My mailbox overfloweth with clothing catalogs these days, and I'm happy to report there are modest bathing suits everywhere! I've been unsuccessfully searching for a modest but cool bathing suit for years now, more for aesthetic reasons than modesty per se. If I could still get away with wearing a two-piece bathing suit, I would. After all, it's the beach! However, those days are gone for me. I'm looking for more fabric and more coverage. I want to be able to body-surf without worrying about losing anything. And I don't want to wear a granny suit either. This year, no problemo! Here's a few examples of the really cute modest suits I've found.
Athleta has very stylin' suits that are made for active sports, like surfing and kayaking. The fabrics are technical (quick-drying, durable) and the designs are terrific, very eye-catching. There's a great variety of tankini tops, board shorts, and swim skirts with built-in bottoms. Even your teenaged girls will love their styles. Their prices are moderate, the quality is excellent (I've been very happy with Athleta's products and service.)
Orvis offers many attractive swimdresses. I liked the shell-print bandeau. They're pricier than the other manufacturers mentioned here at $120 and $140 a suit. Sorry, I can't show you any photos, as they are .BMP files.
L.L.Bean has a great selection of sarong swimusits, swim dresses, tankinis and "skirtinis." (Beware, their website can take a while to load.)
L.L. Bean designs are more conventional than Athleta's edgy designs. But there are some cuties here too, such as this two piece tropical print suit. Suits are pricier at $80 and $90, and more for two-piece styles. But with with reliable L.L. Bean quality, no doubt.
Wendy recently mentioned Christa Taylor, who offers very cool skirts.
Christa also has a swimsuit style in her collection, although it looks decidely un-swimsuit-y to me. Not crazy about the bows. Hope her line does well, nonetheless!
Shade offers swimsuits this year too. Their designs are unique. They actually look a little odd to me, more like camisole tops made out of swimsuit material. The tops are long and looser than most. The bottoms are conventional swimsuit bottoms, except for a 4-inch "slimmer band" which makes them high-waisted. I'm not sold on the bottoms, but I can see pairing a Shade Newport or Huntington top with an Athleta swim skirt. Shade's website is a bit hard to use. I'd like to see one page with thumbprint pics of all the available suits.
Ok, maybe it's me, maybe I haven't been paying attention. But I don't remember ever seeing such a variety in modest swimsuits! I'm even seeing swimskirt bottoms in the mall stores like Macy's and Lord & Taylor's. I'll be hitting the beach without any second thoughts this summer! Ladies, any other recommendations for bathing suits?
I'm not sure but I think Shade's suit is meant to be layered under another suit. That was the impression I got from their description, but I don't really get that. I love that Shade offers people the ability to layer with the latest fashions, but I'm not sure that this would work for me. For more coverage, I'd vastly prefer those cute vintage suits Lori pointed out to us (http://www.revampvintage.com/index1.html) instead of layering suits, but I do think it's great that Shade is offering more options.
Posted by: Wendy | April 23, 2007 at 09:20 AM
I'm also a fan of vintage bathingsuits and they're very trendy now so young people can feel more confident wearing them
Posted by: ChristineMarie | April 23, 2007 at 11:35 AM
The rash guard shirt and board short combination has caught my daughter's fancy. It's a great, "cool" look with comfort, move-ability, and coverage for aspiring surfers and anyone who wants to be able to play at the beach, not just lounge around in hopes of looking gorgeous. It is better suited to young and slim figures though-- what else?
Posted by: Liz Neville | April 23, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Wow, I love that revamp vintage site, though I couldn't seem to find pics of the swimsuits? I'll have to go back and look again later. I was rather taken with the dresses!!
I live in a beach area that has a fair few Muslim families and Orthodox Jewish families, and I have seen some interesting swimwear on some of the ladies! I don't want to be too obvious about looking though- I doubt they'd appreciate the irony of attracting attention with their modest swimsuits- some of them seem to have adapted other kinds of clothing to the purpose- there are leggins and sarongs involved- but others have on sunsuits, which are something that is big for a lot of people here in Australia, religious or not, cos of our very very harsh sun and preponderance of skincancers. The sunsuits tend to have pants-bottoms though and could be a bit tight for some ladies beliefs but if your beliefs square with the pants part you could always buy a bigger size!! Here are some pics of the sunsuits: http://www.stingray.com.au/products/default.asp?intCatID=6
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Posted by: Emily | April 23, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Wow! Those vintage suits are to die for! I can't believe how cute they are. The price tag is steep, but Land's End suits (which I usually prefer) are about $100. I know that we aren't all about being sexy, but you those suites are FAR sexier than some of the skanky stuff we see from Victoria's Secret and the like. Thanks for the link.
