Let me tell you, finding the perfect bathing suits for 55-year-old woman like me has been quite the adventure. After years of frustration in fitting rooms, I’ve finally discovered swimwear that makes me feel confident and comfortable. I’m sharing my personal experiences to help you skip the trial and error I went through.
Table of Contents
My Swimwear Struggle
When I turned 55, my body had changed in ways that made my old swimwear completely unsuitable. I needed swimwear that provides coverage without making me look like I’d given up on style. I wanted to look good at my friend’s pool parties and on beach vacations with my family.
My main concerns were:
- Hiding my post-menopausal tummy
- Supporting my bust that wasn’t as perky as it once was
- Finding comfortable options that didn’t dig into my skin
- Looking stylish without trying to dress like I was 25
Best Bathing Suits for 55-Year-Old Woman – The Truth
What I’ve Learned About Swimsuits That Actually Work
Tummy Control Is My Best Friend
- Design: The torso of our swimsuit is designed with Ruched pattern, which can hide your tummy imperfections perfectly, make you look slimmer and increase your confidence, making you more alluring, chic and flirty.
- Design: Adjustable halter neck provides support and shaping.
- Padded : Removable Padded push up bras for support with light padding and full lining for no show-through. Moderate coverage for bottom elegantly contours your curves
After trying dozens of suits, I’ve found that slimming swimsuits for older women with built-in tummy control panels make an incredible difference. I was skeptical at first, but when I saw how these suits smoothed my midsection, I became a convert.
Ruching Hides A Multitude of Sins
- Ruched one piece swimsuits with adjustable ruffle shoulder straps and detachable back buckle, easy to wear on and off
- Removable push up padding bra
- Corset design makes you look slim, tummy control design perfectly hides your belly
I’ve fallen in love with ruched swimwear. The gathered fabric strategically placed across the stomach area creates a flattering visual effect that disguises my trouble spots without looking obvious. When I catch my reflection while wearing a ruched swimsuit, I actually smile instead of cringing.
Support Matters More Than Ever
- Twist front swimsuits: Front cross and v neck design to show off a sexy style from every angle. The back tie knot and adjustable shoulder straps fit your body curves perfectly
- Tummy control swim suit: The torso of our swimsuit is designed with ruched pattern, which can hide your tummy imperfections perfectly, make you look slimmer, making you more alluring, chic and flirty
- Push up swimwear: The removable padded and adjustable cross straps can fix the one-piece swimwear well. We’ve optimized the bust design to provide more support for women with larger breasts
At 55, I need suits with proper structure. I’ve found that styles with underwire bras or built-in shelf bras provide the lift and support I need. Without good support, I feel self-conscious and uncomfortable all day.
Quality Makes a Difference
- FIT AND COMFORT – This one piece swimsuit offers a sleek and firm fit, with shirred seams that subtly conceal areas of concern, creating a lean, sculpted appearance. Its shoulder straps and comprehensive back coverage provide a secure swim experience.
- SIZING – Runs true to size. Please refer to our Size Chart for specific measurements to achieve the perfect fit. Plus sizing available.
- FEATURES AND DETAILS – Thin over the shoulder, adjustable straps. Sleek scoop neckline. Straight back. Removable cups. Lined. Side and midsection shirring detail. High-cut sides, and full coverage bottom for a secure fit.
I’ve learned the hard way that cheap swimsuits just don’t cut it anymore. My body deserves compression fabrics that hold their shape throughout the day. I might pay a bit more, but when I’m not constantly adjusting or feeling exposed, it’s worth every penny.
My Top One-Piece Swimsuits: Personal Reviews
1. Miraclesuit Slimming One-Piece: My Splurge That Was Worth It
- Look 10 lbs. lighter in 10 seconds® with Miraclesuit. 69% Nylon, 31% Lycra Spandex
- Miratex® fabric provides all over body control, shaping and slimming your figure with over twice the shaping power of regular Lycra. V-neckline with soft cup bra accentuates bustline but never reveals too much. Fixed straps stay firmly in place and won’t dig in or slide down.
- Cleverly draped fabric conceals extra pounds around your midsection. Slimming design is so flattering on every body type. Wrap style front visually slims your stomach and whittles down your waistline. You’ll look curvier all over with a stunning hourglass shape. Moderate cut leg elongates thighs, making them look thinner.
I saved up for my Miraclesuit and consider it my best swimwear investment ever. The first time I put it on, I literally gasped – it took what felt like inches off my waistline.
My experience:
- The fabric feels substantial and luxurious
- I opted for the deep blue color which is slimming and rich-looking
- The size 14 fit perfectly (I typically wear 12-14 in clothing)
- After wearing it for two summers, it still holds its shape
One downside: it’s a workout to get in and out of, especially when wet. But the confidence I feel wearing it outweighs this minor inconvenience.
2. Tempt Me High-Neck One-Piece: My Affordable Go-To
- Tempt Me one piece high neck swimsuit design features a padded push-up bra and neck hook closure, providing support and shaping for a comfortable fit.
- The see-through mesh style and deep plunge back design add a touch of charm, awesomeness, and chicness to the sexy bathing suit.
- The smooth fabric material is stretchy, comfortable, and soft, ensuring you will thoroughly enjoy wearing it. Note: Regular size: XXS,XS,S,M,L,XL. Plus Sizes: 14 Plus, 16 Plus, 18 Plus, 20 Plus, 22 Plus, 24 Plus, 26 Plus.
