Shopping for a swimsuit shouldn’t feel stressful…but for many women, especially after 40, it often does. Changing bodies, stretch marks, motherhood, weight shifts, and years of comparison can make swimsuit season feel more intimidating than exciting.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between feeling covered and feeling beautiful.
Modest swimsuits today are stylish, flattering, and designed to support real women in real life. Whether you’re headed to the beach, a resort, a pool party, or spring break with your family, the right swimsuit can help you feel confident, comfortable, and fully present in the moment.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite modest swimsuits for spring break and summer…so you can stop stressing about what you’re wearing and start enjoying where you are.
What does Modest Mean??
This question has been on my mind a lot lately. What does modesty even mean? I think it’s a very personal answer. Some may think it means showing very little skin. Some may think it means not showing the stomach. Some may think it means not showing the shoulders, cleavage, legs, or bum. Some may think it’s being comfortable in your skin. Some may think it’s a state of mind and attitude rather than based on physical appearance. The answer will vary for everyone. And I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer.
For me, I have come to believe that modesty is feeling comfortable and confident. Physically, modesty means I can bend over and sit down and not feel self conscious of body parts hanging out that I don’t want people to see. Mentally, modesty means being humble and showing respect for my body and mind. When I’m looking for a modest swimsuit, I’m looking for fits and styles that will stay put and styles that will accentuate my good features and flatter my body shape without being prideful.
I think it’s important that we don’t judge each other for what someone believes is “modest” and what isn’t. Focus on how you feel. Have an open mind and be accepting of how others live their life without casting judgment and saying mean things about their values. Modesty is a personal thing, so focus on your beliefs and love others for theirs.
Where to Buy Modest Swimsuits
There are tons of swimsuit options out there! But a lot of them don’t provide the comfort, control, or coverage you’re looking for! Maybe you’re a mom of littles and you have stretch marks you want to cover. Maybe you’re a mature woman that wants to conceal wrinkles or saggy parts. Maybe you have a tummy you want to tuck in. We all have something that we don’t feel confident about in our bodies. And that’s ok! Finding the right swimsuit that enhances your beautiful features and helps you feel confident in what you’re wearing is hard, but totally doable!
If you have a long torso like me, you’ll definitely want to shop for one pieces with the long torso option. That added fabric will be so much more comfortable! You also may want to consider a two piece or tankini because they will be more versatile for your body shape.
One piece swimsuits are very classy, but they can also be pretty restricting. Sucking in and shimmy-ing it up over the hips can be tricky…especially if you have to go to the bathroom several times during the day! If that is a struggle for you, then consider a higher waisted 2-piece or tankini set. I love that there are options for all body shapes, preferences, and budgets.
Here are a few of my favorite places to buy modest, high quality, and stylish swimsuits:
- SummerSalt (They have regular and long torso options. Use code JOELLENJS10 for $10 towards your purchase)
- Albion Fit
- J Crew (a lot of their one pieces come in regular and long torso)
- Quince (by far the cheapest option!)
- Une Piece (I found this brand this year and I fell in love with their styles and quality!)
- Janela Bay
- Hapari
- Amazon
- CupShe
I have swimsuits from each company and they are all so well made!
Tips for Shopping for Modest Swimsuits
Swimsuit shopping can be really frustrating! It’s hard finding the right fit, right style, or right price. Here are some tips as you dive into modest swimsuit shopping:
- Quality over quantity- It’s best to invest in 1 or 2 high quality swimsuits that you feel great in than have a variety of so-so swimsuits that you just feel ok in. Spend a little more money on a better quality swimsuit so it will keep its shape, won’t stretch out, and will look great all season long!
- Consider your must-haves- Think about what’s most important to you in a swimsuit. Do you want coverage, control, support, comfort, style? You might be able to find a swimsuit that checks all the boxes, but if you can’t, what’s most important to you?
- What will you be wearing it for? When shopping, keep in mind the type of activities you will be doing in your swimsuit. Will you be beach at the pool with your kids? Will you be lounging at the pool? Will you be water skiing on the lake? Make sure you get a swimsuit that fits the type of activity you will be doing in it. There are some swimsuits I avoid when I will be playing with my kids at the lake versus just relaxing in the sun somewhere.
- Color is key- Knowing what colors you look great in will be a huge help when swimsuit shopping! Even if you feel self-conscious in a swimsuit, having one in a color that brings out your best features will help you look and feel confident!
Best Modest Swimsuits for Women Over 40
Finding a swimsuit that feels both comfortable and flattering can make all the difference in how you enjoy spring break and summer. The best modest swimsuits for women over 40 are designed to offer coverage in the right places…without sacrificing style, shape, or confidence.
Today’s modest swimwear comes in so many beautiful options, from sleek one-piece suits with tummy control to high-waisted bikinis that provide support and coverage. You’ll also find swim dresses, tankinis, and longline tops that smooth and flatter while still feeling modern and feminine.
Look for features like built-in bras, adjustable straps, ruching, and supportive fabrics. These details help lift, shape, and hold everything comfortably in place…so you’re not constantly tugging, adjusting, or worrying about slips.
Whether you prefer classic neutrals, bold prints, or soft romantic colors, there’s a modest swimsuit that matches your personality and lifestyle. The goal isn’t to hide your body…it’s to choose pieces that help you feel confident enough to relax, laugh, swim, and make memories without self-consciousness.
Because the best swimsuit is the one that lets you forget about it and focus on enjoying your life.
I rounded up some great options that you will love!
You deserve to enjoy summer without constantly adjusting, hiding, or second-guessing your body. The right modest swimsuit isn’t about covering up…it’s about feeling secure, supported, and confident enough to live your life fully.
Whether you prefer more coverage on your tummy, thighs, chest, or arms, there are beautiful options that honor your comfort and your style. Your body has carried you through so much, and it deserves kindness…not criticism.
So this season, choose swimsuits that help you feel strong, beautiful, and free. Because confidence isn’t about showing more skin…it’s about feeling at home in the skin you’re in.
Check out the Lifestyle Page for other shopping ideas!
Here are other blogposts you might enjoy:
- Unlock Radiant Skin with Oliveda’s Skincare
- Makeup Tips for Women Over 40
- My 3-Step Olive Rose Skincare Routine for Bouncy, Hydrated Skin (Perfect Under Cream Makeup!)
- What I Take Daily: Supplements for Women Over 40
- Eyeshadow Tips for Hooded Eyes
- Soft Romantic Makeup Looks for Women Over 40
- Where to Buy Oliveda Skincare
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
