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Choosing What to Wear

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50s fashion women :: Article Creator

Check Out These Stylish Swimsuits Women Over 50 Love Wearing

Shop the Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50kali9 - Getty Images

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

We updated this article in June 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Finding the right swimsuit can be a challenge at any age—but it can prove even more difficult if you're over 50. But make no mistake: Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you can't look and feel amazing while having fun in the sun. (After all, as our good friend and pro-aging advocate Paulina Porizkova says, sexy has no expiration date.) Luckily, we've got you covered with the best bathing suits for women over 50.

Now, we understand that stepping out in swimwear may look much different for you than it did 20 years ago, and that's totally fine—there's still plenty of options that will flatter your body! If you're looking for something that's full coverage (but still sexy!), for example, our list has everything from modest one-piece swimsuits to tankinis that ensure coverage of your belly—not to mention, there's plenty of swimsuits that offer tummy control for a smoothing effect. Looking for something that suits your exact body type? Our list also includes the best swimsuits for for big busts and the best plus-size swimsuits, too.

Whatever style you choose, these swimsuits are comfortable, flattering, and stylish for women over 50—and best of all, they'll have you feeling confident and beach-ready.

Our top picks:

Now, for the best suits you can find, all in one easy-to-shop place. Here's to your best summer yet!

Oceanus One-Piece Swimsuit

This one-piece swimsuit provides all-over body control for an amazing slimming effect, thanks to its durable Miratex fabric and flattering wrapped style. It also provides great support in the chest with a built-in underwire bra. "Absolute, must-have swimwear...Super flattering," raves one reviewer. "The miracle suits do a great job of flattening stomach, minimizing waist, and emphasizing bust. What more could you want?"

Shop Now

Oceanus One-Piece Swimsuit

$157.34

amazon.Com

Miraclesuit High Waist Bikini Swimsuit

Who says you can't still rock a bikini look when you're older? With its high-waisted bottoms and long, flowy top, this two-piece swimsuit is perfect for those who love bikinis but want more coverage. Plus, it has over 3,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. "This suit is very flattering for this 60+ year old," writes one satisfied reviewer. "I am a bit busty, but this top was perfect and very comfortable. I have a hard time with one piece suits because I am long waisted but am not brave enough for a bikini. This suit fits the bill. "

Shop Now

High Waist Bikini Swimsuit

$30.79

amazon.Com

Adome Clasp Halter Dress

This swimsuit comes in a flattering halter dress design that's actually two pieces: A comfortable one-piece suit underneath, and a lightweight swimdress on top. The fabric is not only quick-drying and chlorine-resistant fabric, it also provides UPF 50+ protection. Reviewers especially love the fit and design, with one shopper writing, "This swimsuit is very flattering! I'm closer to 60 than I want to be, and decided a little more coverage is needed around the tops of my thighs. This makes me feel sexy in a suit once again!"

Shop Now

Clasp Halter Dress

$89.99

llbean.Com

Racerback Boyleg Tankini

Shorts bottoms paired with a flowy, blouse-like top make this the most comfortable two-piece you've ever worn. The loose design also allows for airflow so you don't get uncomfortably sweaty or sticky on the beach. "I have a hard time finding suits that are flattering and modest enough for an adult who doesn't want it all on display, but still cute enough that I don't feel like I'm dressed for senior water aerobics," one reviewer writes. "This suit strikes the right balance."

Shop Now

Racerback Boyleg Tankini

$39.89

amazon.Com

Omichic Retro High-Neck One-Piece

The high scoop neckline on this navy number gives it a classic retro feel, the middle knot detail gives it a bit of flair, and the mesh chest panel provides coverage while also showing a little skin—if you're into that. Ruching along the torso keeps the torso material from clinging.

"I am OBSESSED with the way this makes me look and feel. I have ALWAYS struggled in my adult life with my weight and finding a bathing suit that makes me feel good about myself until now!" one Amazon shopper raves. "It's definitely a show stopper!"

Shop Now

Retro High-Neck One-Piece

$29.99

amazon.Com

I2CRAZY PowerFlex Conservative Cut One-Piece

If you're looking for a sporty swimsuit that will get the job done, no frills attached, this sturdy one-piece is your best bet. The princess seam legs provide slightly more coverage (in front and back) than a typical bikini-cut one-piece, and the racerback straps keeps your chest supported and in place. Reviewers say it's great for swimming laps.

