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The best modest swimwear to buy if you’re not into skimpy styles
Step aside micro ‘kinis, there’s a new style on the block 👙
Modest swimwear is having a moment this summer. Yep, surfer-style one-pieces, rash vests and swim dresses are no longer reserved for religious dress or those with fair skin. Maybe we have this summer’s upcoming Olympics to thank, but in 2024, swimwear just got hella sporty. So, if you really can’t get on board with micro bikinis and skimpy styles, it’s seriously never been easier to find some high coverage (and high fashun) swimmers.
And trust us, the pieces down below aren’t all style and no substance either. They come with UV resistant features that will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, and are crafted from chlorine resistant fabrics which means they’ll withstand many a regular trip to the local lido or pool.
So what exactly does modest swimwear mean? Well it can cover everything from long-sleeve swimsuits to waterproof hijabs as well as swim dresses, leggings and full wetsuits. And you’ll see a full range of supportive, sporty designs below all created to help you feel covered and comfortable no matter what the activity.
Keep scrolling to see our 15 fave modest swimwear styles below...
Live out your Baywatch dreams in this hawt red surf suit from Salt Gypsy via Free People. This baby was designed for hitting the waves – it’s fast-absorbing and easy to pull on thanks to the functional zippered back.
Trust Sweaty Betty to provide all you wild swimmers with some seriously chic modest swimwear. This timeless black style comes complete with a bust shelf for support and versatile half zip. Plus, this cossie is also resistant to damage from chlorine and UV rays.
Adidas is low-key great for modest swimwear shopping. This style is lightweight, has a removable padded bra and comes with buttons to attach it to the matching swim leggings to ensure you’re fully covered.
The playful print on this long sleeve swimsuit from Whistles is just SO joyful. This piece has a half-zip design that makes it easy to slip on and off on beach days.
Crafted from a chlorine-resistant fabric, M&S’ swim dress features a flattering V-neckline and cute pleated skirt. It’s not all style and no substance though: this baby will also keep you protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
It’s no surprise really that Free People has come through with all the surf-inspired swimwear – the brand really has that cool, beachy look nailed. If you’re after something with a lil’ less coverage but still sporty enough to seriously swim in, check out this open-back number ASAP.
LA-based brand Cover Swim uses recycled fabrics to produce its stretchy modest swimwear. This quick-drying Valerie design will see you from the pool, to the beach and volleyball court.
If you thought Perfect Moment was only good for stylish skiwear, think again, ppl. The brand also produces some hella cool swimsuits, including this half-zip style in the brand’s signature houndstooth print.
Just because you’re covered up does not mean you have to be restricted. Leading the way in modest swimwear, Lyra’s pieces are loved for their four-way stretch.
This Agua Bendita one-piece is really reminding us of those retro wetsuits and rash vests we wore in the early Noughties, and we’re totally here for it. Just add a shell necklace.
Nike’s full coverage swim tunic has a streamlined design that allows you to move freely in the water. This piece is also chlorine-resistant so you don’t have to worry about it withstanding regular trips to the pool.
Boden’s raglan swimsuit is a best-seller for good reason. No matter if you’re perfecting your breaststroke in the local lido or taking this baby to Cornwall for a staycay, it is bound to get you a compliment.
If this summer’s Olympics is inspiring you to get back in the pool, check out this sporty number from Speedo.
ICYMI, swimming in the sea and even in outdoor pools on cloudy days, can be chilly AF. So, you’ll wanna invest in a properly insulated long sleeve swimsuit to keep the heat in. This natural rubber style from Finisterre is our personal fave.
You can always rely on Roxy for great swimwear that’ll last you for many summers to come. We particularly like the high neckline and flattering white waistband on this lil’ number. Beachy, tousled hair: optional.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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