Searching for the Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50 With Fibromyalgia changed my approach to swimwear research forever. Are you tired of swimsuits that trigger your fibromyalgia pain flares? I get it. Finding swimwear that doesn’t feel like torture when you have sensitive skin from fibromyalgia can seem impossible. But here’s the good news – I’ve done the research so you don’t have to suffer through more painful trial and error.
As a fashion writer specializing in adaptive clothing, I’ve interviewed dozens of women with fibromyalgia and consulted with pain management specialists to discover which swimsuits actually deliver on their comfort promises. The right swimsuit can be the difference between enjoying the therapeutic benefits of water and sitting on the sidelines in pain.
Table of Contents
What Makes Fibromyalgia and Swimwear Such a Challenging Combination?
Fibromyalgia widespread pain affects approximately 4 million Americans, with women over 50 making up a significant portion of those diagnosed. This often-misunderstood condition creates a perfect storm of clothing sensitivity issues:
- Hypersensitive skin that registers normal touch as painful (allodynia symptoms)
- Pressure point pain that flares when elastic or tight materials press against the body
- Temperature regulation problems that can trigger fibromyalgia flare-ups when too hot or cold
- Chronic fatigue symptoms that make complex dressing and undressing exhausting
- Fibromyalgia brain fog that can make shopping overwhelming and frustrating
Imagine slipping into a standard swimsuit with its tight elastic, scratchy fabrics, and painful underwires – it’s a recipe for a fibromyalgia pain crisis. No wonder so many women with this condition avoid swimming altogether!
Why Finding the Right Swimsuit Can Transform Your Fibromyalgia Management
Water therapy is consistently rated as one of the most effective fibromyalgia pain relief activities by rheumatologists and pain specialists. The buoyancy of water reduces joint pressure by up to 90%, while providing gentle resistance that builds muscle without triggering pain. Studies show that regular aquatic therapy can reduce fibromyalgia symptoms by up to 30% in just 12 weeks.
But you can only enjoy these benefits if your swimwear isn’t causing more pain than the water relieves. That’s why I’ve created this carefully researched guide to the absolute best swimsuits for women dealing with the dual challenges of being over 50 and managing fibromyalgia.
Be sure to check out my recent review on the best tankinis for older women.
Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50 With Fibromyalgia – The List
The 11 Most Comfortable Swimsuits for Women Over 50 With Fibromyalgia
1. Most Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Lands’ End Women’s Chlorine-Resistant Scoop Neck One Piece ($50 – 75)
Imagine slipping into a swimsuit that feels like your softest t-shirt against your skin…
The Lands’ End Chlorine-Resistant Scoop Neck transforms swimming from painful to pleasurable with its incredibly soft Comfort Stretch fabric (80% nylon, 20% spandex). Fibromyalgia sufferers consistently praise this suit in reviews for how it “feels like nothing’s there” while still providing modest coverage.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The fabric is tested specifically for sensitivity and contains no irritating latex. The soft shelf bra provides support without underwires, and wide, adjustable straps distribute pressure evenly instead of digging into tender shoulder points.
Available in: Sizes 2-24 (including long torso options) and 7 colors including Black, Deep Sea Navy, and Raspberry Sorbet
Perfect for: Women who need the most gentle fabric sensation against hypersensitive skin
“After trying dozens of suits that left me in tears from pain, this one actually lets me enjoy water therapy again. I forget I’m even wearing it!” – Linda, 57, fibromyalgia patient
2. Best for Temperature Regulation: Swimsuits For All Lattice Plunge Tankini ($79.99)
Your body temperature fluctuates unpredictably with fibromyalgia. Shouldn’t your swimwear adapt?
Temperature sensitivity is a major fibromyalgia trigger, and this innovative tankini addresses that with a design that allows for easy adjustment. The semi-loose top can be positioned for more or less coverage as needed, while the bottoms feature a soft, wide waistband with an adjustable drawstring instead of painful elastic.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The breathable fabric (82% polyester microfiber, 18% spandex) doesn’t trap heat against sensitive skin, and the two-piece design allows you to regulate temperature more effectively. The lattice detail at the neckline provides style without adding pressure to tender collarbone areas.
