You probably already know this, but the right amount of coverage can make an enormous difference to how you feel in your swimwear. Perhaps you prefer a lower leg line, would like more coverage across your thighs or feel most comfortable in a high-neck swimsuit. You might want a secure back for swimming lengths, a longer body that does not ride up or reliable bust support that stays in the right place. These are all comments we hear from our community of swimmers, and these are all things we can help with.
Best Modest Swimsuits
Whatever you are looking for, choosing modest swimwear does not mean giving up colour, comfort or style. It simply means finding a swimsuit that covers the areas you want it to cover, allowing you to enjoy the water without constantly adjusting or worrying about your swimwear.
You’ll find our full-coverage swimwear includes high-neck swimsuits, low-leg designs, longer-length swimming costumes, legsuits and kneesuits. These wonderful swimsuit styles provide different types of coverage, so you can choose the features that are most important to you.
What Is Modest Swimwear?
Modest swimwear is designed to provide more coverage than a traditional swimming costume or bikini. We believe that there is no single style that qualifies as modest because every woman has her own preferences. For one person, it might mean a high neckline and secure back. For someone else, it could mean a lower leg opening or a kneesuit that covers most of the thighs. The difference is what you feel you want from your swimwear.
Full-coverage swimwear can include:
- High-neck swimming costumes
- Low-leg swimsuits
- Full-back or secure-back swimsuits
- Legsuits with shorts-style legs
- Kneesuits with coverage towards the knee
- Longer-length swimsuits for long torsos
- Tankini tops worn with swim shorts
- Swimsuits with supportive bust linings or padded cups
- Plus-size swimsuits with thoughtfully placed coverage
Some modest swimwear provides complete arm, leg and head coverage. Our collection focuses on swimsuits that offer more coverage than a traditional one-piece while still being designed for comfortable pool swimming, aqua aerobics, holidays and water fitness.
Modesty Is a Personal Choice
These days, you’ll find that women choose full-coverage swimsuits for many different reasons. You may feel more comfortable with your thighs covered, prefer not to wear a low neckline or want swimwear that feels secure when bending, stretching and climbing out of the pool. You might need additional sun coverage, be returning to swimming after a long break or simply like the appearance of a more substantial swimsuit.
There is no right or wrong amount of skin to show. The purpose of modest swimwear is not to hide your body; it is to give you control over how much coverage feels right for you. And if you don’t know, that’s okay; we are here to help.
Types of Full-Coverage Swimwear
The first step towards choosing modest swimwear is deciding where you would like more coverage. Different styles solve different fit and comfort concerns. Let us talk you through some of our styles which offer that bit more coverage.
High-Neck Swimsuits
You’ll see that our high-neck swimsuits provide more coverage across the chest than a scoop or V-neck design. High necklines are popular with active swimmers because they feel secure during front crawl, breaststroke and aqua aerobics. They are also a good choice if you prefer not to show cleavage or want more fabric across the upper body.
Look at the fastening as well as the neckline. A zip or clip at the back can make a high-neck swimsuit easier to put on and remove, while a racer-style back can provide excellent freedom through the shoulders.
You’ll see that a high neckline can also offer additional protection from the sun when swimming outdoors. It should always be used alongside suitable sun cream, as no swimsuit will cover every exposed area and you don’t want to get burnt.
Low-Leg Swimsuits
A low-leg swimming costume has leg openings that sit farther down the hips than a high-cut swimsuit. This gives you more coverage around the bottom and the tops of the thighs without adding separate legs to the suit. It can be a comfortable middle ground if you want more coverage than a traditional one-piece but do not want a legsuit. We find lots of our customers love our low leg swimsuits/
Low-leg swimsuits can feel particularly reassuring when walking around the pool, playing with your kids or relaxing on holiday. They retain the familiar shape of a classic swimming costume while reducing the amount of exposed skin around the leg line.
Legsuits
You may not be familiar with a legsuit. A legsuit is a one-piece swimming costume with shorts-style legs. Depending on the design, the legs might finish at the upper thigh, middle thigh or closer to the knee. Because the shorts section is attached to the swimsuit, there is no separate waistband and no gap between the top and bottom. This makes legsuits a really smart choice for swimming, aqua aerobics and water sports where you want more coverage that can’t move around.
They are popular with women who want more thigh coverage, experience rubbing between the legs, or prefer the convenience of a one-piece.
