Tips on Swimsuits for a 40-Something Mom by Melissa Swedoski

Ah, yes, summer is finally here. Technically, it’s been here for those of us in the south/southwest for a couple of months, but now that all of us are on the same page, let me focus on a topic that is HOT every time summer comes around: What the heck can a 40-something mom wear and not be mocked by others?

Yes, I know, we’re not supposed to care what others think, but I don’t want to be the mom at the pool that the other moms are whispering and pointing at when they think I’m not looking. I definitely don’t want to be the mom that the dads gawk at, either out of lust or horror.

Swimsuits tend to be the bane of any woman’s existence, unless you are blessed to look like Kate Moss and have the curves of Cindy Crawford, who is well over 40. Many of us, however, have the wear and tear of giving birth marked all over us. Whether it’s stretch marks or weird skin pigmentations gained from pregnancy or even a few extra pounds that will only go away with surgery, there’s some part of our body we don’t want the world to observe.

So I went looking. I checked out tankinis (good), and swimdresses (me likey). Yes, there are plenty of one and two piece opportunities out there, but that’s just so 2012. Like I know anything about fashion. After combing the Google machine, here’s a few I thought you might be interested in seeing.

One of the most fun options I found is the swimdress. Not like the 1800s swimdress, where you were only allowed to show a little ankle, but the  hip, fun, flirty swimdress that lets you show cleavage or leg or whatever you want. The colors are endless, the prints range from flowers to dots to tiger stripes and leopard spots. They also come in petite, small, large, extra large and plus size. There’s definitely one that will work for this over 40 mom, who doesn’t mind showing cleavage, but isn’t quite so proud to show off her hind quarters to the world.

Then there’s the tankini. It’s a two piece for those of us who still maintain modesty. And some cellulite that we don’t want to flaunt to the universe. Or the 20-something guys at the beach. Or the judgy moms at the pool party. The beauty of the tankini is that you can mix and match if you want, or you can buy coordinating pieces. You can have pink in your top and blue in the bottom. You can be daring with a plunging neckline on top, but keep it demure on bottom with either swim shorts or a conservative skirt. Most of the top pieces have adjustable straps, which allow for more security for the girls. And along those lines, if you are different sizes on the opposite ends of your body, you can buy an XL top with a M bottom.

Again, I don’t know much about fashion, but I do know what it’s like to squeeze into my swimsuit every year, and I’ve learned a few tricks to make me feel better about myself when going to the water park or the beach or over to my own pool party. Regardless of what style you choose, the point is for you to feel beautiful. And with so many fashion options nowadays, hopefully you can and will achieve it!

Tags: fashion, later motherhood, moms over 40, over 40 moms, summer, swimsuits, toddlers, vacation, weight loss