How to find modest swimwear for tweens

Beach days and pool parties call for stylish yet modest swimwear for tweens. Your tween needs a swimsuit that fits her growing body and covers all the right areas, especially as they dive, swim, and play in the water.

Quick links:

What makes a swimsuit modest for tweens?

Modest swimsuit options

UV protection and fabrics

Colors and patterns

Fit tips for growing tweens

We'll show you how to pick modest swimsuits that give your tween full coverage and a comfortable fit.

What makes a tween swimsuit modest?

A modest swimsuit features a high neckline and wide straps that won't slip down during cannonballs and swimming races. The right fit lets your tween splash and play without constant adjustments.

Quality fabrics maintain their shape and stay opaque in water, unlike cheaper suits that stretch out and turn see-through after a few uses. Look for materials that withstand chlorine, salt water, and repeated washing without losing their protective qualities or modest coverage.

Smart design features such as adjustable straps and secure closures simplify putting on and taking off. The leg openings should curve under the bottom to prevent riding up during active play.

Today's modest swimsuits come in trendy styles and fun patterns that tweens want to wear. Bright colors, cute designs, and age-appropriate cuts let tweens express their personality while staying comfortable and covered in the water.

Swimsuit styles that provide full coverage

Our modest swimwear choices provide full coverage while letting your growing girl express her style.

One-piece swimsuits

A one-piece gives your tween complete coverage without constant adjustments. The suit should stretch smoothly from neck to bottom. Look for suits with light lining in the chest area to block show-through.

The back scoop should sit high enough to support active swimming. Pay attention to the waist fit since this affects how the whole suit moves in water.

Swim dresses

A swim dress combines a one-piece suit with a swim skirt. The skirt flows to mid-thigh while you swim, and the top part keeps everything secure with good chest coverage and sturdy straps. Your tween can splash and play in the pool without the skirt floating up too high or the top slipping down.

Tankinis 

A tankini top extends past the waist to meet high-waist bottoms, so your tween stays covered even when swimming and playing. The longer cut prevents stomach exposure when arms go up, and the two-piece style makes bathroom breaks simple. 

Snug but comfortable bottoms stay in place without creeping up during active pool time.

Rash guard sets

A rash guard set pairs a swim shirt with matching bottoms for total coverage in the water. The long-sleeve top blocks the sun and sits close to the body without squeezing, perfect for active swimming. The crew neckline keeps the chest covered while the sleeves protect the arms from the sun. 

The matching bottoms fit smoothly at the waist and stay secure when wet. Your tween can dive, swim, and play in the pool with complete coverage from shoulders to legs.

UV protection and fabric features

Smart fabric choices give your tween sun protection and lasting coverage. The best modest swimwear options use fabrics with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of 50+, which block 98% of harmful UV rays. This protection stays active even when the fabric gets wet.

Look for these fabric features in modest bathing suits:

• Double-lined construction prevents show-through and adds durability. The inner layer provides coverage while the outer layer maintains shape and color. This dual-layer design stops the fabric from becoming transparent when wet.

• Quick-dry materials let your tween jump from pool to snack break without sitting in a soggy suit. The fabric pulls moisture away from the skin and dries fast to keep your tween comfortable between swimming sessions.

• Four-way stretch fabric moves with your tween as she swims, dives, and plays. The material bounces back to its original shape without sagging or losing coverage. This resilient stretch prevents gaps and keeps straps in place during active water play.

• Color-fast dyes resist fading from chlorine, sun exposure, and salt water. The vibrant colors and patterns stay bright through countless swimming sessions and washes.

SwimZip uses high-quality fabrics with maximum UPF protection to give tweens coverage and safety. Our modest swimsuits provide UPF 50+ protection in chlorine-resistant, quick-dry styles your tween will love to wear.

Colors and patterns that work best

The right colors and patterns add personality to modest swimwear while providing extra coverage. Smart color and bright pattern choices prevent show-through, hide imperfections, and boost your tween's confidence.

• Dark solid colors (navy, black, and burgundy) block transparency when the suit gets wet and create a sleek silhouette that works for every body type.

• Color blocking with strategic placement of dark and light colors creates visual interest while maintaining coverage in key areas of the swimsuit.

• Small, repeating patterns such as tiny florals, dots, or geometric prints effectively mask fabric pull and prevent show-through when the material stretches.

• Vertical stripes draw the eye up and down rather than across the body to create a lengthening effect for growing tweens.

• Mixed prints with different patterns on top and bottom pieces break up the silhouette while coordinating colors bring the whole look together.

• High-contrast designs featuring bold patterns against dark backgrounds maintain coverage and modesty even when the fabric stretches or gets wet.

• Textured fabrics with ribbed or jacquard weaving add depth to the swimsuit and prevent unwanted clinging without sacrificing modest coverage.

Fit tips for growing tweens

 

 

The leg openings need extra attention since tweens grow at different rates. The edges should curve under without cutting into the legs or riding up. Bottoms should stay in place during activity without constant adjustment.

Buy a size up if your tween is due for a growth spurt, but avoid suits that are too loose. Excess fabric can drag in the water and compromise coverage. Test the fit by having your tween move, bend, and stretch in the suit before removing tags.

Choose SwimZip for your tween’s swimwear

Beyond a modest swimwear collection, SwimZip offers a full range of sun-protective swimsuit styles to match your tween's personal preferences. From athletic one-pieces to playful swim dresses, our collection includes mix-and-match options in trendy colors and prints.

Every SwimZip suit features our signature quality swimwear fabrics and UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can feel confident about your choice no matter which style your tween prefers. Shop SwimZip to find the perfect combination of coverage, comfort, and style for your tween.

Modest tween swimwear FAQ

Why do women love modest swimwear?

Women choose modest suits for personal reasons and religious convictions. Some prefer the extra coverage to feel more confident and comfortable during beach activities. Others appreciate how modest swimwear lets them focus on swimming and playing without constant adjustments. These suits offer style and sun protection while aligning with personal values about modesty.

Can modest swimwear be stylish?

Today's modest swimwear combines fashion with function. From trendy color blocking to fun prints and modern cuts, modest suits offer the same style elements as more revealing swimwear while providing more coverage. Many designs feature removable skirts, mix-and-match options, and adjustable details.

What makes high-waisted swim bottoms so popular for modest swimwear? 

High-waisted swim bottoms offer style and function. The retro-inspired design provides decent coverage for the midsection to create a flattering silhouette. These versatile bottoms pair well with different swim tops for easy transitions from beach to boardwalk.

How do I choose modest swimwear as a curvier woman? 

Curvier women can embrace their shape with supportive, well-structured modest swimwear. Look for suits with built-in shaping features, adjustable straps, and strategic design elements that provide comfort and confidence. Mix-and-match options let you select different sizes for top and bottom pieces.

What modest swimwear should I choose for my teen daughter?

Here are some modest teen swimsuit options you can choose from:

• One-pieces with high necklines and wide straps protect teens in the water.

• High-waisted bottoms that sit at the natural waist prevent exposure during movement.

• Rash guard sets offer full coverage from shoulders to legs.

• Swim dresses with built-in shorts add extra coverage for pool activities.

• Athletic-style suits with racerback designs stay secure during swimming.

There are many cute teen swimwear styles, choose the one that gives your daughter the right mix of coverage and confidence.

Further reading

How long to tan in the sun?

How can I swim on my period?

UPF vs SPF: what is the difference?

What is the UV index?

What does SPF stand for?

What are the different types of swimwear tops?