swimsuit for 70+?

[francesam]

I'm 72 and haven't worn a swimsuit for years.Not obese but a bit overweight and wouldn't feel comfitable going around in one. However my friend and my daughters think i should have one. Will i be able to get anywhere near the pool to make it worth while getting one (i don't sunbath ) Will i horrify everybody when they see this old biddy in a state of near nakedness,:eek: will the security escurt me off the ship, never to return and will i ever get over the emrassement of showing my wrinkly body to all and sundry:o help please

[cb at sea]

No one will be horrified or escort you off the ship. But--is there a reason you want to sunbath when you don't sunbath normally??? There's no reason you can't wear shorts, or a sundress or whatever you normally wear, and find a nice spot in the shade to watch the "goings on" at the pool. Why you'd want to bake in the sun just for your daughter's sake is beyond me!

You don't HAVE to wear a bathing suit to sit by the pool! There will be many older folks who will come to watch, but not participate!

[I'm on holiday]

Cruisers come in all ages, shapes and sizes. I say go for it! Find a nice suit that you are comfortable wearing. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

OR...if you aren't comfy, then by all means follow cb at sea's recommendation, and wear shorts or a sundress. Whatever you do, don't hide! You'll be on a cruise, have fun!

[Betsy's Mom]

If you want to swim or just dip in the pool get a suit. I am 72 and swim daily. There are plenty of suits out there for us older folk without bikini bodies! It can be very hot in the Caribbean and you may be sorry if you do not bring a suit. Believe me you will not be any different than anyone else by the pool. Who cares? Enjoy your cruise:)

B.

[Happy ks]

On Independence they have a solarium area with adult pool and whirlpools. I think you will be completely comfortable wearing a swimsuit, plus you will not be in the sun. I've seen plenty of older folks in and around the pools and spas on cruise ships, you will definitely not be out of place. So don't limit yourself, do get a suit so you can enjoy the ammenities.

 

I don't know of any stores in the UK for swimsuits. I've purchased Lands End suits for years with good results, I don't know if they sell in the UK. Carol Wior is a brand that has suits that are slimming, I've also purchased a couple of those. There are so many different styles of suits available, perhaps if you are in the states a day or two in advance you can find one here.

[Beanie01]

My parents are 75 and cruise on average twice a year. Yes, mom puts on a bathing suit, and so do everyone else of all ages. You can also try these swimsuits that "hold you in." I recently bought 2 one-pieces from Speigel.com. I like both of them. One is their Shape Fx, which fits tighter to hold you in better. And guess what? Skirted suits are back in fashion! You're on vacation. Enjoy. Believe me, no one cares!

 

P.S. Living here in south Florida, retirees in their 70's, 80's, and 90's are a daily occurrence on the beach - in swimwear!

[kitty9]

A nice one piece with a little skirt would be perfect for you. My mom wore bathing suits into her 80's. On the cruise I just got home from, there were ladies in your age group who were wearing bikinis, and they were probably size 20's. No one cared, one darn bit. Go for it !!!!! You'll look cute.

[ellecruiser]

If you are unsure about wearing a swimsuit you could always wear it with pair of shorts and an open white shirt. That way you could see how comfortable you felt once you were out by the pool and you could take off the shirt or the shorts or both.

 

definatly take a swimsuit

 

have a good cruise :)

[endosunshine]

There is a type of suit called Miracle Suit, which claims to make you look 10 pounds thinner. They have lots of styles, including several one piece with a skirt. My mother-in-law is 79 and does not put on a suit often, but when she does it is the skirt type.

 

Go. See. Conquer!!:):)

[TrevyMcShaw]

You will defiinitely not be the only one your age in a bathing suit. Live it up, girl. Go get in the ocean or the pool and enjoy yourself. See if you can find a skirtini. It's a 2 piece with a camisole type top and a skirt bottom. They are very forgiving.

[Jane110]

I'm in agreement with the others here.

