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 check 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. I also tried a few on in the dressing room for you to see.
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
New Swimsuits at Nordstrom
Here are 3 La Blanca one-piece swimsuits I tried on before my trip to Mexico. This white one comes in ten colors with a higher neck and ruching in the tummy. The center suit has adjustable straps and full back coverage. The suit on the right has shirred side seams, adjustable straps, and removable soft cups. All are fully lined. I ended up buying the La Blanca “Island” one and love it.
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 One Piece
Last year, I polled the AWSL audience on their favorite place to 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.
I hate having to pull and adjust my suit to make sure I’m covered while I’m doing water activities. Luckily, this flattering one-piece from Land’s End is made with a stay-put design, so you don’t have to give your swimwear a second thought. My favorite thing about this suit, and others from this brand, is that they are 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 regular and petite sizes 2-18, long sizes 4-18, and plus sizes 16-26.
Best Size-Inclusive: Summersalt
It’s hard to find a swimsuit that looks good on all body types and shapes. It seems the brand Summersalt has mastered that very task! They were first known for their best-selling Sidestroke, but now they have an entire collection of beautifully made, size-inclusive swimwear. They are made with superior compression to hold you in while also offering full bust support for chests of all sizes. I like that the rear on this one is full coverage as well! I loved the petite floral print on this one, but if you prefer bolder colors, it comes in a number of other colors and prints. Sizes 0-22.
Best Budget Friendly: Ruched 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 $35, and it has wide straps and a flattering ruching. Sizes XXS-XXL, Plus sizes 18-22.
Best Slimming Effects: Stylest Dreamsculpt
The Stylest Dreamsculpt Puff Sleeve Zip is designed to offer 4x more compression than other swimsuits available in the market. The built-in shapewear is specifically crafted to smooth and sculpt your body, giving you a more flattering silhouette, while the 360-degree shelf bra provides ample chest lift and support.
If you’re looking for a more affordable tummy control option, check out this one.
Best Halter: Hermoza Genevieve
If you prefer a full chest coverage, check out this one piece swimsuit from Hermoza that’s gaining popularity after being shared by Oprah. It’s fully lined with a tummy control panel and an adjustable waist tie. I love this blue and white palm print, but it also comes in several solid colors, as well as a few colorblock combinations. Sizes 2-14.
Best One Piece: L.L. Bean Shaping Swimsuit
This shaping swimsuit from L.L. Bean is constructed with a a built-in tummy control panel and strategic draping and ruching to help create a flattering silhouette without making you feel like you are being uncomfortably squeezed or constricted. Regular and long sizes 8-18, plus sizes 18-26.
Best Tankini: Tempt Me 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.
Best Swimsuit for Laps at the Pool: BeanSport Tanksuit
I know that many of you like to swim laps in the pool or do water aerobics, so I wanted to be sure to include a modest swimsuit that works for that! You can find both style and agility in this flattering one-piece by L.L. Bean. It’s quick-drying, chorine-resistant, and has a built-in soft cup bra. Sizes 4-18. I also like this one from Speedo.
Best Reversible: Tommy Bahama Playa Brava
Heading out for a quick weekend trip to the lake or beach? Just throw this reversible swimsuit from Tommy Bahama in your bag and get two looks for the price of one. I can’t decide which print I like more! Sizes 4-16.
Best Swim Dress: Magicsuit Chromatique Ella Skirted One-Piece
Swim dresses used to look quite matronly, but I was quite pleased with the options I found while researching! I liked this one from Magicsuit because you can convert it into a regular swimsuit, but this one from Land’s End is in a close second place. Sizes 8-16.
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
If you prefer extra bottom coverage, then a swim skirt is a great option! This swim skirt from Land’s End comes with a tummy control panel and an attached panty. It would look great paired with this tankini! You can grab the skirt in a regular, petite, or tall length. Sizes 2-18 and plus sizes 16-26.
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! 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: I find they have the 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
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 am 68 years old. About 10+ years ago I saw some morning show where the guest was a swimsuit designer who said, Dont worry as much about the swimsuit as the cover-up!
