Half the fun of a winter getaway to someplace warm is getting to wear a bathing suit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. But something happens to many women when at the age of 50: The number of swimsuit options we feel confident in shrinks. If you’re looking for a swimsuit that offers support without sacrificing style, you’ve come to the right place.
Quick Overview
See 7 moreWe tapped three fashion experts to get the scoop on what are the most figure-flattering and fashion-forward options of the season. While over 50 style blogger Dana Marie believes the best swimsuits are “whatever you feel most comfortable in,” she also recommends reaching for “one-pieces and high cut bikinis that provide support and have ruching details.” Style expert Joseph Katz told chof360 Style, “The most popular swimsuits when we get to 50 and above tend to lean to the one piece as it is a little more forgiving as it covers some areas that most women like to have coverage over. Other details to keep an eye out for are built-in underwire for support, mesh for smoothing purposes, sun-protective fabric and of course ruching.
We’ve rounded up about a dozen of the best swimsuits for women over the age of 50. We did the hard work of combing through customer reviews and consulting with style experts. These top picks are flattering, age-appropriate and fashionable. And none of them will break the bank.
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Update, Feb. 26, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added two new suits to the list, the Smismivo Tummy Control halter and Ai'mage halter. Our number one pick for the best swimsuit for women over 50 remains unchanged.
Best swimsuit for women over 50 overall
Cupshe
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Design details: Tummy control, lace-up back | Silhouette: One-piece, high neck | Sizes: XS-XXL | Color options: Black, green, orange, purple, blue, blue-black two-tone, green-black two-tone, pink-black two-tone, red, turquoise, navy floral, blue floral, white floral
This popular number is expert- and shopper-approved. Over-50 style influencer Dana Marie listed Cupshe as one of her favorite swimsuit brands, thanks to its stylish designs and supportive details. This top-selling option has ruching around the midsection to smooth out any lumps and bumps and removable padded cups for extra shaping. Also, it’s fully adjustable at the back, to help you easily find your perfect fit. One five-star reviewer raved, “After three children and some weight gain I am self-conscious in a swimsuit, so my friend recommended this one. I have to say that it gives me a confidence boost. It runs true to size and provides a flattering fit on both mine and my friend’s body frames (that are very different).” Plus, it’s super affordable at under $40.
Other top swimsuits for women over 50 we recommend for 2025
Amazon
Material: 82% nylon, 18% spandex | Design details: Ruching around stomach, adjustable halter neck | Silhouette: Halterneck | Sizes: Small-2XL | Color options: 21 options
This halter-top swimsuit is another option our team tested and loved. Our Executive Editor Nicole Sforza said this one-piece "hugs my curves in a good way." Her bust felt supported even though she would consider this low neckline fairly "sexy," and she was able to move freely without showing too much. Meanwhile, our Senior Health Commerce Writer, Laura Williams said she loved the bust and the high-cut leg but did wish there was a bit more booty coverage. But she found the swimsuit very comfortable and said it didn't pinch or constrict as she moved around — which sounds like a win in our book!
Amazon
Material: 82% nylon, 18% spandex | Design details: Adjustable halter neck, tummy control, removable padding | Silhouette: One-piece, Halter neck| Sizes: Small-3XL | Color options: 28 options
This retro-inspired one-piece is less than $35 and comes with a push-up bra plus a magical tummy-control panel that keeps everything in place while keeping you comfortable. Our readers absolutely love its adjustable halter cut, and the fact that it offers full coverage without sacrificing a cute figure. "I was hesitant to buy a bathing suit online as my in-store experiences with swimsuit shopping, like most women, have been less than joyful. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and fit. My 17-year-old daughter told me I looked cute, which for a 60-year-old Mom is worth 10 times what I paid for this. No slippage or binding in the pool either! Win-win," raved one five-star reviewer.