There is no reason to hide. However, I suggest you do what my Mother does. She buys Gottex swimsuits and a matching coverups. (which can also be worn over a different solid swimsuit of any brand) They are so gorgeous and they hide everything she's not looking to display. She doesn't sunbathe, and only needs her swimsuit for a dunk in the pool, so she'll wear the cover-up while hanging out at the pool on her chaise lounge and take if off when she goes in for a swim.

 

I also agree that if you're not planning on swimming and you're not looking to tan, a sundress is just fine as well.

 

You'll see quite an assortment of shapes and sizes and no one cares about you, unless you're hogging a chair! :)

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[susique333]

I love these kinds of suits, looks like shorts with a tank top! helps to cover up the upper thighs. Believe you me, I look nothing short of a horror story in a bathing suit but who cares!! Im there to have FUN!!

 

http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/gallery_medium/100065_1_1.jpg

[jst4fun715]

I, like a lot of people, have my problem areas. I have found the tankinis with the skirt type bottom work really well. In looking at them, I also saw some "swimdresses". I think they may be similar, but looks like they have a bit longer skirt. Might be something else to consider. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!

[chickadee1]

I'm not 70 yet but am overweight and worry about my appearance in a suit. A few yrs ago I got 3 suits from QVC(think that is available in UK) called Slender Thighs - which are very attractive. Most have skirts - some are two piece skirtini, and some are traditional one piece. I guess they are not all Slender Thighs brand but another brand with QVC and they do look nice. Just go under Swimsuits on the QVC website and you should have some luck!!

[Acker]

I say find yourself a suit and wear it proudly. Remember, everyone who's over 21 and in a bathing suit is more worried about how they look then how others look!

[griffy]

Buy the swimsuit. My Mom is 78 and we've begged her to get one to be able to soak in the hot tub at night with us or to sit and cool in the shallow water. She has flatly refused. Don't worry about how you look. I'm 60 and will be swimming with my Grandson on our cruise. Times have changed..it's like the way they used to have pregnant women sorta stay at home...They dont hid the preggo's..you may see them in a bikini now-a-days, and you don't hide the Granny in a housedress and shawl anymore. Have fun.

[bazarr2]

I'm 72 and haven't worn a swimsuit for years.Not obese but a bit overweight and wouldn't feel comfitable going around in one. However my friend and my daughters think i should have one. Will i be able to get anywhere near the pool to make it worth while getting one (i don't sunbath ) Will i horrify everybody when they see this old biddy in a state of near nakedness,:eek: will the security escurt me off the ship, never to return and will i ever get over the emrassement of showing my wrinkly body to all and sundry:o help please

Would you feel comfortable in something like these? I am early 50's and I like these for the pool area. Here is the link.

 

http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/products.asp?product_id=103897&dept_id=100636&parent_id=100003

 

[freelist]

I was going through my own bathing suit dilemma a few weeks ago, but I came across this article that really helped to put things in perspective. I sent it to a few girlfriends, and they loved it too.

http://www.thestar.com/Article/619734

 

For those who don't want to read the whole thing, its about a 43 year old woman/mother who doesn't have a supermodel body, but bought a two-piece bathing suit. My favourite part about when she put on the bikini:

"I am amazed to learn that the world does not end right at that moment. No one leaps out at me from What Not to Wear. Supermodels do not suddenly appear to point and laugh. A stylist does not try to fix my makeup (oh, hang on, I don't really wear makeup)."

 

I recommend giving it a read if you have a few minutes. :)

[Gathina]

You sound like a sweet grandma..my kinda gal!

 

Why wear a bathing suit if you don't intend to sunbathe or go in the pool...just because "they" think you should have one?

 

If YOU don't want to, DON'T. Do what makes YOU feel comfortable, not THEM.

 

Why not get a pretty sundress or one of the swimdresses, etc and a coverup.

