Swimsuit Guide For Over 40 and Every Shape

Summer is here and If you are going on a warm-weather vacation, then most likely you are going to need a swimsuit. I know, you are already dreading the thought of shopping for a swimsuit that will hide that tummy, camouflage your hips or accentuate your top. All you really want is to wear a suit that gives you a little bit of confidence. If you are over 40 or 50 don’t fret ladies, we are going to give you some shopping tips to help you select the best swimsuit for your body type.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

First of all, put your best self under the horrible fluorescent lighting in the dressing rooms. Make sure to wear your makeup, fix your hair and get a spray tan. You know that spray tans give the appearance of looking smaller. Think light expands and dark recedes.

My advice is to order your swimsuits online where you can try them on in the comfort of your own dressing area. Order 3 or 4 styles in 2 sizes and send back what doesn’t work. Make sure they offer free shipping and free returns. Don’t remove tags and return within the time period. It’s usually 30, 60 and sometimes 90 days. Make sure you know what the retailer’s return policies are before you order, especially when it comes to swimsuits.

BODY TYPES

Hour Glass- An asymmetrical style would be so cute or any suit with cut-outs at the waist. Opt for bold colors and color blocking. Stay away from prints or mix and match.

Pear- The goal here is to give the allusion of balance taking the focus off the bottom and draw the eye to the top. Try ruffles, skinny straps or halter tops.

Rectangle- When you are built like this then you don’t have much of a shape, so let’s create some curves. Try ruffles, bows, strings, and embellishments on the top or the bottom. You can create the illusion of curves by choosing a suit that has a darker color in the waist area.

Inverted Triangle- So you don’t have boobs and your booty has blossomed. Don’t feel bad, this is a common figure type. First of all, don’t wear bandeau tops. It will flatten your girls more. Choose tops that will add volume like V-Cut tops, prints, ruffles, and bows.

Round- So you are full figured. Whatever you buy, try to stay away from tube style tops. Choose a suite with wider straps to give the girls more support and go with a high waist, solid and darker colors on the bottom. (see swimsuits under Busty. They are similar)

Busty- Choose a swimsuit with wider straps and a built-in bra to support the girls. Also, a v-neckline helps minimize larger busts.

Small Bust- If you want to add a cup size to a small/petite bust, go for an underwire or padded top. Ruffles, embellishment or bold prints on top and solids on the bottom will give the illusion of a more balanced body.

Types of Swimsuits

• Tankini– is a combination of a tank top and a bikini bottom. I love this style because I have a long torso and some one-piece suits are too short in the crotch and if I bump up in size, then it is too big elsewhere. The tankini allows me to get the coverage I want and gives me options on the style and color of the bottom.
• Bikinis– Until about 2 years ago, I wore mostly 2 pc swimsuits. I will still wear one if it has the higher waist, which is really trending right now. Some of you might say that you should never wear a 2 pc suit if you are over 50 and especially if you are over 60. I say if you are comfortable and confident, then go for it. There are no rules.
• Swimdresses– This style is a great choice if you want to hide fuller hips and thighs. There are great styles that are chic and stylish.
• Slimming Swimwear- Since Spanx came along and changed the tummy control industry, now it has trickled down to swimwear. These brands offer cute styles with tummy control. Magicsuit, Miraclesuit, Chicos and more.

Last but not least

Don’t forget to round out your look with a coverup to compliment your swimsuit. There are so many cute ones now. I love beach pull-on pants, wrap skirts, maxi dresses as well as kimono styles. Check out this post that we recently posted all about coverups.

Also, protect your skin by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and your sunnies. All very important to keeping your skin looking good and staying healthy. For information about the ABC’s of melanoma, read this post.

FINAL NOTE

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!

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