Mature Swimwear: Style and Sizing Guide to Swimwear for Older Women

As mature women, we have travelled along life’s journey and become more senior in years, and we now know ourselves better.  We hopefully understand what we like and what we don’t like, but as our bodies change over time, finding swimwear to complement more mature women may merit a little more guidance.  We want to feel radiant, comfortable and confident in our swimwear and make the most of our holidays, but with so many possibilities on offer, it can be a challenge to choose the perfect swimsuit for older ladies. 

At Seaspray, we are here to help as we are passionate about swimwear for mature women and have specialised in this field for over 30 years.  We know that selecting the perfect swimwear for you not only enhances your natural beauty but also supports your unique body shape and this becomes even more important as you grow older.  Whether you’re planning a beach getaway or a poolside retreat, we hope this article will help you to understand how to select the perfect swimsuit as an older lady. We’ll explore styles and sizing options specifically catered to senior women, to help ensure that every swim outing is joyful and stylish.

Taking Measurements: Finding Your Perfect Swimwear Fit for Older Women

The first step in selecting your perfect swimsuit as more senior women is to take accurate body measurements. This ensures that you choose the right size and style that complements your unique shape. Here’s how to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the size chart of the brand to help guide you to select the correct size.  This does vary depending on the brand.

1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape comfortably snug but not too tight. This measurement will help in selecting tops or one-piece suits that offer adequate support.
2. Waist: Find your natural waistline, which is typically located just above your tummy button. Measure around this area, ensuring the tape is parallel to the floor.
3. Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips. This measurement is needed for choosing the right bottom or one-piece suit.
4. Length: For one-piece swimsuits, body length is important to avoid uncomfortable pulling.  At Seaspray, our swimsuits are offered in regular or longer length bodies to provide a more bespoke fit. Measure from the centre of your shoulder, through your legs and extend up to the back shoulder.
5. Inseam: For those considering swim dresses, measure the inseam from the crotch to the desired length to assist in ensuring the right coverage and length.

Fit and Functionality

When choosing swimwear as an older woman, the perfect fit is essential. Here are some handy tips to ensure your swimwear not only looks great but feels fabulous and stands the test of time as well.

• Look for Stretchy Fabrics: Look for swimwear constructed from high quality fabrics which stretch and include a minimum of 10% spandex or elastane. This will mean they keep their shape and provide more support to ensure a comfortable fit whilst allowing for freedom of movement.  Seaspray suits are all designed with 18% Extra Life Elastane as standard, which ensures durability to ensure your Seaspray swimwear will last for years and keep its shape season after season.

• Be Bold with trying Different Styles: Swimwear for older ladies is all about personal comfort and style. Experiment with different cuts, prints and colours to discover what makes you feel most confident.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Size Up: If a swimsuit feels too tight or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to try a larger size. Comfort is important in bathing suits for senior ladies to make spending time in and out of the water most enjoyable.
• Test the Swimsuit: Make sure to move around in the swimsuit when trying it on. Raise your arms, sit, and bend to ensure the bathing suit fits well and provides the right level of support.
• Quality: Assess the quality of the swimsuit and look for reinforced seams and durable fabrics that will withstand chlorine, saltwater, and sun exposure and consider investing in higher quality fabrics and detailing in your swimwear as a mature woman to support you and give you confidence on your holiday.
• Consider the Activities: Think about the activities you’ll be doing. If you’re planning to swim laps, look for swimsuits specifically designed for performance. If lounging is your plan, you might opt for stylish two-pieces or swim dresses.
• Don’t Compromise on Comfort: Consider how the fabric feels against your skin and choose swimwear that feels lovely. Avoid suits that dig in or cause discomfort, as this can detract from your overall enjoyment. 

Consider Support Features:

Supportive swimsuits often offer support features which can create a more bespoke look and fit, tailored to your body shape to provide enhanced comfort and confidence, particularly for more elderly women. Here are some features to look for in bathing suits that offer support for older ladies:

1. Tummy Control: Seaspray offers all our swimsuits and bikinis with signature tummy control power mesh panels built in around the tummy that provide additional support and smoothing. This feature helps to create a flattering feminine silhouette.
2. Adjustable Straps: All Seaspray swimwear is designed with adjustable straps or ties to allow for a more bespoke, customized fit. This is particularly beneficial for women with varying bust sizes, as you can modify the strap length to suit your comfort and shape.
3. Built-in Bra: Look for swimsuits with built-in bras or underwire support particularly if you have a larger bust. This feature helps lift and shape the bust, providing comfort and confidence.
4. Ruching and draping: These design techniques gather fabric to create a softening and flattering effect. This can help disguise areas you may wish to minimize while adding a stylish element to your swimwear.
5. Supportive Fabrics: Look for swimwear made from high-quality, stretchy fabrics like Lycra or spandex. These materials provide the necessary support while allowing for ease of movement.