When I wanted a backup suit without breaking the bank, I tried the bestselling tummy control swimsuit from Tempt Me after seeing so many positive reviews online.
My experience:
- The mesh insert adds style without showing too much skin
- I can wear it all day comfortably
- The padded cups provide good shape without looking obvious
- At under $40, I bought it in black and navy
One caution: the leg openings run a bit high, so I sized up for more coverage.
3. Lands’ End Slender Grecian: My Reliable Classic
- Quality Materials: The LYCRA Xtra Life spandex used for this womens swimsuit lasts up to 10 times longer than ordinary spandex and resists damage from sunblock sweat and chlorine. Hand wash.
- Look Gorgeous: Our comfortable firming Slendertex fabric smooths and shapes your figure. All-over control makes this ladies Grecian one piece a Slendersuit. And shirring flatters your curves.
- Safe & Supportive: UPF 50 fabric protects your skin and makes this heavenly womens bathing suit a must-have for safe outdoor fun. We’ve also added a soft cup bra that shapes and supports your bust.
I’ve been buying Lands’ End swimwear for years, and their Grecian Tummy Control suit remains a staple in my summer wardrobe.
My experience:
- The fit is consistent year after year
- I love that I could order my exact bra size (38D)
- The ruching across the middle hides my tummy perfectly
- The suit has lasted through countless chlorine exposures
One tip: Their return policy is excellent, so I often order multiple sizes to find my perfect fit.
Two-Piece Options That Changed My Mind
1. Tankini Freedom
After years of one-pieces only, I tried a tankini and was shocked by how much I loved it. The convenience for bathroom breaks alone converted me!
- Design: Adjustable halter neck strap, Moderate coverage and support, Gold metal sliders, Sexy backless, Non-removable cups.
- Slimming Tankini Top: Two Piece tummy control tankini swimsuit creates a slimming silhouette, hiding your belly still contours curves perfectly.
- Swimsuit with Short: Push up tankini tops with high waisted short, The triangle high waisted shorts provide safety during swimming.
My experience:
- I bought a set with a longer tankini top that covers my midsection
- Being able to buy a larger bottom size than top was game-changing
- I feel more “put together” than in a one-piece
- They’re perfect for travel as I can mix and match pieces
2. My Blouson Top Revelation
- Two Piece Tankini: Securely adjustable shoulder straps with soft sewn-in bra cups provide customized support while maintaining shape integrity throughout wear.
- Blouson Swimsuit: Features a feminine blouson top with graceful draping that accentuates curves. Eye-catching blue floral print with delicate red blooms creates vibrant tropical elegance.
- Modest Swimwear: The loose fit tankini top pairs seamlessly with tummy-control mid-rise bottoms, offering smooth coverage while maintaining a figure-flattering silhouette. Ideal for beach days or poolside lounging.
I resisted blouson tops for years, thinking they’d make me look bigger. I was completely wrong.
My experience:
- The relaxed fit around my middle feels freeing
- The flowing fabric draws eyes up to my shoulders, which I still love
- I feel more modern and stylish in this than many one-pieces
- The high-waisted bottoms keep everything secure
3. Swim Dress Success
- Fabric: This women tummy control swimsuit is made of stretchy, breathable, soft, and durable material with full lining for coverage and support. Bathing suit for women, ensuring a comfortable fit all day long.
- Slimming & Stylish: The women one piece swimsuit features a mesh sheer v-neck and sarong wraps that provide a stylish and sexy look. The tummy control and ruched design flatter your figure, combining modesty with a touch of sexiness.
- Moderate Coverage & Supportive: This swimdress has a built-in bottom and an adjustable drawstring for a customizable fit, providing confidence and comfort. Adjustable wide straps and removable triangular pads offer added support.
When my thighs became my biggest concern, I reluctantly tried a swim dress. Now I have three in my collection.
My experience:
- The skirt hits mid-thigh and floats beautifully in the water
- I feel feminine and pretty, not matronly as I’d feared
- The built-in shorts prevent any wardrobe malfunctions
- I get compliments every time I wear my patterned version
Colors and Patterns: What I’ve Learned
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered what works for my body:
- Solid dark colors slim my figure, but can look severe against my aging skin
- Diagonal stripes create visual interest that’s flattering
- Strategic patterns on the top draw attention to my face
- Color blocking with darker colors on the bottom is my foolproof choice
My Must-Have Accessories
I’ve found these extras essential:
- A lightweight cover-up that coordinates with all my suits
- A straw hat that stays on in the breeze
- Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare
- Water-friendly sandals I can wear all day
Where I Actually Shop (And Find Success)
After many disappointments in department stores, I now shop at:
- Lands’ End online (for their reliable sizing and D-cup options)
- Miraculesuits.com (for my annual splurge piece)
- Summersalt (for more modern styles that still provide coverage)
- Swimsuits For All (for their incredible selection in plus sizes)
- Cupshe (for trendy styles that won’t break the bank)
My Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect swimsuit for a 55-year-old woman took me years of trial and error. Now I know that the right suit makes all the difference in how I feel about summer activities.
I’ve learned that flattering swimwear for older women doesn’t mean hiding in boring styles. It means embracing my current body while highlighting what I love about it.
Remember that confidence is your best accessory. When you find that perfect suit, you’ll know it by how you feel wearing it, not just how it looks in the mirror.
What swimsuit styles have worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
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.
Last update on 2025-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API