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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I will be 56 soon - am I too old to wear a bikini?

72 replies

oldandscunnered · 12/01/2022 19:06

I am 5'8" with a typical hourglass shape I would say. Cellulite is an issue but it would be in a swimsuit. I have fairly good boobs and I find that a swim suit just squashes them. I would usually wear bikini and a sarong. I don't have major overhang (well not standing up). What's the consensus? If bikini where can I buy one that gives good upper support with a fairly high bottom half? Don't want to spend a lot of money.

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 12/01/2022 19:40

The last time we took a "hot" holiday was in 2019 when I was 60. I wore a bikini.

PotatoGoblins · 12/01/2022 19:40

You’re never too old.
Go to the beach, wear what you want and have a fab time!!

AuntieStella · 12/01/2022 19:42

You're only unreasonable for thinking that age is important

Wear what you feel terrific in

oviraptor21 · 12/01/2022 19:43

@FreshandLively

I'm 52 and wear a bikini on the beach.

I find a swimsuit clings to my stomach and makes it look more rounded than it actually is, plus if you dress old you look old!

This. Wearing a swimsuit will make you look older.
WiganDiva · 12/01/2022 19:43

Wear what the fuck you like, my love.

Original poster
oldandscunnered · 12/01/2022 19:48

Ok everyone, convinced. I have several and they are more comfortable anyway.

OP posts:
Crunched · 12/01/2022 19:51

I think Liz Hurley is your age? She rocks a bikini (and may have her own swimwear company?)

UserBot989 · 12/01/2022 19:52

yeh wear the bikini! I agree, the swimsuit is probably more ageing.

LawnFever · 12/01/2022 19:53

No, wear whatever you like Smile

hangrylady · 12/01/2022 19:55

I'm 42 and I don't wear one as I have awful baggy skin on my stomach courtesy of my 2 kids. However, it's my insecurities that are the problem. If you feel comfortable then go for it nobody will bat an eyelid.

VelmaandShaggy · 12/01/2022 19:58

Thou Must Only Go To Tesco Dressed As A Nun

Natty13 · 12/01/2022 20:01

No way! I adore seeing women of all ages confident in bikinis. We all need to be less self critical and enjoy life so I'm all for it. Normalise showing off all bodies Smile

HotMess21 · 12/01/2022 20:04

"Cellulite is so darn COMMON. So WEAR that swimsuit. Rock that bikini. Get out there and roll with the full wonder of all that you are ... " | Danae Mercer on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/danaemercer/p/CBx3qHJLvy/?utmmmedium=copylink

Siameasy · 12/01/2022 20:11

Defo wear one. I wish I had an hour glass figure. Bikinis don’t suit ms because I am very straight-figured

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 12/01/2022 20:13

Don't want to spend a lot of money

Though , to get good support and something flattering don't scrimp
I realised a while ago (and I'm 55 and I'll be wearing a bikini on holiday ) it's like buying good underwear .
No underboob thank you !

Northernsoullover · 12/01/2022 20:15

There is absolutely no way I will sweat in a one piece on a sunshine holiday. I'm 50 and no supermodel. I will splash out on a well fitted one though.

Hospedia · 12/01/2022 20:17

I must have walked past at least 100+ people today, I can't remember what a single one of them was wearing never mind whether they were too old for it.

Wear the bikini.

Ikona · 12/01/2022 20:20

Definitely, and it will be worth spending a little more on a nice one that fits really well. Not for anyone else's sake but your own, I always feel better in good quality, well-fitting (comfortable!) clothes.
I'm almost 30 years younger than you OP and I have stretchmarks and leftover weight from having my kids, age is not an issue, and I would still wear a bikini if I wanted to, regardless of what anyone else might think.

coogee · 12/01/2022 20:24

I must have walked past at least 100+ people today, I can't remember what a single one of them was wearing never mind whether they were too old for it.

If one of them had been wearing a bikini, I bet you would have remembered,

missymousey · 12/01/2022 20:25

Of course not! Wear what you like and enjoy it!

TattyDevine · 12/01/2022 20:26

No.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 12/01/2022 20:28

Wear what you want. I've seen women in their 80s abroad in string bikinis.

Hospedia · 12/01/2022 20:30

If one of them had been wearing a bikini, I bet you would have remembered

I did walk past the leisure centre and you can see the pool from the front windows, I definitely can't recall who was or wasn't in a bikini.

5128gap · 12/01/2022 20:30

@StrictlyAFemaleFemale

I really hate hate ageism especially when it comes to clothes. I particularly hate the word appropriate in this context. Do you want to wear a bikini? Yes? So just wear one!
Me too. Can't blame OP for asking though when it's drilled into us that the year we were born dictates our clothes choices. Bikinis seem to be acceptable for us now, but i wonder how most would respond if OP was asking about wearing a crop top or hot pants.
Candlesoftime · 12/01/2022 20:31

Absolutely not too old!!!! I'm 34 and I won't wear a swimsuit as I personally think they're so unflattering, bikinis all the way. If you prefer a bikini, then go for it, enjoy the sunshine xx