You can read more about choosing between the different leg lengths in our legsuit, kneesuit and swimsuit-with-shorts guide.
Kneesuits
Our popular kneesuits are simply just a longer type of legsuit. A kneesuit swimsuit’s legs extend towards or just above the knee, providing the greatest thigh coverage in our range.
Although the shape is inspired by performance swimwear, our women’s kneesuits are designed for everyday swimmers as well as those who enjoy regular training. You’ll find they combine longer legs with bust support, comfortable control fabric and chlorine-resistant materials.
A kneesuit is a lovely choice if you want to concentrate on swimming without wondering whether the lower half of your costume has shifted.
Tankinis With Swim Shorts
Another of our popular options which gives a bit more modesty. You’ll find that a tankini top and separate swim shorts provide many of the same coverage benefits as a legsuit, but in a two-piece format. Our customers have said this is a bit more convenient than a one-piece when changing or using the bathroom. It also allows you to select different sizes for your top and bottom half and mix several tops with the same pair of shorts.
The possible disadvantage is that the two pieces can move independently of each other. A tankini top may ride upwards during active swimming, while the waistband of the shorts could roll or shift. You won’t get this with a one-piece legsuit or kneesuit.
If you enjoy the flexibility of separates, explore our tankinis and women’s swim shorts. If you prefer everything to stay connected, a legsuit may feel more secure.
Longer-Length Swimsuits
Longer-length swimwear provides extra room between the shoulders and crotch. It is designed for long bodies, taller frames and anyone who finds standard swimming costumes too short through the body. Our gorgeous collection of longer-length swimsuits has an additional 5cm or 2 inches through the body loop.
You’ll enjoy the extra length as it can really make full-coverage swimwear considerably more comfortable. If a swimsuit is too short through the body, your high neckline may pull down, your bust support can sit too low, and your shorts-style legs may ride upwards.
Did you know that you do not have to be tall to need a longer swimsuit? Your body proportions, bust size and the shape of your figure can all affect the amount of length you need.
What Is a Full-Back-Coverage Swimsuit?
A full-back-coverage swimsuit covers more of the back than a low scoop, deep U-back or open-back design. However, “full back” is not a standard term, so it is worth looking carefully at the product photographs and back style before ordering if this is the style you are going for.
You may find that a zip-back design can provide substantial upper-back coverage and a lovely, secure swimsuit. Racer and fitness backs leave parts of the shoulder blades uncovered but hold the swimsuit securely while giving your arms freedom to move. A higher scoop back can be easier to put on while still offering more coverage than a very low back.
You should think about whether your priority is covering your skin, feeling supported or moving your shoulders freely. A completely covered back is not always the most practical choice for active swimming, whereas a well-designed fitness back can feel secure without restricting your stroke.
Choosing Modest Swimwear With Bust Support
More coverage does not automatically mean more support. If bust support is important to you, look beyond the neckline and check the internal construction. There are lots of great features out there which can give you lift and support. Take a look at the following:
Bust Lining
You’ll find that a lined bust provides an additional layer of fabric. It can improve coverage and help the front of the swimsuit feel more substantial, although it generally gives lighter support than a structured shelf bra.
A Shelf Bra
A built-in shelf bra usually includes elastic underneath the bust. It helps lift and hold the bust without the feel of a traditional underwire bra. We find that our swimsuits with a shelf bra are a popular option for swimming because they provide great support while remaining flexible and comfortable in the water.
Padded Cups
Women find that padded cups provide extra shape and coverage when wearing swimwear. They can help create a smooth outline beneath the swimsuit and prevent the bust area from feeling too exposed when the fabric is wet. Some women love padded swimwear, while others prefer an unpadded shelf bra. It is very much a matter of personal preference, and we have both options.
Underbust Seams and Supportive Panels
You’ll find that an underbust seam helps position the bust, while side panels can provide additional support from the outer edges. These features are great for those who have bigger busts or anyone looking for more structure.
Whatever type of support you choose, it needs to sit in the correct place. If your swimsuit pulls at the shoulders or the shelf bra sits too low, you may need a longer-length design rather than a larger dress size.
Full-Coverage Swimwear for Aqua Aerobics
Modest swimsuits, legsuits and kneesuits are super choices when taking part in aqua aerobics. During a class, you may be jumping, kicking, stretching and twisting rather than swimming in one direction. A secure neckline and shorts-style legs can help your swimwear remain in place throughout the session and keep you feeling comfortable and supported, whilst also being covered in all the right places.
