Choosing flattering swimwear for women over 50

I've written quite a few posts sharing my love of bikinis including tips and advice on how to rock a bikini even in your 50's - the secret is confidence!  But this year I will not be flying off to a sun lounger in the mediterranean, instead I will be enjoying my garden and making the most of the amazing weather we have been having (lets hope we get more).  So when Figleaves got in touch to ask if I would like to try something from their 2020 swimwear range - I decided I would update my swimsuit and I immediately fell in love with their new Frida range.

This blog post contains gifted items.

Flattering swimwear for women over 50 - the Frida swimsuit from Figleaves

I decided on the Frida Floral Underwired Bandeau Tummy Control Swimsuit, gosh that is a long description!  The stunning and vibrant print won me over immediately.  I love the crochet trim edging detail, the pink and yellow floral pattern and the shape.  It is tummy controlling but not tight fitting, and the supportive bra really gives your shape definition.  

And it has detachable straps that are so perfect for sunbathing and not getting strap marks!  The bandeau style stays put.  I'd even swim in it without feeling like it would slip.  The leg is a flattering cut, not too high, not too low.  And because it wasn't too tight it was easy to get on and off.  This is a big one for me and one of the reasons I prefer a bikini, I like the ease for visiting the toilet.  

Cooling off in our Lazy-Z-Spa in the garden!

​So what tips are there for choosing a swimsuit suitable for your body shape?

Well first of all decide which parts of your body you love and you'd like to accentuate, so if it is shoulders (like me) go for halter neck or bandeau.

Or maybe you need a bit more support so make sure you look for brands that come in cup sizes and offer a bit more shape like upderwiring or an internal bra.  The whole of the Figleaves range come in cup sizes.

Bright colours can accentuate but simple block colours will be more slimming.  But equally a vibrant print like the Frida can detract from any areas you want to hide.

Choose practicality, if you love to sunbathe and get a tan then look for straps that can be removed easily.  If you are a swimmer and like to be in the pool more, then choose supportive straps.

Don't hide behind black though!  There are so many amazing colours and prints out there, try a few on and experiment.  Black can be very chic, wear it if you love it, but don't wear it to disguise flaws.

Size up if you are buying a style that comes in dress sizes .... I am a 10 but always buy a 12 in a swimsuit.  You really do not want tight swimwear or a bikini, it just isn't flattering but it is a mistake many women make.

Choose a beautiful beach cover-up, this will give you confidence to go from pool to bar or room to pool ... if you have a print swimsuit like the Frida then you can't beat a simple long white shirt like the one I am wearing below from Creative DeZigns.  Always buy cotton!  Polyester is just too hot and linen creases too much.  

As well as a lovely cover-up I also carry a sarong / scarf in my beach bag.  I use it to cover any bits that have had a bit too much sun or to wrap around me if I want to go to the toilet, or if it starts getting a bit cooler in the late afternoon or evening.

Finish off your swimsuit style with a gorgeous sunhat and fabulous sunglasses!  My hat is the Gilly Hat in Navy from Creative DeZigns.  It is available in other colours too, is adjustable to suit your size, it is crushable to make it easy to pack and it has a UPF rating of 50+ to protect you from high levels of sun radiation.

Frida Swimsuit from Figleaves at Simply Be

But most importantly!

Be confident!

I have said it before on my bikini posts, there is nothing sexier than a confident woman.  We all have bits we don't like and want to detract from but choose the right swimwear then go and enjoy your holiday (or in 2020 relax in your garden)!

Hat (above and below) and shirt from Creative Dezigns

Navy blue sun hat from Creative DeZigns

Figleaves have an amazing selection of swimwear - swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis and more - all available from Simply Be here.  I was lucky enough to be invited to their SS/20 Press Day back in pre-lockdown January.  It was fabulous to meet the team and see their swimwear and underwear up close.  I was gifted a beautiful lingerie set from the Harper Geometric range and I am delighted with it, in fact I later purchased more knickers and another bra in black!

The Frida range comes in various styles including a tankini, bandeau bikini top, high leg bikini bottoms and briefs.

The gorgeous long white shirt is so stylish but simple with the side splits and sleeves that can be rolled up.  It can add some sun protection, or warmth and is ideal to wear from pool to bar ... or from garden to kitchen to pour a glass of wine or answer the door to the post man!
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​I may not have got a holiday planned this year but I have certainly been making the most of the hot weather in my garden.  I have worn my summer dresses, my swimsuits, my bikinis and I have enjoyed our Lay-Z-Spa hot tub!  I have taken my Mac outside whenever possible and worked ./ blogged in the garden.

Love from 
Michelle xx

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Disclaimer: the Frida swimsuit was a gift from Figleaves, I was under no obligation to write this blog post though and all words and opinions are my own.  The shirt and hat are part of a selection I am trying out from Creative DeZigns.  This post contains affiliate links.

Bikini tips and thoughts can be found on my blog posts here:

Will you wear a bikini this summer?
Choosing a bikini for my holiday

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​I link up with:

Is This Mutton
#WowOnWednesday 

​Mummabstylish
#Chic&Stylish

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