Last updated on June 4th, 2024 at 10:13 am

Let’s be honest: Finding the most flattering swimsuits started way before we turned 50! It seems like it’s an eternal quest. In some ways, it gets easier as we get older. We’ve had years of shopping experience and have a good idea of what looks best on us. Post updated June 4, 2024

On the other hand, our bodies have changed since we were younger so we might be looking for something different now. We also have a tendency to get more modest as we get older too. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun and enjoy shopping (and wearing) a new swimsuit this summer!

Keep in mind that I am showing mostly brightly colored swimsuits below because they are easier to see the details. I did include some black, but keep in mind that almost every style shown comes in black or a black pring.

**This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. However, we only recommend products that we truly love. Amazon prices are as of 3/11/24.

The Most Flattering Swimsuits: High Neck Styles

I have a beach vacation for the first time in a while last year and I decided to try the high neck style for a change. I actually hadn’t bought a bathing suit is a few years since we didn’t travel during the pandemic. This is the style I am wearing in the photos above.

I like this style for several reasons. The first is that it gives you some extra lift and support. I was actually quoted in this article, “The 5 Best Swimsuit Styles If You’re Over 50, According to Stylists”, on Best Life Online about this topic. The second is that the style on both these suits minimizes the waist. The turquoise has some ruching (which we’ll talk more about) and somewhat of a criss-cross pattern that also is a great waist minimizer.

The black suit has a pattern that also gives the appearance of a cinched waist. The other reason I like this suit is that is protects my décolletage. The skin there is so sensitive and it already has some sun damage from years in the sun. So, I like the idea of protecting that area from additional sun exposure.

My suits from last year are no longer available, but I have put some similar styles below. My cover up is still available however and you can see in in the cover-up section.

And here are some additional high neck flattering swimsuits in both one-piece and tankini styles:

Why Ruching is Your Friend in Swimsuits

I love ruching in all types of clothing, but none better than the bathing suit. Ruching is a great way to camouflage those areas that you’re not comfortable with, without feeling the need to cover up completely when you’re not in the water.

Here are some one-piece flattering swimsuits with ruching:

And some tankini options, tops and bottoms:

Most Flattering Swimsuits: Off-the-Shoulder Styles

In a recent survey, we asked you if there was anything you felt you couldn’t wear anymore. “Going sleeveless” was the number one answer. With that in mind, I wanted to include some off-the-shoulder styles that would help with that issue. They are great in that they draw attention to the shoulders, not the arms.

Here are some great options. I did not find much in the way of off-the-shoulder tankini tops, so these are all one-piece swimsuits.

V-Neck Styles Work for Everyone

Just like in everyday clothing, v-necks styles are almost universally flattering. They elongate your neck and minimize your waist at the same time. Adding some ruffles or other details to a v-neck suit makes it one of the most flattering swimsuits.

Here are some great one-piece options, followed by some great tankini tops:

Most Flattering Swimsuits: Skirts and Rompers

If you’re more comfortable in a skirt style suit, here are some options, including some rompers. I selected these because I felt they had a modern look to them.

Of course you can always pair a tankini top with a swim skirt or shorts. Here are some more ideas to pick from:

Never Underestimate the Power of the Cover-Up!

If you really think about, the time you spend worrying about how you look in a bathing suit is mostly when you are out of the water, not in it. That’s why I think a cover-up is really important. Most of the time, when you make your “grand entrance” that’s what you’re wearing.

Sure, you could throw on a old t-shirt and shorts, but why do that when a cover-up is a great finishing touch.

Here are some of my favorites. I have had all styles over the years – from mini dresses to caftans to palazzo pants. The nice part is that they never really go out of style, so you will have them for a long time.

The cover-up I am wearing in the picture at the top of the post is the first one in the second carousel below. The first two cover ups are matches to two of the suits above – the Ralph Lauren print tankini and the Skimms high neck one-piece. In the picture right above, my mesh pants are from Kohl’s and my pink and white stripe cover up is from Viv & Lou.

If you liked this post, here are two more posts that I think you’ll enjoy:

“How To Look Great in Shorts Over 50” and “New York Fashion Week: “The Best New Styles for Spring/Summer 2024″

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