The Very Best Swimsuits for Imperfect Older Bodies

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For all of us with imperfections we'd like to camouflage, this may be THE summer to go swimsuit shopping. I actually got excited searching the Internet for suitable options, and that rarely happens, even though I live in Florida and should buy one every year. Let's just say, it's been a while.

But now, I'm truly tempted. The shapeshifters and distracting details that got my attention fall into three buckets: wraps, ruching, and ruffles. Plus, there's a new silhouette to investigate: the fauxkini, which looks like a two-piece tankini but is actually a one-piece suit.

Here's what to look for as you decide whether to dip your toe in the swimsuit shopping pool. Plus, we have tips to help you get the most out of your swimwear purchase.

As always, prices and availability are subject to change, so use these suggestions as a guide vs. a bible of what to consider while scouting sales and your favorite stores or online outlets. Only you know what works for you!

Wraps

The wizardry of the wrap lies in its ability to subtly draw the eye to one side and create a fresh focal point without sacrificing comfort. It’s just like your favorite wrap dress, but ready for the pool.

The two-tone design of the Perfect Wrap One-Piece features a slice of contrasting color and throws in four times the compression of regular swimwear for good measure. An added benefit is its classic- and long torso-sizing options ($81-$95, summersalt.com).

In more than 20 colors and prints, Aidonger’s One-Piece Swim Dress delivers extra coverage with an attached, wrap-around skirt ($39, visit the Aidonger store at amazon.com). Ruching on both sides amplifies the flattering silhouette.

Tempt Me’s Ruffle V-Neck One Piece Side Wrap suit captures the season’s three Rs and adds an elevated extra ($15-$34, visit the Tempt Me store at amazon.com). Of course, there’s the wrap effect with a side tie, plus ruching and ruffles framing the V-neckline. But for a trendy nod, you also have the elegant option of white tipping on a black suit.

Ruching

This camouflage technique boasts gathers at one or both side seams, generally on the torso but occasionally dipping to the hips. It allows for a structured shape that avoids clutching and clinging to every lump and bumpy bit, which relieves a lot of stress for swimwear shoppers. It’s also great at creating the illusion of a waistline or a more voluptuous bust.

With ruching at the V-neckline and midsection, the Chlorine Resistant Shirred V-Neck One Piece ($42-$102, landsend.com) packs two flattering details into one sleek suit. If you’re looking for something splurge-worthy, the Pique Halter Ruffle Hem Swim Dress ($109-$145, landsend.com) mimics a tennis or pickleball dress with sporty pique fabric and a ruffled hem plus ruching at the waistline and an adjustable halter.

For a bit more coverage, the Surplice Sarong Front One Piece dips in front and has ruching down one side to create the sarong effect of its name, while the Shirred Sweetheart One Piece features ruching from straps to hips ($90, swimsuitsforall.com).

The high-waisted briefs of the Bobbie Lined Two Piece ($30-$60, adoreme.com) provide eye-focusing ruching on the sides and mid-back. Ruching on the underwired bikini top plays up your assets. While priced as a set, the Bobbie Lined lets you specify sizing separately for top and bottom.

Ruffles

Flowy, undulating ruffles adorn this season’s swimwear from hemlines to necklines — and everywhere in between. Just be careful to avoid small, tight ruffles that lean more juvenile.

For an Old Hollywood vibe, the 50’s Retro Ruched Tankini Swimsuit channels Marilyn Monroe glamour with ruching and a gentle ruffle at the bottom ($22-$31, visit the Hilor store at amazon.com). It’s available in 20+ print or solid colorations and pairs with Hilor’s ruffle-edged swim skirt or shirred tankini briefs ($25-$27).

Edged with a cascading ruffle, the neckline of the One Shoulder Bathing Suit with Ruffle delivers drama in a one-piece that still has plenty of coverage ($27-$34; visit the Tempt Me store at amazon.com). Ruching from the midsection to the thigh lends a slimming effect to this asymmetrical maillot, which is available in 20 color ways, from teal to tropical prints.

In the ruffles-everywhere-in-between camp, you’ll find the fauxkini. Cleverly designed to look like a two-piece tankini, the fauxkini offers the easy fit of your favorite one-piece with the fashionable flair of a tankini. Three tiers of ruffling add style and flattering ease around your middle in designs like the Ruffle Fauxkini One Piece ($62-$115, landsend.com) and Shapesolver’s Standard Triple Tier Fauxkini ($18-$25, amazon.com).

Take care

After finding the perfect suit, keep it looking its best with these tips from the pros at Summersalt and Lands’ End:

· Avoid getting sunscreen lotions and oils on your suit. They contain chemicals that can damage or stain the fabric.

· If you have the chance, rinse off in the shower at the pool or beach to help remove salt, chlorine, and any sunscreen.

· Handwash your swimsuit by itself immediately after each wear and as soon as possible, using cool to cold water and a gentle soap. Do not leave it in a soggy heap on the bathroom floor or soaking forever in the sink when just a quick wash will do the trick.

· To remove excess water after washing, squeeze, don’t wring, which can damage fibers and make your suit lose its shape. Hanging your suit or draping it over a chair to dry can also stretch it out.

· Instead, lay your suit flat on a towel, roll up the towel, then unroll and leave your suit flat to dry atop the towel in a shaded area.

· Before putting your swimwear away, make sure it’s totally dry — and not even a little damp.

No matter how much you are in a hurry, avoid tossing your suit in the washing machine (even on delicate) and clothes dryer (even on fluff). Both can fade, shrink and commit all sorts of other atrocities to your carefully selected swimwear.

And you really don’t want to have to start this swimsuit hunt all over again! At least, not until next year.

 
Where do YOU buy your swimsuits? Let us know in the comments below.