As a woman, the process of aging is never easy.
But what’s more challenging is accepting the metamorphosis. Those newfound wrinkles, gray hairs, belly fat, body image issues, societal stereotypes, and whatnot.
Sadly, they often provoke you to change the way you perceive fashion. There are even times when you catch yourself asking questions like, “Am I too old to wear this?”
But you’re not alone in this. Being in the 40s/50s/60s/70s can be overwhelming, and we can be too critical of ourselves.
So today, let’s talk about fashion – the swimwear edition – for older women. Essentially, if you’ve been wondering whether you’re too old to sport a bikini, this article is for you.
Am I too old for a bikini? A word on the age limit BS.
Per statistics, more than 10.07 million American females are between the age of 40-74. If you’re one of them too (or even past that age), here’s your answer – no, you’re never too old to wear a bikini!
It’s harrowing how this “age-limit” stigma often triggers women to start reconsidering their fashion choices. No bold dresses, no corsets, no bikinis – the list goes on. But honestly, there’s no need for any of it.
Here’s the thing – no matter which part of the globe or what age group you belong to, some stereotype will always be attached to you if you’re a woman.
You will always be “a little too much,” “a little too less,” “a little too young,” or “a little too old” for something or the other. So seriously, why even bother? Cut out of this claptrap and wear whatever you feel like.
At the end of the day, confidence is the key. It is what makes or breaks an outfit. So, even if you are 60 but comfortable in your skin and feel like you can rock a bikini – just go for it!
Many swimwear brands are also joining this bandwagon and shifting toward becoming more age-inclusive in their collection.
What’s fascinating is that these labels don’t just showcase a range of swimsuits and bikinis tailored for older females. Their marketing and advertising campaigns also proudly boast aged women as models and influencers. And that roars how it’s perfectly fine to wear a bikini, no matter the age!
Can I wear a bikini if I am in my 40s (or 50s, 60s, 70s)?
Social stigmas and stereotypes aren’t all. Being in the 40s/50s/60s/70s also imposes a number of unhealthy psychological prejudices on a woman, especially regarding her body and style.
As you age, you not only become more aware of your physical flaws.
You also start feeding them. You start tailoring your wardrobe – not based on what you like, but based on what makes you feel the least self-conscious about your “supposed” imperfections.
And before you know it, this growing insecurity altogether changes how you look at fashion as a whole.
But then again, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. Change never comes easily. And let’s face it – all those women that are famous, right from Selena Gomez to Jennifer Lopez, have felt the same way at some point.
So the next time you find yourself wondering whether or not you should go for a bikini because you’re 40, 50, or older, know that;
- Age is just a number: Swimwear doesn’t come with an age-limit tag, and there’s a reason behind that. If you pick up a bikini set and feel like you have the confidence to pull it off, why think twice? No age-limit bar or physical flaw should make you feel restricted.
- Fashion is subjective: Some women like to dress modestly. Others choose to be bold and experimental with their outfits. Both are equally acceptable. Fortunately, if nothing, swimwear is a line of garments that’s inclusive. So if not a bikini, you can still flaunt a one-piece swimsuit or tankini at the beach.
- Bikinis are for everyone: Stop chasing unrealistic expectations regarding your looks. There’s no such thing as the perfect “beach body” or “bikini body.” Whether you are 40 or 50, skinny or plump – bikinis are for you, just as much as they are for any other woman.
- You are your own worst critic: Most people at the beach or pool are too focused on their own activities to be judging you. And those who do notice you are more likely to admire your confidence than critically judge your body. Remind yourself: the judgment you imagine is likely exaggerated. Other people’s opinions don’t need to carry weight. Don’t let imagined judgments stop you from enjoying the things you love.
Rather than picking yourself apart, make the decision to appreciate and celebrate your body. View your laugh lines, stretch marks, cellulite, scars, gray hairs, and other so-called “flaws” as badges of honor that tell the story of your amazing life journey.
When you change your inner dialogue to be more uplifting about your body, you’ll start to see yourself in a whole new light. Confidence comes from within.