Look for:
- A fitness or racer back for shoulder movement
- Secure bust support
- Leg openings that sit comfortably without rolling
- Chlorine-resistant fabric
- A close fit that does not become loose in the water
- Tummy-control fabric if you enjoy a more supported feel
A legsuit can also reduce rubbing at the tops of the thighs, which may make energetic classes more comfortable.
Modest Swimwear for Regular Pool Swimming
If you visit a chlorinated pool regularly, fabric performance is just as important as coverage. You’ll find that chlorine can weaken standard swimwear fibres, causing the material to fade, sag or lose its elasticity. In full-coverage swimwear, tired fabric is particularly noticeable around the bust and legs because these areas need to retain their shape.
Our amazing swimsuits are designed to last twice as long as standard swimwear fabric, while our polyester and PBT performance fabric provides our highest level of chlorine resistance. You can read the individual product description, as fabric and chlorine resistance can vary between styles.
After swimming, you should rinse your costume in cold water. Avoid wringing it out and let it dry naturally away from direct heat. If you do this with your swimwear, your swimsuit retains its colour, support and fit for longer.
Modest Swimwear for Holidays and Outdoor Swimming
For holidays, lidos and outdoor swimming, we’d suggest looking for swimwear that provides UV protection as well as the coverage you prefer. Our swimsuits give you UV 50+ protection, whilst also being resistant to sun cream and oil. A high neckline or longer leg physically covers more skin, but you will still need to apply and regularly reapply suitable sun cream to all exposed areas.
You might also want to consider:
- A brightly coloured print that is easy to spot in the water
- A high neck for additional chest coverage
- Longer legs for sitting on pool edges or participating in water sports
- Quick-drying fabric
- A secure back and neckline
- A design that feels comfortable when worn for several hours
Full-coverage swimwear can be every bit as colourful as a traditional swimming costume. Choosing more fabric does not mean you are limited to black, navy or plain designs – we have so many lovely, chic options to choose from.
Our Favourite Modest Swimsuits
The best modest swimsuit depends on the type of coverage you want. These four styles each offer something slightly different.
Abstract Kneesuit – Night Tropics
Our Abstract Kneesuit in Night Tropics is a strong choice if thigh coverage and chlorine resistance are your main priorities.
You’ll find its longer boyleg reaches towards the knee, while the fitness back provides plenty of freedom through the shoulders. A shelf-bra bust lining with elastic underneath offers support, and light all-over control creates a secure fit through the body.
Our Abstract kneesuit is made from our most chlorine-resistant polyester and PBT fabric. It is ideal for regular pool lappers and aqua-aerobics classes.
This is a standard-body-length kneesuit rather than a long-torso style. It is available in an extended size range and combines a black base with a colourful printed panel, which looks fabulous.
Choose our Abstract Kneesuit if you want:
- Coverage towards the knee
- A standard torso length
- A fitness back
- Shelf-bra support
- Light all-over control
- Halocline’s highest level of chlorine resistance
Janice Longer Length Legsuit – Midnight Sea
Our Janice Longer Length Legsuit in Midnight Sea combines thigh coverage with additional room through the body. It is 5cm or 2 inches longer than a standard swimming costume, making it a helpful option if ordinary legsuits pull at the shoulders or ride upwards.
Our Janice legsuit has longer boyleg coverage, padded cups and a supportive shelf bra. It is fully lined across the front and uses an updated recycled performance fabric developed to improve chlorine resistance, support and shape retention.
Our lovely Midnight Sea design uses deeper shades of blue for a subtle but interesting alternative to plain black. The style is also available in Deep Teal and black.
Choose our Janice Legsuit if you want:
- A longer body loop
- Longer thigh coverage
- Padded cups
- Shelf-bra support
- Full front lining
- Soft recycled performance fabric
Sleek Longer Length Swimsuit – Wild Water
If you want upper-body coverage without shorts-style legs, our Sleek Longer Length Swimsuit in Wild Water offers a streamlined and gorgeous alternative.
Our Sleek swimsuit has a high neckline and zip back, giving it a secure, sporty appearance. You’ll find its performance-oriented shape allows good freedom of movement through the shoulders, making it suitable for swimming lengths as well as general pool use.
