In general, says Luckok, “if women are uncomfortable wearing swimwear, they will often default to darker colours. While black can be unassuming and it’s nice to have one in your wardrobe, there are so many wonderful alternatives to work with, like navy, chocolate brown, aubergine, or burgundy.” She notes that choosing the right colour for your skin tone can be incredibly uplifting. “Apart from matching your natural colour palette, working with geometrics, ombré, distracting prints or hardware are all added considerations when investing in swimwear.”

Luckok says women are, and should be, more concerned with sun protection these days. “If you are looking for coverage for protection, water activities or simply for modesty, consider investing in pieces that can be added and removed from your swimwear. Instead of a skirted bottom, explore a skirt that can be taken off when swimming to lighten the weight, or a rash guard that can be worn over your suit.”

She feels that coverups aren’t always the answer. Instead, focus on clever construction: “Most women will gravitate to covering and adding distractions to areas of concern. If you are inclined to try suits with more Lycra or ruching – a good trick to keep eyes off lumps and bumps – we recommend also trying a brand that uses a higher-denier Lycra [the higher the denier the more structure it has] instead of layering: examples are Shan and Karla Colletto.” This fabric also offers support, but looks and feels lighter and dries faster. 

For readers outside Toronto, we gathered some great in-person options from our network of stylists: Shapes ‘N Figures in Calgary; Eres, which has stores in Montreal and Toronto; Brio in Ottawa; Diva Lingerie in Winnipeg and Vancouver; and Shan in Toronto, all carry a wide range of figure-enhancing options.

Velvet Haney, 70, former model, TV host and author of the graphic novel The Mousehouse Years, is co-founder of a swimwear company called Beyond Bathing Swimwear created when she found herself dreading putting on a swimsuit. (It was formerly called Bathing Boomers: We wrote about it in a Zoomer print issue, but now, Haney says, the owners have learned that women who are gen-X – many now in their target zone of 50-plus – don’t like to be called boomers, hence the more inclusive name change.)

“Of course you can wear a bikini at any age,” says Haney. “But even if you are slim sometimes, let’s be honest, there are skin tone issues you want to camouflage.” The brand offers coverup options for arms and thighs as well as to skim over tummies. “Sun protection feels equally as important,” says Haney, agreeing with Luckok. (Note: Brinkley recently going public with her skin cancer diagnosis.) 

Beyond Bathing has swim leggings that dry quickly in the sun and can be worn under their swim shirts and dresses if you are not comfortable with your thighs. Their new Daisy top has a front zip that makes it easy to put on, because wriggling into a suit can be a less than dignified activity. It also has a little swing skirt at the back.

If you want to go a sportier route, a good option is surf gear like rash guards and surf leggings. Try Volcom, Rip Curl or Tofino’s Storm for stylish options. 

To our unnamed reader this week: Whatever you do, please don’t go changing. You are an inspiration and I admire your confidence. I will look for you in your bikini when I’m on the beach, just in case you wash up on the same shore as me in my investment one-pieces. 

Always asking questions,

—Leanne Delap