Best Swimwear for Perimenopause: Feeling Confident When Your Body Is Changing
Body changes during perimenopause can make swimwear shopping feel daunting. Here's how to find styles that fit well, feel good, and look great.
Your Body Is Changing, and That Is Normal
Perimenopause often brings changes in body composition that feel sudden and frustrating. Belly fat tends to increase even without changes in diet or exercise, driven by shifts in how estrogen influences fat distribution. Bloating can be intermittent and unpredictable. Skin may feel less firm in areas it used to feel taut. These are real, physiological changes, not failures of willpower. The good news is that swimwear has evolved significantly. There are now styles designed to fit and flatter a much wider range of body shapes than what was available even a decade ago, and many of them prioritize comfort and coverage without sacrificing style.
One-Piece Suits: More Options Than You Think
One-piece swimsuits have had a significant comeback in design innovation. Modern one-pieces offer a huge range of coverage options, from high-neck modest styles to low-back designs to suits with cutouts at the waist. Look for suits with built-in bra cups if you need support, as many now include underwire or foam padding. Tummy control panels, typically a double-layered front section with a firm inner lining, are common and effective at smoothing the midsection without compressing uncomfortably. Adjustable straps matter more than many people expect. The ability to lengthen or shorten shoulder straps lets you customize the fit to your torso length. A suit that sits high at the front but pulls down at the back because the torso length is wrong will feel uncomfortable all day.
Tankinis and Two-Piece Options for Coverage and Flexibility
Tankinis, which pair a tank-style top with a separate bottom, offer a useful middle ground between one-pieces and bikinis. You get the coverage of a one-piece but the practical convenience of a two-piece (easier to use the bathroom, more flexibility in mixing sizing). Many women find they need a different size top and bottom, which is another advantage of separates. Look for tankini tops with a flowing or ruched hem that skims over the belly rather than clinging to it. High-waisted bikini bottoms are another option that has come back strongly in popularity. They sit above the belly button, provide more coverage of the lower abdomen, and can be very flattering on a range of body shapes. Pair with a bikini top or a rash guard for more coverage on top.
Fabric and Construction: What Makes a Swimsuit Last
Swimsuit fabrics are typically nylon or polyester blended with elastane (spandex or Lycra). Polyester blends are more resistant to chlorine and fade less in sunlight, making them a better choice if you swim regularly in a pool. Nylon blends tend to feel softer and have a better initial fit but degrade faster with chlorine exposure. Look for suits with at least 20 percent elastane in the blend for good stretch and recovery. A suit that loses its shape after a few wears will stop holding you in and providing the structure you paid for. Flat-lock seams reduce chafing and are worth looking for, particularly on one-piece suits where seams run across areas of friction like the inner thighs.
Rash Guards and Cover-Ups: Extending Your Options
Rash guards have moved well beyond their original surfing and sun protection role. Long-sleeve rash guards now come in styles that look like fitted athletic tops and pair well with swim shorts or bikini bottoms. They offer UPF sun protection, which is increasingly important for perimenopausal women whose skin may be more sun-sensitive due to hormonal changes and thinning. Many women also find that wearing a rash guard reduces self-consciousness about arms and shoulders. Swim leggings are another option that provides lower body coverage while remaining perfectly functional in the water. A rash guard and swim leggings combination allows you to feel covered and comfortable while being just as active in the water as any other swimwear.
Shopping Tips: Getting the Fit Right
Sizing in swimwear is notoriously inconsistent between brands, and trying things on or understanding return policies is important. If shopping online, look for brands with detailed size charts that include bust, waist, and hip measurements rather than just small, medium, and large. Many women find that their swimwear size differs from their regular clothing size. Do not be deterred by the number. What matters is whether the suit fits well, stays in place, and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Some brands specialize in extended sizing and have built strong communities around inclusive fit. Check reviews from people with similar body shapes for the most useful guidance on whether a particular suit runs large, small, or true to size.
Swimming as Exercise During Perimenopause
Beyond confidence and aesthetics, it is worth noting that swimming is one of the best exercises available during perimenopause. It is a full-body workout with very low joint impact, which matters when joint pain is a factor. The cooling effect of water can also help manage hot flashes during exercise in a way that land-based activities cannot. If you have been avoiding the pool because finding swimwear felt too hard, reconsidering that barrier is worthwhile. PeriPlan lets you log swim sessions alongside other workouts so you can track your activity and see how swimming days correlate with improvements in mood, sleep, and energy over time.
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