20 Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50
- 1/21
20 Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50
It doesn't matter what age we are, sometimes shopping for a new summer swimsuit isn't all that fun. Sifting through piles of bikinis, one-piece bathing suits, tankinis, and many more styles to find good quality beachwear that fits your personal style and makes you feel good can seem daunting.
While finding a bathing suit that is comfortable, flattering, affordable and durable enough to last multiple seasons without losing color or stretching out can seem like a tall order, it doesn't have to be. That’s where the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab comes in. Our fiber scientists regularly test all types of swimwear, from slimming swimsuits to swimsuits for large busts and everything in between. We test the durability of a bathing suit by evaluating how well it holds up to being washed, if it keeps its shape after being stretched out, and if it holds up to abrasion (which mimics the fabric rubbing against rough surfaces like the concrete edge of a pool). We also look at how well the fabric holds up against color fading from things like UV light, chlorine, seawater, and washing machines. Then we have real consumer testers try them on to rate the appearance and fit.
Below are our picks from swimsuit brands that performed best during our swimsuit evaluations, plus editor favorites and suits that are highly rated and reviewed online. Here are the best swimsuits that older ladies over 40, 50, 60 and beyond can buy:
- 2/21
Oceanus Swimsuit
Miraclesuit
amazon.com
$139.32
This swimsuit took a top spot in our tests for colorfastness and durability, holding up to seawater, UV light, chlorine and sweat. Testers also rated this suit as having more slimming power than others we tested, saying it minimized their midsection. Testers also liked the lift the built-in underwire provided. It comes in a variety of fun colors and prints.
- 3/21
The Sidestroke
Summersalt
summersalt.com
$95.00
Summersalt is a favorite among our editors and experts, and the swimwear brand's Sidestroke bathing suit is a top pick because it looks flattering on just about everyone. While we haven’t formally tested this suit in our Textiles Lab, it has over 3,400 reviews on the Summersalt website with a 5-star rating. Reviewers rave that this one-piece swimsuit not only looks stylish but fits like a glove. The one complaint: It could use some additional lining or cups for added modesty and support.
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- 4/21
Twist Up Tankini
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$84.00
Athleta clothing consistently ranks high in our tests, from leggings to sports bras. Though we haven't tested this particular swim top, it’s no surprise to us that it’s highly rated, with 4 stars from over 200 reviewers. The straps can be worn as a regular tank top or criss-crossed, making it great for water activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and more. According to the brand, the top and cups are quick-drying and the fabric is rated UPF 50+. While reviewers loved the look of this top, many noted that it does run small so it may be best to size up.
- 5/21
The Amalfi
Andie
andieswim.com
$95.00
This Instagram-famous brand has been making waves the last few years with its popular Amalfi swimsuit. This minimalist one-piece is like the little black dress of bathing suits and is loved by nearly 1,600 reviewers with an average rating of 4.6 stars. We have yet to test this in the Lab, but fans say that the fit is excellent and it doesn’t ride up.
- 6/21
Zoe High Neck Bikini Top
Wild Isles
wildislesswim.com
$95.00
Wild Isles makes wireless bikini tops that are designed for fuller busts so you can say goodbye to uncomfortable underwires. Though we have not put this option through the full Lab test rigor, our experts have road tested it and loved the adjustability and full chest coverage of the Zoe High Neck top. Note that all of Wild Isles' swim tops have adjustable ties for customized fit and support, and its tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched so you can choose if you want more or less coverage depending on your preference. Sizes for tops fit C to H cups and bottoms range in size from 2 to 24. If you are between sizes you may want to size up.
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- 7/21
Slender Wrap Swimsuit
Lands' End
landsend.com
$139.95
In previous tests, Lands’ End brand swimsuits have snagged top marks for being the most flattering. While we didn’t test this particular swimsuit, the crisscross shirring adds a fun detail and a torso-slimming effect. The fabric claims to offer sun protection with UPF 50+ and resists breaking down from UV rays, chlorine, sweat and sunscreen.
- 8/21
Pro LT Solid Swimsuit
Speedo
amazon.com
$27.34
Speedo has been around for decades and is a go-to for athletes. Whether you're powering through swim laps or having a leisurely dip, if you want a swimsuit that stays in place, this bathing suit does just that. It has wide straps that cross in the back so they won’t fall off your shoulders as you swim. We didn’t put this bathing suit to the test in the Lab, but nearly 1,000 reviewers gave it a 4.3 star rating and love that this suit holds them in while still allowing movement.