Available in: Sizes 8-26 and 4 pattern options including Moroccan Tile and Classic Black
Perfect for: Women experiencing unpredictable hot flashes alongside fibromyalgia symptoms
“This tankini saved my beach vacation! When my symptoms flared, I could adjust it for comfort without sacrificing style or giving up on swimming altogether.” – Marie, 62
3. Easiest to Put On and Take Off: Tempt Me Front Zipper One Piece ($32.99-$42.99)
Imagine getting dressed for swimming without the exhausting struggle…
When fibromyalgia fatigue hits hard, the last thing you need is a wrestling match with your swimwear. This innovative front-zip design eliminates the painful overhead movements and contortions typically required to put on a swimsuit. The smooth zipper with extended pull is easy to manipulate even with stiff, painful fingers.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The front-entry design means no painful reaching or stretching. The fabric (82% nylon, 18% spandex) has 4-way stretch that moves with you without binding, and the high neck provides sun protection for medication-sensitive skin.
Available in: Sizes XS-22 Plus and 25+ color options and patterns
Perfect for: Women with limited mobility due to severe fibromyalgia or those who dress independently despite pain
“I was ready to give up swimming because of how exhausting changing was. This zipper suit changed everything—I can get in and out of it in seconds without triggering a pain flare!” – Susan, 55
4. Best Float Support: Blooming Jelly Swim Dress ($40-55)
Feel weightless and pain-free in the water with built-in float technology…
This isn’t just a stylish swim dress – it’s engineered with innovative fabric technology that enhances your natural buoyancy, reducing the effort needed to stay afloat. For women with fibromyalgia muscle pain, this means swimming without straining already sensitive muscle groups.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The signature compression fabric (78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane) provides gentle, even support without tight spots. The dress overlay prevents fabric from clinging to sensitive skin when wet, and the built-in shorts don’t ride up to create new pressure points.
Available in: Sizes 0-24 and 8 color options including Sea Glass, Deep Ocean, and Hibiscus
Perfect for: Women who find traditional swimming exhausting due to muscle fatigue and pain
“Swimming used to wipe me out for days afterward. With this suit’s extra buoyancy, I can enjoy longer water therapy sessions without the painful aftermath.” – Patricia, 64
5. Best for Pressure Point Relief: Andie The Amalfi One-Piece ($11-130)
Designed specifically to avoid the 18 classic fibromyalgia tender points…
This revolutionary two-piece was developed with input from pain management specialists to map and avoid the common fibromyalgia tender points. The top uses wide, soft bands that distribute pressure evenly, while the high-waisted bottoms feature a unique waistband that sits away from abdominal tender points.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The ribbed material (80% nylon, 20% spandex) has multi-directional stretch that conforms without compressing. Strategic seam placement avoids pressure on common tender points, and the slightly compressive fabric provides support without triggering pain.
Available in: Sizes XS-3XL in both classic and long torso fits, in 9 colors including Forest Green, Cherry Red, and Black
Perfect for: Women with severe tender point sensitivity, especially in the ribcage, shoulders, and abdomen
“I mapped my tender points with my doctor and this suit somehow avoids every single one of them. It’s like it was custom-made for fibromyalgia.” – Janet, 59
6. Ultra-Soft Fabric Champion: Cupshe High Waisted Two Piece ($29.99-$35.99)
The incredible softness has to be felt to be believed…
When fibromyalgia skin sensitivity makes every fabric feel like sandpaper, this ultra-soft two-piece comes to the rescue. Using a specialized microfiber blend that’s been tested for skin sensitivity, it’s consistently rated as the “softest swimsuit ever” by women with tactile sensitivity issues.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The cloud-soft fabric (82% chinlon, 18% spandex) feels silky against bare skin. There are no scratchy tags, all seams are flat and bonded rather than stitched, and the wide straps don’t dig into sensitive shoulders.