 

As I always say, "they" will be staring at the beach bunny weaing the thong, or the morbidly obese woman wearing the thong who has no business wearing one. You are average and in the middle so nobody will look at you anyway. :)

 

Believe me, there will be by far more horrific sights wearing bathing suits than you. Go Grandma! :)

 

I'm 72 and haven't worn a swimsuit for years.Not obese but a bit overweight and wouldn't feel comfitable going around in one. However my friend and my daughters think i should have one. Will i be able to get anywhere near the pool to make it worth while getting one (i don't sunbath ) Will i horrify everybody when they see this old biddy in a state of near nakedness,:eek: will the security escurt me off the ship, never to return and will i ever get over the emrassement of showing my wrinkly body to all and sundry:o help please

[JDinWA]

Oh, francesam, I do sympathize! I'm taking my mother on a cruise next week, and I did the same thing to her that your daughters are doing to you -- coaxed, persuaded, and pushed her into getting a swimsuit. And I know she's having the same qualms about wearing it in public as you are.

 

The thing is, I also know that nobody else is going to care or even notice. And once you (and my mom) "take the plunge", you'll realize that there's nothing to be embarrassed about. There's always someone who looks better and someone who looks worse, and just about everyone is more focused on how they look to others than how others look to them.

 

~However~...if my mom wears her suit to the pool with me, then tells me she's just not comfortable doing it again, I will absolutely respect that. And I'm sure your friend and daughters will do that for you as well. :)

[Michele Noel]

On QVC this week they had a show about It figures swimsuits. They all had good size skirts and tops - they looked so cute on the plus size models. Take a look at them. And don't worry about how you look. Everyone is larger than they were when they were younger.

[ladycaveat]

I'm in agreement with the others here.

There is no reason to hide. However, I suggest you do what my Mother does. She buys Gottex swimsuits and a matching coverups. (which can also be worn over a different solid swimsuit of any brand) They are so gorgeous and they hide everything she's not looking to display. She doesn't sunbathe, and only needs her swimsuit for a dunk in the pool, so she'll wear the cover-up while hanging out at the pool on her chaise lounge and take if off when she goes in for a swim.

 

I also agree that if you're not planning on swimming and you're not looking to tan, a sundress is just fine as well.

 

You'll see quite an assortment of shapes and sizes and no one cares about you, unless you're hogging a chair! :)

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Jane, where does your Mom buy these swimsuits and coverups? I just turned sixty-two and these days . . . there's more I'd like to cover-up then there used to be . . . . :p Tammy

[fateknows]

I'm 72 and haven't worn a swimsuit for years.Not obese but a bit overweight and wouldn't feel comfitable going around in one. However my friend and my daughters think i should have one. Will i be able to get anywhere near the pool to make it worth while getting one (i don't sunbath ) Will i horrify everybody when they see this old biddy in a state of near nakedness,:eek: will the security escurt me off the ship, never to return and will i ever get over the emrassement of showing my wrinkly body to all and sundry:o help please

 

After about an hour in a specialty swimsuit store, I chose the following:

 

http://www.swimnsport.com/swimnsport/product.asp?dept_id=&pf_id=PAAAIAHKHMNPMCFB&

 

Its length was enough to cover my thighs and hind side. I've since found out that this is called a swimdress. --Honestly, I've seen people wear less to nightclubs. But I felt comfortable and that is what matters.

 

When I waded into the wonderfully warm Carribean ocean, I was so happy I made the leap to purchase something to wear in the water.

[Ehpride]

Bring one just in case. If you decide you want to go for a dip or lay out, you've got it. My grandma was 80 and she wore a swimsuit on the ship. I guess, no matter how you think you look, you're probably going to want the option at one point and if you don't have a swimsuit with you, you don't want to regret not being able to swim.

[bjbear]

You guys have really encouraged me!:) I'm 66, love to swim, love to tan but my problem is a big midsection - thick waist, tummy, no butt!:D I'm not huge, just the middle. I'm going to check out those websites and see about getting something with tummy coverage and maybe a skirt. I hate to give up my swimming but am so self concious lately I haven't ventured out in a suit. Thanks for the encouragement!! :D;)

 

Sue