J.Crew
Material: 82% recycled nylon, 18% elastane; 92% polyester, 8% elastic lining | Design details: Full-coverage bottom, high-coverage back, low-cut leg, removable padding | Silhouette: One-piece, V-neck | Sizes: 0-24 classic torso, 0-16 long torso | Color options: Fuchsia, navy, black, lemon, wildfire, warm chimney, cerise, iris, papaya, safari, sail blue
This sleek J.Crew suit is a bestseller for a reason! Katz loves this stylish one-piece “for the ruching detail, its slimming effects and very sexy plunging V-neck.” The suit ranges in size from 0 to 24 and even comes in a long-torso version. Along with being machine washable, this full-coverage suit also has built-in UPF 50 sun protection. Even better, it is made with recycled materials — so you can feel good about your purchase. As an added bonus, this suit is currently marked down in several colors.
Miraclesuit
Material: 69% nylon, 31% spandex | Design details: Soft cup bra, sheer detail, shaping fabric, mesh cutouts | Silhouette: One-piece, crossover, scoop back | Sizes: 8-16 | Color options: Sangria, navy, black, nova
A bathing suit that’s sexy and supportive? Bring it on. Miraclesuit has been treating us to figure-flattering swimwear for decades, so it makes sense that this cute option is at the top of Katz’s list. “The Miraclesuit is a supercharged one-piece with a sexy sheer detail and fabric that shapes you to perfection,” he said. Sultry mesh cutouts are flanked by classical draping and shirring to hide any imperfections. Its deep-scoop back shows off some skin, while the thick straps help keep everything in place as you move around.
Amazon
Material: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Design details: Built-in cups, swim skirt | Silhouette: Swim dress | Sizes: XS-5XL | Color options: 23 options
If you like more coverage in the back, our Commerce Managing Editor Katelyn Mullen and Deals Writer Carrie McCabe recommend this cute swim dress. McCabe says the neckline is very flattering for larger bust sizes, while Mullen loved that it stays in place, so she doesn’t have to constantly adjust it. She even mentioned that it was so flattering, she got several compliments on it! “I had four different women at my community pool stop me to tell me they liked my swimsuit and ask where I got it from,” she said. This cute little number is also super affordable at under $40.
Summersalt
Material: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Design details: Full bottom coverage, no top padding, back cutout | Silhouette: One-piece, one shoulder | Sizes: 0-24 | Color options: Seaweed, seaglass and white sand; sky blue, mountain and white sand; white sand; olive; lava, hibiscus and white sand; deep sea; sea urchin; deep sea, hydrangea and white sand; spritz, strawberry and white sand; floral fête; vintage floral and sea urchin; preppy petals in hydrangea and pink; blue isle
There are 18 styles to choose from. This popular Summersalt one-piece made style expert Joseph Katz’s list of faves because of its “sexy cutout on the back and built-in slimming detail.” The suit uses diagonal seaming, and the brand’s signature compression fabric keeps everything in place. It is size-inclusive, ranging from 0 to 24, is super supportive at the bust without using any added cups or padding, and has full coverage at the rear. The company even has options for classic sizing or women with longer torsos. Thousands of shoppers are fans and love how flattering it is and the fact that they never have to adjust the suit when wearing it.
Shopbop
Material: 88% Lycra, 12% Lycra elastane | Design details: Knit-like fabric, stretch fit | Silhouette: One-piece, scoop neck | Sizes: One size | Color options: Black, white, metallic cocoa, metallic denim, bubblegum, metallic raspberry, metallic moss/white, red/white
You can never go wrong with a classic black one-piece. Afterpay brand ambassador Zanna Roberts Rassi is a fan of this minimal maillot as it’s stretchy yet sculpting. Like all of Hunza G’s suits, the swimsuit is one-size-fits-all thanks to the brand’s signature “figure-flattering fabric that flexes to sculpt and support all shapes.” The scoop-neck silhouette offers just a hint of skin at the front, but the plunging back makes the suit a sexy, unexpected option. Just keep in mind: This textured knit suit needs to be hand-washed.
FWIW — This is one of the most expensive suits on our list, but the reviews say it’s worth the price.
