Should I still wear a bikini if I am over 50?

The simple answer - yes!  But let's look at it in a bit more detail! Back in 2016 I wrote a guide on my blog to choosing the right bikini for your body shape.  Nothing too complicated, just tips I'd picked up from my own experience and from looking and talking to other women my age.  This summer I thought I'd update my thoughts and share with you where I am with this question - should I still wear a bikini post 50?

Online swimwear retailer UK Swimwear recently got in touch and asked if I would like to choose an item of swimwear to wear on my holiday and review on my blog.  I chose a bikini and quite a small one too (see below)!  I tried it on and still doubted myself so I asked my 18 year old daughter if I looked okay?  Of course you do mum - so really it is just about body confidence and deciding not to be restricted by what other people think.  I love getting a tanned tummy, I get too hot in a swimsuit if I am sunbathing and it is much easier to pop to the toilet!  So I will continue to wear a bikini. 

However I have been on a quest to slim down a little ready for my summer holiday to Turkey this year.  Having finally got the HRT and hormones under control I have more energy again so I am more motivated to exercise and eat well.  Knowing you are the best version of you does help.

The bikini below is by Oroblu from UK Swimwear and you can find hundreds of different styles - this link takes you to halter neck bikini's - but there are so many different options, cup sizes, mix n match bottoms etc.   

So here are my tips and updated thoughts to help you choose a bikini this year:

Size up – I always go up one size in swimwear, It is much more flattering to see a bikini that isn't too tight and causing indents on our curves.  
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Pick the right style – there are so many styles and shapes to suit everyone now, try lots on and find what works for you.  For me it is the tie side bottoms and a triangle halter neck top.  I'm not keen on the bandeau type, they flatten me and I don’t need a bra style as I am not that big and I don’t need the support.   Yes I get tan lines but I will often just slip the straps down if I am doing serious sunbathing.

Don’t be afraid of ‘smaller’ briefs – I actually prefer the small ‘side tie’ bikini style bottoms.  The tie can be loosened and causes less indentation on any curvy hips!  I have tried high waisted styles but I feel they accentuate my tummy - and I wouldn't get a tanned tummy then either.

Ignore the changing room mirror, try on at home – A few years ago I bought a bikini at Victoria’s Secret and the changing rooms were awful – I looked dreadful and really struggled.  The lighting in these places is just so wrong.  I now order online and try on at home, the natural light is so much more flattering and less scary.  And you can take your time to think about your choice.  

Consider a more expensive brand – they last for years and are usually cut better and have better fabric.  There is lots of choice on UK Swimwear all year round.  Coco Bay is another great website and I love anything from Boden.

Get a spray tan – if you are going bikini shopping get a spray tan (or do one at home), tanned skin looks so much better.  And then get a spray tan before you go away, I always do and love to arrive already tanned and ready to put my bikini on.  Remember to still use sun lotion though!

Be confident – and most importantly ROCK THAT BIKINI, I have learnt that most women are more worried about what they look like themselves and they are not worrying about you.  No one is going to stare and look you up and down and analyse every bulge or curve.  Really they don’t and if they do just ignore them!  And anyway, mostly I am lying on my sun lounger or in the pool and when I get up and wander about I put on a pretty beach cover up or sarong - Sweat Bea has a fabulous selection of scarves/sarongs.

On the beach last year in Sri Lanka wearing bikini from Swimwear 365 and a sarong from Sweet Bea

​So if you want to wear a bikini, if like me you prefer a bikini, but are having doubts, then don't - wear your bikini and enjoy.

You can read more about the most popular style of bikini tops and bottoms at The Better Fit, a fabulous site that helps you find the perfect fit for your shape.

Hope that helps!

Love
Michelle xx

Disclaimer: the Oroblu bikini was gifted to me by UK Swimwear,   Some of my links are affiliate links which means that the brand knows you have come to their website from here and I may get a small commission if you buy something and keep it.  This small income goes towards the running costs of my blog so I am very thankful for every click. ​​​

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