Bikini all the time for me and I'm well over 50. I've never ever worn a one piece and simply cannot stand the material over my torso. I've tried them on several times and even bought one, then never wore it. I don't buy itsy bitsy bikinis - I like a sportier style on top and a more full coverage bottom (I don't want to be tugging at it all afternoon). I always have a thin button down coverup on hand for when I'm not in the water or when I want some sun coverage.

When I stop wearing bikinis, it will mean I've stopped going swimming.

Depends on the situation, but for family vacations I've been back on the bikini bandwagon for the past few years. I had switched to tankinis, but instead of being more flattering they were looking less flattering on me for some reason. I've given up trying to hide the soft jiggly bits. If I'm self conscious I throw on my coverup. Or have a margarita

Wear what makes you feel good. I don't care, frankly, if a very heavy woman wears a bikini. As a matter of fact, I might be impressed by her courage.

Ha! I only WISH I could wear a bikini. I look back at pictures of myself in one and had no idea how lucky I was. I say go for it! In large mixed groups around someone's pool, (including kids) I'm not always comfortable seeing people in super little bikinis, but that's my conservative nature and ick-factor kicking in. (around kids and men) And again, the cultural factors and differences are fascinating. I'd never survive on a beach on Europe. Bathing suits are so difficult - and I'm holding myself back here from writing a novel , but it's one of the real frustrations in life . Tankinis look frumpy to me, one pieces often not much better or I can't find a style that supports yet it sexy, and two pieces are not even in my vocabulary anymore. Sigh. Staysfit - age is no factor, if you can rock a bikini on the beach - DO IT! My friends who are in great shape ALL wear bikinis on the beach at the cottage in the summer - and we're older than you

I think about this every summer. I am 51 and I only have bikinis -- I discovered them about 5 years ago and found they were best for my straight body. It's hard because every year my stomach area becomes less appealing to me, but it's so difficult to give up the bikini! One-pieces are so difficult to put on (for me) and feel good in. They are unkind to my small chest, and they seem to accentuate my midsection more than a bikini does (explain that one to me). Even though I live on the coast I don't live at the beach in the summer -- so it's just a few visits really, and I doubt that I will do anything this year but don the bikini once again. I do think that after 5 minutes you stop caring and start enjoying the beach anyway.

PS Much of my continuing enthusiasm comes from Runcarla's bikini photo from last year, which is TRULY AMAZING. She is an inspiration to 50+ bikini wearers -- so, so, so gorgeous.

PPS DD the younger (age 20) just moved (back) to Hawaii for the summer. She was especially excited to be going back to the nude beaches. "I can't wait to tan my boobs again!" Ah, to be that comfortable with one's body. Pretty amazing.

I love everyone's body confidence. I've never in my life worn a bikini, and in fact have not worn a swim outfit or actually been in a pool since 1986. I just cannot be comfortable being that exposed. I decline pool party invitations so I don't have to deal. I'm going to be 60 in June although most people think I'm in my late 40s. I think the choice of swim suit styles is not age or body related but how one feels in the garment. I feel terrified but I admire others who enjoy swimming and playing.

nebraskim - if it helps, I'm not much further away than you are from declining pool party invites or beach days - and I'm a few years (but not many) behind you; I get the whole exposed thing - if it's not pretty , I can't do it. I feel so self-conscious.

I say go for it. For me I've always been more of a board short type of person more modesty and comfort level than anything else. During a recent shopping trip at my favorite thriftstore I stumbled across a beautiful black swimdress with tags and it fit me perfectly I was pretty surprised by how lovely and appropriate it made me feel.

I agree with all those who said that it's not how old you are, but where you are wearing your bikini.

I wear a bikini at the beach. It's the only place I will wear one, and it's for reasons of comfort. If I'm going to sit around with a damp swimsuit on, I prefer as little fabric as possible! However, at the pool, I would feel woefully out of place in a bikini. It's not a body issue with me. I am fairly comfortable with my body, but it's not what you'd call "sexy" -- I'm more athletic-looking than feminine, with lean limbs and a straight waist, and I don't have the 0.7 hip-to-waist ratio that makes a bikini look fab -- so I don't feel like I'm "showing off" anything special when I wear one. It's not an age thing either, as I've seen grannies at the beach 30 years my senior look just fine in a bikini. It's more of an issue of situation-appropriateness.

...I like JackieC's idea of drinking a margarita if you feel self-conscious...

DH used to bother me about not wearing a bikini when we were vacationing. I had a very hard time finding one that fit in the bustline- 32DD. After 4 children and breast feeding for years and then later weightloss I felt my breast tissue was very soft and prone to "splling over" on my armpits. I tried to find a "bra" bikini and it was difficult... to find one that had lift- it would have to have underwires for sure- strong underwires ! I eventually did have some luck but did not have the comfort level to wear them out. A couple of times on DH's boat- on private beaches... were the only places I wore it.

At 55, My stomach looks OK... but I still have some stretched skin. Anyway, short story, I purchased a few one piece Miracle suits - I love them. I don't mind a one piece - for diving it is easier and less accidents to happen. I have seen some great bikinis on older women. Fantastic... but not on myself... I am not confident, especially around strangers. My teenagers are horrified- completely. I can't pull this off now. But looking thru pictures I realize I have always worn one piece suits, even in my teens and twenties, even though I may have had a couple of bikinis in the drawer. I think I am self conscious over my breasts. When younger I had been asked several times to do enter pageants and the idea of appearing in public with any swim suit on was well beyond my capabilities.