Posted by: Alexandra Foley | April 24, 2007 at 12:25 AM
I have to side with Alexandra Foley here: Zowey! Those swimsuits are classy, dreamy, and more comprehensively gorgeous (in look, taste and modesty) than any bathing suits I can ever remember! These are, in a way, "sexier" than the skimpier suits. There is a subtle, nuanced larger point here, I think: truer beauty lies, in part, in a certain level of mystery, of NOT revealing, of understatement and a pinch of humility. There's a simple irony that "seeing everything" about a woman is not, in fact, appreciating everything about her.
Posted by: Justin Ryan | April 25, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Has anyone looked at Wholesome Wear? I have one of their lovely suits!
www.wholesomewear.com
Posted by: Michelle | April 29, 2007 at 03:21 PM
LandsEnd also offers a wide variety of swim seperates... some more modest than others... it really depends on what you pair with what.
Thanks for the great links!
Posted by: K. | April 29, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Target (www.target.com) has some nice tankinis right now that can be paired with a skirted bottom. Also, some of the tankinis are longer than most so they give more tummy coverage while still looking fashionable. And hey! you can't beat a swim suit that only costs $35!
Posted by: Bethany | April 30, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Ladies, I ran across you comments and thought I would direct you to a brand new company. This is a cottage industry that designs and creates the suits to fit your body modestly. The suits are reasonably priced in the $35 - $60 range. Take alook!
www.modestycounts.com
Posted by: Pam | May 02, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Check out ohana swimwear for some cool but modest suits.
Posted by: River | May 03, 2007 at 09:56 AM
For basic swimming (for a tallish person who can't always find Athleta options that fit), my own Land's End tank plus skirted bottom works well. (Being able to get separate sizes for each piece makes the whole search process less miserable, as well!)
People with hard-to-find sizes might like to check out
http://www.decentexposures.com/swim.shtml
(note, the rest of the site is mostly about bras, and they do have photos of customers modeling them, fair warning). But they make the stuff custom (like some of the other links) and can alter.
Posted by: L.B. | May 05, 2007 at 11:47 PM
I NEED HELP FINDING A CUTE MODEST SWIM SUIT! ITS HARD FOR ME TO FIT IN MOST SUITS BECAUSE IM PETITE(ABOUT A SSIZE FOUR) AND HAVE A LARGE BUST (ABOUT A C/D) I CANT FIND A CUTE SUIT THAT FITS ANYWHERE! I WAS LOOKING AT TANKINIS, BUT MOST SEEM TOO LOW. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHERE TO LOOK?
Posted by: kristin | June 02, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Wholesomewear.com has lovely swimwear for girls and ladies. they are practical for pool or surf and keep the sun from starting those cancer causing cells. I would not go to the beach without mine ~ and believe me, it is the young men who notice because they are scandalized by the lack of coverage. Byt he way, wholesomewear often has "buy two, and get a % off" sales.
Posted by: Cathleen | June 14, 2007 at 04:08 PM
I am a big woman, and I have found very modest bathing suits at Blair.com
http://www.blair.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=87679&pcats=87616,87679&pagenumber=1
I got a tankini with long top and boy-shorts bottom. Also got a boyleg suit. Both relatively modest, and don't have the long skirts that get caught up when I'm trying to swim laps or do physical therapy exercises or hydrorobics. I couldn't wear the longer skirts or shorts in deep water - they would weight me down too much.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 16, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Im trying to find a suit more like this Any suggestions?
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i267/WolfDemonGurl89/Swimsuit.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i267/WolfDemonGurl89/BackSwim.jpg
Posted by: Caitlin | July 16, 2007 at 07:57 PM
www.wholesomewear.com
Posted by: J | July 19, 2007 at 05:04 PM
That suit presented in Elizabeth's post of 6/16/7 is absolute PERFECTION!!
