Flattering Tankinis for Women in Their 50s and Beyond

Pool season is officially here, and if you are still looking for a swimsuit that gives you coverage without making you feel like you are wearing a wetsuit from a scuba class, today’s post is for you. Lol!

I know swimsuit shopping is not always anyone’s favorite activity. I would rather clean out my junk drawer, and that thing has batteries from 1998 in it. But finding a swimsuit that fits well, feels comfortable, and gives you confidence can make a huge difference when you are heading to the pool, lake, beach, or on vacation.

Today, I’m sharing flattering tankinis for women in their 50s and beyond. I updated this post with new suits and fresh links, and I also wanted to add more helpful tips because a good tankini is one of the most practical swimsuit styles we can own.

I typically lean toward a one-piece swimsuit because I like the coverage. But after trying several tankinis over the last few years, I have changed my tune. Tankinis can give you almost the same coverage as a one-piece, but they are so much easier when it comes to changing clothes and restroom breaks. Let’s just tell it like it is, that matters. Nobody wants to wrestle their way out of a damp one-piece swimsuit in a tiny bathroom stall while holding a tote bag, sunglasses, and their last shred of patience.

Why Tankinis Are Such a Good Choice for Women Over 50

Tankinis are a great middle ground between a bikini and a one-piece swimsuit. You get the convenience of a two-piece, but with more coverage through the tummy area. That is probably why so many women over 50 love them.

The best tankinis can help camouflage the midsection, offer bust support, provide more coverage through the hips or backside, and still look cute. We are not trying to win a swimsuit competition at the neighborhood pool. We just want to feel good enough to enjoy ourselves without tugging, pulling, or thinking about our swimsuit every five seconds.

A tankini also gives you more flexibility with sizing. Many of us are not the same size on top and bottom, and that is perfectly normal. I might need one size in the top and another in the bottom, especially with swim skirts or high-waisted styles. Being able to mix and match pieces is one of the biggest reasons tankinis work so well.

What I Look For in a Flattering Tankini

When I am choosing a tankini, I pay attention to a few things right away.

First, I look for coverage. I don’t need everything covered from my neck to my knees, but I do want the suit to stay where it belongs. A longer tankini top, ruched fabric, a swim skirt, or high-waisted bottoms can all help with that.

Second, I look for support. If a tankini top has underwire, molded cups, adjustable straps, or a wider band, that usually helps the bust area feel more secure. Support makes a huge difference, especially if you are walking around, bending over to grab pool toys, or chasing grandkids like you are suddenly in training for the Olympics.

Third, I look for fabric that is not too thin. Some swimsuits look great online, but when they arrive, the fabric feels flimsy. That is not my favorite. I want something that has stretch, but still holds me in a little.

Finally, I look for details that help the eye. Prints, diagonal lines, ruching, draping, darker panels, and wrap styles can all be very flattering. These little design details can make a swimsuit feel more forgiving without looking matronly.

Flattering Tankinis for Women in Their 50s and Beyond

Anne Cole Printed Underwired V-Neck Tankini and Tulip Drape Swim Skirt

This Anne Cole Printed Underwired V-Neck Tankini is such a pretty option if you like a swimsuit that feels feminine, polished, and still practical. The V-neckline is flattering because it opens up the neck and chest area, which helps create a longer, leaner look. You know I love a good V-neck.

The underwire is a nice detail because it gives the top more structure and support. That is helpful if you do not like feeling like your swimsuit top is just hanging on for dear life. The print also helps disguise the tummy area a bit, which is one reason patterned swimsuits can be so flattering.

I paired it with the Anne Cole Printed Tulip Drape Swim Skirt, and I love how the skirt adds coverage without looking frumpy. The tulip drape gives it movement and shape, so it feels more stylish than a plain swim skirt. I’m wearing a medium in the skirt, and this is a great option if you like a little extra coverage through the hips and upper thighs.

This is the same tankini and swim skirt, but I wanted to show it with a coverup because that is how most of us actually wear swimsuits. We are usually walking to the pool, heading down to the beach, or sitting around with family, and a lightweight coverup makes everything feel a little more comfortable.

The CUPSHE Kimono Swimsuit Coverup is an easy piece to throw on over a swimsuit. It gives you coverage for your arms and sides without feeling bulky or hot. I like a kimono-style coverup because it still lets the swimsuit show, but it gives you that little extra layer of confidence. Plus, it looks cute with sandals and a tote, so you feel more pulled together even if your hair is doing whatever humidity told it to do.

Watercolor Floral Bandeau Tankini and Reversible Shirred Hipster Bottoms

This Watercolor Floral Bandeau Tankini Top is a fun and pretty option if you love a softer print. The watercolor floral pattern feels summery without being too loud, and the colors give it a fresh, feminine look. This is the kind of suit I would pack for a beach trip because it feels cheerful and vacation-ready.

The bandeau style gives the top a clean neckline, which is great if you do not want tan lines from thicker straps. I would personally look for removable or adjustable straps with this type of top because I like having the option for extra support. A strapless style can be beautiful, but most of us over 50 want to know everything is staying in place before we start walking across the pool deck like we own the place.

The matching Watercolor Floral Reversible Shirred Hipster Bikini Bottoms are a nice option because the shirring gives a little extra camouflage through the lower tummy area. I’m wearing a large in both pieces, and I like that this set gives you the ease of a two-piece while still feeling covered.

This tankini is a good example of a swimsuit that does not have to be plain to be flattering. Sometimes we think black is the only safe option, but a good print can be just as forgiving, and honestly, a lot more fun. I still love a black swimsuit, but summer is short, and sometimes we need to let the swimsuit have a little personality.

