As a woman over the age of 50, I made a rebel decision not to compete with my former younger 20 40 something self. I chose not to wear a bikini in Jamaica like I did the first time we went there…14 years ago.
I hemmed and hawed so many times before we left for our trip about should I wear a bikini or not, that it was frankly ridiculous.
I argued with myself back and forth for over 6 months, “You can’t go to the beach without wearing a bikini – you’ve been dieting to fit into it, just go for it – prove that you can still wear a bikini over the age of 50!” Versus the argument of, “Forget it, girl, you’re 54, what the hell are you thinking? You’ll be incredibly uncomfortable, and you’re not going to be in a beach competition, just go with the one piece – the one you know you’ll feel comfortable in!”
I bought a one piece and a tankini and bikini bottoms in June when the suits were on sale. I fell in love with both and was a happy camper.
Then the winter months set in and my Dry January and Maintaining February turned out mostly successful. I was feeling all full of myself. Plus, I had lost and kept off unexpected pounds.
Well…isn’t that interesting? Hmm…maybe…just maybe I could pull off wearing a bikini after all?
So, I bought a bikini. Tried it on, and said hell ya to keep it.
Later on, as the trip got closer, I tried it on again. And sent it back.
At that point, I resolved myself to use a pseudo version of a bikini with my tankini top tucked into itself. You know just in case I really wanted the bikini look. In a pinch or cinch if you will, and with enough rum, it’d work. At least that’s what I told myself.
The big day came – we were in Jamaica, on the beach, and ready for the big reveal of our Midwestern ready to get burned skin.
We got up that morning and dressed for breakfast. Took an early morning walk on the beach and I asked Mr. to take my favorite photo shot of me contemplating the beach.
We ate the appropriate amount of delicious food to hold us for the morning.
We signed up for a glass bottom boat tour for a future date.
Strolled back to the room and got dressed in our swimsuits. I chose the tankini/bikini version for day one. Mr. was smart, he only brought one suit, so he never had to make a decision about what to wear!
We returned to our beach chairs and waited for the crowds to appear.
And I watched as people crossed the beach in front of us. Not a single lady had the same suit on that I did. Score, me, right? They must not shop at Target end of the season?
I noticed not a single person looked uncomfortable, though. On Seven Mile Beach, and the resorts on the beach, you can see all walks of life. There are family resorts, couple resorts (like the one we were at), topless resorts, and nude resorts on that beach. The beachfront right next to the ocean is simply a free walking zone. You can walk the entire 7 miles if you want to, or not.
Each person who passed by had their own God-given bodysuit, their own look going on, their own unique figure. There were real and unreal breasts (according to experts, there is a real jiggle factor to know the difference – sorry, no offense intended!), you name it, you can see every form of beautiful bodies on the beach. There were a wide variety of swimsuits – thongs, Speedos, board-shorts, one-pieces, no pieces, tankinis, bikinis, and so much more. The Jamaicans cover up the most. But, no matter where I looked, every person there smiles and enjoys being themselves.
How can you not enjoy yourself with a view like this to walk by?
The sun heated up my mood and my winter white skin. And I got brave enough to capture proof that I wore my pseudo bikini on day one. We needed new family photos for our frames at home anyhow.
We ended up getting a bit too much sun, and probably drank a bit too much rum… So the next day, we bought hats…to protect our heads and faces…
and I wore my one piece suit. It was the perfect suit, I thought. It was comfortable, and I didn’t mind walking down the beach in it, plus it stayed put.
I alternated it with my tankini and I added on my swim shorts to cover up the sunburn from the bikini bottoms from day one. We even added sitting under our umbrella to stay cool. Sigh…we’re Wisconsinites, what can I say!?
And you know what, for the most part, I was comfortable, happy, and non-stop smiling. Except for my tiny aging bladder…a one-piece suit is a pain in the ass…so the next day the tankini and shorts stole the show for the rest of the trip!
Post Inspiration – Women in their 50’s
PS – How about you, do you go for comfort in your swimming suit? Do you think there’s an age limit to certain clothing? Or is all about the confidence you have in yourself and if you feel comfortable or not in what you’re wearing (or not) that counts?
First, gorgeous photos. Now, you are giving me ideas where to go for my next trip.
Let me tell you a secret. I didn’t wear a bikini on my vacation.
I don’t feel there is an age limit for wearing bikinis. I guess it all depends on the individual person’s comfort level. But then again, sometimes I think I live in my own judgement free world.
Thank you, Drew! I appreciate hearing your secrets. Thank you for the inspiration to live judgement free. Oh, and you’re welcome, if you go to Jamaica, you won’t be disappointed…at least we’ve yet to be.
Perhaps, 2020. It is on my mind now. Thanks.
Sounds like a great plan! Enjoy!
The photos are fabulous Shelley, great views on the beach. You looked wonderful in each photo too, great choice of swimwear. I hope the snow is melting swiftly at home!
Thank you, John! Yes, snow is melting!!! Nice and slow and soaking into the ground!!!
