Having more coverage doesn't mean you have to wear a swimsuit that looks old-fashioned, bulky, or doesn't match your style. Contemporary modest swimwear ranges from complete coverage swimsuits and high-waisted bikinis to swim dresses, rash guards, sleeves, skirts, and leggings. While that range is helpful, it also allows "modest" to apply to many different amounts of coverage.
Remember that the actual buying decision is determining where you want more coverage. Then, you just purchase the brand that covers those areas best without sacrificing fit or style. Here is a comparison of four existing women's swimwear collections where coverage is part of the proposition.
Inside This Comparison
- How to choose modest swimwear
- Pink Cove: best overall for fashionable full coverage
- Geode Swimwear: best for trend-led modest styles
- Lime Ricki: best for extended sizing and swim dresses
- Calypsa: best for maximum coverage options
- Quick comparison
- Final verdict
How to Choose Modest Swimwear
Start by defining what "modest" means for the way you actually swim.
- Coverage at your seat and hips: Full-coverage leggings, high-waisted styles, or boy shorts if seat/hip coverage is your main concern.
- Bust and neckline coverage: Tankinis, high necklines, snug straps, and built-in support may be more important factors than just wearing a one-piece.
- Coverage of shoulders, arms, or legs: Rash guards, sleeved tops, swim dresses, skorts, and leggings offer a different degree of shoulder, arm, or leg coverage than what you'd find with a standard all-over swimsuit.
- Swimming: When swimming, paddleboarding, or running after children on a splash pad, snug straps and functional designs may be just as important as coverage.
Sun protection is yet another independent consideration. Obviously, more coverage means more skin covered. However, don't assume a swimsuit will offer you any particular UPF rating unless the manufacturer provides one. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation's UPF guide, UPF 50 fabric will block 98% of UV radiation.
1. Pink Cove: Best Overall for Fashionable Full Coverage
Pink Cove is your go-to destination for shoppers seeking classic, feminine swimsuit styles with reliable coverage.
The Pink Cove swimwear collection features one-pieces, high-waisted bottoms, tankinis, bikini tops, and skirt bottoms. Description text common to many of the current product pages includes: full coverage cuts, fully lined, removable pads, supportive bands, and adjustable straps.
The biggest strength is that the coverage does not dictate one look.
A mom-to-be browsing for swimsuits for her family vacation can select from a timeless solid color one-piece, a vintage-inspired high-waisted floral two-piece, or a tankini or skater-bottomed option without compromising her look. It's this range that makes the line particularly valuable for women who want to feel like modesty is a style decision, not a limitation.
Pink Cove also occupies a favorable position in this chart when it comes to everyday prices, as there are numerous sale prices throughout their swim selection. Pink Cove's swim fabric is a nylon and spandex blend, and a few of their current styles feature double-layer construction or extra support.
There is also an owner's appeal. Amber Taylor, listed as owner and fashion stylist for Pink Cove on her public LinkedIn profile, allows shoppers to know who they are buying from instead of blindly supporting a faceless mass-market chain.
Who it's best suited for: Women who desire fashionable daily coverage with lots of interchangeable options and a boutique experience without venturing into high-end swimsuit prices.
2. Geode Swimwear: Best for Trend-Led Modest Styles
Geode Swimwear is the nearest thing available for shoppers who value fashion-forward cuts above most other criteria. Now it offers one-pieces, bikinis, tankini sets, swimskirts, board shorts, and maternity options. Product descriptions often boast modest coverage yet describe square necklines, floral patterns, wraps at the waist, and sporty longline tank tops.
Geode is best used when you want maximum coverage but don't want to sacrifice a very trendy bikini appearance.
For instance, an individual packing for their honeymoon or vacation at a resort might select an all-over one-piece that also gives the appearance of being put together, as opposed to only practical. Several of today's Geode one-pieces are priced moderately above Pink Cove's standard one-piece price. This could be a consideration for cost-conscious consumers.
Geode is ideal for buyers seeking conservative coverage with trend-driven silhouettes who don't require the extreme sleeves or leg coverage that more coverage-focused specialists offer.
3. Lime Ricki: Best for Extended Sizing and Swim Dresses
Lime Ricki stands out for the breadth of its size and silhouette options. It carries sizes XXS through 4X and offers one-pieces, high-waist bottoms, tankinis, rash-guard styles, and swim dresses. Its swim dresses feature a dress silhouette with a one-piece built-in. Some styles indicate UV 50+ protection.
That's why Lime Ricki is great for someone who wants coverage that can translate out of the water. A swim dress can cover more thigh without feeling unnatural for lounging by the pool or walking around resort grounds.
The main appeal is choice across both body size and coverage format.
Regular retail prices tend to be higher than Pink Cove pricing, though the site does have a lot of sales sections. Lime Ricki will work best for shoppers who appreciate the extended sizing, swim dresses, and greater inherent coverage options enough to spend more money at full price.
4. Calypsa: Best for Maximum Coverage Options
Calypsa takes the broadest coverage-first approach in this group. Product categories currently distinguish swim tops with sleeves from tunics and dresses, swim bras, shorts, skorts, leggings, and board shorts. They offer separate plus-size categories too, with sizing ranging from XXS to 6X for certain swimwear categories.
This makes the most sense when "modest" is defined as covering one's shoulders, arms, or legs instead of just wearing a full-coverage one-piece swimsuit or high-rise bikini.
Product range, fabric quality, and comfort are often mentioned across Calypsa's large Trustpilot review footprint. You'll also see that sizing does vary on some garments, so it is worth taking note of the brand's size guide prior to purchase.
Calypsa's offerings are designed for coverage-first shoppers who prefer building a swim wardrobe around their personal zones of concern vs. one cookie-cutter swimsuit silhouette.
| Brand | Best for | Coverage emphasis | Pricing position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Cove | Trendy everyday full coverage | One-pieces, high-rise separates, tankinis, skirt bottoms | Lower-mid-range |
| Geode Swimwear | Trend-led modest styles | Full-coverage fashion silhouettes | Mid-range |
| Lime Ricki | Swimsuit coverups & sizing | Extended sizing, swim dresses, one-pieces, high-waist and rash-guard styles | Mid to high price range |
| Calypsa | Maximum coverage flexibility | Sleeves, tunics, skorts, leggings. Plus-size available. | Mid-range price |
Final Verdict...
Choosing the right modest swimsuit begins with one question: what areas do you want covered? Calypsa is your go-to if sleeves and leg coverage are your biggest priorities. Lime Ricki makes sense if you're focused on extended sizing or swim dresses. Geode can work as a close comparison for style-driven modesty.
Overall, for most day-to-day wearability, Pink Cove will be your go-to brand. It offers that nice mix of high-coverage options, girly designs, interchangeability, and easy-access pricing.
