The Swimsuit Fashion Gap: Rethinking Swimwear for Midlife Women with Sarah Blaser

Today, we feature fashion designer Sarah Blaser and her mother, Donna, in a heartfelt conversation about bathing suits — from the challenges of shopping and finding the right fit to the menopause-related body changes and frustration many women feel when trying to squeeze into traditional swimsuits.

Inspired by her mother’s struggle to find swimwear that offered both comfort and adaptability for a changing body, founder Sarah Blaser set out to create designs that feel as good as they look. From that journey, Serotone Swim was born, based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Drawing on her background in technical sportswear and intimates, Sarah developed pieces responsive to the needs of women over 35. Her styles emphasize fit, function, and sustainability while helping women feel confident and comfortable. The brand’s water-to-table concept extends beyond swimwear to include joggers, dresses, and cover-ups made with chlorine- and saltwater-tested fabrics, power-mesh lining, and smoothing warp-knit nylon.

In our conversation, Sarah shares how much of the industry remains focused on younger, slimmer bodies, often overlooking midlife fit concerns such as squeezing, skin sensitivity, changing breast support needs, and inadequate coverage. She also reflects on her decision to launch at Miami Swim Week with diverse models, pushing back against industry tensions around inclusivity and the recent swing back toward ultra-thin ideals.

This conversation isn’t just about design, fabric, or the evolution of swim fashion — it’s about body confidence, challenging negative self-talk, and choosing to dress for comfort, self-expression, and personal truth rather than external validation.

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Meet the host, Mary, a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post.

Mary is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees. Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

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Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.