How to wear a bikini when you’re over the age of 40
And ignore all the naysayers who says you shouldn’t and can’t
Reading the words “midlife bikini” — as in a bikini worn by women in their forties and beyond — will strike you one of two ways. Either you’ll think: “You Must Be Joking” or, “Yes? What About Them?” and the funny thing is your response will have less to do with your body than your style.
I have a friend who is as skinny as a rope and a bit of tomboy — if looking fit was the only criteria of midlife bikini wearing, she’d be there — but as it happens she wears a navy one piece with a white trim. She thinks it’s more fresh and less try hard. I know fit women who have worn swimming costumes since their twenties, and others who let it all hang out in a bikini, their one rule being there’s nothing wrong with a bit of tummy so long as it’s tanned.
A one piece in a hot climate is purgatory and you may feel like you are wearing a centrally heated girdle.
And now that I’m well past my bikini peak but still wearing one (you bet), I realise it’s not about yes or no, or time to put it away, but what makes you feel good, and making the necessary adjustments. Bikini wearers will stay in their bikinis come hell or high water; we will find a way because they are fun. Also, lets face it, because a one piece in a hot climate is purgatory and you may feel like you are wearing a centrally heated girdle.
So, yes you can wear a bikini in midlife. But there are rules. This is what you need to know: 1 Pick your time and place. If you are swimming in the UK in average weather, you are wearing a one piece. The time and place for the midlife bikini is in strong sun, lying on a sunlounger, within reach of a wrap. 2 You are not wearing your bikini — and that’s it: You are not walking down to the beach, wandering to the ice cream shop, hopping onto a bar stool, the way you used to in the old days. You may do all of the above but covered up. Sor- ry, but that is the big rule. Don’t forget yourself and drift about in your bikini like a teenage temptress in a French film. Oh hello @womenshealthmag and thank you ever so much for the opportunity to grace your cover! And @tracyandersonmethod, it’s all because of you. Link in profile for the secret A post shared by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on Mar 9, 2017 at 11:44am PST 3 You will therefore want a light cover up: To wear on the move. A white Indian kurta — slightly sheer, and slit up the sides so you don’t look too Demis Roussos — is a good alternative for those who are allergic to beach kaftans and kimonos. 4 Pick a grown up style: Elle Macpherson and Gwyneth Paltrow continue to wear their string tie bikinis (I know!) because they have the bodies of fit twentysomethings. The rest of us are wearing a more midlife appropriate bikini: not flimsy, small or high cut. (Toast do good coverage, and you can buy the tops and bottoms in different sizes. Also bikinis with a bit of ruching are surprisingly flattering, as are boy shorts, which you can find in surf shops). Avoid bikini bottoms with a little modesty skirt. They just make you think: why wear one at all? 5 That said, don’t cover up too much: A high waisted bottom should be the answer to all our problems, but oddly you have to have the figure of Cara Delevingne to get away with them. They hardly suit anyone, and all of them are under 30, which is why you’ll never see Elle or Gwynnie in big pants.
It’s not just bottoms, either, that are hard to wear big. Those tankinis are a definite no-no, the worst of both worlds, not to mention a bit ‘junior miss’. If you want that much coverage then go for a one piece. 6 A tan is always best: But now it’s essential. If you have a torso that hasn’t seen the sun since last August, then you might be advised to invest in some tan in a tube. 7 Ditch the frills: No pelmets or ruffles. No bows, gingham or broderie anglais trims. Nothing cutesy, or fancy, or zip up the front, or lace up the side, or wetlook with a Bond Girl belt. You know this but we can all get carried away. No tricks, especially not the ooh la la, sexy moi sort. 8 No accessorising: Not saying you would, or were even thinking of it, but it’s cooler to play it down. You will not be needing the wide brimmed straw hat, the raffia wedges or lace-up gladiator sandals, or the pompom trim necklace and upper arm bracelet. 9 The colour you choose will depend on your skin tone: But the midlife bikini works best in sophisticated shades like olive, aubergine and chocolate. Polka dots are weirdly ageing. Navy is too sensible. Black — well it’s not working so well for anything else in our wardrobes, so, probably not. 10 Be flexible: The truth is when it comes to midlife bikinis versus the one piece you will alternate between the two, depending on how you feel. And it’s all about how you feel. Well, it is also about consideration for others. You owe it to your friends and family not to cross the line marked “makes us feel slightly uncomfortable”. That’s why we’ve put together this list.