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Original poster

Advice on modest swimwear to take preschooler for swimming pleaseming

64 replies

5lilducks · 20/07/2021 14:58

Just that really. I want to take dd (3.5) for swimming lessons but I have no body confidence at all. I don't want to hold dd back coz of my insecurities. I would like to wear a very modest swimsuit but not seem out of place if you see what I mean. Would a short wetsuit make me look out of place ? I was thinking something like this (but obviously not this as my size is out of stock) www.mountainwarehouse.com/shorty-womens-wetsuit-p7000.aspx/dusky%20purple/#tabArea

Has anyone seen or does anyone wear a wetsuit type swimming costume for kiddie swim lessons and not felt out of place? Does anyone have any recommendations for a modest swimsuit ? Tia x

OP posts:
Whatinthelord · 20/07/2021 16:20

There lot of swim costume options now, without needing a wet suit. Some have long arms, some have short types bottoms (think they call them boy leg).

Have you looked at Tu in Sainsbury’s and decathalon. Both had nice options when I looked recently.

alpinia · 20/07/2021 16:21

Another vote for Modli, a relative had some really nice things from there that don't look really out of place. They aren't super cheap but it's probably worth it for something that covers and looks nice.

Bryonyshcmyony · 20/07/2021 16:21

Just wear a swimming costume. I wouldn't look twice at a mum in a swimming costume whatever her body shape. I would think oh god at someone in an indoor pool in a wetsuit or a t-shirt and leggings which sounds dangerous tnh

NiceGerbil · 20/07/2021 16:22

Also loads of Olympic swimmers wear these now. Ok longer but still. You're in good company!

Others might think if you weren't with your kid you'd be zooming up and down at 90mph!

Oh and don't look at others too much just concentrate on you and your child and enjoying yourselves. If you notice anyone looking it could be for any number of reasons even just staring into space and not realising or thinking that's a nice swimming suit 🙂 so ignore them. Or give them a broad grin and look away (I'm evil).

Good luck!

Bryonyshcmyony · 20/07/2021 16:23

I had a legsuit a few years ago and it kept rolling up

Honestly just wear a normal swimsuit from m and S with decent bum coverage

heatwavehell · 20/07/2021 16:24

I saw Catherine zeta jones had a nice long-sleeve swimming top on in the press recently. If you want to over up on top, look for a UV swimming top (people get them for swimming outside).

As for bottom half, swimming club girls buy knee suits. You can get them cheaply e.g. Speedo. Or they wear swimming shorts under normal swimming costumes. Or as a pp says, get big lady sizes from Landsend (I need big lady sizes).

MildredPuppy · 20/07/2021 16:26

A wetsuit would be uncomfortable in the pool. I actually think a boyshort normal swimsuit id best. You can wrap yourself in a towel and get in quick in a lot of places.

heatwavehell · 20/07/2021 16:26

The sports direct Slazenger one does not roll up!
It is a shorts style, rather than a knee -length, and very cheap.

NiceGerbil · 20/07/2021 16:26

Fab to see so many other good suggestions as well!

It's great there is more choice now in things designed for women summers

Those 2 pieces look cool my DD2 has a fab skirt thing for hols. Matching top. She loves them.

Avocadowoman · 20/07/2021 16:29

I wear a snorkelling top for toddler swimming, for warmth rather than modesty as you spend the entire time standing pretty still! From decathlon, - like a T shirt with a zip down the front.

NiceGerbil · 20/07/2021 16:29

True about getting cold with little ones

MrsS92 · 20/07/2021 16:30

I took my children swimming today and saw a lady wearing something like this with a costume underneath.
It looked lovely, I’ve just been looking to buy myself one!

NiceGerbil · 20/07/2021 16:30

There you go OP how's that?

A load of different but all perfectly normal swimwear!

Really good luck :)

AuntieStella · 20/07/2021 16:31

I recommend the speedo legsuit

Other brands do similar

You could also try a rash vest and board shorts combo, but I think a legsuit would blend in to the background rather more

CMOTDibbler · 20/07/2021 16:33

You'll boil in a wetsuit, and they are a pain to cart round. I burn super easily and love to swim outside, so I have a lot of covered up stuff. Lands End is brilliant for co-ordinating swim shorts or skirts and rash vests. I usually wear a boyleg or knee suit swimming costume inside - the Slazenger one is great with small kids as its nicely high cut so nothing pops out.
Decathlon have co-ordinating UV coverups, and I really like their rash vest and leggings combo - which I'll be wearing in the lake tonight as it happens as its a bit tighter than the Lands End ones I have which are a bit loose round the wrists for actual swimming.
Sainsburys have some nice long sleeved swimming costumes online, and Mountain Warehouse have a number of more modest options with board shorts and rash vests

gogohm · 20/07/2021 16:33

You can buy costumes that have shorts and sleeves these days. Most indoor pools won't allow proper wetsuits though

Ozanj · 20/07/2021 16:34

@5lilducks

Just that really. I want to take dd (3.5) for swimming lessons but I have no body confidence at all. I don't want to hold dd back coz of my insecurities. I would like to wear a very modest swimsuit but not seem out of place if you see what I mean. Would a short wetsuit make me look out of place ? I was thinking something like this (but obviously not this as my size is out of stock) www.mountainwarehouse.com/shorty-womens-wetsuit-p7000.aspx/dusky%20purple/#tabArea

Has anyone seen or does anyone wear a wetsuit type swimming costume for kiddie swim lessons and not felt out of place? Does anyone have any recommendations for a modest swimsuit ? Tia x

If you find one could you please share the link? I’m looking for one too.
AuntieStella · 20/07/2021 16:35

Also, a lot of places sell women's swimming shorts, or you can use running shorts (essentially made out of the same fabric, just sold for a different purpose, and you can get them in Capri length) Team with a rash vest, or if that's too hit, a tankini top.

ViceLikeBlip · 20/07/2021 16:37

Rash vest and board shorts over a bikini/cozzy. Modli are a bit pricey, but nice selection 😊

NorthernTights · 20/07/2021 16:38

Are you sure you have to go in the pool with your DC for the lessons? I did when they were babies, but from about 3 they were in the pool with just the instructor and a noodle.

MrsVeryTired · 20/07/2021 16:38

I wear a tankini that is a vest top and shorts, very comfortable and no showing any parts I don't want to.

heatwavehell · 20/07/2021 16:39

Although as pps have said, wetsuits would be unusual at an indoor pool, I do see them in cooler weather at the outdoor pool, in case that is relevant.

FunnyWonder · 20/07/2021 16:52

When I used to take the DC to a little splash pool a few years ago (where I knew I wouldn't be under cover of the water nearly enough!) I wore a normal sporty looking one piece with a pair of tight knee length aerobic shorts. Looked ok. I no longer care who sees what bits of me, but I really did back then.

81Byerley · 20/07/2021 17:03

@YouAreShoutingAtTea

I ordered swimming shorts and tops from here modli.co/ they’re quite nice!
They are really nice! Thank you!