30-something seeking a beautiful-feeling, confidence-boosting bathing suit

The older I get, the more difficult bathing suit shopping is. My body is changing in ways I don’t want to highlight and bathing suits by nature are so unforgiving. My priorities have changed from looking cute on the beach to ensuring everything is held in and somewhat flattering. I’m more focused on pairing cute coverups with my suits because, let’s be honest, the more covered the better I feel. As my needs get more specific, it seems the less cute the options get. Add on the fact that we’re in a pandemic, so trying on suits, a painful exercise requiring a full dressing room strip down, is not even possible. We’re forced to make major assumptions based on what we see online where our options are usually shown on size 0 models. That’s not me.

Dare I say, we deserve better. Why can’t the perfect suit exist that covers all my needs: cute, flattering, and supportive? Well, the thing is there is no one suit that will work for everyone. We each have to shop around and experiment to find what works for our own bodies and needs. That said, I did some experimenting and found a few decent options at decent prices—most currently on sale!

On my recent family vacation to Idaho, I told my sister, the trip planner, that I wanted to spend as much time as possible in a bathing suit. It was mid-July and my first opportunity to wear a bathing suit, so I wanted to take full advantage. She delivered. We went out on the lake for boating and wakeboarding. We went tubing and kayaking on the river. We even went white water rafting! Lots of opportunities to really test out my bathing suit purchases that up until this point, I’ve only worn in my bedroom.

Suit 1: Aerie Bandeau Bikini Top

I bought this top to avoid tan lines, but added the removable straps since we were spending the day on the boat and wanted the extra support. This top was comfortable and stayed in place. There was no need to readjust—it was wonderful! This top is currently 30% off for about $20!

I had a lot of fun with this coverup! I’ve really love using button downs over suits in past years but wanted to mix up my options. I had been searching for a Hawaiian style shirt for some time and ended up stumbling on this flamingo shirt on a Target trip in the men’s section for only $18! Always consider borrowing from the guys!

Suit 2: Madewell Second Wave Spaghetti-Strap One-Piece Swimsuit and Board Shorts in Sunflower print

This suit is super fun, a different print from anything I already own. There is no bra support and the straps don’t adjust, but luckily the small fit me well as is. It was the matching shorts that made me hit the purchase button. This outfit was ideal for some of our most daring water activities, which is proven! This set went white water rafting and tubing. The shorts were so light weight when wet—what an amazing feeling to not worry about my outfit all day. Bonus: no cover up needed. Double bonus: both suit and shorts are currently 50% off. Shorts also come in tie dye print!

Suit 3: Aerie Jacquard Strappy Back One Piece Swimsuit

Similar to the LBD, everyone should have a LBS that embodies the same super powers: flattering, classic, always trendy. I think this suit wins as my favorite of the trip. I just felt good in it—I took a video work call in this and later that day built up enough courage to do some wakeboarding! This suit is currently 60% off—under $20! Also available in other colors.

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Suit 4: Knotted Leopard-Print Bikini Top and High-Waist Bikini Bottom

This suit is so comfortable, and I love the print. I was looking for something outside of my usual picks to spice it up while still checking off my major needs. High waist is my comfort zone—even in a two-piece I’m looking for extra coverage. Just below the belly button like this one is just about as low as I go. The dealmaker on this suit was the style of top. The straps go over the should rather than tying at the neck—I find halters extremely uncomfortable. If you prefer halter, there’s an option available in the same print. Both top and bottom are currently 15% off, about $40 each.

Special thanks to my seven-year-old niece for letting me borrow her sparkly inner tube to cover up some of my insecurities. P.S. We jumped off that bridge in the background just after this photo was taken!

Suit 5: SweatyRocks One Shoulder Cutout Swimsuit

I was totally influenced into getting this suit. I really wanted to try the one-shoulder, cutout style and this color combo is a favorite, no surprise there! It came with pads in the bra area that bunched up so I removed them, choosing a smooth fit over the added coverage. While it nailed the cute factor, this suit doesn’t offer the amount of support I’d like. Be sure to pack on the sun screen—these tan lines would be interesting! The bright beauty is about $23 and comes in tons of color combos.

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Every body is different and every fit is different. Just know that a bathing suit that makes you feel beautiful and confident is out there. Keep looking until you find it!

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