Every year around this time, I get tons of requests for swimsuit recommendations, so I’ve updated my Swimsuit Guide with the latest styles and a wide range of options for women over 40 and beyond. It’s no small task—every body is different, and we all have areas we may want to highlight or downplay—but I’ve done my best to cover all the bases.
Miraclesuit swimsuit (8) // Fendi sunnies
Let’s face it: swimsuit shopping can be a challenge. Whether you’re dealing with a long torso, a menopausal midsection, a pear shape, post-mastectomy concerns, extra weight, or a fuller bust, there are flattering, thoughtfully designed swimsuits that can help you feel confident and comfortable.
I always recommend shopping online so you can try suits on at home. The lighting is more forgiving, and you can get feedback from your spouse or kids—something I always find helpful. Personally, I like to order several options and return what doesn’t work, so I’ve prioritized retailers that offer free shipping and easy returns.
The Best Swimsuits for Women Over 40 and Beyond
As we get older, finding the right swimsuit can feel even more daunting. It’s easy to play it a little too safe, but you can absolutely look stylish and feel confident—it just may take a little trial and error.
STYLEST DreamSculpt Swim Bodysuit and Swim Sarong in St. Lucia // TKEES flip flops (8) // Eric Javits sun hat
Like with most clothing, you tend to get what you pay for when it comes to swimwear, and investing in quality becomes more important as we age. A few brands I consistently recommend for their stylish, supportive, and thoughtfully designed suits include Bleu by Rod Beattie, Sea Level, La Blanca, STYLEST, and Miraclesuit.
When it comes to styles, one-piece swimsuits are definitely having a moment, and bikinis never really go out of style. Tankinis aren’t as prominent right now, but they’re still around—and they offer the convenience of a two-piece with more coverage than a bikini. Let’s be honest, they’re also much easier to manage than a one-piece when it comes to bathroom breaks!
Amy and I have rounded up a selection of swimsuits, categorized to make your search easier. If you have a favorite suit or brand you love, we’d love to hear about it—please share in the comments.
Swimsuits for a Large Bust (Supportive Styles That Fit and Flatter)
photo credit: Nordstrom
One of the best developments in swimwear over the past several years is the rise of bra-sized options. If you have a larger chest, I highly recommend looking for suits with built-in bras because they offer much better support and a more precise fit. Many retailers carry them now. Even Target has jumped on board! But not all stores offer a full range of sizes, so it can still take a bit of searching to find the right one.
Before my breast reduction surgery, I was a 32G, and I had the most success with bra-sized swimwear in extended sizes from Bare Necessities. Everything But Water and Her Room also carry a strong selection.
Shop Swimsuits for a Larger Chest:
Swimsuits for a Small Bust (How to Enhance and Add Shape)
photo credit: Nordstrom
I’m no expert in this category, but I can share what I’ve learned (and sometimes wish I could wear!). Details like ruffles, padding, and push-up styles can add volume and create the illusion of a fuller chest. Deep V-necks and halter styles are also great options for enhancing a smaller bust.
Shop Swimsuits for a Smaller Chest:
Swimsuits to Minimize Thighs (with Extra Coverage)
photo credit: Nordstrom
There are plenty of swimsuits with features that help balance proportions and offer more coverage through the hips and thighs. If you prefer a bit more coverage, swim shorts and swim skirts are always an option—but the key is in the fit. Look for styles that are cut closer to the body without too much extra fabric for a more streamlined, flattering look.
Shop Thigh-Minimizing Swimsuits:
Swimsuits to Disguise a Tummy (and Flatter the Midsection)
photo credit: Nordstrom
If you’re self-conscious about your midsection, there are lots of great options designed to smooth and flatter this area. You can try a swing-style top for a bit of extra coverage, but I recommend pairing it with a bikini bottom or a more fitted short to keep the overall look balanced.
Another great option is a swimsuit with ruching or shirring through the midsection—these details help camouflage and create a more flattering silhouette. Busy patterns can also help draw the eye away from this area, and many suits now offer built-in tummy control for added support.
Shop Swimsuits to Disguise a Tummy:
Plus Size Swimsuits (Flattering Styles That Fit and Support)
photo credit: Nordstrom
If you’re shopping for plus sizes, Bare Necessities and Macy’s both have a great selection, and their filter tools make it easy to narrow things down by the features you’re looking for—like tummy control, underwire support, or full coverage.
Look for styles with built-in structure, like molded cups, adjustable straps, and supportive bands, which can make a big difference in both comfort and fit. Ruching, strategic seaming, and well-placed prints can also help create a flattering, balanced silhouette.
Shop Plus-Size Swimsuits:
Swimsuits for a Long Torso (Styles That Fit Without Riding Up)
photo credit: Nordstrom
If you’ve ever struggled with one-pieces riding up or feeling too short through the body, look specifically for “long torso” sizing or styles with adjustable straps, which can help create a more comfortable, proportional fit.
Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Boden all offer a good selection of long-length swimsuits, and Lands’ End has a wide range as well—including some plus-size options in long torso styles.
Shop Long Torso Swimsuits:
Post-Mastectomy Swimwear
photo credit: Lands’ End
Several readers have recommended Lands’ End for post-mastectomy swimwear, and I also found a wide selection at Amazon and Swim Outlet, with some good options at Nordstrom as well.
Many of these suits are designed with features like higher necklines, added coverage, and pockets for prostheses, offering both comfort and confidence.
If this is something you have experience with and you have a brand or style you love, I’d be so grateful if you’d share it in the comments! It’s incredibly helpful for other readers.
Shop Post-Mastectomy Swimwear:
In Conclusion
I hope this post is helpful as you’re swimsuit shopping this spring and summer.
La Blanca swimsuit (10) // Tom Ford sunnies
And hey, when in doubt, throw on a cute coverup! I did a huge roundup a few weeks back, with a bunch of Stylish Swimsuit Cover-Ups Under $100!
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7 Responses
I struggle fining suits that cover the back end. I’m not big….. size 4/27 pant and XS or SM top but lately no matter what swimwear I try and also told it doesn’t ride up and is full coverage, I try it and it’s cut high in the back leg showing too much rear end. Do you find any of these brands better about this. I’m 64 yrs old and best not to show too much. lol
It’s trial and error. I feel like the one that stays put best on me is the Talbots one. I love the fit of the Sea Level but it does ride up in the bum. The Stylest and Miraclesuit both stay put quite well.
Okay thanks good to know.
I love the Lands End Slendersuit, Grecian low leg. The fit, style and comfort is excellent and it covers the bum well, no issues. I have it in black and it has held up well. Also the blue LaBlanca featured in the last photo is my other favorite. I’m in my early 60s, wear a size 4 (or small), small busted, and find they are both flattering and comfortable.
Hi! In the stylest swim it shows a swim bra worn under their suits. Is that necessary? I can’t think of anything I’d rather not do more than wear a strapless bra under swimwear. lol. Is the bust support there without it in the style you tried? As well, can you speak to their sizing? They seem to have multiple bust sizes available. Thank you!
Yeah, I honestly don’t know why they show it that way. They have built-in cups.
Their L fits size 10-12 and the M is size 6-8.
I have the Bodysuit in the Large, and the Busty Square Tank in the Large. I also ordered the tank in the Medium, but prefer the coverage of the Large.
I wear swim shorts with a tankini–looks sporty and my butt cheeks aren’t hanging out (:. Lands End has some great ones