I know this post is making kind of a late appearance, given that we’re already in mid-July, but so many of you requested it that I figured we’re better late than never, correct? This retroish option looks truly flattering.
This is a Miraclesuit, and is supposed to have seriously sucking-in properties.
Animal prints on swimsuits can skew cheesy fast, but this really works, I think because the cut is so good.
Here is a perfectly classic tank suit from Spanx.
Such a pretty twist here.
The buttons are a small but compelling detail here.
This looks slightly provocative, but doesn’t really reveal much of anything.
I like the buckles on the straps of this suit, even though they may make for weird tan lines.
A chevron stripe is always chic and slimming.
Woah- no strong options here for us busty girls. I’m not even super busty – more like a 34/36DD busty – those deep V suits are sexy but don’t really work for my 40+ year old breasts that have born several children. I’ve been luckiest with Malia Mills suits – they are simple but $$$$ – if i get a sample sale I’m in heaven. https://www.maliamills.com/collections/view-all-swim
yes LOVE malia mills!!
I’ve kind of given up on the swimsuit and energy required to find one that makes you feel amazing. I just look for something that makes me feel comfortable walking around that’s a nice print. These are pretty, but I’d never wear them. Stomach squishing/smoothing options are nice, but I just feel like my butt and thighs have burst out of a sausage casing. I’ve been wearing swim shorts from Lands End for the past few years with any standard tankini top I find pretty. Perfect, no…but good enough, yes. https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-swim-shorts-with-tummy-control/id_191498_59?sku_0=::BLA
Those Lands End swim shorts are great. They look cute, cover the butt-thigh transition and the tummy control isn’t overbearing. Once those are on I can forget the lower half of my body and just have fun. It’s almost like being 11 again. And pretty much anything that flatters — bikini top, tankini, rash guard –works on top. Just like street clothes, it looks cooler if the top isn’t a coordinated matchy piece, just something that goes-with.
Exactly. For me, it’s the the Ronco Showtime Rotisserie of bathing suit bottoms: “Set it and forget it.” You can then put whatever you want on top.
I’m firmly in the “When it’s hot, I’m going swimming, body shape be damned!” camp. I am under no illusions that a Miraclesuit will actually perform a miracle or that anyone really cares about what I look like in a bathing suit at my age. An advantage of being invisible? All gorgeous selections, Kim.
My long torso and small bust is not meant for one-piece swimsuits. Believe me, I have tried on so many.
I’m going to keep wearing my bikinis, which are way more comfortable for me fit-wise. My stomach has seen flatter days but screw it—I want to enjoy the ocean and pool now. However, I did start wearing long sleeve rash guard tops (and swim shoes, who am I??) for sun protection, so I can play with my toddler daughter. She obsessed with being in the water and that’s all that matters.
Helen: I have the same body shape. I have found that the companies that make longer torso one pieces don’t tend to have my size (I am only 5’5). Would love to find a one piece…
I’d love to find a cute one piece, sleeveless or cap sleeve, and with full back coverage. Finding the combo of all three is tough. I want the full back coverage for sun protection, but most suits have a large cut-out in either the back or the front. Any tips on brands/sites that have options that fit the bill?
I tried on a one piece of the Miraclesuit ilk about a dozen years ago – the last time I bought a bathing suit. What I remember is it held everything in, including my breasts, and made me look completely flatchested, which I’m not (32C). If you’re busty and want the effect of a minimizer bra, it might work for you but it turned me into a 12-year old boy. Why haven’t I bought a bathing suit since 2007? Although I’m in good shape they’re just not in my vocabulary. I’m a Pisces and I do bathe, but I don’t like the water, don’t like to swim. If I find myself at a beach or sitting by a hotel pool I’ll likely be wearing a tank top and pareo. I wear rashguards and long cargo shorts for river kayaking and a really ugmo helmet. It’s a great sport, but not a glamorous one, wardrobe-wise.
Bathing suits are misery. I never feel comfortable nor remotely confident. I become a shell of myself. I’m in south Orange County, CA live less than 10 minutes from the beach and have a pool. I don’t think I’ve stepped my toes in water in YEARS because that would mean taking off my beach cover-up. And that ain’t gonna happen.
Aw, that’s so sad! Since you have your own pool, maybe you could just swim nude? (-:
Yikes that underwire one at the top only comes in “t-shirt” sizes. WTH? Honestly how can a swimsuit designer/manufacturer sleep at night with that shit? Must’ve been designed by a man. “If she’s a size S she’s small all over, right? Right.”
I’m pregnant now so it’s moot, shopping-wise, for me, but pre-pregnancy there’s no WAY I could wear that suit. And I’m not even that busty, but 32DD doesn’t work with generic sizing like that. Not by a long shot.
Wow there is a lot of body hatred and shame in this thread today. Makes me sad. I have to say that you all are probably a whole lot harder on yourselves than anyone else will ever be.
I feel like I’m the only one with chest creases … all the v necks. I just wanna cover it up so no more sun damage. Hard to find.
gadzooks is there anything WORSE than shopping for a bathing suit?!?!??! These are all, however, seemingly workable options. I’m really drawn to the first one even though I do not have the “bosoms” to carry it off––it has a Madonna Does A Cone Bra feel to it, but in a more reasonable way. Because I so want to have my rear end covered, I finally gave in last summer and bought a boy short tankini option. Whew…
I am also strongly in the boy short, even men’s truck, camp lately. There is nothing below my waist and above my knees that needs to see daylight anymore. Am I crazy?
I’m with you!
I live in the City of Elder Shame (Los Angeles) so I haven’t worn a “real” swimsuit since I turned 40.
Not crazy! Much of me looks fine, but not between butt and knees. Menopause as done a number on me, although I’m slender. I’m sure this will disgust you fashionistas, but I found some freedom and ease in black crop swim capris. I can wear them with any top, plus I use less sunscreen when in the tropics, and I feel less self-conscious.
Any swimsuit that makes you feel at ease is never ever disgusting. Anyone who thinks so just needs to crawl into a hole.