A Complete Swimsuit Guide for Women Over 60
Warm weather and summer are right around the corner, and that means it’s almost time for swimsuit season. My requirements are quite different than they were in my thirties and forties when shopping for a swimsuit. Rather than trying to show things off at this age, I’m looking for something flattering and comfortable that stays put, provides adequate coverage, and protects my skin from the sun. Not too much to ask for, right? The swimwear items I’m sharing in today’s complete swimsuit guide for women over 60 checks all of those boxes. From the best tummy control one piece to tankinis and swim shorts, you can enjoy your favorite water activities feeling confident and comfortable.
As you prepare for summer and swimsuit season, you might also like to check out these other posts I’ve written:
- The Best Sun Protective Clothing Brands for Women
- Modest Bathing Suits and Cover-ups You’ll Love
- Best Sun Hats to Protect Your Skin
- Cruelty-Free Sunscreens for Mature Skin
Most Flattering Swimsuits for Women Over 60
Perhaps you have a cruise on your calendar, a pool in your backyard, or a water aerobics class you attend every week. No matter where this summer will take you, it’s always a good idea to have a bathing suit on hand that you feel confident wearing. From rashguards to swim skirts, this comprehensive list of flattering swimsuits for women over 60 has something for everyone!
Best Overall: Land’s End Tugless Sporty One Piece
When I asked the AWSL audience where they buy their swimsuits, the resounding answer was Land’s End. This is why I named it the best swimsuit overall because they truly do offer every type of swimsuit you could want.
There’s nothing more frustrating when you are at the pool or the beach than having to tug at your swimsuit, especially the straps or around your bottom. You don’t have to give this modest swimsuit from Land’s End another thought as it stays put without any shifting or adjusting. My favorite thing about this suit is that it’s made with Lycra Xtra Life spandex, which is resistant to damage from chlorine and the sun. This extends the life of your swimwear, allowing you to live more sustainably while preventing you from having to buy a new suit every single year. Available in sizes 2-18.
Best Size-Inclusive: Summersalt Sidestroke
It’s hard to find a swimsuit that looks good on all body types and shapes. This best-selling one-shoulder swimsuit by Summersalt has been called a unicorn because it does just that! It is made with superior compression to hold you in while also offering full bust support for chests of all sizes. I like that the rear is full coverage as well! This blue and white combination is so pretty, plus it comes in a number of other color combinations and some solids. Sizes 0-24.
Best Budget Friendly: Criss Cross Back One Piece
If you’re shopping for an affordable swimsuit that still ticks all of the boxes, try this one from Amazon. This modest suit is under $30, and it has wide straps and a flattering cross-back design. Sizes 2-16.
Best Tummy Control: Miraclesuit Illusionist Crossover One-Piece
If you’re shopping for a suit with shaping in the stomach area, look no further than this Miraclesuit swimsuit that promises to make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds. Sign me up! It’s constructed to firm, hold, and shape, but without any uncomfortable wires. Sizes 8-16. It’s recommended that you size up.
Best One Piece: L.L. Bean Shaping Swimsuit
This UPF 50+ V-Neck One Piece from L.L. Bean has a built-in tummy control panel. It also has strategic draping and ruching to help create a flattering silhouette. This suit is also constructed with Lycra Xtra Life material for a long-lasting swimsuit. Sizes 8-18.
Best Tankini: Yonique Tankini Swimsuit
Although I love the timeless look of a one-piece, a two-piece swimsuit can be very convenient when it comes to getting undressed or taking a restroom break. This affordable tankini bathing suit is very highly rated on Amazon, and the top is wonderful for camouflaging any insecurities in the tummy area. Sizes XXS-XXL, as well as sizes 18-26.
Best Swimsuit for Laps at the Pool: Speedo
I know that many of you like to swim laps in the pool or do water aerobics. I wanted to be sure to include a modest swimsuit that works for that! You can find both comfort and agility in this flattering one-piece by Speedo. It has a built-in bra for maximum support in and out of the water. Sizes 6-24.