Posted by: Ricky | July 19, 2007 at 07:04 PM
I got my one piece bathing suit from newport-news.com for only $30 and I absolutely love it...it was cheap and the quiality is great! Not every single item is modest (a lot are though), but it has the largest line of stylish one-piece bathing suits I have ever seen!
Posted by: JR | August 01, 2007 at 02:59 PM
I wear skirts/dresses (modest ones) all the time and I even swim in them. You cant beat that for a modest swim suit. A dress for a swimsuit was the only acceptable thing a few generations ago. It was not even accepted in the biggest of
American cities for a woman to wear a pair of pants until around 4 decades ago. Some would think it dangerous or something, but take it from someone that has jumped off trees into a lake, rode a horse in the country, and a moped in Miami, it can all be done modestly and safely in a skirt/jumper/dress.
Posted by: Melissa Clifton | August 13, 2007 at 03:47 PM
Hear, hear to Melissa's remarks abour skirts and dresses. For most of recorded history women did everything in skirts and dresses, and I too wear them 99% of the time and do just fine. This includes hiking with the Cub Scouts and camping with the Girl Scouts! As a leader of Brownies, I think it critical to show my girls it is possible to be modest AND competent AND have fun!
This is another word of praise for the suits at wholesomewear.com; my daughter and I wear them and love them.
Posted by: Julia Welch | August 27, 2007 at 07:32 PM
I found a website called swimmodest.com that has a cute sarong style suit, with many fabrics to choose from.
Posted by: Penny | September 15, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Everyone's personal standards for modest swimsuits varies slightly. I have always requested that my daughters wear one piece suits, even though they too can sometimes be revealing. My 16 year old daughter was lamenting that she couldn't find any "cute" one piece swimsuits. A few days later she found the "damsel" at Urban Outfitters - I had to agree, it is cute, it stylish, and it is definitely more modest than what most of her friends are wearing.
Posted by: Penny | September 15, 2007 at 07:03 PM
im a teenager and i've been looking for a cute, modest bathing suit. a tankini with board shorts, not a swim dress or skirtini. all the modest styles i've come across just seem too old, like LLbean and Macys:) any suggestions? cant spend more that $50 or so
Posted by: alicia | September 18, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Hi Penny-- I totally hear you and am trying to do something about that through my online store, Sakura Rose (www.sakurarose.com). I don't have my swimwear up yet, but will for Summer '08. Till then, I have found super-cute swimwear through modbeclothing.com amd Shadeclothing.com. I hope I'll have some good news for you as I look into more collections that I can carry this coming summer!
Posted by: Jessica | October 14, 2007 at 01:43 AM
I am wondering if anyone makes swim dresses, skirts or the sarong suit styles out of the sun-through material or if anyone knows where to get that material so i can make one myself. I love all the modest suits but I dont want to have funky tan lines either!
Posted by: Kendal | January 22, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I enjoyed reading your article about modest swimwear, but I'm surprised that you didn't mention the modest bathing suits made by HydroChic. I bought a bathing suit from HydroChic, and I love it!!! It is modest, offers great protection from the sun, and looks great!!!
From a very satisfied HydroChic customer!!!
Posted by: Cheryl Young | February 17, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Shalom, I am the designer and manufacturer of the original kosher swimwear and cover-up line made for Jewish women and girls everywhere. The name of the line is AQUA MODESTA. I began the line three years ago with two styles. Baruch Hashem the line has grown to 7 styles including maternity. I have sizes x-small to xx-large ladies and girls sizes 6-14. Aqua Modesta is the only line that truly caters to Halachik requirements of tzniut. The line was designed with modesty,fashion and function in mind. Now we can wear the line to swim in and go to the kotel or anywhere else we want in it afterwards. Enjoy your swim ladies.
Take a look at our website www.aquamodesta.net
You can also call me at 718-810-2422
Kol tuv Regine
Posted by: regine tessone | February 26, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Hi, I also love the HydroChic line. I basically wear it for all my water sports. I water ski and spend lots of time at the beach with my family. Last summer I lived in it and practically didn't wear regular clothes, I went from the beach to Starbucks and back to the water, it was great! I ended up buying a bunch of items that I could mix n match.
