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Debate: Middle-age women shouldn't wear bikinis

Or so says a survey of 2,000 women in the UK. According to this report in the Daily Mail, most of the women polled for this highly unscientific survey conducted by the UK-based weight-loss program Diet Chef say that not only would they feel uncomfortable wearing a bikini after the age of 47, but they'd also scorn other older women who choose to do so.
And bikinis aren't the only clothing items these women crossed off the list: they poo-pooed wearing mini skirts after age 35, stilettos after 51 and bathing suits in general after age 61. Seriously? How are they supposed to enjoy the beach on holiday?

Now, one could argue that I'm tumbling head first into the PR frenzy this survey was designed to create for this diet service, but I feel it raises an interesting question: Should women dress "appropriately" after a certain age?

The idea that women should be constrained by any rules that judge their bodies and the way they dress them infuriates me no end. Then again, I'm a hypocrite because a little demonic, self-critical voice in my head (c'mon, we all have them) tells me that it's not "appropriate" to wear a mini skirts now that I'm 31. And I often listen to the little bugger!

So tell me: do you think that women of a certain age and shape, for that matter, forgo bikinis, thigh-high boots and mini skirts? Or do you wear what you want with pride, regardless of how "inappropriate" it may be to others?

Posted by Jennifer Goldberg onThursday, May 12th, 2011 - 11:59pm

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3 Comments

I think that women should be allowed to wear anything they want, regardless of age. I know several women in their 50's who look fabulous in bikini's. I also know several younger women who would be better off in one piece swimsuits.

These days 50 is the new 40 anyway, and so on. Women can look great in mini skirts, boots, or stilettos provided they have the legs and body for it. I think what you wear has more to do with shape than with age.

Just my opinion. Personally I don't think men look good in thongs, but dammit if a guy wants to wear one, who am I to judge.

Submitted by Rob on Thu, 2011-05-19 6:21am.

It is not so much a matter of age as a matter of shape..and sound judgement. .You can be young and look very disgraceful in a bikini if you are grossly overweight. You may be 65, in excellent physical shape and wear a bikini gracefully with the usual signs of time like occasionnal scars and some plumpiness. It is a matter of judgement like WHERE to wear a bikini, self-esteem like WHEN to wear a bikini and acceptable physical condition like HOW to wear a bikini FOR ALL..

Submitted by Jocelyne Robert on Sun, 2011-05-15 10:25pm.

This makes me laugh as you mentioned the study was done in the UK..I lived there for over a year and the amount of women I saw that were wearing clothing two sizes too small for their bodies was unbelievable! Big "muffin tops" hanging over too tight jeans etc. Now, if they feel this is attractive, then more power to them! I wouldn't want to attract attention to my extra skin...however I don't think I/or anyone should be told what we are allowed to wear. When summer comes, I have three bikinis I choose from if I feel they fit well and I feel comfortable in them. I also have two one piece bathing suits that I wear as well. I am 48 and think that there are so many women my age that are in better shape than some of the younger women and they have worked hard to have a good body. Having said that, I do think it's more attractive to wear something that fits well and isn't making you look like you are trying to be your daughter...

Submitted by Jenn on Sat, 2011-05-14 5:29am.