Staysfit... you look super fit in athletic kind of way. I think you would look great with the right two piece !

A few people have mentioned "appropriateness" of bikinis and that strikes me as kind of odd - I'm wondering what "inappropriate" would be in a bikini? Too low of a cut on the bottoms maybe? Too much skin on the sides of the breasts showing? The belly button exposed? Just wondering because I have seen many one pieces on women that have some of these same issues so I don't really see where a one piece is inherently more appropriate than a two piece. Oh, and just as many inappropriate swim bottoms on men, if by inappropriate we mean things showing that should probably not be showing. Or the tightness factor. Ha!

I can't get over how many women who are significantly fitter/smaller than I am say they "can't" wear a bikini. I see plenty of women of all ages and shapes on beaches wearing all styles of swimsuits, and there are some slender women who look uncomfortable in one-pieces and some larger ladies who look totally comfortable in two-pieces. I know I fall in the middle. I'm just a very average-bodied, middle-aged woman with pale skin and cellulite and a couple of scars on my tummy, exposing my skin in the sun for a little while (albeit with sunscreen). I have good boobs at least.

I hate to think that anyone is turning down invitations to fun things for fear of wearing a swimsuit.

@ textstyle, using the words " appropriate for me" my lifestyle my comfort level my body. That is no judgement towards others and what they may feel as appropriate or right for them.

I have never worn a bikini in my life. I find them unflattering for me and they make me so horribly self-conscious. I will wear swim shorts and a sports bra style top, which much better suits my beach behavior (boogie boarding and body surfing). I have never had a flat stomach EVER, even when skinny enough to be medically concerning - I really need something higher waisted that prevents belly overhang.

I do not mind any age or body in a bikini as long as I'm not seeing butt-crack. I just can't bear the sight of me in one. And as I will NEVER turn down a beach or pool opportunity, it's generally a tankini and shorts.

Also don't understand how halter top bikinis are recommended for busty figures. They strain my neck and make me look even bigger on top.

You need to wear a bikini for all of us who won't, Staysfit!

Rock the bikini. Enough said.

Yep, I say wear that bikini. Regardless of age or body type. If you like it, wear it!

I must say, bikinis at the Y or community pool seem 'inappropriate.' Or more precisely, like they just don't go together. The community pool is so - so utilitarian.

I want to go back to bikinis this year. I have two retro one pieces and with giant boobs and a short waist, one pieces just don't work for me. So I am on the lookout for a supportive white bikini with a bottom that just covers my belly flap.

I am of the belief that every body is bikini body. Fit or not.

I remember coming across this once, though can't remember where:

"How to get a beach body":

#1 have a body

#2 go to the beach.

love it!

-

I'm so tall that a one piece doesn't usually work. I'm constantly tugging them in place. And honestly, I refuse to spend the money for a long torso one piece. So... it's a bikini for me since last year I try to wear a coverup when I'm not in water or in public places.

I have cellulite, few varicose veins, old stretch marks, a tummy roll when I sit, jiggly thighs, loose skin on my low abs and inner thighs. But I still wear one. I've lost over 175 lb and take good are of myself. I feel honored that I can wear a bikini and feel good about myself. Sure, sometimes I wish I was thinner and leaner. But for the most part, I'm really happy with myself and refuse to feel ashamed or that I should hide.

I'm with Jackie!

I had the great good fortune to be a young person in a coed living situation where nudity was the norm. One set of showers and ALL ages, shapes, and nationalites. The Europeans took it very well. Nude beaches being a thing.
After the intial shock and horror, i entirely stopped seeing the bodies and just saw people doing people things like cleaning their teeth and washing their hair. Seeing older folk naked when you are young was wonderful. Reality is a good thing.
These days I could care less what people think of my older, scarred, and fit little chunk of a post menopausal body. So glad it is still strong and upright, many are not that fortunate. That being said, i have always worn one piece suits everywhere I could expect a womans body to be sexualized., judged, or sneered at. That is dead annoying, and most impolite.
I like jocks and hang out with many. It is what you can do with the body that counts with them.
I love having all the different types of suits and bought board shorts and a bikini top last year.

Over on Already Pretty today, Sally has an interesting commentary about "decency" and America's obsession with exposure, "inappropriate body hair", nipples, etc. etc. It's worth the read.

Wow, I missed a lot while I was at work and then out playing professors wife this evening. Very interesting comments, and good to read everyone's opinions. I haven't had a chance yet to look at Already Pretty, but that's what I'm about to do.......

Edit: Just read today's Already Pretty Post, and it was definitely worth reading. Thanks for suggesting it Nebraskim.

My mom turns 55 in a month & she still rocks a bikini! I've noticed lately she opts for ones with more coverage in the bottom piece, but all of her suits look great on her.

I have a long torso, so one-pieces in my size are always too small, which is a horrendous thing in a suit, as it makes the bottom ride up. Eek! And my bum requires a larger size than my top anyway. So bikinis make more sense to me, but I do full most comfortable in the fuller coverage ones: the top is a bandeau-style (but with straps) and the bottom is boy short style. I got the set at Target & it's held up quite well! I'd check there first if I needed to replace/expand my swimwear collection. Last year I added one of those Lands End long sleeved rash guards, just so that I could have more protection from the sun when I wanted it. It's very cute & effective, but as soon as it gets wet, it shows everything unless you're wearing a bikini top underneath. Just fyi.

Yay I am joining the Margarita party with Jackie and the rest......

Love your saying Diane!!

I think I'll have a Margarita also, it makes hanging at the beach more fun regardless of my swimsuit choice!