Focus on what you most want to cover (thighs? arms? belly?) and find a coverup that looks good with your suit and does what you most want. I have followed that advice for years!! Works for me.
Swim and Sweat has a nice line of chlorine resistant suits that are very popular with the ladies who do pool exercise at the Y where I swim. They hold up well and have a flattering fabric that is “crinkled”. They keep their color, shape and stretch very well.
Thanks for the tip!
I too like the La Blanca island blue floral swimsuit best , you look amazing in all suits but I think that one
really looks lovely on you.
When you say self tanners for body , how do you blend in for a face tanner or do you use the same body product.
?
It would be great if you did a post on beach cover ups to stroll along the shore or pop to beach bar etc.
Love the packable Panama hat .
Regards Pamela from Wales Uk .
I just use the self tanners on my legs and a bit on my arms. I never get dark enough that my face needs to blend. I’m just basically trying to knock down the white glare 🙂
Have you ever looked at Title 9 or Athleta? I’m a 65 yr old athlete, 5’4’, 34DDD with a menopausal stomach. These suits come in your specific bra size. They have bikinis, tankinis, board shorts, skirts and sport shorts. I’m also fair-skinned & self-conscious about my veins, so the shorts are wonderful. They hide the top of my thighs.
They sound great Carol!
I’m a big fan of Land’s End’s High Neck Tankini. It provides good sun protection in the chest area and you don’t have to worry about anything falling out. 😄 The higher neck is actually very flattering. They’re so comfortable. Good for lap swimming, and as one reader mentioned you can mix and match the tops and bottoms.
They sound great!
I loved your suggestions,you look great in all of the suits. I also like self tanners. Thank you for all the info you provide.
I’m glad it’s helpful.
I ordered the rash guard in the white with navy stripes from LE and the navy board shorts from Amazon. I have not bothered with a suit for years but the price and style fit my needs. My old too tight suit goes! I can wear the rash guard shirt to walk the dog. Thank you Jennifer for the links. You look terrific in all of the suits!
Thank you Sydney!
Echoing another reader comment……You look absolutely fabulous, great pix!
And Thx for a wonderful blog. Always look forward to new post.
You’re so kind thank you
If I had your figure, I wouldn’t mind showing off my swimsuit. You look fabulous in all your photos.
Thank you
I go to the Tommy Bahama store or online & purchase their full zip rash guard tops. Comfortable. Beautiful patterns with long sleeves & easy to remove when it’s all wet. I just wear a tankini underneath for support or a bikini top if not going to be out all day.
Great idea
Because I’m tall with a long torso, I prefer a tankini over a one piece swimsuit. Last summer, I was fortunate to find one that fits well and looks good at Walmart for a very reasonable price.
Walmart has some great swim suits. I like tankini’s too.
You have nothing to be afraid of you look fabulous in a swimsuit!
You’re sweet. Thanks pal
You look fabulous Jennifer, no matter what swimsuit you have on. Brava!
Thanks Hedi. We had to take a zillion photos to catch me at just the right angle and lighting.
It’s great to know there are so many swimsuits out there for women over 60. The Island suit looks beautiful on you. For me it’s not so much finding suit but it’s my skin I don’t want to show. I’m always looking for easy to use body makeup that really works. Needless to say it’s a real pain so I don’t put on a swimsuit often. Have you ever looked into body makeup?
I’m not fond of how my skin looks on my arms and legs either. I swear by self tanner but I know many ladies love body makeup.
Terrific and wide ranging selection.
I’d have to throw my vote in for Land’s End. I’ve purchased two bottoms and two tops that are interchangeable. They’ve really worn well considering the amount of water aerobics I do. It has helped that I rinse them out in cold water after each use.
Love the one piece suits that you’ve featured as well. Thanks for the post.
Rinsing them out really helps save the colors.
I swear by Speedo’s ‘Endurance fabric’ swimsuits (website) and have 4 so that I can use a dry one daily at my local pool . They are apparently indestructible but must be rinsed in water without soap or detergent after being used and then line dried . Before I discovered them I got through a swimsuit a year and they used to get so baggy !
Thanks for sharing. It makes total sense that Speedo would make a great suit.