In the course of our travels, we see lots of women wearing cool bathing suits. For many years it was mainly at our annual beach retreat in Mexico. This year, we were in our swimming gear on the Malabar Coast of India, Costa Rica, on a yacht in the Galapagos Islands (like the Jeannies above) and in Iceland, of all places.

We understand that shopping for bathing suits can be a panic-inducing experience. So we’ve tried to make it a little easier, by offering styles that real women our age are wearing.

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on fun, immersive trips across the country and around the world. Learn more here.

Also, we want to assure you that NextTribe trips are a judgment-free zone. We are thrilled that our travelers can feel at ease among supportive pals to not only wear their suits with pride, but also allow themselves to be photographed. This kind of acceptance of our bodies is a huge step forward, and we encourage more of the same.

Almost none of us have the bodies we had in our youth (and if you do–good on ya), but we should all feel some level of gratitude to these bodies we have for getting us this far. We/they have been through a lot, and we’re still standing–enjoying the sun and the surf and the pleasure of good female company.

Here, are our favorite styles–perfect for women over 45 (or over whatever). 

Read More: How to Get a Bikini Body—Italian Style

Black and White and Wonderful

 Kim C. looks out on the Periyer River from our serene family-owned inn in Kerala, India. She’s wearing a classic halter that offers good coverage and support–check out this almost exact duplicate with little bits of peek-a-boo on the sides.

A Cool Classic

Lesley’s keyhole suit is one of the styles that La Blanca offers perennially–because it looks good on such a range of bodies.

Got You Covered

Jan suits up for fun in the sun—in this case, a silent disco on the beach—knowing she won’t be taking a toll on her skin. You can cover up, too, with this Sunguard two-piece rash guard suit with eye-catching stripes. 

Meow This!

Who needs the “cat’s pajamas” when you’ve got the “cat’s bathing suit”? NextTribe co-founder Jeannie Ralston wears NextTribe’s signature print (i.e., leopard) on the slyest of a one-piece leopard-print maillot around! Jeannie got her Ulla Johnson at a sample sale, but you can embrace your animal instinct in Talbot’s purr-fect version.

Go Long

Underwater and over the top. Jeannie R. ensures she won’t get sunburn while doing some laps wearing Trina Turk’s zip-front paddle suit. Click, buy, zip up, and just add water.

Or Go Shorts

Michele’s suit from Athleta is so pretty and perfect for catching sunny rays in a two piece that covers more than a teeny bikini. Swim-shorts in a solid color available here. A matching crop top from Athleta is available here. 

The Miracle on The Beach

Let’s call Pattie’s suit exactly what it is. Her one-shoulder swim attire with open detailing at midline that wraps her in a sensual embrace is flattering and functional, a miracle of beauty and modesty. This similar Miracle Suit sports asymmetric mesh inserts and a fabric that—miraculously—shapes and slims.

Black is Always Back

Just like you need a LBD (little black dress) in your wardrobe–keep a LBS (little black suit) in your beach bag, like this one by CupShe that Jeannie R. loves.

Take the Plunge

Brandi’s suit from Retro-Stage (worn here on the beach in Costa Rica) is a throwback to the 1940s. You can imagine Veronica Lake or some other starlet in this halter. The color-blocking and ruching over the torso offer glamour…and distraction (if that’s what you’re after).

Dress the Part

Swim dresses have their place–such as a private yacht in the Galapagos Islands. That’s where Najwa sported this stylish number. You can get one just like it from L.L. Bean. Coverage and comfort without losing any style points. Or you might want to check out this extra stylish swim dress from Lands End or this ruched swim dress from Swimsuits for All.

Tanks a Lot

There are times when you just want a simple tank. For instance, Caytha had this malliot in her backpack when we climbed a mountain in Iceland–with this geo-thermally heated swimming site as our reward for the day’s exertion. Here’s a nice tank from Everything But Water that has a bit of interest in the back.

The One That Covers Them All

If you like your suits on the skimpier side, make sure you have a good sun shirt to go over them when you’re playing in the water–whether ocean, lake or pool. Jeannie R. took this pink number from Carve with her to the Galapagos for snorkeling and surf fun. It has drawstrings on the sides to make it as short or long as needed, because sometimes you may want to show more leg and sometimes you want to cover your butt!

From Beach Chair to Cocktails

Last year, we showed you a black lace cover up we loved and there was a run on them. It’s now sold out. So we found another black lace cover up to offer. The fabric elevates the garment and makes it easy to go from daytime fun to evening Happy Hour.

A version of this article was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated with current styles.