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Sew (or Buy) a Modest Swimsuit
Swimwear Modesty in 1925
Sewing Tips for Swimwear
- Be sure your shears are sharp before cutting into swimwear fabric. You may need to get them sharpened.
- Use high quality polyester thread.
- Sew with a zigzag or stretch stitch if you do not have a serger.
- Use chlorine-resistant cotton swimwear elastic or clear elastic, not regular polyester elastic, for swim suits.
Want Better Coverage?
There are many reasons for seeking a more modest swimsuit than those usually found in a department store. Some swimmers want more coverage because of religious and/or moral convictions. Others are seeking better protection from skin-damaging sunlight. Some engage in active sports and want to be confident that their suit will cover them no matter how they move. Still others simply want more coverage for a body that is not as toned as it once was.
Finding Appropriate Swimwear Patterns
For the person with some sewing skill, a modest swimsuit is within reach. Sewing patterns for modest swimsuits are available from a number of online and conventional retail sources. One of the best patterns is from a home-based business called Simply Modest. This suit is an elongated cap-sleeved top with separate bike shorts. The length of both pieces can be adjusted to your personal comfort level. This suit keeps you covered, but does not have excess fabric flopping around to interfere with swimming or other active sports. Simply Modest also sells ready-made suits from their website. You can choose the fabrics from a variety of prints and solids for a custom suit.
Jalie offers sewing patterns for a variety of swimsuits with enough coverage for active sports and/or sun protection.
KwikSew 3609 is an empire-waist swim dress with separate panties. The dress can be cut longer for a cover-up or sundress as well. KwikSew 2868 is a modern tankini with boy shorts and a T-shirt cover-up. Many fabric stores now stock Kwik-Sew patterns, so you could buy these patterns locally or order online.
Any of these patterns, along with some spandex (Lycra) fabric with four-way stretch, some chlorine-resistant cotton swimsuit elastic, and some sew-in bra cups if desired, will make a swimsuit that looks great and keeps you tastefully covered.
Swimwear Poll
Ladies, what is your swimwear of choice?
Can Ready-Made Suits be Modest?
Yes. Lands' End has a large selection of suits with more coverage than average. They offer swim shorts and swim skorts as well as swim dresses. In the 2015 catalog they even include briefs and a skirt with an ultra-high waist so your midriff stays covered. Tummy control is an option with many styles, too.
Kids' suits and rash guards are also available with long or short sleeves for sun protection.
Modest is Becoming More Popular
Links for Swimwear Fabrics and Ideas
- So you want to knit a bathing suit? Tricky question | In Stitches
Knitting a swim suit is a project for the adventurous knitter. - Sportek International - Spandex fabric, Lycra fabrics, Swimwear fabrics, Sportswear fabrics
Sportek International - Suppliers of Stretch, Lycra blend, Double-sided Fleeces and a variety of other Swimwear, Activewear and Skiwear Fabrics in Canada and the US. - Swimwear Lining Fabric at Joann.com
60'' Wide. 90% Polyester 10% Spandex. - Fabric.com
Swimwear and Activwear fabrics at Fabric.com to meet your sun and fun needs. Whether you are going to the gym or relaxing at the beach, Fabric.com carries a great selection of lycra and nylon prints so you can create the perfect flattering look.
Comments
I may not get to sew one myself, but I like your idea of making your very own modest swimsuit. It's hard to see anything out there that's not too revealing.
I wanted one so bad during my trip to Israel as I planned to get in the dead sea and the other seas. It took me weeks of looking to finally find one at JC Penny with a skirt that goes right above the knees.
Great idea! Voted up and useful.