Hey y'all! Spring is definitely here in Lynchburg, VA, although it feels that we completely skipped spring and went right into summer! Only 3 more weeks of school for me, and I'm pumped! The family is going on vacation to Cape Hatteras as soon as I'm done with my last final, and I'm looking forward to a week of swimming, running on the beach, biking, and learning to surf. However, I have a slight problem - I need a swimsuit! And it needs to be modest, and I can't spend a ton of money either.
I know that many other people are having a problem close to mine, so I'm going to share what I've found on the internet as options for modest swimsuits. Now, my personal standards for a swimsuit are much more specific than most others. I want shorts to come to the knee, or close to it, and a tank top (I'm not into sleeves while at the beach!). I'm a very active person, so it has to be form-fitting so that it doesn't gap at the neckline, or fly up, either at the waistline or the legs, even while diving, doing cannonballs, or surfing. That presents another problem - I don't want my pants skin-tight, but they have to be to keep them from flying up. So, I need a skirt to cover my behind. The skirt cannot be longer than my knees so I can actually swim, not wallow. And on top of it all, it needs to be attractive! And guess what I found out? It's nearly impossible to find something that fits those specifications! But, notice I said "nearly" because I actually have found some options!
First up, tops.
Athletic tops would work quite well too, although they might fade with too much use in chlorinated water. Some have built-in bras, but others would need a sports/swimming bra or a bikini underneath. Nylon or Polyester mixed with Spandex will be good a good choice, or mesh, which won't cling while wet.
Also, rash guards are perfect for those looking for even more coverage, since they have sleeves and high necklines.
Next up, bottoms. I am including those that don't fit my specifications entirely, hoping that they will be helpful for someone else.
My favorite is the "skapri" which is a skirt with capris underneath. These are available from Nike, Gap, Target, and Runningskirts.com (and probably other places).
Athletic or running skirts are another options. With these, the skirts are longer than the shorts or briefs underneath.
There are also compression shorts that come with, or could be worn with running shorts.
Board shorts are a good option too.
Don't forget to check eBay for good deals and more options, especially with the running skirts and skapris! I would also add that
HydroChic has many options for swim skirts, skorts, and skapris, as well as tank tops and rash guards; however, they are are the expensive side.
I hope these have been helpful for those looking for modest swimwear. I will post pictures from vacation so you can see how my swim outfit works out!