Available in: Sizes XS-XXL in 15+ patterns and colors including Floral Blue, Vintage Rose, and Classic Black
Perfect for: Women whose primary symptom is extreme skin sensitivity and tactile allodynia
“I actually cried when I felt how soft this suit was. For the first time in years, I have a swimsuit that doesn’t make my skin feel like it’s on fire.” – Teresa, 52
7. Best Post-Mastectomy Option: Amoena Rhodes One-Piece ($60-75)
Breast surgery history plus fibromyalgia requires specially designed swimwear…
Many women over 50 face the double challenge of post-mastectomy needs plus fibromyalgia pain. This thoughtfully designed suit features bilateral pockets for prosthetics if needed, but works beautifully for any woman with upper body sensitivity. The pocketed design eliminates the need for separate prosthetic attachments that can create pressure points.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The front zip closure eliminates painful overhead movements, the soft cup design accommodates uneven breasts without painful underwires, and the fabric (80% nylon, 20% spandex with Lycra® Xtra Life™) holds its shape without stretching out and creating uneven pressure.
Available in: Sizes 8-22 and 3 colors including Navy, Black, and Cherry Blossom
Perfect for: Women managing both post-surgical sensitivity and fibromyalgia pain
“After my mastectomy, I thought I’d never swim again because regular suits hurt too much. This suit lets me enjoy the pool again without pain or self-consciousness.” – Carol, 68
8. Best Lightweight Feel: Athleta AquaSport One Piece ($49.99-$89.99 on sale)
So lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing it…
When every ounce of fabric weight feels like a burden on your hypersensitive skin, this ultralight one-piece is the answer. Using advanced featherweight fabric technology, it weighs significantly less than standard swimsuits while providing full UPF 50+ protection and modest coverage.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The A-B-C cup sizing ensures proper fit without excess fabric, the lightweight material (78% recycled nylon, 22% Lycra® spandex) dries quickly to prevent the heavy, dragging feeling of wet fabric, and the streamlined design eliminates bulk that can create pressure points.
Available in: Sizes XXS-XL in A, B, C, D, and DD cup sizes, in 6 colors including Black, Deep Sapphire, and Bright Fuchsia
Perfect for: Women who find the weight and drag of wet swimwear painfully overwhelming
“It’s like wearing air. Even when wet, it doesn’t drag or pull on my sensitive spots. For the first time in years, I can swim without being constantly aware of my swimsuit.” – Deborah, 56
9. Best for Brain Fog Days: Tempt Me 3 Piece Tankini Swimsuit ($40-55)
The ultimate solution for unpredictable symptom days…
Fibromyalgia brain fog can make planning difficult, and symptom intensity varies unpredictably. This versatile three-piece set includes a tank top, bottoms, and a coordinating cover-up that work together or separately, giving you options no matter how you feel when you reach the water.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The mix-and-match pieces adapt to your symptom level—more coverage on high-sensitivity days, less on better days. The smooth, quick-drying fabric (85% nylon, 15% Lycra® spandex) provides firm support without binding, and the set includes a soft cover-up for temperature transitions.
Available in: Sizes 8-18 and 5 color options including Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, and Sangria
Perfect for: Women whose symptoms fluctuate dramatically from day to day
“I never know how I’ll feel from one hour to the next with fibromyalgia. This set lets me adjust on the fly, which means I actually use it instead of letting it sit in my drawer.” – Elaine, 60
10. Best Therapeutic Design: Speedo Aquatic Fitness Swimsuit ($59.99-$89.99)
Developed with physical therapists specifically for pain management…
This isn’t just comfortable—it’s actually therapeutic. Developed with input from aquatic physical therapists, this suit provides strategic compression and support to help maintain proper alignment in the water, actually helping to reduce pain during water therapy rather than just avoiding triggering it.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The PowerFlex fabric (50% PBT polyester, 50% polyester) provides targeted compression without constriction, the higher neckline prevents uncomfortable gaping during movement, and the innovative back design supports proper posture without restricting motion.
