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Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50

04/02/2021 · In: Over 50 Fashion

Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50 featured by top US Over 50 fashion blogger, Sharing A Journey

Summer clothes have a way of deceiving us:  They look flowy comfortable and easy, but we know better.  That strappy number requires a strapless bra, the maxi looks best with a smooth line underneath, and those cute shorts and sleeveless top… well our arms and legs will show!  

Should we even consider mini dresses at our age?  With our arms and legs on display, we think of our saggy, or dimpled skin…at least I do. There are some solutions and I am here to spill the beans. We’re talking shape wear today, ladies.  How to look good in clothes when you are over 50; how to select the right shape wear so you can look amazing.  And more specifically, summer clothes.

A blogger friend took a random survey asking who among her readers wore shape wear.  Most said they didn’t because it was uncomfortable, it rolled, (few things are more uncomfortable) it bunched, it cut off circulation.  Nobody wants that! Especially when it’s hot outside.  In short, they said they hate shape wear.

So what do we need?  Can we really find summer shapewear that makes us look amazing and is comfortable at the same time?  It takes a bit of doing, but I’ve been on the hunt and have a few ideas for you.

First,  I’m sixty, and I make no apologies for the fact that I have a 60 year old body.  My body that has survived with me, and together, we weathered all sorts of sorts storms.  My body nurtured my daughter, has danced, snow skied, and explored bits of the world.  It’s not as buff as it once was.  As a person, I am softer, more compassionate, more loving and content.  To hate my body while trying to be a loving person simply can’t be done, any more than you can hate yourself and love someone else.  (Here’s a link to my weight loss story and how I learned to love my body).

While the media embraces a variety of body types, mature bodies are not among them, but I don’t care.  I am going to choose clothes that make me feel amazing and wear them with confidence.  Some clothes need a little help to make them look their best, and that’s when I dig to the bottom of my lingerie drawer, and pull out shape wear. Shape wear is not your average underwear. It provides shaping to hips, tummy, and shapes the waist using compression fabrics. Shape garments come in a variety of formats, lettings, bodysuits, and shorts. Going further you can get corsets and extra padding for hips, bust and your bottom.

A few general tips to find the perfect Summer Shapewear :

  1. Take your time when trying shape wear on.  When trying on a bra, pull a t-shirt on over it to make sure it is smooth and gapping cant be seen under the shirt.
  2. Don’t forget to look at yourself from behind.  Make sure you know what the shape wear is doing.
  3. Sit down, raise your arms, and bend forward.  Do a few dance steps or bounces to make sure you can actually move in it.  Shape wear can roll, strapless bras slip, and we don’t want any of that.
  4. Rather than sizing down, wear your normal size.  If it’s too tight, go up a size.  Your circulation should not be cut off, nor should you feel as if you are going to burst.  The shape wear is meant to smooth bumps and hold you in a bit, not drop your clothing size.  

The Best Summer Shapewear for the Mature Woman:

Bras:

During summer, my bra situation runs the gambit from lacy barrettes peaking out here or there, nipple covers for the rare (mainly evening) outfit where a bra is impossible to wear, bandeau bras, (mine was $10 from Arie) strapless which I can’t wait to tell you about, and racer back and halter bras.

Let me say, first and foremost, my chest isn’t what it once was and I prefer wearing clothes that allow me to wear my normal bra.  But if I find a top I really want to wear, and it requires a specialty bra, I want the most comfortable option for my size and shape.

Torso:

Kim Kardashian has generated a huge amount of buzz around her “nipped” waist and ample behind.  While embracing bigger behinds offers a huge relief for most women, a cinched waist harkens to the Victorian era when women passed out regularly because their corsets were too tight.  Today, we can opt for surgery, as Kim did, or you can opt for her shape wear which is designed to create a tiny waist.  

If this is all too much, (I know  it is for me) and you simply want a smoother line, a simple cami style shaper may be just the ticket.  This type of shaper can be worn as a top or under clothing, so having one in a nude tone and some to wear on their own in your favorite colors is a great idea.  Some tops come with an lining that smooths.  I like these but they can be a little hot in the summer.

Hips and Thighs

More ample hips and thighs are “fashionable” again, but we still want a smooth line.  This is where the biker length summer shapewear comes into play.  Make sure the fit is smooth, the waist doesn’t roll and the legs are smooth.  (I learned this the hard way; mine actually have a little ridge)

Lower Belly

Smoothing the lower belly is the easiest to do.  A pair of high waisted, control top panties are just the ticket.  Since they have been around forever, you can easily find beautiful sets of matching bra and panties that harken back to the fifties.  (I am all in for this, personally). 

Arms and Legs

Lets talk a bit about our arms and legs.  My upper arms are a bit saggy, and no amount of exercise is going to change the fact that my skin is loose there.  The options: surgery which leaves scars that are sometimes worse than the problem, getting gigantic tattoos to distract the eye, wearing long sleeves all the time and roasting  during the summer months, or caring for your skin, maybe use some self tanner, and choose a comfortable sleeve (or sleeveless top that makes you feel amazing and just go for it).