- 9/21
Anya Tankini Swim Top
Panache Swim
amazon.com
$57.74
Panache makes swimsuits that are specifically designed for larger busts: Sizing starts at D-cups and goes up to J-cups. Panache is a brand that performs consistently well in our sports bras tests and reviewers agree with our findings, saying it fits just as well as the brand's bras and giving the bathing suit top an average 4-star rating. It also has adjustable straps for a customized fit.
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- 10/21
Tankini with Boyshort Swimsuit
Zando
amazon.com
$28.99
If you're looking for more coverage, this sporty suit offers just that with a long tankini top that covers the upper thigh and swim short bottoms. The swim top has an empire waist with loose fabric around the stomach and allows for maximum movement. According to over 5,000 shoppers who gave this bathing suit 4.3 stars, the flowy top is comfortable and looks stylish, though you may want to size up for the shorts. It also comes in 36 patterns and colors.
- 11/21
Mix-and-Match Halter Tankini
L.L. Bean
llbean.com
$44.99
Mix and match swimsuits are a great investment, since you can change up your suit with a different top or bottom to create a completely new look. This tankini in particular has a halter neck, making it super supportive. It’s also longer in length, so you won’t be tugging on it all day long. Take note, though: According to reviews this top does run small so you may want to size up.
- 12/21
Zip Front Swimsuit
Lands' End
landsend.com
$71.95
Looking for a suit that offers added sun protection and will also make you feel comfortable? Look no further. This one from Lands' End has an easy zip-on and zip-off feature. It's also made out of a stretch fabric that resists chlorine, and has built-in UPF-50 protection.
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- 13/21
Triangle Tankini
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$15.99
This tankini has an adjustable tie-back for a custom fit. It offers UPF 50+ protection, quick-drying fabric, and is made with recycled nylon. One reviewer noted how this tankini offers thickness, stretch, and coverage. Not to mention, it comes in a beautiful pattern.
- 14/21
Skirted Bikini Bottoms
Tommy Bahama
tommybahama.com
$72.00
This simple skirted bikini bottom gives you the feel of a regular swim bottom, but with added coverage. It comes in five bright summer colors and pairs well with any swim top of choice.
- 15/21
High Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
Sea Level
nordstrom.com
$71.96
A high neck silhouette, like this suit, will help protect your delicate chest while out in the sun. Also the colorblock detailing between the waist hits at the smallest part on the body, visually creating an hourglass shape.
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- 16/21
Side Tie Tankini
Swimsuits For All
swimsuitsforall.com
$34.00
The tropical print of this tankini will have you craving the fresh water underneath your feet (but if you don't like this specific print there are 19 other options available). The wide straps and encircled shelf bra built into the suit will also have you feeling supported all day long.
- 17/21
V-Neck Swimdress
Dew Drops
swimsuitsforall.com
$50.00
A swimdress is an easy silhouette for a day out in the water. This suit has a power mesh-encircled bra and power mesh-tummy control front lining, making it super supportive.
- 18/21
White One Piece Swimsuit
Venus
venus.com
$32.99
The side ruching across the stomach area provides a slimming effect. The open back is stylish, but with the high back closure, it's still supportive.
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- 19/21
Swim Dress
Venus
venus.com
$32.99
This swim dress has built-in cups and crisscross straps that offer great support. It also has a flowy empire waist for extra comfort and a longer hemline for more coverage.
- 20/21
Swim Short Swimsuit
Boden
bodenusa.com
$22.50
If you’re looking for more coverage than a bikini bottom without having to wear a swim skirt, reach for these swim shorts. They have built-in briefs and piping detail so they look stylish while keeping you covered.
- 21/21
Sarong Front Swimsuit
Swimsuits For All
swimsuitsforall.com
$39.00
This bathing suit gives the best of both a one-piece and sarong inspired style. The side shirring detail creates a stylish silhouette and the front draping gives more leg coverage, so it’s no surprise this suit has a 4.2 rating with over 1,400 reviews.
These flattering swimwear picks will help you feel your best on the beach this year.