Best Swim Shorts: Quick Dry High Waisted Swim Board Shorts
Board shorts are wonderful for activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, wakeboarding, and so many more outdoor water activities. They’re great for pairing with a tankini top or putting over your one-piece swimsuit. I love that these have side pockets which are great for carrying your phone, lip balm, and keys. Sizes XS-3X.
Best Swim Skirt: Chlorine Resistant Swim Skirt
This swim skirt from Land’s End comes with some great options which make it fit many women’s lifestyle. You can choose whether you’d like a firming tummy control panel, an attached panty or not, and more. You can also grab it in a regular, petite, or tall length. Sizes 2-16 (some sizes are sold out in certain colors).
Best Rashguard: Land’s End Crew Neck Long Sleeve Rashguard
If you’ve been reading AWSL for any amount of time, you probably know how important sun protection is to me. I am vigilant about wearing UPF clothing when I am going to be in the harsh UV rays. Rashguards are perfect for when you’re engaged in water activities. This one from Land’s End comes in 13 fun patterns, but my favorite is this classic navy and white stripe. Sizes XS-XL and plus sizes.
Best Places to Shop for Swimwear:
Here’s a list of some of the top brands and retailers you can shop for modest swimsuits.
- Land’s End: Best selection
- Nordstrom:
- La Blanca: Flattering suits that are always in style
- Tommy Bahama: Beautiful prints & patterns
- Miraclesuit: Make you look slimmer
- Summersalt: Great size inclusive option
- Amazon: Budget-Friendly
- L.L. Bean
- Hermoza: Known for their modest swimwear & approved by Oprah
Shop More Swimsuits for Women Over 60:
Do you have a favorite brand of swimsuit? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I have bought many swimsuits in my 67 years. The very best I have found, especially if you like great support on the top, come from Swimsuits for All.
If you follow the instructions on properly measuring yourself, you will get a perfect fit.
Good to know, thank you.
Thank you so much for this post. Just discovered your site and i’m tackling the most challenging first – the swimsuit as i have cruises and beach trips coming up in June. You look amazing. i am so pleased that you gave options in a variety of price ranges.
Welcome!
I ordered the board shorts, one in size L and one XL, two different colors. They came today and I love them both. I’ve been looking for these for a long time because it’s been hard to find higher waisted ones that are not stretchy material. Thank you!
I’m so glad you like them!
I purchased a Gottex swim suit from Chico’s yesterday. They don’t have a lot of them and they are not well-advertised, but there was a swimsuit that was probably a return in my local store in a different size than I wear and I loved it. Also had lingerie straps, which is a touch I enjoy. Haven’t purchased a new one for maybe ten years? Also have Lands’ End suits, rashguards and coverups and love them all. Have passed really nice looking swimsuits at Walmart, also.
I do water exercises three times a week and love the Landsend one piece anti chlorine styles. I stick to black as it resists chlorine the best and I soak my two in a special swimsuit soak to keep them at their best. Best part….they are frequently on sale. I replace once a year. For actual trips, I have two one piece suits. One is a square neck abstract print Gottex and the other is a floral Tommy Bahama. I have had these two for five years and still love them.
I wear Coolibar brand (they make sun protective clothing) swim rash guards with capri swim tights or bicycle shorts. They dry within seconds of me getting out of the water, and everything is covered!
I love the Coolibar brand!
This is helpful, Jennifer – a place to begin in the universe of swim suit shopping! The essential thing for me in a swim suit is criss-cross straps in the back. I have sloping, forward shoulders and regular straps just won’t stay up. Halter necklines are not comfortable for me. The fact that I am small-busted adds to the problem. For that same reason, I have to watch necklines carefully to avoid “gap-o-sis” when I lean forward. I have made a ton of poor swim suit purchases in the past, but I found a style I really love, made by Carol Wior. It has all the features I need! But I need another suit, and with this info I have a good place to start!
