My Top Favorites: Modest, Cute, & Quality Swimwear
I might be a women’s health PT who speaks some truth, but I’m also a girl who enjoys girly things. I used to think ALL care for outward things – fashion, make-up, decor, etc. was just plain worldly and selfish and was vain to talk or think about. I felt guilty that I actually inwardly did desire to look nice on occasion or have my house a certain way. As a Christian, shouldn’t I be above all these things?
Here’s what I’ve come to – 100% we are not of this world. We’re not meant to make anything in this world an idol, a god, something that we dwell on, think on, certainly not something we overspend on. But is it SINFUL to enjoy fashion? Is it sinful to enjoy creating a relaxing, inviting space for our family and friends? I don’t think so.
Our Father is the Maker of Beauty and Creativity! Look at how He has expressed Himself over all creation in unfathomable ways to show these characteristics, and how He has put in the minds of His sons and daughters unbelievable talent of also creating unique beauty everywhere. We don’t worship the created, but I also don’t believe it’s wrong to enjoy created things. Idolize them? No. Overspend or constantly need to upgrade, replace, or covet them? No. But there is a place of enjoying the goodness of His creation. We all need to wear clothes. We all need a bathing suit (at least I hope you’ll enjoy the water with the people you love!). So why not make a thoughtful choice?
Ok, now that that’s been said…it’s time for a girlfriend post. I’m not a lifestyle blogger. But…c’mon, who doesn’t love a girlfriend’s advice? I’m not saying mine is the best advice, but I know I sure like a good recommendation from other women, and so I always think it’s fun to share a few of mine if I can help YOU out as well!
A month ago Todd and I suddenly booked a trip to the Dominican and I was quickly in need of some new suits. FIVE babies in 9 years have meant that my closet has seen a wide array of sizes of clothing and swimsuits between gaining weight, losing weight, and breastfeeding. I’ve been the worst to my body when it comes to bathing suits. I’ve let it TOTALLY steal my JOY, and take away from the experience I spent in it b/c I was more concerned about my appearance and my self-consciousness in said suit than I was with the people around me.
Before this trip, I firmly decided I was DONE. I would find a suit that I liked for the body I’ve been given, and know that my BODY wasn’t the problem, it was just finding the right suit for it.
I appreciate a good-quality suit that is going to stand the test of time. Previously I’ve purchased almost all my suits from Athleta and you simply can NOT wear these suits out. Because I don’t need 10 suits – I’d rather have 2-3 that fit WELL, I’m a quality over quantity gal. Because my frame is tall, I find that quality suits simply fit me a lot better than cheap suits do, and I’m willing to spend a little more on a suit that fits well and is going to last. WE go to the pool a lot and we have a VRBO lake home, so we spend a fair amount of time in the summer in suits.
All right – enough details – here is my round-up of quality suits that I tried or liked.
J CREW: I have had great luck with Jcrew the past two years and if you watch sales, you can score these suits at 40-50% off if you wait for it. There are so many great two-piece and one-piece options on their website, but these are a few that stuck out to me:
- Cropped Halter Bikini Top & High Cut Waist Bikini Bottom
- Twist Bandeau Underwire bikini top & High waisted ruched bikini Bottom
J Crew also has some cute one-pieces (being tall, I haven’t tried these b/c I was afraid they wouldn’t work great for me, but I’m guessing if you’re 5’8” or under, these would be a great option!) I love a good ruching and a strapless option for no tan lines!
Albion Fit: I tried a few of their suits last year and struck out on sizes, but I did win with one this time around. I’ll keep coming back to them for options because they are high quality, very cute, and love all their modest options in both two pieces and one-pieces.
- Stripe Switchback Swim Crop
- Bronte Ruched High-Waisted Bottoms
- Rise Bralette Charleston
- Charleston Midi Bottoms
- Tiffany Off Shoulder One-piece
Athleta – I’m a die-hard Athleta fan – I’ve surely made that known. I’m partial to them b/c of their mission to empower women, their use of MANY body shapes and sizes in their advertising, and their fair trade commitment. I have to say that I have been a little disappointed the past couple of years as they’ve had less cute patterns in their suits (IMO), but I still believe their quality is top-notch.
- Scoop Jacquard Bikini Top & High Waist Jacquard Bikini Bottom
- Ibiza Entwined Tankini & Clean Full Bottom
Nani Swimwear: this was a new company I found – love their heart and mission and honestly you couldn’t go wrong with ANY suit of theirs!! My niece was wearing one of their suits last year and it was so cute, I asked where she got it from and that’s how I found them!
Title Nine: they don’t have a lot of suits out for the season yet, but here’s one I thought was cute plus a basic tankini top that could work well with any bottom. Watch their site because they have a lot of suits for sale in season, and work great for active women who want a suit that is going to stay in place while you do the things you love!
Not all of them worked for me, but I DO think they would work for SOMEONE! 🙂 I was extremely happy with the quality of all these suits. Do keep in mind that a few of these companies require a return within 14 days of delivery so you can’t keep your package laying around too long. AND here’s my advice…don’t get wrapped up in size. Just like I have up to three different jean sizes in my closet that ALL fit me well, I have a couple different swimsuit sizes. Don’t cut a suit out just b/c it doesn’t fit well – you may need to size up or down and it could be much more flattering.
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