"As a 60-year-old woman with a not-so-perfect shape at this point in my life, I was looking for a one-piece swimming suit," one Amazon reviewer writes. "This suit fits great! It has a very modest cut and adds a nice shape. It keeps everything in place, if you know what I mean. It checks all the boxes and makes me look good. I ended up buying a second one."

Shop Now

PowerFlex Conservative Cut One-Piece

$46.95

amazon.Com

Speedo Halter Swim Dress

Who says dresses have to be saved for special occasions? This popular plus-size bathing suit allows you to wear one to the beach—and it's super cute. Featuring underwire support, adjustable straps, and a stylish halter neck design, it boasts high ratings from reviewers who say it makes them feel confident on the water. "This is honestly the best I've felt about myself in a really long time and for the first time ever, I can't wait to show off some skin!" one writes.

Shop Now

Halter Swim Dress

$35.99

amazon.Com

Long-Sleeved Zip-Front One-Piece Swimsuit

Eliminate worries of spillage in this full-coverage long-sleeved suit that is modest, but doesn't sacrifice style. It comes in various colorful patterns, and the zipper makes it incredibly easy to get in and out of. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep you chafe-free, and say goodbye to sun damage—the UPF 50+ material has your skin protected (in combination with sunscreen, of course).

"I love this surf suit so much I wish I could live in it," raves one reviewer on Amazon. "I hate constantly putting on sunscreen, so it really helps with that. It's super comfortable everywhere on my body."

Shop Now

Long-Sleeved Zip-Front One-Piece Swimsuit

$38.99

amazon.Com

Madame Underwire High Waist Bikini Set

High-waisted bikinis are all the rage right now, no matter how old you are. They're a timeless, universally flattering style, and this print in particular screams summer. It provides just enough color without being too loud, and the underwire top supports all bust sizes. The brief bottoms are also super supportive, lined with a lower mesh tummy-control front panel.

"I love the that the top fits like a bra (which most bathing suits do not!) it gives a nice lift to the girls!" one reviewer writes.

Shop Now

Madame Underwire High Waist Bikini Set

$52.98

swimsuitsforall.Com

Black & White Striped Long-Sleeved High-Waisted Bikini

Perhaps you love the idea of a high-waisted bikini but would love a top with more coverage. This style has you, well, covered. The long sleeves will shield your arms from the sun, and the stripe print is super stylish. Plus, the high-waisted bottoms are ruched on the sides for your comfort.

"Flattering sun protection is very important to me. I LOVE LOVE this swimsuit," writes one Amazon customer. "I feel confident going into the pool mid-day and not having to worry about my back, chest, and arms getting burnt."

Shop Now

Black & White Striped Long-Sleeved High-Waisted Bikini

$35.99

amazon.Com

Square Neck One-Piece

So many modest swimsuits come in default black, and that just doesn't have to be the case. This gorgeous khaki green will complement all skin tones, and the square neck line is a fun distinction from other plain leotards. It's also made of 50% sustainably sourced materials. "Best swimsuit I've owned! It's hard finding swimsuits made well with thick strong and quality fabric and also ones that have enough support and room in the bust area—this one does the job," writes one reviewer.

Shop Now

Square Neck One-Piece

$124.95

nordstrom.Com

Side Tie Blouson Tankini Top

Tankinis are great, but they kind of defeat their purpose if the top rides up with the waves. This brilliant tankini design features a side tie to ensure coverage at all times, as well as a supportive built-in bra. Not to mention, it comes in many different fabulous patterns. "LOVE this top. The built-in bra is wonderful. Very comfortable," one reviewer writes.

Shop Now

Side Tie Blouson Tankini Top

$39.00

swimsuitsforall.Com

V-Neck Swimdress

This daring dress has no competition when it comes to vibrant, yet conservative swimwear. The print is perfect for vacation and is bound to bring you confidence during morning walks on the beach. Its v-neck isn't too low, its wide straps support the chest (as does a built-in bra), and the pleated skirt brings a polished finish to the look. After a long day of relaxation, you could easily throw on a cover-up and call yourself date night-ready. One reviewer says it "fits like a glove" and is made of good-feeling quality fabric.

Shop Now

V-Neck Swimdress

$55.00

swimsuitsforall.Com

The Sidestroke

This one-shouldered one-piece is best-selling for a reason: It features stylish diagonal seams across the entire torso, has ideal butt coverage, and looks good on basically everyone. Plus, it offers just the right amount of compression for a comfortable yet flattering fit. Oh, and did we mention it comes in tons of fun colors and patterns?

