9 Modest Swimwear Brands To Suit Up Without Showing So Much Skin
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It’s officially swimwear season! Lazy days sitting at the beach or by the pool are a dream if you have the right suit. Finding a well-made swimsuit that fits the way you want it to and is sustainably made can be a challenge, we know! But don’t worry, we’ve got you––and as much skin as you want––covered.
It can be difficult enough to find a swimsuit you feel comfortable in, and sustainability often goes by the wayside when it comes to swimsuit shopping. But we’ve rounded up the brands that hit that sweet spot between mindful production and comfy, substantial swimwear. Whether you’re looking for a more supportive bikini, a burkini, or anything in between, you’re sure to find something in the below brands’ swimsuit collections.
Don’t miss our main sustainable swimwear guide for more styles and suit options!
1. Jessica Rey Swimwear
Best For | Feminine silhouettes
Sustainability | Regenerated material, made in L.A.
Price Range | Separates starting at $35, one-pieces starting at $124
Size Range | XS–1X
When actress Jessica Rey couldn’t find a one-piece swimsuit that she loved, she decided to make her own. She founded Rey Swimwear in 2009, a line of one-pieces, modest two-pieces, and swim dresses for women and kids, including maternity swimsuits, swimsuits made for nursing, and suits for long torsos. The brand uses 100% regenerated material like fish nets, and all of their pieces are cut and sewn at their Los Angeles factory, meaning all their suits are made ethically and are designed to last for years and years (so you don’t have to buy a new suit every season!).
2. Summersalt
Best For | Fun patterns and colors
Sustainability | Recycled materials, suits built to last
Price Range | Separates starting at $45, one-pieces starting at $95
Size Range | 2–22
Sustainable swimwear darling Summersalt makes swimwear in a wide range of styles. While they make a ton of super flattering one-pieces, they also make some bikinis that are on the more simple, modest side. You can find their one-pieces in neutral colors or in fun, flashy leopard print or red and pink color-blocked patterns. And you can find plenty of trendy silhouettes, too, meaning you can keep your suit simple or opt for a cute one-shoulder or ruffled neckline. Comfortable fits are what Summersalt is all about—they used measurements from 10,000 real women to create their sizing, and they have a handy “butt coverage guide” to help you find the look you’re going for.
3. Youswim
Best For | Inclusive sizing
Sustainability | Certified Plastic Negative, recyclable and plastic-free packaging
Price Range | One-pieces and sets starting at $139
Size Range | 2—24
Youswim has thrown out the traditional swimsuit sizing method, opting for just two super flexible styles. That’s right—just two. They make simple one-pieces and some fairly full-coverage two-pieces, all made from a ribbed fabric of EU-sourced premium quality nylon yarn, meaning the swimsuits are designed to last for a super long time. Most importantly, they’re incredibly stretchy, designed to move with your body as it naturally fluctuates. The two sizes offered are Stretch I, which is generally a US size 2 through 12, and Stretch II, which is about a US size 14 through 24. Their packaging is 100% recyclable and plastic-free, and the company is Certified Plastic Negative.
4. Patagonia
Best For | Activewear swimsuits
Sustainability | 1% for the Planet, recycled materials, environmental initiatives
Price Range | Separates starting at $59, one-pieces starting at $149
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Patagonia’s swimsuits are designed to stay in place, keeping you covered while you swim, hike, surf, play volleyball, or otherwise have fun in the sun. They make full-coverage two-pieces in sporty cuts, along with a few one-piece options. They also have board shorts, long-sleeve one-pieces, and swimwear hoodies, designed to keep you covered and out of the sun or the cold, while still wicking moisture like a swimsuit. Patagonia is known for its durable outdoor clothing, and, as of September 2022, all of the company’s profit that doesn’t go back into the business goes instead to environmental initiatives.
5. Boden
Best For | Classic designs
Sustainability | Transparent supply chain, eco-friendly materials
Price Range | Separates starting at $42, one-pieces starting at $98
Size Range | 2–18
A family-run business since the ‘80s, Boden makes a full lineup of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing. Their women’s swimsuits are classic and timeless, with simple, flattering silhouettes and tons of fun yet refined patterns. They have one-pieces with fun cutouts or more full-coverage styles, and their mix-and-match bikinis are similarly timeless yet uber-stylish. Boden’s super wide range of swimsuits means you’ll be able to find whatever sort of coverage level, color, or design you’re looking for. The company makes high-quality clothing designed to be kept out of landfills, has transparent supply chains, and supports a few of its favorite charities.
6. Lime Ricki
Best For | Cute patterns, swim dresses
Sustainability | Sewn in North America
Price Range | Separates starting at $40, one-pieces starting at $90
Size Range | XXS–4X
Founded by three sisters, Lime Ricki makes adorable one-pieces and tankinis in fun patterns and with full-coverage fits. They have a style for whatever you’re looking for—from long sleeved rash guards to crop top tankinis. They even have hard-to-find bottoms like swim skirts and swim shorts. Lime Ricki’s one-pieces have a similarly wide range of cuts, silhouettes, and coverage levels, but you can expect super fun, bright, feminine colors and patterns across the board. All of the company’s swimsuits are responsibly made in North American factories, and a portion of all proceeds go to Charity Water, an organization helping to bring clean and safe drinking water to the whole world.
7. TomboyX
Best For | Gender-neutral styles
Sustainability | B-Corp certified, eco-friendly material, fair labor conditions
Price Range | Separates starting at $49, one-pieces starting at $89
Size Range | XS–6X
TomboyX creates gender-neutral swimwear, undies, and activewear. The founders initially set out to create underwear that “any body could feel comfortable in, regardless of where they fell on the size or gender spectrum,” and now they carry a line of swimwear—some of it is a more activewear-swimwear hybrid, and some is great for just lounging by the pool. And it’s all gender inclusive, featuring pieces like unisuits, swim shorts, swim tanks, and swim racerbacks, plus plenty of fun patterns (jellyfish or narwhals, anyone?). TomboyX is a certified B-Corp, and they make their swimwear from a stretchy, quick-drying, eco-friendly, and UPF 50 material.
8. Sei Sorelle
Best For | Burkinis
Sustainability | Recycled materials, fair labor conditions
Price Range | Sets starting at $127
Size Range | XS–XXXL
Founded by six sisters, Sei Sorelle (meaning six sisters in Italian) makes stylish, complete-coverage burkinis. They use ECONYL® regenerated nylon, made of recycled waste materials like fish nets, to make long sleeved swimsuits that dry super quickly and give UPF 50 sun protection. Sei Sorelle makes three styles of swimsuits—all have long sleeves and modest silhouettes, and each comes with an optional swim hijab and the choice of leggings or tapered trousers. The company is small and family-run, and aims to make swimsuits at the convergence of modesty and sustainability.
9. Finisterre
Best For | Long Janes
Sustainability | B-Corp certified, repair program
Price Range | Separates starting at $51, one-pieces starting at $110
Size Range | XXS–XXXL
Named after a rugged headland on the Spanish coast, British-born brand Finisterre has made high-quality, performance clothing, outdoor gear, and activewear since 2003. Their one-piece and two-piece swimsuits are designed with functionality in mind, made from durable fabric that repurposes ocean plastic. They also make long sleeved swimsuits, ½ zip up swimsuits, swim hijabs, and full “long Jane” swimsuits. The brand is a certified B-Corp, and they prioritize sustainability by running a repair and recycling program, and releasing transparent impact reports. They also help increase access to the ocean for everyone via the Finisterre Foundation.
Featured image is from Youswim