I hear you about gap-o-sis!!
I hate bathing suit shopping. Lots of cute styles out there. That royal blue one looked great on you.
I prefer the Nike two peace which has a sport top and a tank over the sports bra top with swim shorts. Covers up a lot of stuff I don’t want to show.
I have a long torso and very small chest, Longitude fits but the fabric does’t last. I tried J Crew (long torso) it fits, and the fabric is thicker. I wear rash guards and exercise shorts to water aerobics , they work well.
I also have a long torso and larger bust for a short person. My suits are from LL Bean. But I may try Landsend for a tankini. They are so cute and practical. You look great in the blue suit. I love blue on you!
Thank you. I love blue💙💙💙
Sunflair a German company, which are sold in the U.S. by South Beach Swimsuits, makes gorgeous both regular by cup size and mastectomy swimsuits. The fabrics are of the best quality and the designs, colors and patterns are fabulous. I have two, and they look brand new after ten years.
Thanks for sharing that brand, Laura. I’ll check them out.
I purchased 3 tankini tops by mail to try: 2 from Miraclesuit and one from Talbots made by Miraclesuit. Very expensive, but more innovative styling to cover “trouble zones”. Although I am slightly overweight at 5’1” and 127#, my tummy really is an embarrassment for me and I am busty and short waisted. So the tankini tops have either soft folds over the tummy, hanging from the V neckline, or draping with a side tie to create camouflage for the tummy.
I am a full C cup, and ALL of the suits (underwire or not) show much more cleavage than in the models’ photos, which I quite dislike.
That’s great to know. Thank you. I love your description…we all have those trouble zones.
Good ideas for swimwear, Jennifer. The two you show when you were in Florida are excellent, and suit you very well.
Like another reader, I found Longitude swimsuits fit me, and they were bought locally. That store has now been replaced with a sports shop and the owner’s bringing in some good options for this town of mostly over 60’s.
What I have difficulty finding are suits that are as structured in the rear as much as the front. I am the lucky one… had cellulite on my bum since a teenager🙁 and not much I can do about it. I look for a suit that is usually black with the interesting colour… usually banding on the front. Most suits have the tummy control figured out, but use thinner fabric on the backside.
As someone who does laps, as well as energetic water workouts, it needs be tug free and “no faffing about” 😀with the straps … think that reader grew up in the UK ! Love that comment!
I used to buy a new suit every year or so , due to the stretch fibres breaking , until I went to polyester on the advice of a lifeguard … they feel weird at first, but these suits wear very well. LLBEAN works for sure for a true sporty swimsuit.
I’m going to order those no-tug suits!
Wow, you have covered all the bases here. There is definitely a swimsuit for everyone to pick from. When we had a pool I had so many cute suits but since we’ve moved I’m down to one. I have barely used it but I would like a new one. Thanks for sharing all the info 🌼
Jennifer, very nice choices in swimwear. I never looked at Lands End for a swimsuit as I have been a long time customer of LL Bean’s swimwear, Always a great fit and long lasting.
I really like the blue print suit you modeled.
Here’s to the 🏖️
Thanks Jennifer for all your research. You’ve found some brands I’ve never heard of. I have a long torso so it’s difficult to find a swimsuit to fit me properly. I buy Longitude swimsuits. They are longer in the torso so they fit me pretty good. I will take a look at some of your suggestions. By the way, you look great in those suits!
Thanks you. I have a long torso too but as I’ve put on a few pounds the suits seem to get longer as they get wider 😁
L L Bean swimsuits for many, many years and reasons. Always look good and many good deals if you pay attention.