"The sidestroke is so comfortable!" one shopper writes. "I can be very active and confident it will stay in place. I get compliments just walking down the beach all the time."

Shop Now

The Sidestroke

$95.00

summersalt.Com

Boyleg One-Piece

Available in an array of colors, this sporty suit covers all the right places, thanks to its boyleg style, while giving you the freedom of flexibility. Not only is it made of a chlorine-resistant, quick-drying fabric, it's also double-lined with a removable br.

"I have gotten more compliments on this bathing suit than any other bathing suit I have ever had," one reviewer raves. "There's never a wedgie problem and you could just throw a shirt on and walk down the street because it looks like shorts."

Shop Now

Boyleg One-Piece

$31.99

amazon.Com

beautyin The Marina

Color has no age limit, which is why you should totally rock a fun color-blocked suit like this one if you're so inclined. A shelf bra with built-in cups makes it practical, and the straps are easily adjustable. Plus, it's also available in four other beautiful color options, so you're guaranteed to find one you like. "The colors are vibrant and eye catching and the fit is perfect," one happy customer writes.

Shop Now

The Marina

$95.00

summersalt.Com

Tiered Tankini

Layered ruffles in this tankini top give it magical movement that doesn't stick to your stomach. The shallow v-neck and sturdy straps provide great shape, and the boyshort bottoms are the ultra-comfortable cherry on top. One reviewer says it "accents your beauty no matter your body shape! The top half of the suit stays in place and shorts do too." It also comes in 29 different color and pattern options.

Shop Now

Tiered Tankini

$38.99

amazon.Com

Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit

This stylish, retro-style suit provides great shape, but the ruching helps disguise what you may not be comfortable showing. Specifically, the ruching along the chest accentuates and supports the bust at the same time, and the wide straps give everything a nice lift. Plus, it comes in a whopping 32 different color and pattern options, so you're bound to find one you like.

"Comfortable, fit perfect everywhere, great quality, and very reasonably priced. I feel like I hit the jackpot," one Amazon shopper raves.

Shop Now

Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit

$38.99

amazon.Com

Blouson Tankini with Keyhole Top

A side-step from what's expected in a basic tankini, this supportive, yet flowy design features a keyhole chest and scoop neckline, which adds a delightfully feminine touch. The boyshort bottoms are supportive and full-coverage. All you have to do is put it on and have a good time. "Love that I found a top/set that still looks youthful! Covers the belly, shorts aren't too tiny, purplish color is unique," writes one reviewer.

Shop Now

Blouson Tankini with Keyhole Top

$18.99

amazon.Com

Conscious Crop Bikini Top

This suit is a great option if you want a bikini, but one that offers a little more coverage than usual. With a high-coverage neckline and sturdy, supportive construction made from a stretchy (and recycled!) fabric, this simple, yet bold design will age well in your closet.

"I'm 52 years old and love that this has an athletic look but offers high neck coverage for the sensitive skin on my chest," one reviewer writes.

Shop Now

Conscious Crop Bikini Top

$59.00

athleta.Gap.Com

How we chose the best bathing suits for women over 50

We conducted our own research and combed through countless online ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the best bathing suits for women over 50 for every style, occasion, and budget.

Prevention - Hearst Owned

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Prevention - Hearst Owned

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2 Haircuts For Women Over 50 That Are Going Out Of Style, Experts Say

As we age, it's important to find hairstyles that help us look and feel our best. Oftentimes, it's easy to get stuck in a hairstyle rut, but that could sometimes mean inadvertently adding years to your look with certain dated, short haircuts. Luckily, with so many celeb-fave hairdo ideas that promote symmetry and enhance your facial features at any age, there's no need to sacrifice style in order to maintain a youthful glow.

We caught up with professional hair stylists and experts to learn more about two haircuts that can sometimes make women over 50 look older (the middle-parted, chin-length bob and bob with blunt bangs) and two suggestions to try instead.

Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and owner of Phenix Salon Suites, Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and hair creative director at Wig Reports, and Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.

1. Middle-Parted, Chin-Length Bob

While Selena Gomez certainly looks fabulous with this style, Abdullah points out that this look can often emphasize fine lines, wrinkles and signs of thinning hair on mature beauties, which may not be your intention. "A bob with a center part might have been your go-to hairstyle before, but maybe your part seems to be getting wider and wider," she says regarding hair loss. "

If you're thinning in the crown of your head, a center part is going to draw attention to it." Abdullah continues, "This is because you're putting the part right in the same area." Udoh agrees, and notes that a bob like this "can make someone look older if it is cut straight across and is not layered." This can give the "illusion of thinner hair, making someone look older," she adds.

