Swimsuits have come a long way since the “bathing costumes” of the 18th century. From one-piece bandeau swimsuits to daring bikinis, there are many choices a shopper needs to make when searching for the right women’s bathing suit. This is especially true for older women and women over 50, whose bodies may have changed since they were last measured.
But before you’ve even settled on a pattern, fabric, or style, it’s best to measure your body properly. Body measurements will ensure the bathing suit you purchase fits and is ideal for your unique body shape. After all, what good is your new beachside or poolside look if it doesn’t fit?
In this article, we will discuss the steps for how to measure for a swimsuit for over 50 women, how to find the perfect fit for each body type, and considerations when searching for your next eye-catching swimsuit.
Here's How to Measure for a Swimsuit
Using our simple nine-step process and the right measuring tips below, you’re sure to record accurate dimensions for your body and find the perfect bathing suit to match!
Step 1: Use the Right Tools
Before you start measuring your body, you will need to gather the tools for the job. Namely, you will need:
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a soft measuring tape- this is an essential because, unlike a retractable measuring tape, it can easily wrap around your body, conforming to your natural curves without causing any discomfort.
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a full-length mirror- this is so you can see your body from all angles, ensuring accurate measurements.
- a piece of paper or a note-taking app on a phone- this will help you record your measurements as you go so you don’t need to remember them yourself.
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a full-length mirror- this is so you can see your body from all angles, ensuring accurate measurements.
Step 2: Measure Your Bust
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, making sure that the tape is parallel to the ground. The tape should be snug (but not tight). Record the measurement.
Step 3: Measure Your Waist
To measure your waist, stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, which is typically located just above your belly button. Make sure that the tape is parallel to the ground and snug but not tight. Record the measurement.
Step 4: Measure Your Hips
To measure your hips, stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips, which is typically located around your hip bones. Make sure that the tape is parallel to the ground and snug but not tight. Record the measurement.
Step 5: Measure Your Torso
To measure your torso, sit on a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground. The chair will help to both align your spine and to keep the measuring tape in position. Place one end of the measuring tape at the center of your shoulder blades and bring it down to the base of your crotch. Record the measurement.
Note: a torso measurement will help you determine your torso length, which is particularly important when answering the question of how to measure a one-piece swimsuit. It is not required for two-piece swimsuits.
Step 6: Measure Your Leg Length
To measure your leg length, stand up straight with your feet together. Place one end of the measuring tape at the top of your thigh and bring it down to the floor so that the tape is flush with your leg. Record the measurement on your paper or in your note-taking app.
Step 7: Choose the Right Bathing Suit
Now that you have your measurements, you can use them to choose the swimsuit that will be most comfortable and best flatter your proportions.
For example, if you have a pear-shaped body, you may want to choose a swimsuit with a high-cut leg and a low-cut neckline to balance out your proportions. If you have an hourglass figure, you may want to choose a swimsuit that emphasizes your waist.
With these considerations in mind, use a sizing guide and filter tools when searching, like the ones on our swimsuits page, to filter your search by a size that fits you best.
Step 8: Try it On
Once you have found some swimsuits that you like, try them on to ensure that they fit well. Make sure your selection is snug (but not too tight) and that it doesn't pinch your skin or cause discomfort. A well-fitting swimsuit for women over 50 should feel almost as if wearing nothing at all.
Walk around in the swimsuit to make sure that it stays in place. This will ensure you will feel as comfortable swimming or moving around as you will simply lounging or sunbathing.
Step 9: Adjust as Needed
If the swimsuit doesn't fit perfectly, don't worry. Many swimsuits come with adjustable straps or ties that can be tightened or loosened to create a better fit. If the swimsuit is too big, you may need to go down a size. If it's too small, you may need to go up a size.
There is a Perfect Swimsuit for Every Body
Remember that everyone’s body is unique, and there is no one "perfect" body type. Luckily, there are many bathing suit cuts, styles, and fits that are designed for all ages, body types, and levels of activity.
The most important thing when bathing suit shopping is to find a swimsuit that makes you feel comfortable and confident for whatever aquatic activity you have planned. Now that you know how to measure a swimsuit for over 50 women, this should be a breeze!
Anthony’s offers a wide collection of swimsuits, including cuts and styles perfect for women over 50. Explore our catalog and find your best-fitting swimwear today.
