Editor’s Note: Every year we update our swim story by adding styles worn by women at our annual NextTribe Beach Retreat in Troncones, Mexico. Here, our favorite swimsuits for women over 50 (or over whatever).
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Shopping for a bathing suit once you’re NextTribe age is about as much fun as a colonoscopy, am I right? But there’s good news: It’s getting easier. More and more brands are offering sophisticated or active options that you won’t be horrified to wear.
Having been four times to the NextTribe’s Famously Fun Beach Retreat in Troncones, Mexico, I’d already done a bit of research about what kind of swimwear was available for a 60-year-old body. Then I faced a horror more daunting than my terror over bears, heights, and being photographed nude: I videotaped myself wearing the swimsuits I’d found . . . and ran the footage in one of my “Talk’n Closet with Kim” style segments. Talk about overcoming personal fears!
Fortunately, while I was on our retreat, I had the opportunity to see the swimwear other real women were wearing. I interviewed them about the styles they’re currently loving, got in-depth information about the “why” behind their favorite new suits they had packed for the trip—and used the info to put together a list of shoppable items.
The coolest swimsuits for women over 50 this year include bikinis, tankinis, cut-out one-pieces, and full (but sexy) coverage for the non-sun lover. Get inspired by what the Tribers wore to the beach this year to pick out a suit (or two!) for yourself—sans terror.
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Black and White and Wonderful
Annie lets her wild side loose wearing a 24th and Ocean zebra print sweetheart neckline that is flattering and beach chic! Just a wide-open reminder to let your animalistic inner self loose in the waves.
Keeping Cool and Covered
Bridget suits up for fun in the sun—boogie boarding, anyone?!—knowing she won’t be taking a toll on her beautiful fair-complected skin. You can cover up, too, with this Sunguard two-tone, two-piece rash guard suit decorated by painterly tropical florals amid a geometric stripe.
The New Switcheroo
There’s nothing like getting double your money, double your fun, as Cathy shows her in her delightful reversible suit. Her whip-stitched, lattice-front maillot from Becca can turn on a dime, moving from a sweet lilac pink to a tender aqua, depending on her mood in the moment!
Meow This!
Who needs the “cat’s pajamas” when you’ve got the “cat’s bathing suit”? Troncones trip leader and NextTribe cofounder Jeannie Ralston walks the grounds of Present Moment Retreat in 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 Ralph Lauren’s purr-fect version.
Boho Bikini Babe
The beauty of this bikini, which Jeannie E. discovered on Etsy here, is a bold, babelicious choice for anyone Aging Boldly. The NextTribe executive, a Troncones-traveling first-timer—who, along with the “other” Jeannie, led this year’s first week, is returning to lead December’s beach trip later in 2023. Hopefully, sporting more great bikini choices!
Go Long
Boogie-board ready, Jeannie R. ensures she won’t get board rash or sunburn wearing Trina Turk’s Playa de Flor zip-front paddle suit. Click, buy, zip up, and just add water—board not included!
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 available here. Michele’s Athleta top may still be available here, but if not, choose a similar Athleta top and coordinate it with the swim-shorts.
The Miracle on Troncones 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.
Stay Sunny
Jeannie R. sparkles and shines in her sweetheart of a Nip Tuck sweetheart neckline one-piece. You too can mirror the happy hues of the sun beaming off the surf in Nip Tuck’s Venetian Palms patterned alternative.
Cool Off
Our unsinkable Jenny personifies calmness and ease, treading water wearing her pretty floral one-piece with keyhole interest. Dive in to the perfect option with Everything But Water’s similarly styled one piece.
Jungle Boogie (Boarding!)
Jeannie R. ups her swimsuit ante with a Michael Kors one-shoulder zebra suit that puts the wild in wildly fun and festive. Here, echoing the theme, Kate Spade’s one-shoulder silhouette captures the great jungle vibes.
Bonus: Skirt Talk
Because we know many of you might like a swim-skirt option, we found two that are fun and jaunty (as opposed to making you look like you’re about to play golf rather than jump in the pool). Find the blue version here (other colors available); the gorgeous print skirt is from Albion.
A version of this article was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated with current styles.
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