34 comments

Paula Hendricks

Shopping for Swimwear, The Science Behind Bikinis, and More

Posted on 06.13.12 by Paula Hendricks | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Topics: Womanhood

Shopping for modest clothes—let alone modest swimwear—can be painful. Try shopping for swimwear with your daughters or granddaughters, and you’re already digging through your purse for the Ibuprofen.

We’d like to prevent your headache with some super practical swimwear shopping tips. By the way, if you missed yesterday’s discussion on why we even bother to cover up, join it here.

The Science Behind Bikinis (Video by Jason Evert)
If you’re considering a bikini (or that young girl is begging for one), check out this short video. Among other reasons not to wear a bikini, if you want a man to see you for what you’re truly worth, a recent Princeton study explains why you’ll want to wear more than a bikini this summer. 

How to Shop for Swimwear with Your Daughters (Tips from Dannah Gresh) 
Summer is quickly approaching and that means the dreaded swimsuit shopping adventure. If you're going to the beach this summer, keep these tips in mind: 

  • Swimwear is for swimming. A girl who values modesty covers up when she gets out of the water. "Laying out" may be okay with girlfriends, but not when there are guys around. Whether it's a pair of board shorts and T-shirt or a fun frilly cover-up, your girls have lots of adorable options!  
  • Focus on what they can purchase. Do a bit of online perusing and show your girls some suits you think are modest. I’m partial to tankinis, especially ones with shorts as they're usually less form-fitting than a one-piece. I've had success at places like Kohl's and some sporting goods stores since athletic suits tend to cover more territory. Set the standard by showing them that modest swimwear can be cute. When you are teaching your girls about modesty, it's crucial to show them what you can say "yes" to, or all they hear is "no" and that can crush their spirits.  
  • Discuss your expectations before you hit the mall. What mom says goes. As a general rule, I see no reason for sheer fabric, bikinis, plunging necklines, or high-cut hips. (Sharing an embarrassing moment to prove your point always adds some credibility!)  
  • And of course, don't forget to finish off the trip by picking up some super-cool nail polish and stopping in for some refreshing summer smoothies. 

Finding “Modest” Bathing Suits (Leads from Carla Anne Coroy)
While I haven’t checked out these sites in-depth, it seems like Carla Anne has compiled quite a list of websites that offer bathing suits that cover more skin than usual. Click on this link and scroll down to view these sites.

Thoughts on Swimsuits (by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
Like every other type of clothing, swimsuits need to be evaluated according to a standard of modesty. Ask yourself, does this article of clothing fulfill the purpose for clothing, which is to cover nakedness? Does it expose or emphasize private parts of my body?

Here’s something to think about. Did you know that until the mid-1800s men and women swam in different places or at different hours? Yet, today, men and women swim together in swimwear that is often provocative and designed to expose human anatomy.

Your Turn
Whether you wear a swimming suit this summer or choose another route, how can you “swim upstream” in this area? Let us know what you’ll be wearing swimming this summer and we’ll choose ten of you on Friday, June 15 to receive a copy of The Look: Does God Really Care What I Wear?