Approach bikini shopping not as something scary or judgemental but as a chance to discover styles that make you feel vibrant, sexy, and alive in your own skin. See it as an adventure in self-expression.
Tips on finding flattering bikinis
Physical transition with age is natural in women. Now, as important as embracing it gracefully, it’s also necessary to acknowledge it when shopping. This ensures maximum comfort and elegance.
So, if you are 40 or above and looking for suggestions to buy a decent pair of bikinis, here are some shopping tips to help you find the most flattering one for your mature body;
Consider your new body shape
Your body shape changes as you grow older. You either shed weight or gain some. There is skin stretching, sagging, and all of those things. So when buying a swimsuit, it’s ideal to try on a few pieces and then decide rather than just skimming through some and picking the one that seems the best.
As said above, there is also a high possibility that your size might’ve changed too. So that’s another solid reason to just try before splurging.
Choose darker hues
If you’re too body conscious, picking the right-hued swimwear can make a big difference in helping you feel more self-confident.
Oftentimes, older women feel insecure about the weight they’ve put on. It could be around the bust, in the arms, belly, or thighs.
While the scope for coverage in swimwear is not too high, going for dark, earthy hues like black, brown, or olive green can help you divert the attention. Besides, they also make your figure look more toned and poised.
Pick your prints wisely
Prints and patterns change the entire semblance of the outfit. So while choosing one, make sure you take the swimwear style into account.
If it’s a two-piece swimwear style like a bikini or tankini, go bold with the patterns. Choose big, playful motifs like tropical prints, polka dots, animal prints, paisley prints, tie-dye, and so on.
They accentuate your body shape and concentrate attention on the correct places. However, for one-piece swimwear styles like swimsuits or swim dresses, it’s ideal to play cool with the prints and go minimal to avoid looking overdressed.
So, look for the ones with stripes, dots, geometric patterns, etc.
Look for tummy control panels
If you’re feeling insecure about revealing your saggy belly, go for a swimsuit that comes equipped with a tummy control panel.
One-piece swimsuits anyway offer more coverage than a regular bikini or tankini. But what’s more special about them is that they sometimes also feature a unique tummy control pane.
It seamlessly conceals all that extra belly fat without causing any discomfort and feels like a second skin. So by choosing them, you are bound to feel extra secure and confident on the beach.
Double-check the fit
Your swimwear’s fit does not just decide how flattering it looks on you. An appropriately fitting swimwear also ensures comfort and confidence.
So before you finalize a bikini or a swimsuit, make sure it fits you like a glove. Most importantly, do not make the mistake of going a size down, as most older women generally do. It makes your figure look asymmetrical and irregular.
Moreover, it also offers less safety which means you’ll be under the constant risk of unintended flashing.
Comfort over anything
Lastly, when buying swimwear for your mature body, don’t solely focus on what you see in the mirror. Make sure you feel just as comfy and stylish as you look.
Choose a soft, delicate fabric that feels easy on your skin. For instance, you can go for nylon, lycra, or cotton swimsuits.
Other than that, check the bust fitting – if you are buying a swimsuit with breast cups or swim forms, see that the size is accurate and fits you perfectly.
Analyze the cuts – make sure they’re not too revealing for your preference. If you have stretch marks or scars you are insecure about, look for options offering ample coverage.
In a nutshell, put comfort over everything else.
What are the alternative options to bikinis?
If bikinis do not appeal to you, here are a few other swimwear options you can explore;
One-piece swimsuits
One-piece swimsuits are one of the most popular swimwear choices among women of every age. They stretch singularly from neck to bottom, featuring one neck hole and two armholes and legholes. They offer a body-hugging fit and better coverage than two-piece bikinis.
Swim dresses
A swim dress closely resembles a one-piece swimsuit except that it flares out at the bottom. It usually features a modest neckline and offers a much more relaxed fit than a regular swimsuit.
Tankinis
Tankinis are another great choice if you are looking for a less revealing beach outfit. Featuring a tank top and briefs, this two-piece set is very versatile and works really well as a substitute for bikinis.
