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The Best Swim Shorts for Women Over 50 to Go With Any Swimsuit

Comfort and coverage go hand in hand!

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Now that it’s officially pool season, we’ve been bombarded with internet ads for bathing suits that look great on the models, but may not look quite the same on us. So we (regular women with stretch marks, mom tums, and cellulite) decided to do some serious swimwear research to find the perfect swimsuit for all women. In that quest, we’ve found slimming swimsuits, plus size bikinis, and even flowy coverups that can double as dresses.

But if conservative swimwear is more your style, swim shorts for women (not the baggy trunks guys wear), tick all the right boxes: full-seat coverage, protection from chaffing, and overall comfort.

Swimsuits For All, an inclusive online swimwear shop, has a great selection of swim shorts in a variety of styles that pair well with one-piece swimsuits, tankini tops, and more. Best of all, they have pretty much every numbered size you can imagine, because, let’s be honest, small/medium/large can be a tough squeeze for some booties. Scroll down for our favorite swim shorts for women from Swimsuits for All.

Best Deals On Swim Shorts:

Venus Swim Short

Best overall swim short for women
Best Swim Shorts for Women
Venus

Buy from Venus, $27.99

Features:

  • Bottoms can be folded up on down
  • Some designs made of recycled material
  • Comes in 7 different colors

Have a pool party scheduled but not in the mood to wax? This cute swim short from Venus has you covered — literally. The bottoms offer full coverage to the bum but are cut high enough to elongate the legs. If you want to show off more of the tummy area, roll them down. Prefer extra coverage? Keep them up. They’re comfortable either way, looking great in a variety of swim tops and coverups.

Promising review: “I love these swim shorts. I have ordered 2 – one in red and now one in black. I love that they cover my bottom but are still flattering and sexy. The option to fold over the tummy section is a nice feature as well. The material is good quality… Highly recommend for those of us who are no longer 25 but still want to look cute at the pool.”

Good American Swim Bike Shorts

bEST long swim short for women
Best Swim Shorts
Good American

Good American, $59

Features:

  • High-waisted
  • Available in 3 different bright colors
  • Smoothing

Most of us know that Good American makes jeans, but did you know they also make swim shorts? Like the brand’s denim, they’re designed to smooth bumps and highlight curves, plus they’re super stylish. Wonderful for swimming, as well as lounging by the pool, the swim short gently holds you in without cutting off circulation or bunching. Sizes available between XS and 5XL.

Reviewers wrote: “I love this neon pink swim short! I wear a size 2, am 5-feet-4 inches, and 160 pounds. These fit perfect.”

Fuchsia Cargo Short

Best swim short for women with pockets

Swimsuits for All, starting at $27

Features:

  • Sold as bottom only. Shop separate tops to complete your look.
  • Coverage: full leg and bottom
  • Functional pockets
  • Velcro front closure
  • Built-in poly/mesh brief
  • Side slits
  • Rise: hits at waist

These pink cargo swim shorts have functional pockets for pool passes, keys, and cash. Who doesn’t love pockets? The side slits also provide plenty of room for movement and comfort.

Reviewers wrote:

“I am always nervous to buy without trying on, but these shorts are true to size and very flattering. I carry all of my weight in my belly/hip area and these are comfortable and I may have to get another pair.”

“Just what I expected in the fit. I liked them so much that I ordered a second pair!”

Relaxed Fit Short

Best relaxed swim short for women

Swimsuits for All, starting at $25

Features:

  • Sold as bottom only. Shop separate tops to complete your look.
  • Coverage: full leg and bottom
  • Built-in brief
  • Rise: hits at waist

These cool, lightweight swim shorts have a built-in brief — similar to men’s swim trunks — so you can feel extra secure while showing a little skin.

Reviewers wrote:

“These shorts fit very nicely. They sit high up on my waist and I think they are going to be a great addition for my tubing trip this summer.”

“Yes, loose swim shorts with panty attached. Love these, keeps me from showing what I want hidden. True to size, loose, comfortable, lasted all summer and beyond, didn’t stretch.”

Chlorine Resistant Printed Bike Short

Best chlorine resistant swim short for women

Swimsuits for All, starting at $25

Features:

  • Sold as bottom only. Shop separate tops to complete your look.
  • Coverage: full leg and bottom
  • Poly/mesh gusset lining
  • Rise: hits at waist

Are you a black-swimsuit-only type of person? These swim shorts have a subtle, multi-colored palm design that will give your swimsuit a much-needed pop of color.

I bought these Long Bike Shorts to go under a swim dress. The inset on the leg matches the top I chose. I am 5’4″ tall and have an apple shape. These shorts fit nicely. They are not too tight. They do not cut my middle, but they stay up nicely. I am looking forward to swim exercising and feeling stylish and modest. The size seems to run a little large on me.

Black Side Slit Skort

Best swim short skort for women

Swimsuits For All, starting at $25

Features:

  • Sold as bottom only. Shop separate tops to complete your look.
  • Coverage: full leg and bottom
  • Front poly/mesh lining
  • Front side-slit opening
  • Rise: hits at waist

Skorts were all the rage in the ’90s, but they still flatter just the same as swimwear today. This one provides some extra coverage in the inner thigh area, while showcasing your booty from behind — best of both worlds!

Reviewers wrote:

“I am 83 years old and wanted just that little extra coverage that this skort gives me.”

“The most amazing fit! I love the way these fit they hide hippy thighs in the front and focus on your assets on the back! … Buy these, you won’t regret it! I hope they never retire this style!”

Chlorine Resistant Lycra Xtra Life Colorblock Swim Shorts

Best stretchy swim short for women

Buy from Amazon, $30.40

Features:

  • Coverage: full leg and bottom
  • Unlined bike short with poly/mesh gusset lining
  • Rise: hits at waist

These swim shorts are longer for ample thigh coverage, but don’t skimp on style. The geometric design on the outer leg is slimming while adding a pop of color . They also come in dark navy blue, so you can buy one of each color to switch things up.

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