Available in: Sizes 4-18 and 7 colors including Black, Nautical Navy, and Vivid Violet
Perfect for: Women who use swimming as part of their prescribed pain management program
“My physical therapist recommended this suit specifically. The strategic support actually enhances my water therapy results and I have less pain both during and after swimming.” – Margaret, 63
11. Best Budget-Friendly Option: RXRXCOCO V-Neck One Piece ($25.99-$29.99)
Comfort doesn’t have to break the bank…
Managing chronic illness is expensive, but this budget-friendly suit doesn’t compromise on the features that matter for fibromyalgia comfort. At less than $30, it includes many of the same pain-reducing design elements as suits costing four times as much.
Why it works for fibromyalgia: The soft, stretchy fabric (82% nylon, 18% spandex) moves with you without binding, the ruched front provides modest tummy control without uncomfortable compression, and the wide straps distribute pressure evenly across the shoulders.
Available in: Sizes S-XXL and 15+ color options including Navy Blue, Wine Red, and Black
Perfect for: Women managing the financial impact of chronic illness alongside the physical symptoms
“After spending hundreds on ‘specialty’ suits that still hurt, I took a chance on this affordable option and was shocked at how comfortable it is. I immediately ordered two more colors!” – Karen, 58
Why These Swimsuits Work When Others Fail
What separates these 11 swimsuits from the hundreds of uncomfortable options on the market? They all address the specific challenges of fibromyalgia clothing sensitivity:
- Fabric Technology: Each uses specialized fabrics tested for sensitivity that won’t trigger painful skin reactions
- Pressure Distribution: They avoid concentrated pressure on common tender points through innovative design
- Ease of Use: They’re designed to be easy to put on and take off, even during fatigue flares
- Adaptability: They accommodate the fluctuating nature of fibromyalgia symptoms
- Temperature Management: They help maintain comfortable body temperature during water activities
Beyond the Swimsuit: My Top 7 Tips for Pain-Free Swimming
The right swimsuit is essential, but these additional strategies will make your swimming experience even more comfortable:
- Optimal Timing: Schedule swimming during your personal low-pain window (for many, it’s 10 am-2 pm)
- Temperature Matters: Seek pools heated to 83-88°F, the ideal range for fibromyalgia muscle relaxation
- Gradual Transitions: Arrive 15 minutes early to acclimate to the pool environment before changing
- Layer Smart: Wear a soft cotton robe over your suit for quick coverage after swimming
- Poolside Essentials: Bring a padded mat for comfortable changing and sitting
- Hydration Help: Drink 16oz of water with electrolytes before and after swimming to prevent post-exercise pain spikes
- Recovery Plan: Schedule 30 minutes of rest time after swimming before your next activity
When to Invest vs. When to Save
While all the suits on this list address fibromyalgia needs, your personal budget may require some prioritizing. Here’s my practical advice on where to invest vs. save:
Worth the Splurge:
- Lands’ End Chlorine-Resistant if fabric sensitivity is your primary issue
- Andie The Amalfi Set if pressure points are your main concern
- Amoena Rhodes if you have post-surgical needs alongside fibromyalgia
Great Value Options:
- RXRXCOCO V-Neck provides excellent comfort at the lowest price point
- Tempt Me Front Zipper offers easy dressing at a mid-range price
- Cupshe High Waisted combines affordability with ultra-soft fabric
Remember: A swimsuit that causes pain will sit unused, making even an inexpensive purchase wasteful. Consider your specific fibromyalgia triggers when deciding where to invest.
Don’t Wait to Experience the Healing Power of Water
The therapeutic benefits of swimming for fibromyalgia pain management are too significant to miss out on because of uncomfortable swimwear. Water-based exercise has been shown to:
- Reduce pain intensity by up to 40% in clinical studies
- Improve sleep quality by 30% when done regularly
- Increase flexibility without triggering flares
- Build strength in a low-impact environment
- Provide gentle cardiovascular conditioning
The suits in this guide are selling quickly as more women discover their fibromyalgia-friendly features. Many are available with free returns, making this the perfect time to try a truly comfortable option risk-free.
Your body deserves the healing power of water without the agony of uncomfortable swimwear. With these carefully selected suits, you can finally enjoy swimming again – without paying for it with days of increased pain afterward.
Which fibromyalgia-friendly swimsuit will you try first?
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.