Amazon
Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Design details: One-shoulder, cutout, ruching at midsection | Silhouette: One-piece | Sizes: XXS-22 Plus | Color options: 27 options
Two of our editors tested out this sleek one-shoulder suit and loved how stylish and sophisticated it is. Despite its having only one strap, Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza said it was very easy to move around in without it exposing you — it was even diving board-proof! “The coverage was just enough so that I could still run around like a fourth grader on field day. I love to bodysurf and dive, and this suit totally held up and kept me covered,” she said. Home Editor Lisa Schweitzer said it looked more expensive than it was and liked that it provided good coverage and support without pinching or constricting her, but she said the sizing seemed to run a bit small.
Amazon
Material: 80% chinlon, 20% spandex | Design details: Padded cups, bow knot waist | Silhouette: One-piece, wrap front | Sizes: XXS-XL | Color options: Orange, green, purple, blue, brown, hot pink, pink
You can’t go wrong with this popular one-piece. “Built-in bra cups and the tie detail create a great slimming illusion, and the price is right,” said Katz about this top-rated Cupshe option. The bow knot at the waist helps create an hourglass shape, while the color-blocked design gives it a fun twist. “Honestly, the most comfortable swimsuit I’ve ever worn!” raved one shopper. “Flattering on, and I love the color. I’m 5’5”, 145 pounds and I got the large. I have a longer torso, and this suit fits perfect. I’ll definitely be ordering more! Also, I’m in my 60s, so this suit is appropriate for everyone.”
Summersalt
Material: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Design details: Shelf soft-cup bra, compression seaming, adjustable straps, color blocking | Silhouette: One-piece | Sizes: 2-22 | Color options: Leopard; grapefruit, coral and white sand; sky, blue mountain and white sand; Atlantic, sea urchin and white sand; lava, hibiscus and white sand
Stand out on a crowded beach in this colorful suit. Dana Marie is also a major fan of Summersalt swimwear. This fun color-blocked option has smoothing diagonal seaming, built-in cups and adjustable straps for a figure-flattering look. It has full coverage at the rear and a shelf bra with built-in soft cups that give your bust area a nice smooth shape. “I am a 63-year-old slim, small woman with a thick waist. This suit makes me look like I have a figure! My husband loves it as much as I do,” raved one five-star reviewer. Use the code BIGDEAL at checkout to save 35% for a limited time.
Monday Swimwear
Material: 82% recycled nylon, 18% spandex | Design details: Adjustable coverage, thick waist panel | Silhouette: One-piece, deep V-neck | Sizes: P-VVV | Color options: Black, ivory
Martha Stewart made a splash wearing this plunging stunner on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Martha’s exact white-hot swimsuit is designed to be slimming and flattering, thanks to the thick panel around the waist, wide straps for supporting large busts and a deep V-neckline that helps elongate the body. The gorgeous suit is made with recycled nylon and spandex sourced from leftover nylon yarn and scraps and can be yours in sizes ranging from petite to 3XL (or VVV, as it’s listed on Monday Swimwear).
Factors to consider when choosing a swimsuit for women over 50
Material: The secret to finding the most flattering style? "Focus on support and shaping," said Rassi, who added: "Look for a fabric that has a good stretch but is also sturdy enough to sculpt. You want to ensure that over time, the swimsuit will retain its shape — no saggy bottoms wanted." Rassi believes the best fabric for swimwear is a nylon blend: "It's super elastic and durable and much softer than polyester." Another detail she always looks at is the leg opening of the swimsuit bottoms. "Sometimes the seams can be stiff and cut into your legs, creating unflattering lines. You want to make sure the suit has a good amount of stretch around the seams." Both Rassi and Katz recommend a suit with built-in underwire. "A one- or two-piece style with an underwire top — think a balconette shape — gives the suit a great visual detail while providing support,” said Rassi. Added Katz, "Underwire is great because you don't have to worry about support issues and it gives a clean, built-in-sexy look." Other details to keep an eye out for are built-in mesh for smoothing purposes, sun-protective fabric and, of course, ruching. According to Katz, "ruching is a fabric-gathering detail that is terrific because it smooths edges and enhances natural curves."
