The Worst Swimsuit Mistakes for Women Over 50

Mistake #3: Emphasizing the negative, not the positive.

Some mature women get so hung up on what’s wrong with their bodies that their good points never get a chance. Remember that the look of a swimsuit is as much about the parts it covers as the parts it doesn’t. For example, maybe you have a gorgeous, even skin tone head to toe, legs a Rockette would envy, the toned back of a gymnast, or shoulders and arms like a prima ballerina. That sort of makes a jelly belly or saggy rear end recede, doesn’t it? This is the time to show off! 

A swimsuit that emphasizes your assets will get you out of the cabana or cover-up fast. Don’t be afraid of styles with a little more sex appeal, a wider, deeper V, a hint of cheekiness at the derriere or even a discreet keyhole cutout. 

Play up your skin tone with red or pink like the Lane Bryant No-Wire Macrame-Back One-Piece in Confetti Pink ($101, lanebryant.com); make the most of generous curves with a one-shoulder suit like the J.Crew Ruched One-Shoulder One-Piece in Dark Evening Tan ($70, jcrew.com) or Shade & Shore Women’s Asymmetrical One Piece Swimsuit in Red ($40, target.com); and highlight a terrific bust with a deep V like the J.Crew Factory Women Ruched Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit in Bright Spearmint Multi or Dusty Peri White ($39, factory.jcrew.com). That’s real body positivity at work!

(From left) Lane Bryant No-Wire High-Neck Tankini Top in Agate; Lands’ End Women’s V-Neck Plunge X-Back Tankini Top in Black; Lands’ End Women’s Tugless High Waisted Bikini Bottom in Black; Old Navy Women Matte Tie-Back Swim Dress in Scotty Red.

AARP (Lane Bryant; Lands’ End, 2; Old Navy)

Mistake #4: Wearing matronly tankinis and swim dresses.

Here’s a surprise: Two-piece tankinis and swim dresses are suddenly hot. Famous for their hide-and-seek camouflage, they’ve been updated and upgraded. However, not every tankini and swim dress makes the cut. There are plenty of frankly frumpy versions, and mature women are wearing them. Yes, they are affordable, comfy and available at mass retailers, but I promise you, they do nothing for your body or looks. You can do better.

The tankini duos you want have a cool, minimalist, curve-enhancing hug on top and high-waist bottoms, such as the Lane Bryant No-Wire High-Neck Tankini Top in Agate ($77, lanebryant.com) paired with the Ultra High-Waist Swim Brief in Agate ($57, lanebryant.com), and the Lands’ End Women’s V-Neck Plunge X-Back Tankini Top in Black ($51, landsend.com) teamed with the Tugless High Waisted Bikini Bottom in Black ($30, landsend.com). Both feature shirring, adjustable straps and soft cups for a flattering fit.

Swim dresses with a flirty, sporty shape, like the strapless Swimsuits for All Ruched Skirted Bandeau Swimdress in Electric Iris or Passion Fruit ($110, swimsuitsforall.com) with soft molded cups, and the Cupshe Women’s Ruched Crossback Swim Dress ($40, kohls.com), have the right contemporary edge.

Mistake #5: Choosing the wrong suit for your bust.

Like bras, swimsuits vary in their degree of bust lift, coverage and shaping. Sometimes women over 50 get so besotted with a suit’s sassy look in the mirror that they settle for an OK fit at the bust. 

Are your boobs spilling over the top or out the sides of the suit? Is there so much cleavage and breast displayed that a swimsuit malfunction is imminent? Do the straps provide enough oomph, or do they give in to sag? Sorry, but there’s a difference between extra fabulous and X-rated. Here’s the truth: A suit that fits great at the thighs, rear and belly may be wrong for your bust. 

Look for cup support in some form, whether with an underwire, like the Swimsuits for All Twist Front Underwire Swimdress in Salsa or Black ($118, swimsuitsforall.com), premolded cups like the Freshwater Women’s Molded Cup Twist One-Piece Swimsuit in Zebra Waves ($32, kohls.com), sewn-in cups like the Venus Swimwear Underwire One-Piece in Havana Garden Style V254222 ($100, venus.com) or wire-free removable foam cups. Make sure the cups are full enough to contain your entire breasts without causing overload, a double-boob effect or too much bounce.

Go for adjustable over-the-shoulder or wide straps that crisscross at the back. These are less annoying to wear than old-style self-tie halters, which gave many women headaches and neck strain. Note that some swimsuit sites and brands like Beach2Ocean, Swimsuits for All and Herroom feature bra-sized suits, like the Coco Reef Elite Reversible Bra Sized Underwire One Piece Swimsuit in Lush Blooms ($128, beach2ocean.com) and the Fantasie Cala Macarella Underwire V-Neck Swimsuit ($139, herroom.com), which comes in sizes 30 to 40, D to G!

Find a swimsuit that will suit any activity you have planned, from swimming laps to playing on the beach.

Getty Images

Mistake #6: Shopping for swimsuits in a store — or giving up.

Now that we can leisurely browse swimsuits on our phone 24/7, shop five sites in 10 minutes, and compare 20 suits in our exact size without going through racks of disappointing duds, who needs the in-store drama of dressing rooms, bad lighting and annoying salespeople? You’ll have more privacy and less stress trying on a suit at home. 

Make swimsuit try-ons a weeklong project, whether you’ve ordered new ones or need to check last year’s cache. Be kind to your body and take stock. Maybe you’re temporarily bloated, you gained a few pounds or more from last summer, or you’ve lost weight and your waist is back but your bust is saggier. Take full-length selfies in the mirror — front and back — and compare. You may have the right style but the wrong size or color.

Keep any new activities or venues in mind, too. Are you choosing suits for a cruise, laps in your backyard pool, a community water aerobics class, or hitting the beach with family? Use online shopping to get out of your comfort zone and try new-to-you swim specialty sites like Andie Swim and Summersalt. Revisit newly updated classic sources like Lands’ End, Lane Bryant and Soma, and check out lingerie sites like Bare Necessities for European brands.