Do you think a woman aged 40 or older can no longer wear certain swimsuits? Do you think you have to say goodbye to the bikini? We’ll reveal the answer and give you all our tips to help you choose a swimsuit that suits your age.
Choosing the Right Swimsuit After 40
Aside from a few lucky women, it’s rare to have the same body at 40 as you did in your wild youth. A woman’s body undergoes many changes throughout her life: pregnancies, weight gain, and so on. It’s also sometimes at age 40 and older that the first hormonal changes of menopause begin to occur. No matter what changes your body has gone through, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a swimsuit—quite the opposite! You just need to choose one based on your body type to find the style that will flatter your figure.
Not sure what your body type is? You might find our advice article “Which Swimsuit to Wear Based on Your Body Type” helpful.
So you can just as easily wear a one-piece or a two-piece swimsuit and go for whatever style you like: trendy, retro, and so on.
Which one-piece swimsuit should you choose?
As we mentioned earlier, after pregnancy or weight gain, you might want to conceal a little tummy. In that case, you can opt for a shapewear one-piece swimsuit. It has the advantage of flattening the tummy and thus slimming the silhouette. As an added bonus, the one-piece swimsuit makes your legs look longer. Very fashionable and popular with women of all ages, you’ll have no trouble finding trendy styles.
Which two-piece swimsuit should you choose?
In your 40s, a woman’s bust tends to sag. To ensure good support and create a flattering neckline, two types of swimsuits will suit you best.
- The push-up swimsuit: with its padding, it’s ideal for adding volume to the bust and lifting it. This type of swimsuit is therefore best suited for medium-sized busts.
- The underwire and balconette swimsuit: The underwire and/or balconette cups provide excellent support for the bust. It’s suitable for those with a fuller bust.
The triangle bikini top: If you have a small bust, the triangle style is perfect for you. Its plunging neckline will flatter your bust.
As for the bottoms of two-piece swimsuits, if your goal is to conceal your tummy, high-waisted bottoms are your best bet. These bottoms have a slight shaping effect and offer a retro style. Not only are they trendy, but they’ll also give you a slimmer silhouette. What more could you ask for?
A cute, form-fitting bottom that fits your waist perfectly is a safe bet. If you’d rather choose a bottom that offers more coverage, the shorty is the one for you. What about a bikini, you ask? If you want to, go for it! A woman in her 40s or older can absolutely wear a bikini if she wants to and if she feels comfortable enough.
What color swimsuit should you wear?
Just as with different swimsuit styles, certain colors will suit you better than others depending on your body type or personal preferences. So, if you want to create a slimmer silhouette, go for black or dark colors like navy blue or burgundy.
Want to look chic and elegant? Go for white. This color, synonymous with purity, exudes style and class. If you’re looking for a trendy, vibrant look, choose a swimsuit with patterns and prints. From floral to tropical to animal prints, treat yourself. However, avoid horizontal stripes, which tend to make your figure look wider.
Mixing and matching the top and bottom of your two-piece swimsuit is also very trendy.
As for ruffles, frills, and other embellishments, keep in mind that they add volume. So avoid wearing them around your bust if you have a full bust, or around your hips if they’re on the wider side.
Find the Right Accessories
After choosing your swimsuit, think about beach accessories and clothing. They’re not just there to look pretty—they can be real allies in helping you look your best. Just like with swimsuits, you should choose them based on your body type. For example, you can tie a sarong around your waist to create a slimmer silhouette or wear a strapless dress to highlight your shoulders.
A pretty straw hat, flat shoes, and sunglasses will complete your beach outfit and give you even more style.
In summary
As you’ve probably realized, women aged 40 and older face no age-related restrictions when choosing a swimsuit. Just like younger women, you need to know your body type to identify the styles that will flatter your figure. Of course, your body has changed, and some swimsuits may no longer suit you. If you really want to wear a bikini, go for it—the most important thing is to feel comfortable in your own skin so you can have a great time at the beach. When it comes to colors, opt for a dark shade if you want to look slimmer, and avoid horizontal stripes. Finally, don’t forget to choose the right clothes and accessories to complete your beach look.
Want to discover more tips or learn more about different swimsuit styles? Check out all our other articles on our blog.