Comments

  1. I've been shopping for swimwear two years ago and I still can't forget the horror of endless searching for a suit that will be modest and certainly not be gone after I enjoy some fun like jumping into the water. It turned out the best place to look are sports stores as you can find a nice pieces there. With high neckline and shorts-like bottom - a perfect one piece made from a thicker than usual fabric with just enough "bare area" to squeeze into the suit. :) so even if you're not a sportsman these shops are really helpful.
    It certainly, and surprisingly, is doable to find swimwear that is much more modest than what a typical girl would wear in the street on a hot day...
    posted by Anna
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 7:08 am
  2. On vacation trips to the beach, it's difficult to protect our teenage son from what he sees there in the form of girls parading by in skimpy swimsuits. So it's also important to instill the same biblical values in our boys so they understand how to protect their hearts from impure thoughts. And as far as as finding swimsuits appropriate for my daughter and me, we've had success with Land's End swimwear. They offer skorts and shorts with tankini tops that allow for modesty while also providing the "cute" factor.
    posted by Sandra
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 8:03 am
  3. After reading "the public undressing of America" a book I would recommend woman of any age to read, we have opted even against the"modest" one piece. We use swim shirts and light weight exercise shorts that are long enough. They look "water worthy" andthe focus is on having fun in the water and not insecurities about bathing suits. As my girls get older we will probably put a one piece under that for added protection. I think it is a blind spot for so many Americans... Now that we have been dressing this way for the water for a few years, I can't imagine how I could have justified allowing more immodesty in the water and places like beaches than I did out of the water or in other situations. Something to think about... :)
    isaiah43@weekly.com
    posted by Becky
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 8:08 am
  4. I had been debating the whole swimsuit issue in my head for a couple years, and have always felt self conscious even in a "modest" one-piece all my life (I've never even tried on a bikini). Last year my mother-in-law found a cute two piece swimsuit for my two year old daughter. It was a pair of girly swim shorts and t-shirt style top. It was pink with butterflies - very girly while being completely modest. She wanted to start a trend from her granddaughter's earliest age. That started me looking for more modest options for myself, and when we decided to go to a water park last summer it kicked my search into high gear. I decided modesty comes before price, so I searched stores and the Internet and found a pair of nice swim shorts and tankini. I was thrilled to see that swim shorts really are coming into style, which means easier access and not having to stick out like a sore thumb. I was surprised at the water park to see so many women wearing swim shorts (the tops were still completely immodest) Embrace the trend and take full advantage of it! :)
    posted by Jennifer
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 9:00 am
  5. Any words for those of us who are well-endowed? I can usually find hi-necks, but I have the hardest time finding a swimsuit or top that is supportive and thick enough to not let everything go all over!! Would love anybody's recommendations!
    posted by kl
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 9:09 am
  6. Thank you for this post, Paula, and for providing all the
    tips and suggestions. Since I personally am not one for the great outdoors, which would include swimming, I most likely will never wear a swimsuit again. (I own two modest one-piece bathing suits, but would only consider wearing them if I am swimming just with women).

    Have a great summer!

    In Him,
    Arlene
    posted by Arlene
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 9:24 am
  7. THANK YOU sooo much for posting this! I am sharing, sharing, sharing this! May we help protect our brothers-in-Christ and may God be honored in our clothing choices this summer (and always)!
    posted by Tracy
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 9:48 am
  8. kl,
    I too am large across the chest and like to keep myself covered while swimming. I have looked all over for tankini style tops that are not low cut and have some support. They have some nice options at Layne Bryant and if you don't have a store nearby you can order online. Some of their swim wear is very expensive though, so this year I am going to wear a tankini top I found at JC Penny, but I'm going to layer it. You can wear a sports bra underneath that will match your swim top and that will keep your cleavage covered and give you support. I also wear a camisole under my swim top too and it looks cute and keeps me covered. I bought one of those camisoles with a high neck that goes down to the hips and it's made out of a spandex type material. It has lace along the bottom, so even though it's longer than my swim top, it looks cute, it holds in my tummy and, even though my swim top is kinda low cut, it doesn't matter cause the camisole covers everything.
    posted by Rebekah
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:24 am
  9. This is such a great article. I never realized how much guys are impacted by the clothes we wear (or don't wear) until I got married and my husband shared his struggles with me. I now see bikinis in a whole new light. I currently swim in a tankini from old navy with board shorts and a camisole over the top to cover up my very large chest. I don't want men staring at me lustfully.
    posted by Sarah
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:50 am
  10. I really appreciate the link to web sites that offer modest swimwear. I have been looking for bathing suits for my daughters that are modest and they are comfortable in.

    A couple of years ago, I was convicted about what I swam in. I ended up getting a tankini with shorts. Although I would like to find longer shorts, this has been a much better option.
    posted by Erin M.
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 11:35 am
  11. I am wearing my old bathing suit which was a one peice that has a high round neckline and good support. It's a great bathing suit that I got at Kohl's a few years back. The one thing I'm changing is the shorts I'm going to wear with them. I am adding a longer pair of board shorts in order to cover my thigh down to about 2 inches above the knee.