This fabulous swimsuit has an additional 5cm or 2 inches through the body. This is an ideal feature in a high-neck bathing suit because it prevents the neckline from being pulled down by a swimsuit that is too short.
We adore the Wild Water print, but a black option is available if you prefer a simple, classic finish.
Choose Sleek if you want:
- A high neckline
- A secure zip back
- More upper-body coverage
- A longer torso
- A streamlined performance fit
- A traditional swimsuit leg rather than a legsuit
Molly Longer Length Legsuit – Ocean Blue and Jade
Our Molly Longer Length Legsuit in Ocean Blue and Jade provides longer body and thigh coverage with gentle shaping that you’ll simply love.
Our Molly legsuit has proven to be popular due to its additional 5 cm 2 inches through the body, a longer boyleg and light all-over tummy control. A shelf bra and bust lining provide unpadded support, making this a good alternative if you prefer not to wear foam cups.
The updated recycled performance fabric has been designed for chlorine resistance, improved support and longer-lasting shape retention. Molly also provides UV 50+ protection and is resistant to sun cream and oil.
Molly has been so popular, we have brought it out in this gorgeous mix of ocean blue and jade. Try on this practical, sporty legsuit for a modern take on a modest swimsuit.
Choose Molly if you want:
- A longer torso
- Longer thigh coverage
- Unpadded shelf-bra support
- Light all-over control
- Chlorine resistance
- A colourful water-fitness style
Is Full-Coverage Swimwear Flattering?
Any swimsuit can be flattering when it fits properly and makes you feel comfortable.
You’ll find that longer legs can create a smooth line through the hips and thighs. High necklines can give a swimsuit a sleek, sporty appearance, while side panels and tummy-control fabric can add definition through the body. But you must always remember the most important factor is fit.
Your swimsuit should sit closely against your body without digging in or pulling. The bust support should remain underneath your bust, the neckline should stay in position, and the leg openings should not roll upwards.
We’d suggest avoiding sizing up solely to gain more coverage. A larger swimsuit may gape around the bust and underarms or become loose when wet. Instead, choose your normal size in a style specifically designed with the body or leg coverage you want.
Frequently Asked Questions About Modest Swimwear
What Is the Most Modest Type of Swimsuit?
Within our extensive range, a kneesuit generally provides the most lower-body coverage because its legs extend towards the knee. A high-neck zip-back swimsuit provides more coverage across the chest and upper body. The best swimsuit depends on which areas you want to cover.
What Swimsuit Offers the Most Thigh Coverage?
A kneesuit offers more thigh coverage than a standard legsuit or traditional swimming costume. Its legs usually finish just above the knee.
Can Modest Swimwear Have Padded Cups?
Yes. Full-coverage swimsuits can include padded cups, shelf bras, bust linings and underbust support. Our Janice swimsuit is one example of a longer-length legsuit with padded cups and a shelf bra.
Is a Tankini More Modest Than a Swimsuit?
It can be, particularly when paired with longer swim shorts. However, tankini tops and shorts can move independently. A one-piece legsuit may feel more secure during active swimming.
Are Legsuits Suitable for Aqua Aerobics?
Yes. Legsuits are popular for aqua aerobics because they provide thigh coverage while keeping the top and shorts sections securely connected. We suggest looking for chlorine-resistant fabric, good bust support and a back that allows your shoulders to move.
What Is the Difference Between a Legsuit and a Kneesuit?
Both are one-piece swimsuits with in-built legs. A standard legsuit usually finishes higher on the thigh, whereas a kneesuit provides longer coverage towards the knee.
Can I Wear a Longer-Length Swimsuit If I Am Not Tall?
Yes, and we often find out that customers do. Your proportions matter more than your overall height. A shorter woman can have a long torso, while a tall woman may have longer legs and an average-length body.
If you find that standard swimsuits pull at your shoulders, ride up or position the bust support too low, a longer-length design may be more comfortable.
Best Modest Swimsuits
Modest swimwear is ultimately about choice. You may want a high neckline, a little more coverage around the hips or shorts-style legs that extend towards the knee. You might need a longer body, padded bust support or chlorine-resistant fabric for regular lapping at the pool. You’ll find the best, modest swimsuit is the one that fits properly, stays in place and allows you to enjoy the water without feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable. Take a look at our complete women’s swimwear collection to discover high-neck swimsuits, longer-length designs, supportive styles and legsuits and kneesuits offering different levels of coverage.