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![Swimsuits a woman wearing a swimsuit with other various bathing suits surrounding her](https://aarp.widen.net/content/rmwvelcojd/jpeg/101687_Swimsuits_hero.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=mh5igy&w=1140&h=655)
If there’s one clothing item that strikes fear in the hearts of otherwise confident women, it’s a swimsuit. Let’s be honest. You’re trusting a very small bit of fabric to do the flattery job of a full outfit — on a nearly naked body! This is why many women hang on to the dull but dependable security of their old suits. As a beauty and style editor, I’ve spent decades doing swimsuit photo shoots on women over 50 of all shapes and sizes. Bodies do change with age, but so have swimsuits! New choices range from sexy to slimming to sophisticated to sporty. Here are seven tips and plenty of reasons to dive in.
![member card Image Alt Attribute](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/features/membership/inline-membership-promo/default/master5/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container_copy/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/uxdia/membership-card-d-and-t.png)
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1. Define what really bugs you.
You can’t choose a new suit without doing this. Every woman has a secret reason she hates wearing a swimsuit and dreads shopping for one. Some resist exposing a crepey chest, ripply cellulite, discolorations or sun-damaged skin. Others want to hide thighs, a belly bulge or a saggy rear from view. More wrestle with concerns like a large chest, back fat or a long torso. And let’s address the elephant in the room: the mostly young, fit, firm-bodied models wearing the suits we’re browsing online at retail sites. It’s annoying, yes, but get over it! They’re only there to demonstrate the fit when filled out by a human body. Targeting your current issues (which may differ from those of only a year ago) will help you hit the right balance between exposure and camouflage.
2. Start at the top.
A swimsuit’s neckline is the boss. It’s the key design element that draws the eye up and away from lower-body concerns, has the power to balance body proportions and gives your breasts a head start on whatever lift, coverage or support they need. It’s also the main attraction when you’re face-to-face with others or bobbing around in the pool. There are eight basic necklines. Here’s what’s best for whom and why.
Choose a …
V neckline to balance width at hips and thighs, suggest a slim waist, flatter a large bust and add definition between breasts. It’s always a sexy choice for all.
![V neckline swimsuit Old Navy Tie-Back One-Piece Swimsuit in Black Jack](https://aarp.widen.net/content/ffgyaqbvpv/png/2-1_Vneck_OldNavy_101687.png?crop=true&anchor=0,0&color=ffffffff&u=mh5igy&w=1140&h=655)
Sweetheart shape to lift a full bust and emphasize an overall curvy shape. A retro romantic look that’s great on ruched (also known as shirred) suits.
One-shoulder to show off shoulders, keep the chest under wraps and elongate the torso. A sophisticated look.
![One-shoulder swimsuit Shade & Shore Women’s One Shoulder Twist One Piece Swimsuit](https://aarp.widen.net/content/bmzbuhdlie/png/2-2_OneShoulder_Target_101687.png?crop=true&anchor=0,0&color=ffffffff&u=mh5igy&w=1140&h=655)
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