    I've found a nice pair of longer shorts at Land's End and also I did a google search with the words "long swim shorts" which gave me many options.
    posted by Susan McCurdy
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 12:48 pm
  12. I have never been a fan ofwearing swimwear around guys. I've always worn swim shorts and tank tops over my bathing suits at swim parties. As a mom of 2 and one on the way, I prefer my maternity swim tank and bottoms with a skirt. My best friend makes modest suits for her and her girls and I'll probably do the same as my kids get older too. My maternity swim bottoms don't fit when I'm not pregnant! haha!
    posted by Tracy
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 12:58 pm
  13. Thank you for addressing this topic and for sharing the study from Princeton. It underlines the fact that God's guidelines have been given to us for a reason.
    A few years ago, I got the idea of wearing a camisole with a high neckline over my swimming suit when I saw a friend wearing one. My daughter always wears shorts over her swim suit as well as a Tshirt if necessary.
    Dressing modestly requires creativity but I believe God helps us in our quest to honor Him by the way we dress.
    posted by Cathy M.
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 12:59 pm
  14. We have opted to not vacation at beaches, but choose the mountains instead! My 12 year old daughter wears boy's swimshorts (she is comfortable in longer shorts) and a surfer shirt. I have had a harder time myself. We swim at the lake but have forsaken pools. My 16 yr. old son doesn't even go swimming anymore. I read one blog where the author said that even though there are many nude beaches in Europe, girls will put on a bikini to catch someone's interest. Just goes to show the power of the bikini.
    posted by Cindy Lacy
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 1:03 pm
  15. I grew up swimming competitively on a club team as well as my high school's varsity team. To be honest, I really didn't think much about swimwear modesty because compared what everyone else was wearing, I was already quite "covered up." I have never owned any swimsuit other than the ones I use for swim practice and meets. I find that many of the modest swimsuits are not practical for the type of swimming I am used to. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for this article! It's a good reminder that we are to honor God by preserving our purity in everything that we do!

    I also browsed some of the Carla Anne sites. I will definitely keep those sites in mind when purchasing a swimsuit in the future.
    posted by Samantha
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 1:30 pm
  16. Ever since I started living for Jesus, which was age 14, I have wondered why people wear swim attire and not feel like there is something just not right about it. Bottom line and without hedging around the issue... why not just wear your bra and panties out there in public, there would probably be more covering than if you bought swim attire.

    For the life of me, I have never figured this one out and I am in my 50's now.

    Makes sense to me to read scripture and realize it is very simple. A woman should be modest and shame faced. Modest is not having men gawk and believe me, they gawk, and then the responsibility of their lust lies on us. We as women, have an awesome responsibility. We need to take it seriously.

    I know I have heard all the explanations of "Well, we need to buy 'modest' swim attire." Really?

    If it is against the law to wear your underwear in a public place.... how do we justify wearing swim attire in a public place. I would rather know the truth of the matter than blind myself for a little fleshly pleasure.

    I hope this isn't misunderstood. And I hope these comments are posted as food for thought, certainly not contention. Sometimes we label things as contention if they are too hard to swallow or unpopular.
    posted by ~Lynn
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 1:33 pm
  17. Even if you buy 'modest' swim wear, I think that may be missing the point. Men are drawn by what they see. There have been numerous studies on modesty besides the one above. Just a slit down the leg of a woman's skirt is tantalizing (tease or torment (someone) with the sight or promise of something unobtainable) to a man or young boy. Low cut tops are a huge tease. A 'modest' wet suit is hugely tantalizing to a man or young man. Modesty has alot to do with fabric, the way it curves across our curves, especially when wet! Even a wetsuit on a woman can be a tease. Men like wet curves, wetsuit fabric is clingy.

    We need to wake up as women and instead of following trends, opinions, the general public, our own christian circles... we need to honestly look at this issue of immodesty. Modest is not a bad thing. Being modest isn't so broad that we can't obtain it.

    I think when a woman looks in the mirror or better yet... look at that female worship leader and if you don't like seeing her cleavage cause your husband is squirming.... then we might start seeing ourselves differently when we get dressed for the day.

    I once, years ago, went to a zoo on a hot, hot day with my husband and sons. As we were standing there in line and it was my turn to get my ticket, the ticket person (a man) didn't look up but just said, "I like your outfit, it is nice and modest." I was shocked. But then I thought, what would prompt him to say that? I looked around and then understood. I was wearing a blouse with a full skirt with flats. Airy and cool. Everywhere I looked, I saw skin. Skin everywhere. I never thought of how it would effect men until that day when he complimented modesty. This is not meant to sound 'self righteous' as we all have been or acted immodest sometimes in our lives. I am just saying that here this grown man was tired of seeing navels and breasts and immodesty all day long in that ticket line all day.

    Again, it points back to us as women. We need to rethink this issue of modesty and be honest with ourselves and realize that the lure of a woman is powerful to men and boys. We have the responsibility to not fool ourselves but to see things as they truly are.

    We can enjoy life's pleasures but we can rethink how we will do that. The Bible is full of examples of modesty, just have to dig and study. There are examples of women not showing their thighs, etc. Those examples are there for us to glean from, to guide us in our actions.

    Again, this is not for contention, but for thinking and pondering on what would God really have us to do.