I have successfully used an online swimwear company called “ swimandsweat”. I live in a small Canadian town with very little in the way of clothing options for mature women. I needed a couple of swimsuits to use for swimming laps at a community pool and found several different options for chlorine resistant, full coverage suits (I wanted no cleavage and full seat, no faffing with adjustment during my workout) in an array of sizes which were delivered promptly, very reasonably priced and perfect for my needs. A year later, the suits are going strong, so I am well pleased with the quality.
When in my 70’s I wore a high short bottom and a blouse type top (the strap went from one side around the neck to the other and could be removed) which came just below the tummy – the top was mixed colours the bottom solid it was quite attractive and very comfortable I can’t remember where I purchased it I don’t have it anymore
I agree with you about Land’s End swimsuits — they fit well and hold up. I like their tankinis with bandeau top. I have several expensive swimsuits but th Land’s End is the most comfortable. Also, they’re shirts and coverups.
I have the green version of the black Tempt Me from Amazon that you have linked. I was completely amazed at the quality of this suit for the price. I love Lands End and have bought suits from them for years, but I do recommend the Tempt Me brand.
Thanks for sharing your experience with it. I’ve had my eye on that one.
The best thing that I did to feel comfortable in a swimsuit is I went to a Swimsuit Shop while on vacation in Madeira Beach, FL. The tops were all by cup size/band size, not small, med or lg. This included one piece, two piece, tankini, etc. I ended up with a tankini top and swim skirt. I am short and big busted and by having that fitting was the best thing I have ever done for my confidence in swim wear. When I buy from a store, I do find that LLBean suits fit me well. I do have to size up when I buy them but excellent quality for the price.
That sounds like a fabulous way to get the perfect fit.
Jennifer, I admire you for posting pics of yourself in a swim suit and May I say, you look fabulous! I’ve never tried Lands End for a swim suit as I’m a long time LLBean customer. Always a good fit and long wearing.
The pretty print swim suit looks so good on your fair skin.
Have a wonderful day
They’re a great source as well. Thanks for mentioning them. Happy Wednesday Pat
Sorry my post went thru twice I thought I lost it the first time I wrote it
No worries, I had to turn comment moderation back on. You’d be shocked at the spam comments when you post a bathing suit photo of yourself!
I have more than one Land’s End tugless swimsuit and I love them. Good coverage, lots of colors and patterns to choose from, very comfortable. I also have several of the long-sleeved rash guards. I always wear them boating along with a raffia hat in the summer. Like you, I’m concerned about sun exposure as well as melanoma, as my father died from it.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. It’s very scary and more serious than some people take it.
You did not include any long torso options. I know that LE carries them – have worn the “tugless tank” for years. By accident, I discovered Maxine of Hollywood (carried at Belk). Although not advertised as long, I find that they run quite long. They are cut to provide full coverage of the derriere and are modestly priced.
Great to know!
I am a life-long swimmer and now living in SW Florida I manage to swim almost every day of the year. We have Beall’s and Beall’s outlet that sell swimwear virtually year round so I am always on the prowl there. Otherwise, your selection of stores mirrors mine. You have some lovely choices here.
Been using Lands End for years. Have several tankinis and rash guards as well as the 9” board shorts. I always get compliments on the tankinis. I had the shorter board shorts but didn’t like them as well as the longer ones.
Jennifer you look absolutely fabulous in the blue swimsuit! Great color for you as well as a great fit. Have a great day!
Thanks Violet
As a longtime lap swimmer (indoor pool because I live in England !) I will only wear Speedo Endurance fabric swimsuits now . Before I got 1 stylish lycra/spandex one per year . Speedo Endurance is some kind of performance polyester which lasts for years and only needs rinsing in water . I have 3 which I got on sale via their website – and the colours don’t fade either !
That’s great to hear. Thanks for the referral.
I have the Summersalt one shoulder suit in a beautiful color combination no longer available and it is surprisingly attractive and comfortable. Garnet Hill also has nice suits. Not that I enjoy wearing a swimsuit in public! But I love beach lounging so a good suit is necessary. Thanks for more good options.