Modest swimwear

[LadyPriggsbottom]

I have been told it would look downright weird if I wore modest swimwear (of the variety normally worn for religious reasons) on holiday.

I am quite a modest dresser and have always been uncomfortable in swimwear. Not because I think I look bad or hate my body or anything - I just don't like boobs, bum, legs, arms all out. I always feel like I'm going to accidentally flash someone (I'm not very discreet and can be a little clumsy that way - bfing was always tricky)! Also, I have very fair skin with loads of moles so would like to cover that up.

I'm a bit miffed that I have spoken to people (male and female) and both have said it would look really weird and I shouldn't do it. Why can't I choose to cover up on the beach? Why is it weird?

Fwiw I was thinking something like this:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0144BKCTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1453910092&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=modest%20swimwear&dpPl=1&dpID=31ZnevzcH7L&ref=plSrch&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Thanks Diana - will definitely update once it arrives!

[DianaT1969]

Yes, hopefully your fabric is fine. I was being very general about the modest style suits in stores in Turkey 5 years ago. I really felt the women lacked choice and comfort (those opted for modest suits that is).
Let us know how it works.

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Thanks Diana.

I think some pro swimsuits are made of a Polyester / Lycra composite actually. It's more durable and resists chlorine better apparently. For example TYR Durafast range is 94% Polyester 6% Lycra. Speedo Endurance range is a Polyester / PBT composite. So I don't necessarily think the one I've just bought is made of 'cheap and nasty' fabric, though I may be wrong - I guess I'll find out when it arrives!

Thanks for your suggestions too. I really like the high neck tankini top but would prefer something to cover shoulders and arms really.

[DianaT1969]

I lived in Turkey for many years where I saw a lot of the modest type swimwear you posted. The problem is that it is generally in nasty, cheap fabric. Not designed for water. Yours is 80% polyester. There is no way I would spend my holiday covered in wet, dark polyester.
Most swimwear (modern, soft and comfortable) is 80% polyamide/20% elastane. Although regular swimmers in chlorine might opt for more nylon in the suits to hold up to the chemicals better.
I suggest you look for rash guards and swim shorts/swim skirts in modern fabrics online.
High neck tankinis are also available this year, which you could wear with shorts.
For example this from Moontide:

[MeadowHay]

I just wear a swimsuit with a slightly longer leg, you can get them dead cheap from Sports Direct, but it sounds like that might be too revealing for you to be comfy. Like this: www.sportsdirect.com/slazenger-boyleg-legsuit-ladies-354743?colcode=35474303

The first thing you linked is not quite to my taste, mainly because I agree I would feel that more people would be looking at me as it's more unusual. But having said that, realistically it won't be more than a few curious looks, and if you feel comfortable and like it, then it's nobody else's business. Strongly support your right to wear whatever you like and feel comfortable in!

[specialsubject]

if you are splashing about, rash vest (bikini top underneath so you can change afterwards, they don't ride up unless they are 10 sizes too big). Board shorts, nothing beneath - you can get them knee length or longer if you are skinny/look hard. Keeps the sun off too.

rinse in fresh water afterwards, then the boardies are fine and no need to change.

rash vest is too hot to sit on the beach, switch to a tshirt.

boardies are too flappy for serious swimming.

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Lanark

[Lanark2]

Bollocks.. Its interesting and therefore infinitely more hot. Do it, its cool ( this from someone who used to go to the back, and in the sea in drainpipe jeans and black T-shirt and wore a Cardigan on the beach in Italy though so be warned!

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Wax and Alias

YY, it's a shame there aren't more modest / covering options for women's swimwear.

[Waxlyrically]

I think the one you have linked to looks lovely but I would be too self conscious to wear it personally. Would love more longer leg swimwear and less clingy women's sportswear to choose from though.

[SqueegyBeckinheim]

I generally wear mid thigh length swimming shorts, the tight kind not the boys baggy ones, and either a rash vest or a tankini top. If you're wearing a rash vest don't forget a bikini top to go underneath as they can rise up in the water.

I go to Florida quite often to visit family, and I've noticed more and more women over there in swimwear that covers up. I don't know if this is for modesty or preventation of skin cancer, but there definitely seems to be a trend away from itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikinis.

[BarbieBrightSide]

I had one of these for a trip to a water park last year and felt quite secure in it (and wasn't the only one wearing one, despite initially feeling a bit self conscious)

StDogolphin Swim Dresses

[StDogolphin]

I think the one you have linked to is a bit twee but I really like the idea! Are there really swimming costumes with skirts? I have one very very very old costume that isnt high leg so I hang on to it but its on its last legs.

[Madblondedog]

I was going to suggest what Branleuse said, some long board shorts and a rash vest (they come in various sleeve lengths).

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Thanks - I like the rash vest / board short idea too. Will have a hunt for some nice ones.

I have bought the suit I linked to. I might not wear both the leggings and top together - will try them on and see.

Definitely want to try out Limited's suggestion too!

Thanks for comments!

[Branleuse]

what about board shorts and a tankini top/rash vest

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Thanks all for comments.

Katarzyna, I'm not sure about the fabric tbh. I assumed it would be a lightweight wetsuit / surf suit type fabric but I should probably look that up!

[aliasjoey]

I like the idea. I'm not religious but hate showing everything. I've got a short swimdress, but it always rides up, if yours ties to the leggings that's better?

Of course, most people don't care or notice if you're already in the water; and outside of the pool half the people can't see without their glasses or contacts... but still it would be good to have more modest options. Yours is quite extreme, but if it makes you happy then go for it.

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Couldn't agree more toofunny.

[Katarzyna79]

im muslim id never wear a burkini only way id go swimming was a private pool or women only, including femalestaff only near pool and security.

i think id wear surf suit its modest keeps u warm too,and look so cool.

one u linked is not hideous at all looks like modern day asian suit tunic style top slim troisers, its the same material as those surf suits or thinner likeadies swimsuit?

I think u should wear what u feel comfy in but be prepared for stares its not illegal though. I kno some girls wear tshirts and leggings for swimming.

[Cantseetheforest]

OP, I used to wear something like that, just with shorts cut above the knee. I can't be bothered to shave (didn't have to) and worry about sunburns (not a problem). True, I got a few looks here and there, but nobody was pointing and laughing.

I had to buy a new suit and went for a sporty one with longer legs (boy shorts style) so much more "revealing" but I would be happy wearing another version of tops and shorts again, especially in a sunny country.

Wear what you want!!

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Haha love that idea LimitedSedition!

Thanks nothingwitty.

Whatdoidohelp, I've got a legsuit for swimming here but it's a sporty one for swimming rather than lounging on the beach. It's not actually very flattering on me as I have a wee tum post pregnancy (and pre-pregnancy if I'm honest)! The skirt might help, though that still leave my whole (moley) arms and shoulders exposed which wouldn't be my ideal.

[chantico]

I don't think skirted swimsuits are particularly unusual (IME especially in resorts which attract lots of German tourists, so I guess they're more available there).

The leggings bit on the one you've linked isn't so common, so might make you more conspicuous than you intend.

Another type of swimwear with lots of coverage that I've seen a lot is rash vest with board shorts.

[toofunny]

I never worry about dressing modestly. If I want to have lots on show, it's my business.

[RaisingSteam]

Have you googled for rash vest or legsuit? They are a bit more sporty looking. Or sarongs/kaftans/beach dresses?

Obviously you can wear what you want but I might feel that wearing unusual modesty swimwear would make me more conspicuous than normal swimwear i.e. have the reverse effect!