Posted by: Julie Winters | March 01, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I bought a suit here last year and I love it. I got the sleeve lengthened along with the skirt to meet my tznius standards. Now I don't feel quite so out of place at the pool and yet not frumpy!
http://www.modest-swimwear.net/index.htm
Posted by: Luci | March 19, 2008 at 09:14 PM
check out these two sites, i'm surprised no one has talked about them yet. so cute!
www.layersclothing.com
www.modbeclothing.com
Posted by: NATALIE | March 27, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I'm a 12 year old looking for just a regular, brightly colored, one piece swimsuit. I have on from J.C. Penny's, but its sporty and I want something cuter. I want modesty too, of course, I am a Catholic.
Posted by: Bethany | March 28, 2008 at 10:00 PM
i am looking for a modest tankini to wear on a church trip. i'm 23 and pretty skinny with a tiny chest and freakishly long torso, so my search has been difficult to find something that's not too big AND covers my stomach that's not horribly ugly. The sakura rose site looks like they will have some supercute stuff. Also, check out:
http://www.limericki.com/collections/swimsuits
they have more what I am looking for, but I'm hoping to see some different patterns.
Even victoria's secret has some longer length tankini tops this year.
Posted by: christine | April 04, 2008 at 05:06 AM
Wonderful new website for girls and preteens with stylish modest suits. All suits are two or more pieces making bathroom breaks a breeze for little girls.(www.clswimdesigns.com) All suits have skirts or swim shorts. It is geared toward the Christian family and modest ideals.
Posted by: Cindy | April 12, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I was Googling for a European Childrenswear online shopping website with reasonable prices for Petit Bateau clothing and I found LittleLoungers.com They have adorable Italian Clothing and specially thier exclusive private label Modest collections of elegant dresses and swimwear matching sister and brother so all your children can be dressed in the same imported designer clothing,quality you can trust,quick shipping, this is really awesome.
Sandra Richardson
Posted by: susan | April 17, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Also check out www.modest-swimwear.net!
Posted by: Anon | April 23, 2008 at 09:43 AM
I love a nice, modest swimsuit. Apart from saving yourself from embarrassing moments with bikinis partly or completely falling off, they're super cute! Its nice to see a site that doesn't encourage stripping down to the same amount of clothing as UNDERWEAR every time we want to swim!
Posted by: Alison | April 30, 2008 at 12:28 AM
You need to look into Modbe swimsuits! I actually am a consultant, and love the swim! They have the best quality, plus they are the cutest. Some people even say they would wear them as shirts! Check out my website at janahomer.mymodbe.com I'm sure you'll love them too!! Plus you can mix and match tops and bottoms, so if your larger on top or vice versa you can order two different sizes. I promise you'll get hooked!!
Posted by: Jana | May 02, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I was going to suggest checking out modbe,b ut see that the last posting is by one of my friends that was purchasing so many modbe items that she signed up to be a consultant. Check out her web page - the suits are great and are plenty long.
Posted by: Char | May 05, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Try Popina Swim, I am the owner and designer, my swimsuits are modest, I believe you dont have to "show it all" to be beautiful. Our bathing suits are conservative but not full coverage allowing you to still have a great fashionable look.
Posted by: Pamela Levenson | May 12, 2008 at 01:27 PM
you should show more of your modest swimsuits. the ones that you do show are really cute
Posted by: Sierra | June 04, 2008 at 04:29 PM
This website has many cute styles that are really cute and really modest. There is a style for every body shape. For a top and bottom it is around $80.00, for a swim skirt is is around $30.00. Good luck!
Posted by: Ashley | June 05, 2008 at 12:17 AM
I do custom swimwear for ladies so that it fits just the way they want it to. If they want sleeves they get them, if they want a short or long skirt they get it, and if they want shorts under the skirt I can do that too. My prices are alot lower than the others that I have seen so check it out. Cori Eells :)
Posted by: Cori Eells | June 05, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Has anyone mentioned HydroChic? I bought from that company last summer www.hydrochic.com and they have come out with a great new sporty line this year. They have alot of options and now I noticed they offer xsmall and plus sizes which they did not have. If I find something great (which I did) then I don't care what I spend since its always so hard to find something that you just love!
