It’s Time to Break Out Your Swimwear

Did you know that over 100 years ago, only men wore swimwear? It’s true! Women wore beach “costumes” because women supposedly “didn’t swim.” It wasn’t until 1946 that the first bikini was introduced at a Paris fashion show. Read all about it HERE.

But now, we all wear swimwear and with summer comes swimsuit season. I understand this can often bring a lot of anxiety for women, especially for those of us over 50. But I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to fear the swimsuit, darlings! You can be over 50 and wear your bathing suit with pride and confidence.

To find the right suit for you, it’s all about classy, chic and flattering looks for your body type. Remember, regardless of your age, every woman deserves to feel like a Queen in her swimwear. Have that in mind while you’re looking through all the styles and brands offered.

How To Buy the Right Swimsuit

Number one, darlings, is comfort. Always chose a suit that fits you well; one you feel comfortable wearing on the beach or at your nearby pool. If you feel comfortable, it will show in your attitude, which will allow you to have fun without fear. Here are a few tips to get you started on purchasing your next suit:

The Bust: Whether you’re smaller chested or larger chested, finding the right suit to fit your bust is very important. There are so many times that many of us have fallen victim to loose straps, or the tops of our suits falling down, so often we don’t feel comfortable actually swimming or relaxing.

When buying a suit for a large bust, look for a top with underwire support or a sports-bra-like style. This will guarantee support. A good adjustable strap will also do you wonders, no matter what your size! For those with a smaller chest, still look for support in suits with built-in shelf bras or soft cups. And if you are looking to give your bust a little more power, chose a delightfully-patterned suit. This will provide the look of a fuller chest, if you so desire.

The Bottom: Coverage for the bum is so important. If you want to be more revealing, then of course darlings, that is up to you. But if you’re looking for coverage, a high-waisted suit, boy shorts, skits or a full-coverage bikini will be great options. Many sites, like Summersalt offer a rating for their suits with A denoting the least amount of bum coverage and C being the greatest. Companies like this cater to all ages and you’ll know exactly what kind of suit you’re getting before you buy it.

Accentuate Your Curves: I love a suit that is a little tighter along the tummy, as swimwear often stretches after the first few wears. Have you ever had the top layer of your suit sag down? We don’t want that! Pick a suit that is made out of good quality material and won’t fall apart quickly. Thicker Italian-made fabric is great. To give your body an elongated look, pick a higher cut suit or one with a ruching or sweeping vertical pattern. These are timeless styles that will never go out of style. They are also very classy.

Cover-Ups: If you’re feeling a little out of place or you want more coverage when out by the water, don’t be afraid to buy a stylish cover-up. These can vary from long button-up shirts made out of breathable fabric to a beautiful island sarong that ties around your waist. Cover-ups are not only a way to show your sense of style out by the pool or on vacation, but also a perfect way to protect yourself from the sun’s rays if you’re feeling over-heated.

How to Pick the Right Size When Ordering Online

If you can, go to a store to try on a variety of swimsuits that fit your style and comfort level. However, we have Amazon and so many sites with great suit options at our fingertips now! You may want to order a suit online that you can’t get in a brick and mortar store. If this is the case, make sure to measure your sizing. Most sites have sizing guides for each suit that will help you determine what fit to purchase. If you don’t have the ability to measure, then pick the size you know to be. You can always return it if it doesn’t fit properly. However, if you are between sizes, order a size smaller as suits will stretch over time.

 Show Off Your Personality & Have Fun

Remember darlings, just like any wardrobe advice I give, use your swimwear choice to demonstrate your personality to the world. There are so many styles of swimsuits for women over 50 now. As a result, we have no excuse but to let our inner expression shine. Pick a bold pattern or a bright neon pink. Or opt for a classy black suit that shows off your inner 1950s woman. It’s up to you! Just remember to pick as suit you feel confident and comfortable in. From there, you can let your personality shine.

What are some of your favorite suit brands for women over 50? Join the conversation in the comments below or on Facebook and Instagram.

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