How to Find a Modest Swimsuit

It's that time of year again: swimsuit season.

Some dread it because they feel embarrassed and self-conscious in a swimsuit. Others can't wait to show off their trendy swimwear. A few don't really care at all because they just want to swim, but others don't care much because they just don't like to swim.

No matter the view, swimsuit season often presents struggles for teen girls (and most women, no matter what age, actually). As Christian teen girls, those struggles don't go away.

In our increasingly immoral, sinful, and self-worshiping world, the American culture continually presents the idea that girls should show off their bodies rather than respect and modestly cover them. One way this happens is during swimsuit season. When looking for swimsuits, I have no trouble at all finding bikinis, strapless suits, cut-out swimwear, and v-neck bodices. It's an entirely different story for modest one-pieces and tankinis with high enough tops, though.

As a Christian, I believe in modesty, even during swimsuit season. Unfortunately, finding a modest swimsuit only seems a more daunting and difficult task every year.  Finding just a modest one-piece or tankini wouldn't be that bad, but finding a cute or trendy one takes much more effort. Most modest swimsuit, especially one-pieces, are supposed to sell to an older crowd, and few companies bother to make cute and decent suits (naturally, because they don't sell nearly as well). Thankfully, truly modest and cute swimsuits DO exist, and it just takes some patient searching to find them. Here are a few tips on finding a modest swimsuit, along with links to decent and stylish swimsuits for sale that I have found (and I would most certainly wear any of them myself).

Let's get started!


1. Find a high-necked swimsuit.

High-necked swimsuits are made to be trendy, not modest, but fortunately, they're both! Though a lot of high-necked suits are bikinis, there are also many tankinis and one-pieces. These suits completely avoid the problem of low-cut or v-neck tops, which make them a great option.


The fun pattern on this suit from Swim Outlet really stands out. Paired with a black bottom....adorable.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/fit4u-swimwear-origami-micro-hi-neck-flared-tankini-top-8139943/?color=10852


I like the fun color of this one from Target, though they also offer it in black. And since it's from Target, the price is not bad at all compared to other companies.
Link: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-solid-high-neck-tankini-top-aqua-green/-/A-50480040#prodSlot=medium_3_45&term=womens+swimsuits


This swimsuit is pretty (ok, really) expensive, but it's a great example of a cute high-top one piece swimsuit.
Link: http://swimsummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Nanette-Lepore-Womens-Carmenita-Seductress-High-Neck-One-Piece-Swimsuit-Black-Large-0.jpg

2. Try swim shorts.

Though some (including myself) don't immediately jump at the idea of swim shorts as a fashionable swim option, they can actually add a lot of style to your swimwear. Unfortunately, most are just as tight as a bikini bottom and they don't cover a ton of leg, but they cover much more than a small bikini bottom does. (Note: the ones I show below are all black or grey, but a little searching produces bright blue or hot pink shorts that pair well with a more subtle top)


These swim shorts from Target have an adorable ruffle and bow on the side, which I love. It adds a lot to the shorts.
Link: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-side-ruch-short-bikini-bottom-mossimo/-/A-50408973#prodSlot=medium_1_12&term=womens+swimsuits


These board shorts from Macy's look super sporty without seeming weird or awkward. A great choice, especially if you swim at the beach or in a lake.
Link: http://slimages.macysassets.com/is/image/MCY/products/2/optimized/1839602_fpx.tif?op_sharpen=1&wid=400&hei=489&fit=fit,1&$filterlrg$


I love the flower pattern on these Swim Outlet board shorts. They also come in a bright blue with orange trim, which would look great paired with a white or light blue top.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/hurley-phantom-block-25-party-printed-beachrider-boardshort-8138967/?color=50466

3. Take a look at active-wear suits.

Admittedly, many of these are not as fun or bright as fashion suits, but they tend to be much more modest. And many actually come in adorable patterns and flashy colors that you might not expect from active swimwear. As a competetive, year-round swimmer, these are the type of suits I wear to practice, and when I swim I want them to fit tightly. With a comfortable size, though, you'll be ready to hit the pool any summer day! (Tip: polyester suits don't wear out quickly, which make them perfect for swimming daily or lap swimming)


This super fun, bright pink camouflage pattern also comes in blue in green.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-modern-camo-thin-strap-swimsuit-22865/?color=29677


Called "Color Fusion" with the color named "Vibrant Yellow." Wows all over the place. It even has decorative straps in the back!
Link: http://www.speedousa.com/women/womens-swimwear/womens-fitness-swimwear/color-fusion-thin-strap---powerflex-eco/style-7723016


On a plainer note, this classic style active swimsuit comes in a variety of plain colors, from royal purple to bright orange.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/nike-swim-polyester-cut-out-tank-swimsuit-5065/?color=9325

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I hope these tips can aid you in your quest for a modest swimsuit this season! Remember that even if these don't work, you can find cute, modest swimsuits from companies like Title Nine or Athleta that work well, just cost much more money. Whatever swimsuit you decide you, keep in mind your goal: honoring God with modesty. Ultimately, honoring God is what matters most.

Enjoy your swimsuit season!!

               Elena♥

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Which of these suits do you like the best? Do you have more tips on finding a modest swimsuit? Or do you own one that you just love, and would like to share? Please comment below, and leave links to your favorites!!