The Quest for Modest Swimwear
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- Women of Faith: An Inspiring and Uplifting Event - August 4, 2015
Bikinis, One-Pieces, Tankinis- Oh My!
I would describe my family’s modesty standards as “moderately modest,” meaning we are more modest than most, but not as modest as some. I let my children wear shorts, skirts above the knee, and tank tops in the summer.
We talk about modesty and being appropriate with our kiddos from time to time. I’ll never forget the day we were at the store and a scantily clad lady walked by and one of my kids yelled out, “MOM! THAT LADY IS NOT MODEST AT ALL!” The introvert in me died a little inside; however, I was glad that they remembered the lessons I had taught them.
Anyway, a couple of months ago I was on the hunt for some cute swimsuits for my children to wear while they spent their summer months splashing away in our kiddy pool. I easily found adorable little swim trunks for my sons. When I made my way over to the little girls’ section, however, I was pretty surprised by what I found.
The aisles were filled with the itsiest, tiniest swimsuits I had ever seen, and they weren’t tiny just because I was in the children’s aisle. Brightly colored string bikinis hung everywhere. The swimsuit selection for little girls was pretty much identical to what could be found in the junior’s or misses’ departments.
Did I mention that my daughter was five at the time? FIVE!
After rummaging through the selections, I managed to find two cute little swimsuits that fell somewhere in between string bikini and Duggar-style swimwear, and I considered the day a success.
I don’t consider myself overly prude about things, but I couldn’t shake the fact that the swimsuit selection felt oddly inappropriate to me. When I was a kid, I’m pretty sure I rocked my summer days wearing an overly shiny, rainbow one-piece with two-inch straps.
I am fully aware that a bikini on a little kid fits differently than it would on a teenager. However, I think it is important for me to set modesty standards early on in my children’s lives so there is no confusion when they are older.
If you find yourself on the quest for modest swimwear, here are 5 things to consider:
1. Before going swimwear shopping, decide what your modesty standards are for your family. This is not a one-size-fits-all kind of a deal, so pray about it and decide what you feel is appropriate for your family. If you pray about it and feel that bikinis meet your modesty standards, that is your call. If you feel like a one-piece with shorts is more appropriate, then go for it!! It’s no one else’s place to judge your decision. That’s between you and God!
2. Make sure the swimsuit fits appropriately. Swimwear that is too big can often times be very revealing. The same goes for swimsuits that are too small and ride up.
3. Shop early in the season. Shopping early gives you access to a better selection, giving you a better chance of finding what you are looking for. Now that we are approaching the end of swimsuit season, be sure to skim over the clearance racks too! You might find a rocking deal!
4. If you are shopping online, know the return policy. Sizing can run differently from store to store, so you may need to return or exchange your purchase for a different size. The last thing you want is to be stuck with something that doesn’t fit, or having to pay a fortune on return shipping!
5. Check out sun-protective swimwear or athletic shorts. Sun-protective swimwear often comes with a little more coverage than the typical swimsuit, and there’s also the huge bonus of having extra sun protection. Win-win! Athletic wear shorts are great to wear instead of bottoms or can be worn over a one-piece. Athletic shorts are many times a little longer than shorts that are made specifically for swimwear.
What are your swimwear modesty standards for your family? Do you have a hard time finding modest swimwear?