    I have confidence that there are so many women after God's heart and that the issue of modesty will ring deep in their hearts and that they will be touched with God's leading on this topic.
    posted by ~Lynn
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 2:08 pm
  18. There is no video available on my screen? Can I get some tips or a link as to where to go to be able to view it?
    posted by Susan McCurdy
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 2:25 pm
  19. I loved this post!!! I wish that every mom, daughter, and young woman could read this before choosing their swimwear. I believe that the Lord has really changed my heart on the issue of modesty the more I have grown in my relationship with Him. I understand now the beauty of covering my body instead of "flaunting what you got" like our culture would encourage. This summer I will be sporting a maternity swim suit, but I have had to work on it a little. Whoever thinks that pregnant women want to show off their goods was seriously mistaken. I pair a tankini top with a pair of shorts that I have had for years. The top had a plunging neckline so I simply cut a piece out of an old cami and sewed it into the neckline. I feel so much better now that I don't have to worry about covering that part of me up.
    Happy Hunting to the rest of you!
    posted by Danielle
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 2:38 pm
  20. Susan,

    Thanks for letting us know about your problem with the video. You can find the original video here:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtzIcz7MOkc

    Blessings!
    Lorree
    posted by Lorree, with the TW Team
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 3:00 pm
  21. I used to be the one in a bikini, parading around in summer trying to get noticed as if my value were dependant upon it.

    A few years ago, after a short while of marriage, I realized, not only does that invite attention from other men, but I also wouldn't like my husband to see other women so scantily clad. I also learned where my true value lies- in the eyes of Jesus.

    I have had a hard time finding trendy tankini's in stores, but that's all I will wear, paired with either a swim skirt, or shorts. I have a 3 year old daughter so we talk about what's appropriate and how she and mommy should dress. It's my job to raise her to make better decisions than me. Sometimes in public I get glances as I hurry away with a little girl in tow pointing out that "she shouldn't wear that mommy..."... We teach her to discern with a loving heart, but that age is so honest...lol
    posted by Cala
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 3:58 pm
  22. What a wonderful article! I haven't had a chance to go bathing suit shopping this season but definitely plan on being modest for the first time in years! God has really been putting it on my heart to be more modest so this article comes at the perfect time. Thank you!! :)
    posted by Christi
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm
  23. The Lord has convicted my husband and me about beach modesty, even for my boys. They now wear swim shirts when swimming. I love my coolibar suit. It's a swim skirt with a matching swim top. I admit at times I feel a little bit like a doofus at the beach because I'm the most modest female out there, but I'm modest!
    posted by Jessica
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 5:08 pm
  24. I really LOVE swimming but haven't gone very much for many years because of the whole modesty issue.

    I used to swim in a lovely river not so far from home until I saw some juicy, big eels swimming there. I wasn't afraid at all of eels, that is until my hilarious husband showed me their faces on the internet! Ugh.

    I swam once recently at a public pool and stayed up to my neck the whole time (pulling at my swim skirt was so stressful if I had to get out). So, swimming at home is all that's left for me. I don't like to go to the public pool anyhow because my son is coming into an age where he's really starting to notice all that skin. Sigh.

    If young women would just stop and think for one moment about married women and have on ounce of sympathy for the marriages out there that get wounded from all their 'freedom' to expose. I'm not saying that in an angry tone, please don't read it that way, just a sad and defeated tone. Decent folk can't even go to a beach anymore. And we'd be considered 'fanatic's' for wanting some decorum. It's disheartening.

    Wish I had noticed more in my youth too. If only I could apologize to any man I troubled with my youthful ignorance/lack of concern.
    posted by Anon.
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 5:20 pm
  25. In recent years, my husband and I have made some pretty drastic decisions in the area of modesty. If we vacation at the beach, we go in the fall when we can just enjoy being around the ocean, but not have to worry about seeing so much skin. Also, we have decided not to go to public pools, water parks, etc to avoid the immodesty everywhere, especially now that we have a son of our own. We are trying to teach him modesty. He does not go around without a shirt, and neither does my husband, and I stay covered up, too. I don't have any friends with a pool and unless we can ever afford to put a pool in at our own home, I guess we'll just avoid swimming. People think we're nuts but it's just that important. I appreciate that my husband is on board as much (if not more) than I am to protect what he and my son see. It's also good for me as I don't need the temptation of seeing an almost-naked man who is not my husband! Sometimes we women think we are immune to impure thoughts about those guys, but we're not...
    posted by Amanda Ridenour
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 5:26 pm
  26. We try to have a standard that applies across the board so to speak. We try to have min 3 finger width across the shoulder, With arms raised midrif covered, Standing arms at side length comes to fingertips. Our preference is sleeve, midrif covered with arms raised and to the knee.
    Found some cute stuff for the girls at Walmart and @ Kmart for me!
    https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=3817895138143&set=a.1030468494219.2005939.1600577292&type=1&theater
    http://sonshinesupplies.com/
    posted by Heather
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 6:09 pm
  27. Our family, as a few have already commented, has chosen to just stay away from beaches / public pools during swimming season. Yes, we could be dressed modestly to swim ... but unfortunately the majority around us will not be. My husband and I would have to be protecting our eyes from seeing others half undressed ~ and as parents, we have a responsibility to protect our children's eyes as well.

