choice for women over 50 who have full busts.

To top off the look, a matching coverup is an easy and flattering option, whether it’s an overshirt, a sarong, a tunic top or caftan.

Here are four comparable styles to add to your summer beach or pool rotation:

Miraclesuit Casbah Escape One Piece Swimsuit in Multi ($196, miraclesuit.com)

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Miraclesuit (2))

This swimsuit is on the pricey side, but it’s oh-so-flattering with built-in tummy control, molded underwire cups and a sweetheart neckline. You will notice that the Moroccan-inspired print and criss-cross border at the bust are cleverly placed to draw the eye inward and to visually narrow the waist. The deep scoop in back helps to minimize the hips and derriere.

La Blanca Fantasy Resort Underwire Lace Up One Piece-Plus in Multi ($130, nordstrom.com)

Courtesy: Nordstrom

Available in a full range of sizes (4-22W), this colorful swimsuit comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The happy tropical print helps to distract the eye. The shirred body and built-in tummy control slim the waist. Underwire support, removable cups, adjustable straps and a sexy keyhole neckline lift and enhance your cleavage.

Old Navy Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit in Jade ($25, oldnavy.gap.com)

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Old Navy (2))

A true steal, this lingerie-inspired bathing suit is available in both solid colors and one splashy floral pattern. The visible underwire, removable pads, sweetheart neckline and wide straps give your bust a boost. The clasp closure in back adds additional support. Bonus: The fabric has built-in sun protection.

Kate Spade New York Tie Front One Piece Swimsuit in Spring Water ($140, bloomingdales.com)

Kate Spade New York the Front One Piece Swimsuit in Spring Water

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Bloomingdale's (2))

A pretty abstract floral print one-piece features underwire cups, adjustable straps and a feminine bow detail in front. The suit is relatively high-cut in front — which visually lengthens your legs — while the back offers full coverage.

Final note: Swimwear typically runs smaller than dress sizes. Try going one size up for the best fit.

Cindy Weber-Cleary is a freelance writer, consultant and on-air fashion expert who has appeared on Oprah, The View, Good Morning America and the Today show. She began her career as a fashion editor at Vogue and was fashion director at InStyle, Glamour and Cosmopolitan.

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