Swimsuits Over 50: Where to Shop

 Editor's Note: Looking for the latest swimsuit styles? Take a peek at my recent post, entitled, 2015 Swimsuits: 14 Trends and Where to Shop.


It’s February and that means everyone is thinking about swimsuits, right? Well, men are, anyway, because the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is out. Swimsuits have been on my radar because they're already in the stores! I guess some women are shopping for swimsuits because they're taking a cruise or flight to some tropical paradise--lucky them! From what I've seen so far, there are lots of flattering 2014 swimsuit designs--perfect for women over 50.

I wish I could show Flattering50 readers swimsuits on bathing beauties over 50, but I'm just not seeing any. I hope my readers won't be offended if I show my favorite 2013 styles on younger women with--more or less--realistic body shapes. Click on any of the photos for details, including body and cup sizes. There tends to be a range of sizes, from XSmall through Plus sizes, for most designs. I've also tried to include some swimsuits that are on sale, like the Longitude Blue Fabulous Surplice Swimsuit (was $79, now $48.30) above. Or...Scroll all the way down for a list of other swimsuit shopping websites.

PRETTY IN PRINTS
What are this year’s swimsuit hottest trends? Pretty much the same as the trends for street clothes--rich colors and prints. In fact, you'll find just about every conceivable prints--stripes, polka dots, color blocks, confetti, tribal, graphic, graffiti, and of course, floral.

I love swimsuits with matching sarongs, like this next Beach Belle Yellow Floral Plus Size One Piece with Matching Mesh Sarong (was $58, now $40.60). What a pretty way solution for women over 50--like me!--who aren't crazy about their aging legs.





Here's a pretty floral print from Land's End.



Women's Plus Size DDD-cup Slender Floral Tunic One Piece Swimsuit - Navy Cascade (was $145, now $89.99). Regular and Plus sizes as well as D-DDD sizes.



Finally, there are lots of sporty stripes as well as colorblock and geometric designs. Take, for instance, this Nautica Bow Line High Neck One Piece Women's Swimsuit 







SWIMDRESSES
Personally, I'm loving all the swimdresses I'm seeing. For instance, the Shore Club Darwin Plus Size Tie Front Swimdress(was $64, now $44.80) below. The look is retro, which is another "hot" swimsuit trend this season.








And, of course, there are plenty of animal prints. I like this sarong style in this Shore Club Cheetah Plus Size Ring Front Swimdress (was $68, now $29.99)







Or how about a solid swimdress like this one from Land's End...




Women's Regular Beach Living Swimdress - Black, 12 (was $89, now $39.99)




TIME TO TRIM
Swimsuit makers are always looking for fabrics that will help control and smooth a woman's shape. Land's End offers two ways to control those little lumps and bumps. The first is tummy control swimsuits, like this Women's Plus Size Shape & Enhance Floral X-back One Piece Swimsuit - Charlotte Teal Floral, 18W (was $189, now $74.99)





The second way is with Land's End's new "Shape and Enhance" technology. Women over 50 have the choice of either wearing "shape and enhance" swim tops and bottoms, or just one or the other. Here's what the tops and bottoms look like. Or, if you just need bottom control, you can pair one of Land's End's many, many tankinis with the "shape and enhance" bottom. They come in a bunch of different colors.





Women's Regular Shape & Enhance Halter Tankini Top - Bright Cobalt Blue, 10 ($85)







Women's Regular Shape & Enhance Ultra High Rise SwimMini - Bright Cobalt Blue, 16 (was $89, now $39.99)


THANKS FOR THE TANKINI
My favorite suit in recent years is a Land's End tankini and matching skirt. I'm a reluctant swimsuit wearer (to put it mildy!) and the tankini and skirt satisfies my need for comfort and coverage. Here's a Women's Plus Size DD-cup Beach Living Floral Paisley Underwire Tankini Top - Deep Sea/Turquoise Blue, 26W (was $79, now $49.99). This suit comes in Plus sizes as well as sizes to fit DD and DDD. Click the text or photo for details and to see a choice of bottoms to go with the tankini.






WHERE TO SHOP ONLINE
I’ve bought my last three swimsuits online. At this point, I can’t imagine ever going back into a store dressing room, trying on swimsuits under hideous fluorescent lighting, surrounded by mirrors exposing my every over 50 lump and bump. What a nightmare!

Here's my list of swimsuit websites. When it comes to swimwear, I don’t thing it’s wise to skimp. Between the sun, surf and soap, swimsuits take a lot of abuse. They’ve got to be comfortable and well made.


Bloomingdale’s swimsuits range in price from $100-$225.

Calvin Klein has a few reasonably priced black one-pieces.

L.L Bean actually has a bunch of stylish (always a pleasant surprise) swimsuits. There are a few swim dresses as well as “slimming” designs that offer “shaping and control.”

Macy’s has lots of one-piece suits and tankinis.

Nordstrom tries to help women narrow the choices according to body shape and style. The collection includes one-pieces, tankinis and skirted suits.

Saks Fifth Avenue suits range from about $125-500. There’s a nice selection of one-piece suits, some with ruffle skirts. No tankinis.

WANT MORE?
If so, take a peek at the swimsuits featured in...
2014 Swimsuits for Women Over 50