Instead, Try a Side-Parted Bob or Pixie

Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to short hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish." The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Halle Berry's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center.

Story continues

"If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests. "Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.

2. Bob with Blunt Bangs

Taylor Swift looks chic with a chin-length bob and blunt bangs, but Abdullah stresses that mature women can often feel that this look adds years as it highlights signs of aging more than anything else. This style, which Abdullah defines as being cut to cover your eyebrows, can also bring more attention to fine lines if made too thick. "Thick, blunt bangs that come past the eyebrows on a blunt bob emphasize every sign of age in the face, as they don't frame the face well," she explains.

Instead, she notes, "they push all the attention to the eyes, with all their lines." While she acknowledges that thicker, blunt-cut bangs are often seen as "a very classic chic look," she says it can also "really make you look older." This, she continues, is because with blunt bangs, a bob cut "emphasizes the eye area, which might not look dewy." Then, it also draws eyes to the "the jaw area, an area that many of us struggle with as we age." She says that there are much more flattering options out there, like wispy, trendy side bangs.

Instead, Go For a Side-Parted, Wavy Bob

Rather than blunt fringe, Rivera recommends side bangs, as seen here on Glenn Close. These, she says, "detract from the appearance of fine or limp hair and can add dimension to a style." In addition, side bangs can also "be styled in a variety of ways which can lead to the hair appearing fuller." Pairing a bob with this is a "great cut for thin fine hair and this can be styled in so many ways which brings versatility to a cut," Rivera notes. Ultimately, she says, side bangs are "huge right now and a great way to add more to a short style."

There are a "few haircuts that are often seen on women over 50 that can make them look older than they are," Udoh concludes, recalling the chin-length, center-parted bob and cut with blunt bangs. "If you're looking to avoid hairstyles that make you look older, these are the cuts to stay away from," she says. "Instead, consider styles that add volume and texture, such as layered cuts or beachy waves. These styles will help you to look your best and feel more confident," Udoh suggests. The more you know!


How And Where To Shop For Retro Clothing In Spokane, And Helpful Tips For When You Do

Ali Blackwood photos

A collection of summertime vintage looks from the author's personal collection, featuring pieces sourced locally (Teleport Vintage + Co., Collective Threadz, Boulevard Mercantile) and online.

There's perhaps never been a better time to be a vintage fashion enthusiast in the Inland Northwest, with an explosion in recent years of local shops and vendors offering styles from every decade of the past century.

At the same time, if you're new to the vast world of vintage, knowing where to start can be incredibly daunting. As I personally began getting back into vintage fashion three years ago after nearly two decades off (my first go-around was in high school), I felt the same way. In the time since, however, I've gleaned tons of insight on how to shop, style, care for, and even track down must-have pieces. Now, I hope the following tips help others on their vintage clothing journey.

KNOW YOUR SIZE click to enlarge

Ali Blackwood photos

Vintage textile backdrops courtesy of Follow Your Art, a vendor at 1889 Salvage Co. On North Monroe.

As with modern clothing, vintage sizes are hardly consistent. Both numeric and letter sizes have diverged drastically over the decades. During most of the 20th century, for example, women's clothing followed a totally different system — a size 14 from the '50s is more like today's size 6.

Besides trying something on, which isn't always possible, how do you determine your size? Measure yourself! Or, even better, measure a couple pieces of clothing you already have that fit well.

Get a flexible measuring tape, the kind a tailor uses (you can also use a piece of string and a yard stick) and measure the following while standing relaxed, and not holding your breath. These measurements are the same for any gender or body type; same goes for what to measure with a piece of clothing, laid flat and then doubled as needed.

  • Shoulders (from the midpoint of each shoulder)
  • Bust / chest (at the fullest point)
  • Natural / high waist (roughly around your belly button)
  • Low waist (around your hip bone, or where you like your pants to hit if not at the natural waist)
  • Low hips (at the fullest point)
  • Rise (center crotch up to where you want your jeans to hit at the waist)
  • Inseam (crotch to where you want your pant hem to fall)
  • Upper thigh (around your leg, just below your crotch)
  • I recommend saving all these measurements in your phone's notes app for easy access.

