If, like me, the New Year’s Resolution to do more crunches never came to fruition and you wake up and realize that spring break is in exactly one week and your stomach is uncrunched, know that you are not alone. Or I am not alone. You know what I mean.
Even if you’ve stuck with your resolutions, sometimes we just need that flattering, comfortable, easy-to-wear swimsuit that is also chic and modern and makes us feel like the beach beauty we are. Whether you’re headed to a long weekend in Miami, like we are, or staying in your own backyard, you need a suit that will take you everywhere in style and make you feel confident, not self-conscious.
In today’s video, I make a case for the sleek and chic maillot, which has graced movie stars and models and moms alike, women of all ages and body types. A classic one-piece suit in a dark neutral (black, navy, chocolate) is a stunning addition to your beach wardrobe. The right one can nip your waist, lift your bust, and boost your confidence. You can swim in it, participate in water sports, and even hang out with your kids or in-laws without risking overexposure.
Even if you’re a bikini girl, or a love a good statement monokini, consider investing in a sleek and solid one-piece suit that will serve you for years to come.
Here, my tips for picking the perfect style:
- Show & Tell: Decide what you want to conceal, and what you want to reveal. Suits now are high-tech, with compression fabrics, tummy-taming panels and bust-boosters, but before you can explore these features, you’ll want to know the areas you want to address.
- Cover Up With A Cover Up: This only sounds redundant. A swimsuit should be a swimsuit. It should not be a dress, or a skirt, or shorts. Stick to a sleek one piece style with a regular (lengthening!) let opening and cover up with a flowy caftan, beach pants, or a sarong.
- Make It Glam: If you’re going to a do a solid one-piece, you want it to have elevated details, Why should a bathing suit be less interesting than a gown? Some of the latest suits are chic enough to wear to dinner with a pair of wide-leg trousers or a wrap skirt. Not that I’ve ever done that. But you totally could. 🙂
Here, my picks for the most flattering one-piece suits for women over 40, in order from least to most expensive. Naturally, you can find all of these suits in my catalog.
Cupshe Ruffle Maillot, $32.95, Amazon
Features: Durable, adjustable tie back, tummy control and ruching, wide range of colors, over 27K 4.5 star reviews
Cons: Padded bust may not offer enough support for large busted women
Size Range: XS-XXL
Positive Review: This suit is well-made, and has a flattering, yet slightly sexy cut. I am 5’3″ about 125lbs with a 36a bust and the small fits perfectly. I ordered the multicolored flower color, and I was worried that the flowers would be too orange, but they are a muted melon color. It reminds me of a beautiful vintage fabric and the ruffles aren’t too childish either-I’m 39, so ruffles are risky. It’s perfect for hanging with the family without looking frumpy. Now, since the base of the suit is a cream color, I did wear it in the shower to make sure it wasn’t see-through-and it wasn’t! I love it so much; I may purchase another one in a different color.
Negative Review: I have broad shoulder so this was not for me the ruffles just emphasized my shoulders.
Shade & Shore Mesh One Shoulder One Piece, $40, Target
Features: Chic flattering mesh panels, removable bust cups
Cons: Not long enough for a long torso, so consider sizing up if this is you
Size Range: XS-XL
Positive Review: Best swimsuit I have ever had! I have wore it so much that I am hoping they bring it back so I can buy another one!
Negative Review: This suit is really cute! The perfect one-piece in design; sexy but still full coverage. I have a long torso so unfortunately, my regular didn’t work for me-just too short in the length. Perhaps sizing up would help in length, but this order is going back.
Other Target faves...
The Ruffle Backflip, $95, Summersalt
Features: Chic, durable, compression fabric for hold and control, wide range of sizes, 1349 4.5 star reviews
Cons: Might not be an option for very big busts
Size Range: 2-22
Positive Review: Absolutely love this suit! It makes me feel so confident! I feel secure in this suit and I love the back and ruffles! This suit fits true to size. I normally wear 14-16 and I got a 14. Will definitely be purchasing again!
Negative Review: I tried this hoping it would provide enough support–unfortunately it does not.
Another top pick from Summersalt.
The Amalfi One Piece, $98, Andie Swim
Features: Chic, adjustable straps, classic and long torso lengths, as well as Cheeky, Medium, and Full Coverage options. 4.8 stars with 1,348 reviews
Cons: Some petite torsos found it too long through the waist, and some women wanted more back coverage
Size Range: XS-XXXL. Long and Classic Torso.
Positive Review: Fits Surprisingly Well. I’m a 32E so I wasn’t expecting this to fit well and as for the long torso I was on sure but it fits so perfectly and is very flattering but functional. The adjustable straps were a must.
Negative Review: The suit was short in the torso and was not full enough coverage in the bottom for my preference. I’ve come to think that the demographic Andie serves is likely much younger than I am. And, I think the Andie preference is the “cheeky” look which I really do not like. My issue is with the cut of the leg, which is high, and does not provide full coverage so I don’t think a larger suit would do the trick. After much searching I found a suit at Land’s End that fits the way I want it to. I like Andie suits but they do not work for my body or my age.
Square Neck One Piece, $98, Athleta
Features: Quick drying. Great for watersports. Wireless support. Regular, Tall & Petite sizes. 246 4.5 star reviews. Also available in Navy.
Cons: Narrower size range
Size Range: XSS-XL. Regular, Tall and Petite
Positive Review: Perfect! Love ruched suits, would like to see more styles with ruched features. Very flattering suit!
Negative Review: Odd fit in the rear. I ordered a tall XL, thinking it would give me more body length since I have a tummy. Regardless, the suit was too short in the body for me. The seat of the suit does not cling to the buttocks. Very loose. Such a surprise given that the body was short and the top was snug. I should have paid attention to other reviewers who reported that the rear end was loose.