The same options go for legs.  Mine are a little bumpy, and my knees are a bit knobby.  Do I cover them?  NO.   I choose an over all silhouette that works, make sure my legs are moisturized and maybe a little tan and go for it.   That’s what I have opted for.  There are creams that temporarily smooth the legs, treatments for veins, and with legs, exercise does improve the shape, so a little gym time can work wonders if you are so inclined.  

I have considered whether or not to wear shorts and short dresses in recent years, but have decided to take them an outfit at a time rather than saying I won’t wear them at all.  I’m not a huge fan of shorts, but I do wear them from time to time.  When I consider a short dress, I personally avoid things that are too cute however, I’m 5’7” woman.  Shorter curvier women can pull off cute.  I don’t think I can.  The point here is to try on the look, take a few pictures of yourself, and make a decision as to weather you like the whole look.  I have found that seeing an outfit photographed gives me a better sense of proportion than seeing myself in a mirror.

To sum things up, it may take a little time to find the “right” bra, cami, or lower body shaper, but it’s definitely worth the time to get it right.  Here are a few brands and styles to consider.

SHOP MY FAVORITE SUMMER SHAPEWEAR:

Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50

Spring Dresses for Women Over 50

Bra and panties

Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50

Spring Dresses for Women Over 50

Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50

Spring Dresses for Women Over 50

By: Nina · In: Over 50 Fashion

About Nina

Sharing A Journey is an award winning blog for women "of a certain age" who love life and style with a little inspiration mixed in. The blog and it's author Nina Anders has been featured in notable publications including Forbes, Next Avenue, Thrive Global and Parade. Photos by RSEsteyphotography Let's do midlife together!

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Comments

  1. Lucy Bertoldi says

    05/29/2020 at 9:43 AM

    I love this post so much as you’ve detailed every single challenge with our aging bodies- and there are solutions and ways for us to feel happy. These shapewear suggestions are on point my friend! And yes- the trick is to always take one outfit at a time- not to out-rule everthing. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nina says

      05/31/2020 at 5:27 PM

      Thank you so much! I stopped by your blog! hope you got my message.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 8 Summer Fashion Mistakes to Avoid after 50 | Sharing A Journey says:
    07/17/2020 at 6:01 AM

    […] Undergarment mistakes aren’t limited to the nether regions; wearing the wrong bra is right up there when it comes to fashion faux pas and discomfort.  Strapless bras can make an outfit, but if it doesn’t fit properly, there is nothing worse.  Take the time to find just the right fit.  Bra straps can be another problem.  Look for bras and bralettes with pretty straps that coordinate with your strappy tops and sundresses, or try petals (those glue on nipple covers) if you want to go with a no bra look.  (See my whole post on choosing summer undergarments here) […]

    Reply
  2. Style this Season's Bright Colors | Link Up Party!!! | Sharing A Journey says:
    07/27/2021 at 5:15 PM

    […] Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50 […]

    Reply

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2025 is my year for a Glo Up starting with my skin 2025 is my year for a Glo Up starting with my skin care routine. I just started using the ZIIP Halo on my 65 year old skin.  Cant wait to see the results. #livingmybestlife #over60andfabulous #over50model #over65skincare @ziipbeauty
This week’s mini adventures had us in one of my This week’s mini adventures had us in one of my favorite spots-Dunedin Florida. We went for coffee and croissants at @dunedincoffeecompany where they have amazing coffee and a real in house bakery. Every so often the baker comes through with delicious creations right from the ovens. We went for some design inspiration @lrhome their shop never disappoints then on to the book shop. That made us hungry so we had to go to  @casatinas. How could you not?#livingmybestlife #over60andfabulous #over50womenoninstagram #over50style #outfitoftheday #over50model
I've been making a point to spend a lot less time I've been making a point to spend a lot less time on screens this year. It's been amazing how much free time I have to enjoy new hobbies and spending time with friends and family. I even tried my hand at painting with a Time For Art kit and actually made this sweet dolphin painting. I was surprised how easy it was even for someone like me who has very little painting experience. I loved how the kits came with everything I needed to make the painting, and I when I needed help, I watched a video on the Time for Art website. I thought it would be fun to host some friends for a girls painting night, invitations are in the mail--plus it would make a perfect gift. Be sure to check out @timeforartlive--I will link all their info in my link tree.
For the next 65 Days I am challenging myself to ch For the next 65 Days I am challenging myself to change a few bad habits and prioritize health, friendships and activities that enhance happiness and creativity.  I am looking forward to going into 65 and beyond healthier and happier than ever before. I hope you’ll join me over the next 65 days by choosing something you’d like to improve or a habit you’d like to break and see where it leads. #over50womenoninstagram #over60andfabulous #livingmybestlife
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