Tommy Bahama Island Cays Tankini

My granddaughter wanted me to take her to the pool. I asked her what she thought I should wear, and she said, “A two-piece.” I laughed and told her that I would do that, just for her. She was expecting to see me in a bikini, but I outsmarted her with this Ruffle Tankini Top and Skirted Bikini Bottoms. Lol!

I’m wearing a large in both pieces, but I think a medium would have worked better on the bottoms. This is exactly why I always suggest checking the size chart and reading reviews if you are ordering swimsuits online. Some bottoms run big, some run small, and some are just out here trying to humble us.

The ruffle detail adds a little softness and movement, and the skirted bottoms give more coverage through the hip and upper thigh area. This is a good combination if you want the feel of a two-piece swimsuit but still want modest coverage.

One Shoulder Ruffle Tankini

I brought this ruffled one-shoulder tankini to the beach in a fabulous hot pink. You all know I love bright colors, and this one was calling my name. I think it really pops against a faux tan. This swimsuit comes in lots of colors and patterns if you want a different shade or print.

The thin strap on the other side is removable, but I liked how it looked, so I left it on. I know one-shoulder swimsuits can make some of us nervous, but the extra strap helped it feel more secure.

The ruched front is great for camouflaging any areas you may not want to highlight. I also thought the bottoms had adequate coverage, so I did not feel like I had to pull or tug to keep everything covered. That is always a win in my book. I do not want to spend my pool day adjusting my swimsuit like it is a full-time job.

Sporty Tankini and Swim Shorts Combo

This Sporty Tankini is a great contender if you do not love form-fitting swimsuits. The top could pass as a sporty tank top, making it ideal for activities like going to a water park, walking on the beach, or chasing your grandkids around a splash pad.

Even if you find a swimsuit bottom that gives decent coverage, it can still take confidence to walk around in bikini-style bottoms. If you struggle with that, swim shorts may be your new best friend. They give more coverage through the backside and upper thighs, and they are great for outdoor water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or sitting on the edge of the pool while the kids splash every bit of your dry hair. Ask me how I know.

The sporty style is practical, comfortable, and easy to move in. This is not the fanciest suit in the bunch, but sometimes practical wins. I have reached the stage of life where I want cute, but I also want to be able to bend over without saying a small prayer first.

This Straw Tote Bag can hold so much stuff while still looking stylish. The one downside is that small things tend to fall to the bottom in giant bags like this and get buried. I would put things like headphones, chapstick, car keys, and sunscreen into a small cosmetic bag or pouch. Otherwise, you will be digging around like you are searching for buried treasure.

One-Shoulder Keyhole Tankini

Cut-outs have been popular for a while, so I decided to give this La Blanca One-Shoulder Keyhole Tankini top a try. I wasn’t sure about it when I was trying it on, but it looked better in the photos than I expected.

The leopard yellow kimono cover-up adds a fun layer over the swimsuit. A cover-up like this is great if you want more arm coverage or if you are walking around the resort, beach, or pool area.

The One-Shoulder Keyhole Tankini top is long and has plenty of stretch. I actually like the cut-out because it is small enough to feel stylish without making me feel exposed. That is the key for me. I want a trendy detail, but I do not want to feel like I accidentally ordered my granddaughter’s swimsuit.

The Mid-Waist Swim Bottoms have great coverage, and the crisscross design helps camouflage tummy issues. I’m wearing a size 12 in the top and bottom, and both fit great.

Tempt Me Two Piece Tankini

This black and white One Shoulder Two Piece Tankini Bathing Suit is striking in person. I love that it is a two-piece suit that looks almost like a one-piece. That is the best of both worlds.

This suit is chic, stylish, flattering, and a tad on the sexy side without going overboard. I’m wearing a large, but a medium might have fit me better. This suit comes in lots of prints and colors, so you can choose something classic or go a little bolder.

The one-shoulder style makes it feel modern, and the black and white combination is always flattering. If you are nervous about bright colors or large prints, this is a good option because it still has interest without feeling too loud.

How to Choose the Best Tankini for Your Body

The best tankini is the one that makes you feel comfortable enough to enjoy your day. That sounds simple, but it is true.

If you carry weight in your tummy, look for ruching, draping, darker prints, longer tops, or wrap-style details. These features can help skim the body instead of clinging to every little area.

If you want more bust support, look for underwire, molded cups, adjustable straps, or halter styles. A swimsuit top without support can make the whole suit feel wrong, even if the print is cute.

If you want more coverage through the hips and thighs, try a swim skirt, high-waisted bottoms, or swim shorts. These options can make you feel more confident walking around, especially at a busy pool or beach.

If you are between sizes, I usually suggest ordering two sizes if returns are easy. Swimsuits are tricky, and sizing can vary so much from brand to brand. Do not let the tag boss you around. Nobody at the pool knows what size your swimsuit is, and frankly, they should be too busy minding their own sunscreen.

Tankini Styling Tips for Women Over 50

A tankini can look even better with the right accessories. A cute cover-up, a straw tote, sunglasses, sandals, and simple jewelry can make a swimsuit feel more like an outfit.

I also love a lightweight kimono or gauze button-up shirt over a swimsuit. It gives arm coverage, adds style, and keeps you from feeling like you are walking around in just swimwear. Plus, it is nice for those moments when you are sitting near the pool but not actually swimming.

For shoes, I would stick with sandals that can handle water or sand. Metallic sandals, cork sandals, rubber slides, or simple flip-flops all work well depending on where you are going.

And do not forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Looking cute is fun, but protecting your skin is the real assignment.

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