Choosing the Right Cover-Ups for Mature Women

As an older woman, cover-ups are a particularly valuable addition to your holiday wardrobe. Cover ups all offer coverage and elegance, making the transition from the water to the beach bar seamless in your swimwear. Here are some considerations when selecting cover-ups for more senior ladies:

1. Length: Choose a cover-up length that makes you feel comfortable. Options range from tunics that cover the hips to longer maxi styles that offer full floor length coverage and more modesty.
2. Fabric: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or chiffon are ideal for cover-ups. They allow for airflow and comfort while providing coverage.
3. Style: Consider the occasion when choosing a cover-up. Kaftans, sarongs, and beach dresses can be stylish options for lounging, while sporty cover-ups work well for more active days.
4. Versatility: Look for cover-ups that can be worn in various ways. A pareo or sarong can be tied around the neck as a dress or wrapped around the waist as a skirt, while a shirt dress or kaftan can complement various swimsuit styles for the older lady.

Understanding Your Body Shape

Before diving into styles, it's essential to understand your body shape for bathing suits for the older lady.  Whether you have a pear shape, apple shape, or hourglass figure, there's a swimsuit designed to flatter your each and every silhouette. High-waisted bikinis can accentuate curves while providing coverage, while one-piece swimsuits with ruching can create a flattering line.  At Seaspray we specialise in shapewear, so we have a huge array of options to choose from.

Necklines and Silhouette

As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, and understanding how to choose flattering swimwear necklines and silhouettes becomes key to feeling confident and stylish. The right choices can enhance your best features while providing helpful comfort and support.  The neckline of your swimwear can significantly affect your overall look. Here are some popular styles and how they can work for mature figures:

1. V-Neck: This neckline elongates the neck and enhances the bust, creating a flattering silhouette. It can be particularly stylish for one-piece swimsuits or tankinis, offering a chic look while providing support.
2. Square Neck: A square neckline offers a modern and sophisticated vibe for the older lady. It provides ample coverage while framing the shoulders beautifully. This style is great for those who want to showcase their collarbone and shoulders.
3. Halter Neck: This style can provide excellent support for the bust while drawing attention to the shoulders. Halter necklines create an elegant, elongated look and are perfect for both one-pieces and bikinis and the strap can also be untied for sunbathing.
4. Sweetheart Neckline: This romantic neckline accentuates the bust and can create a feminine silhouette. It’s a lovely option for swim dresses and can add a touch of glamour to your beach look.

Choosing the Right Silhouette: Key styles to consider

Selecting the right silhouette is crucial for comfort and confidence. Here are some of the more popular and flattering swimwear silhouettes for women over 50:

1. One-Piece Swimsuits: Timeless and versatile, one-piece bathing suits offer full coverage and support. Look for classic styles with ruching, built in tummy control, or built-in bras to enhance your silhouette and adjustable straps for added comfort and a bespoke fit.
2. High-Waisted Bikinis: Don’t be afraid of bikinis but look for high waist options with built in tummy control which offer more coverage and support.  Emphasizing the waist; high-waisted bikinis are both flattering and fun. They can help construct an hourglass shape and different tops and bottoms can be mixed to create different flattering looks.
3. Swim Dresses and skirted swimsuits: These combine the elegance of a dress with the functionality of a swimsuit.  A swim skirt or dress offers a feminine look while providing graceful coverage. Swim dresses come in various lengths and styles, making them perfect for both swimming and lounging.This silhouette combines the best of both worlds, offering the coverage of a skirt with the functionality of a swimsuit. Skirted styles can be playful and stylish and provide a confidence boost.
4. Tankinis: This two-piece option is ideal for those wanting a balance of coverage and versatility - combining the coverage of a one-piece with the flexibility of a bikini. Tankinis allow for easy movement and can be paired with different bottoms for a personalized look.

Final Thoughts: Embrace your Style

Finding the perfect swimwear for mature women is all about confidence, comfort, and style. Understand and embrace your body and choose high quality swimsuits with built in support and adjustable detailing that will make you look and feel fabulous so you can take to the water with effortless elegance to celebrate your unique shape.