Modest Swimwear: What Are Your Options?

If you’re shopping for modest swimwear, you’ll find many available options. There are many reasons to choose modest swimsuits, and most importantly of all is your personal preference and comfort level. In addition, modest swimwear can be a fashion statement. It fits beautifully into a summer cottagecore aesthetic or one that’s retro- or vintage-inspired.

We’ve put together our favorite picks for modest swimwear and included some information about cover-ups and other summer fashions. Most of these suits are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to protect covered areas against UV rays with UPF 50, but you’ll still need sunscreen. First, let’s talk about the one-piece—a traditional swimsuit that’s always appropriate.

Modest One-Piece Swimsuits

There are many reasons to love the one-piece swimsuit, modesty being one of them. There are many modest one-piece suits from which to choose, with different neckline styles. The one-shoulder style offers ample coverage with a trendy touch, while the cap-sleeve style has a round neck for classic elegance.

The modest one-piece doesn’t have to be boring. There are cap-sleeve, high-neck swimsuit styles with criss-cross detailing in the back for an on-trend look. Another way to elevate a modest swimsuit is by choosing one with a vibrant pattern or one that combines two patterns—like gingham with a floral motif, for example.

When shopping for a modest one-piece, look for the Tugless Tank feature. This type of swimsuit stays in place even as you enjoy the waves, so you won’t have to adjust your suit or worry about any wardrobe malfunctions. A chlorine-resistant fabric—like Lycra®XtraLife™—is another feature to look for in any type of swimwear. It’s 10 times as sturdy as regular spandex and stays colorfast all summer; plus it retains its shape through all your beach adventures.

Modest Tankinis

Two-piece swimsuits can also be modest, especially if you choose a tankini over the classic bikini style. Tankini tops provide the coverage of a one-piece swimsuit, except they can be mixed and matched with any type of bottoms to create many swimwear outfits. There are tankinis in many colors and prints, so the pairing possibilities are endless.

You could put together a solid-color tankini top with a matching swim skirt or pair of swim shorts for a monochromatic look—or choose contrasting pieces for a color-block effect. As with a one-piece, you can make a modest tankini bolder by combining patterns. Florals, plaid, stripes, and polka dots are just some of the patterns you can play with. Combining a print tankini top with solid bottoms is a well-coordinated look that’s always fashionable.

A tankini top can be combined with swim leggings, which provide total coverage for the legs. Layer a swim skirt over the leggings to provide additional coverage for the bottom and hips. Or you can wear a tankini top with a knee-length swim skirt. There are swim skirts in various styles, including simple styles and those adorned with ruffles.

Swim Dresses

Somewhere between the one-piece and the swim skirt is the swim dress. As its name suggests, this swimwear item is one piece, which you can pair with your favorite bottoms for modesty.

Swim dresses are made from the same high-quality, fast-drying nylon and spandex as swimsuits, except they look more like dresses than bathing suits. You can even layer one over knee-length swim shorts for a cute ’90s-inspired look that offers ample coverage. Some swim dresses come with soft removable bra cups for gentle shaping and support.

Modest Beach Cover-Ups

Expand your summer wardrobe with women’s cover-ups. There are also rash guard T-shirts in hooded and long-sleeve styles for maximum coverage. A kaftan cover-up protects the skin against UV rays, as rash guards provide UPF 50 for covered areas. Plus, this style obscures the figure for a modest look and complements shorts, leggings, or a skirt.

There are long cover-up dresses that are suitable for wearing with sandals to a beach café. They’re made from light, breathable materials and come in ankle-length styles. Layer a long-sleeve rash guard hoodie over your cover-up dress if you want additional protection. Rash guards are suitable for wearing after swimming or even for a run to the juice bar.

Modest Vacation Outfits

There are plenty of modest vacation outfits to wear after you leave the beach or pool. Capri pants with tunic tops are a versatile outfit for summer that goes with sneakers, sandals, or even heels. Maxi dresses also offer ample coverage but come in light, floaty fabrics to keep you cool. Add a lightweight cardigan for warmth on cool summer nights or in air-conditioned indoor environments.