How to Wear Lingerie in Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond

Just because you've reached a certain age, doesn't mean you have to give up wearing beautiful lingerie.

Take it from a woman who participated in her first boudoir shoot at the ripe young age of 59. Still, it can be a challenge to shop for and wear lingerie in your 50s and 60s.

You won't find many fashion models over 30 in advertisements, for instance. (Yes, there's a general lack of diversity in the industry, but for this article, I'll focus on age.) It's like I've crept past a certain "sell-by" date, and aged out of any sales demographic. I feel invisible when I walk into one of America's most famous lingerie chains. I don't exist as a customer.

What I find sexy in my 60s is not the same as in my 20s, either. First, I'm not dressing (or undressing) for anyone but myself. Second, I prefer more, not less, coverage. Third, I can now afford to pay for quality design, construction, and materials. Finally, I don't need guidance on fit. I know what I like. It's more a matter of finding the pieces that make me look and feel my best.

Don't get me wrong. I think you should wear whatever you want, regardless of age. But you might, like me, find some cuts more flattering than others. Or you may simply want to expand your lingerie horizons.

Here are five tips for how to wear lingerie in your 50s, 60s, and beyond:

Up your panty game. Nothing makes me feel more put together, in charge of life, and on top of the world, than wearing a matching bra and panty set. It's like making the bed first thing in the morning. I'm ready for the day and can go out and conquer the world. Most brands give you multiple choices when it comes to knicker styles. You'll find everything from high-waisted undies to low-rise tangas and full bottom briefs. Just be sure to stock up on at least three pairs for every bra. Even a plain, basic bra pops when paired as a set.

Simone Perele Delice Demi Bra
Available in 5 Colors
Fits Bands 30-38, Cups B-F
via Bare Necessities
 
 
Chantelle Parisian Underwire Plunge Bra
Available in 4 Colors
Fits Bands 32-42, Cups B-I
via Nordstrom

 

Pour Moi Imogen Rose Full Coverage Bra
Available in 5 Colors
Fits Bands 32-44, Cups D-J
via Figleaves

Pay attention to details. Here's where bra styles make a difference. A cut-and-sewn cup gives more support for heavier, post-menopausal breasts. Some (but not all) plunge bras can push older boobs too close together, creating less attractive "creaseage." Balconnette and demi-bras keep everything lifted and separated, while not sacrificing sex appeal. Ballet and U-shaped backs smooth out bumps and lumps. Look for extra touches like lace overlays, satin finishes, and appliqued straps. You may want to look for straps set closer together, front close, or bras easily converted into a "racerback" (shown below). All eliminate the hassle of straps falling off sloping shoulders.

 
 
Maidenform Pure Genius T-Back (Front Close) T-Shirt Bra
Available in 6 colors
Fits Bands 32-40, Cups B-DD
via Bare Necessities
 
 
Wacoal Embrace Lace Deep V Bralette (J hook converts to racerback)
Available in 5 Colors
Fits Bands 30-40
via Nordstrom
 
 
 
Le Mystere Convertible Underwire T-Shirt Bra
Available in Bands 32-40, Cups B-G
via Nordstrom
 
 
 Elomi Etta Convertible Bra
Available in 2 Colors
Fits Bands 34-44, Cups E-J
via Bare Necessities

Go bold. The beauty of wearing lingerie at our age is that we do it for ourselves. We can pick bright colors and patterns that appeal to our personal tastes. Wearing something outrageous underneath it all is empowering, especially when no one has a clue what grandma's got going on. It's my little secret.

Simone Perele Byzance Plunge Bra
Fits Bands 32-38, Cups B-F
via Bare Necessities
 
 
Panache Andorra Bra 
Available in 5 Colors
Fits Bands 28-42, Cups D-J
via Bare Necessities
 
 
Freya Willow Plunge Bra
Fits Bands 28-38, Cups D-H
via Bare Necessities

Stay in your comfort zone. This tip isn't meant to limit choices. But as a more mature woman, I crave comfort. Sometimes too-strappy bra details dig into softer and more pliable skin, leaving unsightly marks. Look for triple wrapped underwires (i.e., Prima Donna) for added comfort and confidence. Or choose wider, padded straps, like those found on the Empreinte Melody. Bras engineered with side slings (see Harlow & Fox) bring wobbly bits front and center---where most of us want them.

Prima Donna Deauville Full Cup Bra
Available in 10 Colors
Fits Bands 30-48, Cups B-J
via HerRoom
 
 
Empreinte Melody Underwire Seamless Bra
Available in Multiple Colors
Fits Bands 30-42, Cups C-G
viaHerRoom

Andromeda Full Cup Bra (w/side sling support)
Fits Bands 30-38, UK Cups DD-G
via Harlow & Fox
 

Think outside the bra. In addition to buying matching panties for every bra set, why not add other elements to your lingerie wardrobe? You can wear camisoles, half and full slips, and gorgeous lounge robes as either under or outer wear.

Rozalia Cami Set
Available in Sizes XS-L
via KissKill Lingerie

Eleanor Indigo Slip
Available in Sizes XS-XL
via Harlow & Fox
 
 
 
 
Fortnight Mira V-Neck Full Slip
Available in Sizes S-XL
via HerRoom
 
 
b.tempt'd by Wacoal 'b.sultry' lace chemise
Available in 2 colors
Fits XS-XL
 
Natori Zen Floral Modal Knit w/Lace Nightgown & Robe
Available in 2 Colors
Fits XS - 2X
via HerRoom
 
 
Christine Magnolia Printed Short Robe
Available in S-L
via Neiman Marcus
 

What's your view? Do you find it a challenge to wear lingerie in your 50s---or at any age? Why or why not?