LS All Day Onesie, $110, Carve Designs
Features: UPF50. Quick drying. Medium support and coverage. 4.5 stars with 12 reviews.
Cons: Narrower size range. Only in black.
Size Range: XS-XL
Positive Review: This is a wonderful fit and the quality is great. Just perfect for those days I need a break from the sun.
Negative Review: Beautiful swimsuit! I was so excited for this piece but unfortunately my torso is too long. I got the medium size at first but made an exchange for a large. The swimsuit didn’t pull on my crotch as much with the large but there was a lot more additional fabric. I’m 5’6” and 120 lbs, A cup, with thin arms so the medium fit perfect all over, but my long torso made it painful for the lady bits. I’ll sadly have to return it. It’s such a gorgeous piece!
Show & Tell One Piece by Becca, $117.95, Everything But Water
Features: Adjustable straps. Removable soft cups. 89 4.5 star reviews.
Cons: Narrower size range.
Size Range: XS-XL
Positive Review: Wow factor. Utterly shocked by the fit of this suit. I’ve tried various styles to hide my mommy pouch and I can’t believe how well this one works. I feel sexy but comfortable, nothing hangs or falls out, very secure fit. I have a longer torso, am smaller on the bust and fuller in the hip area. This worked well for my figure. Ordered a small and love the options to adjust all the straps. I was very careful pulling it on & off and had no issues with ripping.
Negative Review: I am 5’3 and 109. I got a small. It was way to big in the breast area, and the torso was all wrong. It is definitely fit for someone for a longer torso. It is an exceptional piece that is for sure. Beautifully crafted. Beautiful colors. I just was disappointed that the fit was all wrong.
Riptide Swimsuit, $138, Albion Fit
Features: Ruched bust and waist. Fully lined. The brand has almost 22K 5 star reviews.
Cons: Only in black.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Positive Review (about a different Albion suit): I bought this suit for our trip to Hawaii this summer and I absolutely love it! Colors are bright and beautiful. Doesn’t stretch out and hasn’t faded. Fits good and I’d say it runs pretty true to size, maybe a bit small. I’m usually an XS in Albion. I’m 5’7.5” tall and 105lbs A cup and I purchased a Small. I like that I don’t have to keep pulling and adjusting to keep it in place. This is my 5th Albion suit and I love them all.
Negative Review: (About another Albion Fit suit). Wish I would have known there wasn’t adequate support for a 34D – there are only pads but definitely needs a shelf bra.
The Regina, $148, The Hermoza
Features: 100% would recommend this suit. 6 reviews with 4.5 stars. Comes in black and two different prints. Modest full coverage bottom.
Cons: Runs a little small.
Size Range: 2-14
Positive Review: Loved the material. Very flattering boning along top. Great coverage for your rear.
Negative Review: Very chic suit. Fabric was of great quality. Size was a smidge smaller than expected.
MONACO SOLIDS ONE SHOULDER, $154, Trina Turk
Features: Adjustable one shoulder neckline with removable spaghetti strap on other side. Flattering front ruching. Removable cups. Moderate coverage. 109% of reviewers say its true to size.
Cons: No petite or tall options.
Size Range: 2-14. Runs small.
Positive Review (about a different Trina Turk suit): Love, love, love this suit! Fits true to size. I’m 128 pounds and 5 ft 5, got the size 8. I feel great in this suit and can’t wait to go somewhere warm to wear it. Fabric is high quality and the design makes me look youthful at age 45.
Negative Review: (About another Trina Turk suit).It was very cheeky and higher cut than I wanted and because I am flat chested the string/crossovers were flappy and loose.
JETS Jetset Twist One-Piece Swimsuit, $225, Anthropologie
Features: Adjustable one shoulder neckline with removable spaghetti strap on other side. Flattering front ruching. Removable cups. Moderate coverage. 109% of reviewers say its true to size.
Cons: Fit is roomy through the bust.
Size Range: 4-12. Australian Sizing. Size up.
Positive Review: The cut of this suit is so flattering. Great neckline and slims through the waist and tummy. Comfortable and sexy. It’s my new favorite. Be aware of the Australian sizing! You will need to size up from your typical.
Negative Review: Cute style. The cups were too big.
Bahia Maria Amelia One-Piece Swimsuit, $286, Anthropologie
Features: Colombian brand featuring elegant detail that takes it from swim to shopping or dinner. Monokini style.
Cons: Limited size range. New brand, so no reviews yet.
Size Range: XS-XL
Tate High Back One Piece, $373, Karla Coletto
Features: “Silent” underwire cups for support. Ruched one piece. Higher in the back for more back coverage. 4.6 stars with 86 reviews on Neiman Marcus.
Cons: Only available in one neutral (black). Other color is red.
Size Range: 6-16. UK/Australian Sizing.
Holly Point Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit, Marysia, $378
Features: Onesie featuring a high neckline and scalloped trim. Lined. Moderate coverage in the back with classic leg height.
Cons: For smaller busts.
Size Range: XXS-L
Positive Review: I have several of their bathing suits. Both one-pieces and bikinis. I love the signature scalloped style! It is a great fit and I always get compliments when I wear each suit.
Negative Review: Super super cute- but runs small and I would not say they are meant for any type of activity- ie. swimming, beach walks. I bought one for my mom as a gift and she could not wear- limited coverage.
How do you feel about my suggestion to invest in a chic neutral one-piece plus coverup for summer? And which of these chic suits is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
For a wider variety of bathing suits for your body type, click here.
For my favorite swim brands, click here.
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