Posted by: Samantha | June 11, 2008 at 02:02 AM
These swimsuits are very cute and modest. They are around $78 so they are a little high, but if you can afford them they are cute. I can't believe I didn't see this site mentioned. I don't own one of the suits, but I'm thinking about buying one. Check out http://diviinemodestee.com/divinitasole/ and I don't think you will be disappointed.
Posted by: Eliza | June 18, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Shade's swim wear is meant to be modest. They are long so that you can have fun without worrying about your mid-drift showing. Yeah, some of their clothes are meant for layering, but not their bathing suits.
Posted by: Brooke | June 27, 2008 at 12:34 PM
modbeclothing.com has the cutest suits and they still give some great coverage. They also offer great patterns and mix and match options. Ordering is a little bit more difficult that i would like but i think it is worth it!
Posted by: Ashley | July 14, 2008 at 01:23 PM
There are some very cute modest swim suits at Lime Ricki Swimwear. They have trendy patterns, and the tops and bottoms are sold seperately so one can get the best fit possible.
Posted by: Kelsey | July 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I am the owner/designer of a new company this summer. We offer vintage tankinis with coverage in the midriff, back and bust. I do custom swim suits as well. They are quality, fully lined. Our website is blackandwhiteapparel.net They are chic and reasonably priced. We offer more than just black and white as well.
Posted by: Julia Smith | July 26, 2008 at 08:28 PM
I just started selling swimsuits for modbe and they are beautiful and modest. they are takinis and skirts can be purchased to match also Plus they are running a huge sale!
The website is
www.modbeclothing.com/nm
Posted by: Natalie | July 30, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Just wanted you to know that the Summer Clearance prices get even better today! Starting today, take an additional 20% off all summer clearance prices! This promotion will run through August 6th! Some items are more than 50% off!! Place your orders ASAP as items are bound to fly off the shelves!
www.shadeclothing.com/~ps~mau23780
Posted by: Andrea | July 30, 2008 at 08:46 PM
I have just found THE SITE FOR MODEST SWIM WEAR! Finally a company that hit it right on the nose! They are the cutest swim suits I have ever seen. I get so many compliments when I wear it.
Check out their website at diviinemodestee.com
Posted by: MaKenna | August 20, 2008 at 02:00 PM
this last summer i didn't really ever go swimming... and i LOVE to swim!
I'm little - 5'2", 100 lbs....... and i just CAN'T find a swimsuit that is cute, semi-modest (no plunging necklines)
that will fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mary | October 10, 2008 at 07:22 PM
i am going to be geting a swim suit from www.limericki.com
they are cute and modest this is from a 12 year old
Posted by: Maddie | November 09, 2008 at 03:56 PM
reyswimwear.com
Posted by: Elaine | January 16, 2009 at 02:05 PM
We have a range of modest suits over at Eliza Magazine's Resource page.
http://www.elizamagazine.com/resources.php
For vintage check out glamoursurf and one-pieces check out pearl swimwear.
Posted by: Summer | April 27, 2009 at 09:42 PM
why dont you want girls to wear pants?
Posted by: amy | June 03, 2009 at 02:16 PM
I love all the fashion ideas that you have! They are truly an inspiration! There are also great fashion tips at www.modestswimwear.net
This site offers more than just modest bathing suits but modest clothes as well!
Posted by: Tiffany | June 17, 2009 at 12:31 PM
It used to be much harder to find cute modest swimsuits. My sister had an even harder time because she's plus size. She tried the stores around her and some of the big brands, but ended up looking online. I found a cute modest swimsuit, from Hydrochic, for myself and it recommended it to her too, they carry plus size. We've both been happy with our purchase. You can find much more selection online, but I just wish you could try it on before buying. http://www.hydrochic.com
Posted by: Tina | June 24, 2009 at 03:28 AM
Check out ModestSwimm.com, lots of info on modest swimsuits, including lists of sellers with links.
Posted by: Chris | June 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM
I will add to this list the new modest swimwear from Sea Secret http://seasecret.biz. You will definitly change your mind on modest bathing suits. It's time to be elegant and modest on the beach ! Their collection is also perfect for sport, maternity, beach party, cruises...
For women which want to feel herself in swimwear and not look like a teletubbies !
Posted by: Elegant and modest swimwear | April 01, 2010 at 08:00 AM