    While important, your body measurements won't always determine a perfect fit, as you still need to consider ease of movement, plus factors such as the cut or style of a piece, which may require a garment to be a little (or a lot) bigger than your body. This is why I also keep track of the actual garment measurements for my favorite-fitting vintage pieces: pants, dresses, shirts, etc. Most online sellers list item measurements, and you can compare those to your own garments' stats.

    SHOPPING IN PERSON

    While most vintage boutiques have fitting rooms, there's nothing worse than seeing an amazing item on the rack and thinking it looks right, only to find there's no way in hell you'll ever zip it. To avoid such heartbreak, I always carry a pocket-sized, retractable measuring tape. I'll whip it out to double check a garment's size, and even shop for my partner. (I keep his measurements in my phone, too, for when I find cool menswear pieces.)

    When you're trying on vintage — especially pieces that are 50-plus years old — try to be gentle, and never force a tight fit because old fabrics and seams can be more delicate. This is true even for pieces that fit properly. Once, I got home and realized I'd been walking around all day with a popped seam in the seat of some vintage pants. It was easily fixed, but who knows how many people saw more than they bargained for!

    It's also important to note that nearly all vintage vendors do not accept returns, and everything is sold as-is. So if you get home and suddenly notice a stain or split seam, you're stuck fixing it or living with it. For this reason, inspect each piece carefully and know your limitations when it comes to cleaning and repairs. If a piece is beyond your skills to fix, don't toss it! Find a tailor, a friend who sews, or consider reselling it yourself, because even damaged vintage is still valuable to many. I have a fondness for repairing flawed pieces, but understand that not everyone has time or know-how.

    SHOPPING ONLINE

    While I've had some of my best vintage scores at local shops, if you're looking for something super specific, you may need to broaden your search. Etsy and eBay are obvious places to start, but you can also find vintage on resale sites like Poshmark, Depop, Mercari and others. Use saved search features to track certain keywords.

    Buying online can be riskier due to the no-returns element and not being able to try anything on. As such, always ask questions before clicking "buy," especially regarding size or condition. Sometimes a piece still won't work, and that's a chance you have to be willing to take. Fortunately, you can resell or consider donating to a local thrift shop like Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage, which organizes sought-after vintage in a separate area. While reselling is more involved, I've had success passing on pieces that either didn't fit, I ended up not loving, or want to rotate out of my collection.

    WEARING & CARING FOR VINTAGE

    Wearing head-to-toe vintage isn't for everyone, but pairing, say, a vintage sweater with modern trousers is very easy to do, while also looking stylish and unique. Vintage outfit inspiration can be found everywhere: on social media, period movies/TV, historical ads and photos, and even from modern brands once again recycling the silhouettes of the past century.

    Another major plus with vintage is that much of the clothing from decades ago was made to last. Up to about the midcentury, for example, people on average spent more per piece, but had smaller wardrobes overall. Many also made their own clothes. Non-synthetic fabrics (wool, silk, cotton, rayon) and the construction of vintage clothing — even everyday pieces — also tend to be of a much higher quality than today's clothes (especially fast-fashion!). Plus, shopping secondhand is always better for the environment.

    Some fabrics, however, often need special care. You can't put anything wool in the washer or dryer and expect it to come out looking (or fitting) the same. Dry cleaning or hand washing and air drying your vintage duds are the safest bets, but there are caveats (and this gets long and complicated). If you're ever unsure, there are plenty of online resources on how to clean vintage clothing. Dye bleeds, shrinkage and other washing mistakes still happen (and can be salvaged), but one of the best things about the vintage fashion community is the many kind and helpful people who are willing to share what they've learned.

    OTHER RESOURCES

    While much of what I've learned about vintage fashion is based on personal experience (and lots of research), there are tons of helpful online resources. Here's a few places to start:

    Vintage Fashion Guild

    This nonprofit's members are a global collective of vetted vintage sellers who offer a wealth of information, including how to date vintage fashion and more. Vintagefashionguild.Org

    Wear Vintage Now!

    This book by Spokane vintage expert Margaret Wilds collects decades of her experience as a collector and seller, with loads of great detail on finding, styling and caring for vintage. Denisebrain.Com (Disclosure: I recently was asked to model some of Wilds' vintage clothing for her Etsy shop.)

    Social Media

    This rec is simple: Follow vintage fashion accounts on social media for outfit inspiration, to learn more about fashion history, and so much more. On Facebook, you can find helpful public groups where members offer advice on cleaning, repairing, and restoring vintage, as well as groups to buy/sell pieces that need extra TLC, plus genre-specific resale groups.








    This post first appeared on Women's Tour, please read the originial post: here

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