Cheat sheet: Swimwear!
Bookmark this for when you need to go swimsuit shopping
Menopause isn’t the only thing going on in a midlife life. Right? Summer is on the way too, and that means doing the big winter-summer wardrobe changeover.
If you’ve seen my Instagram recently you’ll know I’ve been on a quest to find comfortable and stylish new togs that don’t show my entire bum cheeks. I asked my Insta community for tips and recommendations… and it turns out this is a much bigger conversation than I realised. My fellow midlife women have a lot to say about it.
I’ve been out there doing the legwork; I have lost count of the swimsuits I’ve tried on now. I even got stuck inside one.
Anyway - I’ve written about my adventures in swimwear which you can read over at RNZ. There are tips from an expert there, too, to help us all.
And here - for the benefit of us all - are the brands that my lovely Instagram community recommended when I asked for their help on this (in no particular order). I’ve added their comments here, too. Have fun out there!
Baku
“I have a Baku bikini that keeps my over 50 cheeks in check. Love it. Doesn’t budge even in the surf”
Farmers
“I’ve become a fan of the Zest Resort 'Molly' Swimsuit at Farmers over the past few summers. Flattering cut on the bum and 50's style crossover front. Available each summer in 4-5 fabrics. Size 12 is a PROPER size 12...even for an E cup!”
Andie
“Andie is the brand for me! Great cuts, good fabric and they have a long torso option. I own 3!”
Speedo
“I love my togs from Speedo. They are both functional and in designs I like for swim training and swimming for fun at the lake, beach or river.”
Swanwear
“Fab styles, made to measure & great customer service.”
Thuderpants
“Thunderpants do great swimwear!”
Hot Body
(retail store) “Fashionable and togs for the young and for older. I bought one last year in my 59 year old body. Not cheap but last well and I enjoy wearing them. Have range of ages of women staff too.”
The Fitting Room
(retail store) “I went to The Fitting Room in Wellington (they are also in Christchurch) and got the first pair of decent fitting nice looking togs I’ve had in years. Comfortable bust support, full bum coverage, fab colour - I love them.”
Sea Level
“A great range. Bottoms that actually cover too.”
Cupshe
“Not that sustainable I'm sure, but I have found the coverage from some one piece and bikini sets from Cupshe really good.”
Alulu
“Recently discovered Alulu and could have cried at how well they fit.”
Baiia
“Baiia are curve approved! Good coverage. Sustainable. Small, woman owned business in Australia. Beautiful swimwear - though pricey!”
Artesands
”Curvy and plus-size swimwear”
Sea Fancy
“They’re a great price, excellent fit and lovely designs!”
Annah Stretton
“Some pretty togs that have coverage”
Next
“Next UK now delivers to NZ. Their own brand swimmers are excellent, good range of size and bum coverage in a one piece.”
Kmart
“Kmart has some really good modest options.”