Well, you look just stunning. There’s no need to compete with the 20 yr old you, you smoked that competition I’m sure and in every area mentally, spiritually and physically. So happy for you reaching your goals and it looks like you had a fantastic time. 😊💕
Aw, thank you, Laura! I appreciate your encouragement. Oh, and by the way, I took 4 pairs of shoes along on the trip too…! Two pairs of flipflops LOL!! 😉
Hahaha I love it! 😊💕
So much fun enjoying the beach through your photos. Great job. As you continue to “get younger” comfort will be the factor. You are a small person with a great figure so you will have nothing to ever worry about. Just have fun.
Aw, glad you’re enjoying the beach photos. I’m not sick of them yet, as you can see 😉 I’m working hard to just accept this younger stage and have fun with it. My daughters tell me to ‘own it Mom’. I’m a work in progress! Thank you for your continued encouragement. I hope your healing is still heading in the right direction. I need to read blogs this weekend and catch up on your world!!
Healing going well, just a little painful. Walked all lover Bed bath and Beyond today buying new LR curtains. Sound reduction – got noisy neighbors, teenagers.
Yay, glad to hear the healing is going well. Oh, my, that must be a blog post I’ll need to read and check out this weekend when I catch up! Sorry you’ve got loud neighbors!
Happy and Comfortable. Why do anything else? Whatever works. At this age, we’ve earned it. What a beautiful spot you found for a truly relaxing vacation 🙂
Thank you, you’re right, is there anything else we really need? Nope! Yes, it is a beautiful resort – that beach is gorgeous from every resort. Lucky couple of guys who own most of the resort property on it!
You look great and could really wear whatever kind of suit you want! But I understand wanting to feel comfortable. We Americans seem to have a harder time with that! And, really, the umbrella idea is the best. I love a beach umbrella–the Midwestern skin just can’t handle much of those strong rays! Looks like your family had a wonderful time!
Thank you, Rebecca. It is an American thing and especially Midwesterners. There were many people from the Midwest there that were a tad more free in their expressions, but they sure looked happy. We were tickled with the shade of the umbrella. And the hats. We’ve definitely passed onto a new stage in life and want to stay comfortable instead of tan! It was a great family trip :-)!
Terrific photos. The colors of the water and the sky are just gorgeous. You look marvelous and I’m sure you could have worn that bikini but you’re right, we need to be comfortable! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Janet. The vivid colors there are some of my favorites for sure. I appreciate your encouragement – you always make me smile, thank you!!
Your photos are great. So sunny and beach-y. I doubt that what you did or didn’t wear while you were vacationing made little difference. It all looks perfect.
Thank you, Ally. You’re right, what I fretted about to pack or not and did pack didn’t matter either. Even after downsizing to a carryon, I still had clothes I didn’t wear!! I appreciate your compliments, thank you so much!
Love your thoughts about wearing something you are comfortable in. I think it’s the personal pressure we put on ourselves that we have to look or wear a certain thing. You are so right that guys make life easy for themselves…bring only one suit. But at the end of the day, it just matters that you had a great time and happy with the people around you.
Beautiful vacation and photos!!
Thank you! I agree we sure put personal pressure on ourselves, usually for little rewards for it in the end. We did have a great time, that’s all that really matters now!
You also have great pictures!! They bring back wonderful memories and what a fun story to tell about your swimsuit saga.
It’s better to have fun, be bold, and love the body you’re in!! My kids are teaching to me grow thick skin about my body. They poke, squish, hug, jiggle…all the things that kids to to their moms.
Hope you are having a good start to spring!!
Thank you! Kids have a way with making moms feel loved for who they are. HUGS are the best thing every – soak every one up, you’ll never regret those moments! Spring is hopping around here, hope yours is going well too!
Shelley, you rocked the bikini! Girl, you have nothing to feel uncomfortable about. I say, wear it!
Aw, shucks, thank you! I appreciate your encouragement!
You looked great Shelley and a beautiful background – blue everywhere- it sure would be tough to come home to reality!
Thank you, Linda. Yes, it was tough to come back. Truth is though, I don’t know if I could spend every day just sitting around or walking the beach, I’d eventually get bored of it. The view, though, I really think I could look at that every day?! Well, maybe not. I do adore my reality at home too.
Yes, being a “beach bum” would not work 100% of the time – you must have a reality check every so often as well.
That’s for darn sure!
I mean this in the kindest, most respectful way. The truth is, contrary to what we believe to be true, in reality, when we are at the beach, no one, or better yet-practically no one is looking at us. People are in their own little worlds and not concerned with us. Unless we are completely naked. LOL.
Hubby and I lived at the beach for 16 years. He only went to the beach 2 times because he thought everyone was looking at him. They weren’t and it was his loss. Certainly not mine. I was at the beach every single day.
I’ve learned that people go to the beach to have fun and enjoy the day. NOT to lookover anyone.
(unless it’s spring break and we’re at the beach with our college buddies, no one is looking at us)
Anyway, you looked absolutely marvelous and could put any college student to shame girl!!!
I appreciate your thoughts. As I sat in my chair, watching the ocean, it was hard not to notice those walking by who wanted to be noticed. Aw, I appreciate your encouraging words. After all these years with my post-babies belly, its nice to still be able to wear a bikini if I wanted to ;-).