The Three Options, Compared Honestly

Option 1: The One-Piece

The classic. The one most women over 50 default to because it feels like the "safe" choice. And for some women, it absolutely is. But it comes with trade-offs that rarely get mentioned.

Pros

• Full coverage in one garment, nothing to coordinate
• Wide variety of styles and necklines
• Can include tummy-control panels
• Feels familiar and "appropriate"

Cons

• Bathroom trips require removing the entire suit, which is a genuine struggle when wet
• Tummy-control versions often feel restrictive and uncomfortable after an hour
• Getting in and out of a wet one-piece is physically difficult, especially with shoulder or mobility issues
• Tends to ride up during movement, requiring constant adjustment

Best for: Women who don't mind the bathroom trade-off and prefer the simplicity of a single garment.

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Option 2: The Bikini

Don't rule this out based on age alone. Plenty of women over 50 wear bikinis confidently, and high-waisted styles have made a serious comeback. That said, it's not for everyone. And that's perfectly fine.

Pros

• Easy bathroom access: just pull down the bottom
• High-waisted bottoms offer more coverage than you'd expect
• Dries quickly, easy to pack

Cons

• Less tummy coverage. Even high-waisted styles leave the midriff visible
• Can feel too exposed for women who want more coverage
• Tops can shift during activity
• Finding plus-size bikinis with proper bust support is genuinely difficult

Best for: Women who are comfortable showing some skin and prioritise ease of movement. A good option if coverage isn't your primary concern.

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Option 3: The Tankini

⭐ Editor's Pick

A tankini is a longer swim top, usually falling to hip level or below, paired with a separate bottom. It looks like a one-piece when you're wearing it, but gives you all the practical benefits of a two-piece. For most women over 50, this is the option that solves the most problems at once.

Pros

• Natural tummy coverage: the top drapes over the midsection without clinging
• Bathroom ease: it's two pieces, so no wrestling with wet fabric
• Stays in place during movement, no riding up
• Looks like a complete outfit, not "just" swimwear
• Plus-size friendly, available in extended sizes with proper bust support
• Easier to get on and off than a one-piece, especially with shoulder or joint issues

Cons

• Slightly more fabric than a bikini, so takes a bit longer to dry
• Not as widely available in shops, so you'll likely need to order online

Best for: Women who want coverage without compression and something practical enough for everyday swimming. Especially good for plus-size women who've struggled with one-piece sizing.

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A Note for Plus-Size Women

If you're above a size 16, you've probably noticed that most swimwear brands treat you as an afterthought. Extended sizes are limited, the styles are often dull, and the fit assumes your body is just a scaled-up version of a size 10. It's not, and you know that.

Tankinis are the most plus-size-friendly swimwear option available, and it's not close. Here's why:

The longer top provides natural coverage without relying on tight compression panels that dig in and leave marks. You get coverage from draping, not squeezing.

And because the top sits independently from the bottom, you can move freely without the whole suit shifting.

If you've written off swimwear because nothing fits properly, a tankini is worth one more try.

How to Find Your Perfect Fit (Without a Change Room)

1. Measure yourself at home

   All you need is a soft tape measure. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, your natural waist, and your hips. Write the numbers down. These three measurements will tell you everything you need.

2. Check the size guide, every brand is different

   Don't assume your regular clothing size is your swimwear size. Our size guide matches your measurements to the right fit. If you're between sizes, go up. Swimwear should never feel tight.

3. The mirror test

   Put it on and move. Bend over, reach up, sit down. If it stays in place and you're not pulling at it, that's your size. If you're adjusting anything, go up a size or try a different style.