Can a woman over 50 wear Athleisure? Ever ask yourself that question? Well let’s start out with women over 50 can wear anything they want. …
In all my years of blogging I cannot believe I have never shared a swimsuit post, and that is pretty sad. Women over 50 and swimsuits should be a consistent post on my blog, especially based on the time I spend poolside, beachside and on a ship. It appears that I suffer from the same aversion most women over 50 suffer from, bathing suit/swimsuit aversion.
Why is it that women over 50 seem to have such an aversion to wearing the suit? Well maybe because society seems to ignore us. When is the last time you actually saw a 50 year old women in a swimsuit ad? Or better yet a size 12 or 14, which BTW is the size of the average American woman, not a 2 or a 4, but 12-14.
Today I am shedding that worry, ignoring the nagging “are they looking at me” fear and embracing this body in these suits. Sharing some fun one and two piece swimsuits suitable for the mature figure. FYI, it is still March in Canada so I had to take this inside lol.
Disclosure: This post includes links from Modlily which is a company I love and use Thanks for supporting A Labour of Life!
Modlily Swimsuits for Mature Figures
When Modliy contacted me about trying a few swimsuits I was a tad hesitant, just being truthful here. I mean yes I wanted swimsuits but did I really want to share them on my socials and show off me? It is one thing to wear a swimsuit off on a beach somewhere, or on a cruise ship, I may never see them again. But sharing here and disclosing height, weight measurements etc is a tad more intimidating.
I am being real here folks. Growing up I hit many a period where I relapsed, had a bit of an eating disorder. While I never hit rock bottom, I did hit a low of 95 pounds at 5’4″ ( at age 30). There are pieces of me in my head that still want to be that gal. So being me at 160 pounds is a bit, well, difficult at times. We can’t all be those women that are so comfortable in their skin no matter their size right? BUT we can try, and for me putting it all out there is a swimsuit is a start.
So I am normally a 12-14 in swimsuits. Fairly curvy and my top is bigger than my bottom. I am not just a few pounds heavier than I was as a young lady I am also “thicker”. And that my friends is reality. Modlily as a swimwear company seems to understand that. For sizing I ordered all XL’s and they are pretty true to my size.
MODLILY® V Neck Spaghetti Strap One Piece Swimwear
My first choice was a pretty standard typical style for women over 50. We seem to gravitate to black basic one piece suits that we think will camouflage us. Fade into the background suits is what I call them. But this one with the contrasting piping is slimming and makes you feel like strolling the beach. The XL fits perfectly top and bottom.
Ruffle Tropical Plants Print One Piece Swimwear
Next up is a style I have always wanted to try but was afraid to. Should I invest money in a suit that I wasn’t sure would suit my body type. Plus I often was preoccupied with sunning and tan lines so larger straps was a no-no. This beauty has a fun backline as well as front line. The rouching is great for slight camoflauge and the fit is spot on.
Front Cross Cyan Plaid Tankini Set
Another suit style to take me out of my comfort zone but perfect for swimsuits over 50. This fun tankini provides lots of coverage and has a fun boyfriend cut bottom. The straps on the top are adjustable and the bottoms can also be adjusted. For sizing the top is perfect on me but the bottoms were a little loose, I probably could have gone down to a med or large.
A gorgeous two piece swimsuit in a fantastic colour. I adore this suit but my shape does not work with the sizing. I do adore the fact that the bottoms offer greater coverage which is key for mature figures. I need the XL top but actually need a medium for the bottoms. I can still get away with wearing it though because I have bottoms from another suit that work perfectly. Check out my instagram reel to see what the back of this suit looks like. Full youtube review is also coming soon.
Tie Back Black Contrast Bikini Set
The two piece set is more of what I have been wearing so this believe it or not was a “safe order” for me. Yes the oxymoron that is “woman” we fret and worry about what we look like but still wear the unexpected. This is mostly because 1) i love sun and no tan lines, and 2) I really do like my shoulders and upper body in a two piece. ( and can wear a sarong on the bottom lol).
The top again is a perfect fit but for the bottom, it works but a large would have been slightly better.
Cage Neck Black Cutout One Piece Swimwear
The final suit was the biggest surprise for me. Ordering a basic black one piece that is anything but basic. The Cage neck or what I refer to as criss-cross is really fun, not something i normally would have looked at but so very flattering. Add to that some peeka boo cutouts covered in a fine mesh and you have a very flattering suit. Size again is an XL and was perfect for me.
Cover up Season
White Lace Cover Up
Can you have a swimsuit post without any coverups? Not for me. A fun coverup is just as important as a great swimsuit. If you follow me you know I have a white button up coverup I wear a lot, well this fun lace up seemed the perfect addition to my collection.
Sadly the one piece that is not really true to size, I ordered the XL but the sleeves are snug and it is shorter than I wanted. Truth be told though I am on a fitness journey so maybe by summer this will fit perfectly.
Tie Dye Dress
My final piece from modlily was a tie dye twisted hem dress, or a fun coverup. This versatile piece can go from pool to sightseeing in the bink of an eye. It works for me as a modest coverup, or a dress to wear on the cruise ship during the day. True to size in an XL. I should clarify, I am not an XL traditionally but for most online sites of ” non traditional ” companies I normally order XL.
Did you like today’s swimsuit guide? Are there additional styles I should have included in a swimsuits over 50 guide? Let me know in the comments what you liked the best.
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