Modest Swimwear That Is Still Cute? Yes!

Well, it was a bit cooler here today, but we all know swimsuit season is nearly here (and is probably already here for many of you). Unfortunately, it seems that swimwear is less and less 'wear' and more and more 'cover only what we absolutely have to'. Even women who normally don't shy away from baring nearly all tend to be a little skittish about the scanty - in more ways than one - selection in bathing suits.

Fortunately, this year suits with better coverage are back in a big way. Full coverage equals class and glamour on the beach and by the pool this year (but let's face it, certain styles never go out of style, they just fall to our continual favour toward the new). Styles reminiscent of the ones worn by beauties such as Betty Grable, Esther Williams, Marilyn Monroe, and Marie McDonald are the look to be sporting this season - and wouldn't you know it, having more than three teeny triangles and some string on means you can actually participate in more sporting yourself!


A fine example is this Newport swim top and bottom from Shade Clothing. Shade offers several different styles of top, and this is probably my favourite due to the hint of 40s in the thick ties that get a rouched look when you tie them. The top has a built-in bra with removable padding and while the torso is described as 'loose fitting', it's obviously fitting enough to be flattering. If you take a closer look at the bottoms, you'll see the 4" slimming band about the waist to streamline your appearance.

The top is $35.50 and comes in aqua, black, olive, and navy. The $22.50 bottoms come aqua and olive as well as black, navy, a dark chocolate, red, steel grey and royal blue - so you can match your top or add a black or red bottom to that aqua tank, or even buy two different coloured bottoms to match your mood. At about $60 for a suit, this is close to what you'd pay elsewhere, and the quality isn't often that great. These are pretty, chic suits made in a classic style that really will last.

I was happy to see tankinis appearing a few years ago, and was really hopeful that we'd see the classic, super-glam swim looks of the 30s, 40s, and 50s make a comeback. Pair one of these lovelies from Shade (there are several swimsuit varieties, so if you don't like this one be sure to check out the others) with big sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin and eyes, and not only will you be lovely and modest, you'll be recalling an age of style much deserving of a comeback.