Design features: While Dana Marie believes the best swimsuits are "whatever you feel most comfortable in," she also recommends reaching for "one-pieces and high-cut bikinis that provide support and have ruching details." A higher cut elongates the legs, and ruching is like magic, camouflaging tummy troubles and more. Katz, however, isn't jumping on the two-piece train, telling chof360 Life: "The most popular swimsuits when we get to 50 and above tend to be one-pieces — they're a little more forgiving as they cover the areas most women want [to hide]." But that doesn't mean your maillot has to be basic! "The one-piece swimsuit has evolved, and it is not the dated look and feel we saw years back. Today the one-piece swimsuit is built to look sexy, show off curves or add definition in places women need them and cover the areas women don't want to show," he added.
Silhouette: "One-piece swimsuits, long-sleeve and retro styles (specifically high-waist bottoms) are among the most popular," Rassi said. "According to Afterpay data, sales for retro styles are up 211% year-over-year [YOY], with long-sleeve styles following suit, up 159% YOY." Katz is partial to one-shoulder suits, as they "show a bit more but also give great coverage." He added that "it's not a typical look in swimwear, so you will stand out a bit, in a good way." Look for options that represent your personal style — and have fun! Experiment with cutout details, splashy prints, sheer panels, color blocking and sparkles.
Other swimsuits our readers love
The Pique shaping suit by Spanx features a power mesh that offers shaping all over for a snatched look that doesn't make you feel constricted. Readers love this one-piece suit's plunging neckline.
The Cupshe Tummy Control Swimsuit is another one-piece suit that manages to offer full coverage without skimping on style. A sexy vibe with tummy control? Yep, and it comes in 19 colors.
The top-rated Hilor swimsuit has incredible tummy control and a flattering one-shoulder cut with a fun frill. Readers love that the suit offers the support of a sports bra without the need for restrictive underwire, and postpartum moms love its slimming silhouette.
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Hilor offers a second one-piece suit with a decorative crisscross neckline mirrored in the waist detail. This suit also keeps everything in place, and readers say it's particularly good for women with larger busts.
The Tempt Me swimsuit is an interesting take on a two-piece suit. It comes with a flowing top and boy shorts for a slimming combo that keeps you fully covered, but with all the benefits of two-piece suits. Readers love how the shorts don't feel tight and restrictive like typical bathing suit bottoms, while still offering tummy control.
The B2prity One-Piece Swimsuit comes in 32 colors, including a two-tone color combo with a patterned bust and solid-color torso. Readers love the design and say it holds their tummies in without making it hard to breathe, and the V-neck offers a flirty touch.
FAQs
How do you know if a swimsuit is good quality?
The most telling sign of a good swimsuit is the material. Good material will be thicker and won't show skin when stretched. High-quality material will also feel smoother and silkier to the touch, while poor-quality swimsuits can have a plastic or rough feel.
How do I choose a swimsuit for my body type?
Identify your body type and pick a swimsuit design that you think fits your body best. You can always add on accessories like a cover-up, a sarong or a romper if you want more coverage. Also, consider your swim style — ruffles or skorts work for leisure but not athletic swims. Finally, if you prefer board shorts, bra tops or short sleeves on your swimsuits, go with what makes you feel the most comfortable above all else.
Should you wash your swimsuit after every use?
Yes, it's important to wash your swimsuit after every use. You don't want to be sitting in day-old chlorine or dried ocean water the next time you pull your suit on. If you’re worried about damaging the material, at least make sure to rinse off any sand or excess sunscreen before your next use.
Is it OK to machine-wash swimsuits?
Most swimsuits can be washed on a delicate cycle. If you're going to throw your swimsuit in the washing machine, make sure you remove any cups from your bikini tops beforehand and use a mesh bag so they don't snag on other items in your wash. For a gentler approach to cleaning your swimsuits, hand-wash them in the sink.
Meet our experts
Joseph Katz, style expert
Dana Marie, over-50 style influencer
Zanna Roberts Rassi, Afterpay brand ambassador
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
