Modest Swimsuit Styles for Summer
Stay comfortable and confident at the beach or pool in modest swimwear. There are plenty of styles from which to choose, so you can find modest swimsuits for all your summer adventures. First, let’s talk a little about fabric.
A Guide to Swimwear Fabric
Most swimwear is made from a blend of nylon and spandex. The percentage of nylon is much higher, as it only takes a small amount of spandex to lend plenty of stretch. One of the reasons nylon is so popular for swimsuit construction is its durability. The fabric holds its shape well and withstands plenty of wear while resisting color fading caused by UV rays, saltwater, and chlorine.
Nylon is a light, fast-drying fabric, which is another reason it’s perfect for swimwear. Some nylon swimsuits are lined with a polyester-spandex blend to ensure opacity, and many are made with Lycra® XtraLife™ spandex. It wears 10 times longer than regular spandex, which means your swimsuit retains its structural integrity all summer—even if you spend lots of time at the beach.
To summarize, you’ll find nylon-spandex blends the most common swimsuit fabric, and for good reason. You may also find polyester-spandex swimsuits, which offer most of the same features as nylon. Both fabrics are breathable, stretchy, and quick-drying. The difference is that polyester appears more matte, while nylon fabrics have a semi-shiny finish.
Both swimsuit fabrics are easy to care for. Rinse your swimsuit in cool water; if you need to, you can hand wash with a mild detergent. Rinse again, then roll your suit up in a towel and squeeze out the water, and lay it flat to dry.
One-Piece Swimsuits
The one-piece bathing suit is a traditional option that comes in modest styles. Comfort is the first thing to look for when shopping for a modest one-piece swimsuit, and one way to ensure that is to look for the Tugless Tank style. As the name suggests, these swimsuits stay in place without shifting, even when you’re swimming or playing sports.
Another factor to consider when shopping for a modest one-piece is the neckline. Rather than opting for a scoop-neck swimsuit or deep V-neck, look for a round neckline with a higher cut. There are high-neck swimsuits in sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve styles, along with Grecian necklines that combine elements of V- and square-neck swimsuits for a universally flattering look and more coverage than a regular V-neck.
One-piece swimsuits come in different bottom styles. While most have the traditional bikini-brief bottom style, others have shorts that cover the hips and thighs. There are modest swim dresses that look stylish and provide ample coverage, and you can wear them over swim shorts or leggings. Speaking of layering, you can always add coverage to a one-piece swimsuit by layering on a swim skirt.
Two-Piece Swimsuits
Another option when choosing modest swimwear is the two-piece. The key to making a two-piece modest is selecting a tankini style, or a short- or long-sleeve swim tee with longer bottoms. High-waisted swimsuit bottoms in shorts or a skirt style is a fashionable swimwear option that covers the midsection, hips, and thighs. Swim shorts come in multiple lengths, including those that reach the knees.
Just as with one-piece swimwear, tankini tops can be found with different necklines. High-neck tankini tops in a one-shoulder style are right on-trend, while round high-neck tankini tops have a classically elegant look. There are round-neck blouson style tops, which not only provide plenty of coverage but also conceal the bust and midsection with a billowy cut.
Both one-piece and tankini tops are available with and without cups in the bust. Soft, removable cups provide gentle support and shaping, plus they provide an additional layer of opacity. Another feature to note when shopping for a tankini top or one-piece is the strap design. Adjustable straps provide a custom fit and all-day comfort. Plus, wider strap styles offer more coverage and support than narrow bathing suit straps.
Swim Cover-Ups
Another way to add modesty to a swim outfit is with a cover-up. One style to consider is a notch-neck dress in a lightweight cotton jersey. Three-quarter sleeves or long sleeves add coverage to this cover-up dress style, which is stylish enough to wear to a beachfront establishment. There are also sleeveless maxi dresses in fast-drying fabrics that you can wear as a bathing suit cover-up.
Rash guards are another option when choosing a cover-up. They come in styles and sizes for the whole family, including long-sleeve hoodie styles. All rash guards provide UPF 50 for covered areas, and they’re made from a light, fast-drying blend of nylon and spandex.
Putting together a modest swimwear wardrobe is virtually effortless with so many options. These swimsuits come in sizes to fit every body, and they’re available in many solid colors and prints. Explore the selection to find the right swimsuit for you, along with modest summer apparel for casual and dressy occasions.