    Swimming can be a 'fun' thing to do ... but we really have to weigh out that 'fun' and the impact it could have on our families. Could we have just as much family 'fun' doing something else? If we stop and ask ourselves 'if Jesus were standing here beside me, would He be pleased or grieved?' As believers, He is right there with us.

    We aren't called to make the popular decision ~ but the one that honors the Lord.
    posted by Becky
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:35 pm
  28. Mixed swimming in general is not the most wise thing for Christians to do especially as common swimming attire is generally " immodest". I will only allow for mixed swimming in a family setting. Even in this case the attire should be less revealing compared to the ones in the shops.
    As Christians we are a holy people. We should be happy to walk in Holiness in everything we do. When I was Youth Pastor, our youth group when swimming once. The girls went first to the river, and had their time and went home, then the boys followed later.
    Today we have Christian College kids flocking florida beaches during spring break, and parade in Bikini just like the world.
    Most weddings today, are filled with a parade of feminine flesh all of these is lasciviousness a work of the flesh mentioned in Gal 5. The brides all want to wear strapless, a very immodest dress that will not be welcomed at the jail house if you go for a visit, yet the pastors are " dump dogs".
    Let me speak like a man, immodesty is the " sister" of Pornography. Many women think porn is dirty, but their immodesty is a strong stimuli for porn. As a minister I have vowed never to officiate any wedding with the bride dressed in strapless. Why ?
    Leviticus 10: 10-11
    10-And that ye may put a difference between the holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.
    11- And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

    Many call us legalist. They do not really know, what they are talking about. We choose to live this way. It is a love choice for God. I do not know any better way to live for my God, if I cannot walk before him with godly fear abstaining from the very appearance of evil
    posted by Lovehim
    on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 11:12 pm
  29. Wow! Thank you 'LoveHim' for that wonderful, truth filled post above.

    That is the bottom line isn't it? To Love Him more than our selves. To love Him is to please HIm.

    Living modestly is simple and easy when we love Him with all our hearts and want to please Him.
    posted by ~Lynn
    on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 1:37 pm
  30. My advice to kl who mentioned being well endowed is to check out Dillard's department store or have one made by a seamstress. A seamstress could make you a one piece or a tankini top and you could buy a bikini bottom or shorts from some where inexpensive like Wal Mart. Fabric stores sell "swimsuit" material. Getting one made may be an expensive option but if you're well endowed you're probably already used to paying more for clothing so it shouldn't be too bad.
    posted by Sj
    on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 9:57 am
  31. For those looking for cute (but modest) swimwear, Athleta (a GAP company) sells really cute athletic wear. Their bathing suits can be kind of pricey ($20-50 for a top, $40-75 for a bottom), but they have really cute tankini's and short-style and skirt-style bottoms. They also make tops with built in bras that not only cover up the ladies, but support the well-endowed. They sell bikini's as well, but the website is easy to navigate to find the style you want. they also sell cover ups as well :)
    posted by Brittany
    on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:29 am
  32. your blog is quite good, thank you for sharing.
    http://www.fancyladies.com/swimwear-c7_11.html
    posted by fancy ladies
    on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 6:18 am
  33. This summer, I'm wearing a full-coverage black swimsuit in the water, and then covering up with a t-shirt & cute skirt over it on the sand. My swimsuit is a Speedo, and I got it at Costco for less than $20. Modest and feminine is the look I go for!
    posted by Lindsay
    on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 3:34 pm
  34. Bikni is not all about to attract men and not every women should wear it there are other ways of looking sexy also
    http://www.leoandbarbie.com/index.php/maternity-clothes/active-wear/maternity-bathing-suits.html
    posted by Maternity Bathing Suits
    on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 2:44 am

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