If you prefer modest swimwear over skimpy swimwear you can still have a lot of fun, possibly even more. What started out as a niche market is gaining a broader appeal beyond the religious community, with sunburn protection being a major consideration.


Gone are the days when modest swimwear was dowdy and embarassing. A frequent problem with modest swimwear was that it wasn't trendy at all, in fact it often looked like it was from the 1920's (maybe it's retro).

New manufacturers now produce modest swimwear for Christian and Muslimah women, and now also for men. It is made from modern fabrics like polycottons and Lycra. Acquagym from Brazil have launched a sun safe collection of elegant swimwear.

Who Wears Modest Swimsuits?

Quite a few people as it turns out. These suits are gaining in popularity, although they do seem to be swimming against the current when it comes to current designer swimwear.

You might assume that modest swimwear is strictly the domain for mature and plus size swimmers, but you'd be wrong. Many young and fit swimmers are also turning to this style of swimwear, and for more than one reason.

Although barely-there bikinis are often glorified in North and South American cultures, as well as in Europe, they are not viewed with the same appreciation everywhere. Let's look at a few cultures that buck the current trends and advocate modest swimwear.

Muslim Swimwear

Muslims take a fairly strict view on modesty in their culture, as evidenced by the long dark robes worn by the strictest Muslim women. Even women who do not cover their hair and face generally do shun sleeveless tops, miniskirts, and shorts in favor of long, loose skirts. When a woman wants to go swimming she'll want to wear similar attire, just modified for water safety.

Typical modest swimsuits for Muslim women look more like a loose running suit. Tops provide complete coverage from the neck to the wrists and below the waistline. Bottoms are full length pants, and the hair is covered by a loose fitting bathing cap.

Men are expected to cover the area from their chest to their knees, so T-shirts and long shorts are the usual Muslim male swimming attire.

Jewish Swimwear

There is a saying among Jewish women, "Frum does not have to mean frumpy". Although they take modest dress seriously, they still want to look their best, and extend this to their swimwear as well.

Modest swimwear for a Jewish woman would be similar to Muslim and Christian swimwear, as long as the appropriate section of the body is clothed, from the collar bone to the elbows and down to the knees.

Jewish men are also held to a standard of modesty, and usually wear a T-shirt and swim trunks. Speedos are out, board shorts are in.

Christian Swimwear

Swimsuits should be conservative and functional rather than provocative. Coverage is important, but perhaps not as strict as it is in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish cultures.

One style of modest Christian swimwear for women is a cross between a swim dress and board shorts. Shoulders are covered, and the scoop neckline rests just below the collar bones. The shorts cover the knee caps. A modification of this design might pair a similar T-shirt top with the shorts and leave the skirt out altogether.

Many Christian men just improvise and swim in jeans or shorts with T-shirts or hoodies.

Asia (South and South-East)

Casual clothes are the modest swimwear of choice in most of Asia for both men and women. Apart from modesty, sun protection and fashion are major considerations. A tan is often avoided because pale skin is considered fashionable. Dark shirts provide better cover against sunburn.

Cotton shirts and jeans are ideal for warm climates as they dry slowly and keep you cool. Sweatshirts, hoodies or anoraks go well with T-shirt and jeans. They just feel awesome when wet.

Modesty for Everyone?

The depleting ozone and magnified effect of ultraviolet rays have sent many of us seeking for ways to protect our skin while we enjoy the summer sun.

UV swimwear carries an SPF up to 50+, and often covers more skin than a bikini or traditional one piece, so it seems that modest swimsuits that cover a major portion of our bodies would also be beneficial for sun protection. Some sun-sensitive swimmers wear swim shirts or surf-style rash guards over traditional style swimsuits.

Tracksuits are another low cost alternative, comfy and quick drying. The robust fabric is well suited for fun on the beach and in the water. Make sure you choose an unlined suit; water or air gets trapped between the outer fabric and the lining which can cause discomfort.

Who knows, maybe we'll all be wearing modest swimsuits in a few years?