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Modest Bathing Suits and Cover-ups You’ll Love

Bathing suit shopping is never my favorite pastime. The lighting in dressing rooms is less than flattering, making the process more challenging. I find the most comfortable ( and successful) way to choose an attractive bathing suit is at home. You can order several options, try them on in all lighting, bend, stretch, and generally put them through their paces before making your choice. I ordered several modest bathing suits and cover-ups for my trip to Miami last week, along with some fun accessories.

Nordstrom Rack carries all the brands I love at unbeatable prices, offering up to 70% off designer brands with extended returns. When you see something you love at Nordstrom Rack, jump on it because the best things can sell quickly!

Modest Cover-Up

EYELET BELL SLEEVE TUNIC / SQUARE GEOMETRIC TOTE in white / SUNSET FLIP FLOPS

A great coverup is almost more important to me than a bathing suit. That’s what I’m wearing to walk through the lobby, over to the snack bar, or for a stroll along the beach so more people will actually see me wearing it than my bathing suit. Some cover-ups expose more than they cover, which was fine in my 20s but isn’t my cup of tea now.

EYELET BELL SLEEVE TUNIC / SQUARE GEOMETRIC TOTE in white / SUNSET FLIP FLOP

This cover-up offers great coverage with floaty bell sleeves, and the pretty eyelet pattern allows a bit of the colorful suit to show through. I’m wearing navy, and it also comes in white. I love the length of this cover-up and that it’s not sheer.

Flip flops are perfect for the beach or pool because water won’t wreck them. These Havaianas got worn all. the. time. I love the ombrĆ© footbed with all the shades of a sunset which coordinates with everything. Havaianas are a great classic flip-flip that come in every color of the rainbow and won’t break the bank so you can have a pair to coordinate with every suit and keep by the back door for a quick trip to the veggie garden out back.

Modest One-Piece Bathing Suit

LA BLANCA ISLAND GODDESS LINGERIE ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT

I wasn’t convinced I loved this one-piece suit because the color was out of my comfort zone, but it was my husband’s favorite, so I packed it for Miami, and I’m glad I did. I found you almost need more color when the sun is bright, and this one really pops in the bright sun.

LA BLANCA ISLAND GODDESS LINGERIE ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT / GEOMETRIC TOTE BAG IN WHITE

This suit comes in three colors in sizes 2-12. Similar in plus size here. The side ruching is subtle but is an important feature for me because it helps camouflage my own ruching šŸ˜‰. The legs aren’t cut too high, and the bodice is not low cut making it just the kind of modest bathing suit I like.

FRONT TWIST CREWNECK DRESS / GOLD SAM EDELMAN SANDAL

I just love this front twist cotton dress both for a bathing suit cover-up or dressed up. It comes in seven fun colors, and being me, I bought gray…go figure. The twist in front actually helps camouflage a tummy, and it skims the body rather than clings.

ILLI SANDALS BY SAM EDELMAN

These low-block-heeled sandals have a bit of a Grecian vibe with the soft gold top. They come in three colors, sizes 6-11. The heel and insole have a linen look fabric covering that gives it a great casual vibe with a 1 1/2″ very walkable heel.

This geometric tote bag was a delight to find and carry! Its prismatic fabrication is strikingly familiar to the very costly Issey Miyake bags, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s a perfect size for a shopping trip or to carry your essentials to the pool. It’s beautifully made and fully lined, so it’s great for everyday use. My blue is sold out in this size, but they have a crossbody in the blue here and a belt bag here. This new-to-me brand also makes fun clothes in unique shapes. This shirt dress caught my eye and would be so fun over slim pants or jeans.

GAUZE STRIPE COVER-UP / HANNAH STRAW VISOR

Another great cover-up with a high-low hem in a lightweight gauzy fabric. My navy stripe is sold out, but they’re still fully stocked in a pretty mint shade and solids here. Things sell out pretty quickly at the Nordstrom Rack, so if you see something that appeals to you, don’t hesitate too long. Boho Me makes a lot of gauzy, lightweight cover-ups in regular and plus sizes that cover but take up no space in your suitcase. Here’s what else I found-

Eugenia Kim is known for her unique hats and headwear. This velcro closing visor is woven from the prettiest blue/aqua shades in palm straw. It closes with velcro for a custom fit and rolls to pack like a dream.

THIS LA BANCA SUIT IS SADLY ALMOST SOLD OUT

La Banca makes a great fitting suit, so I’ll keep an out for new ones to share…but they do go fast! This gorgeous suit would be very flattering on a woman who wants to add some balance to larger hips or thighs.

TOMMY BAHAMA COVER-UP MIDI DRESS

This Tommy Bahama midi dress coverup is selling out fast. Many of you have mentioned how much you like the Tommy Bahama swimwear, so I was anxious to try some. It has a handkerchief hem that is floaty and fun. It’s totally opaque, so I could see this with a shoulder wrap or cropped cardigan dressed up for a casual dinner in a tropical location.

Modest Tankini Bathing Suit

TOMMY BAHAMA TANKINI TOP / HIGH WAIST BIKINI BOTTOM

My tankini is the same print as the center of the cover-up. Two-piece suits can be easier to wear for long days at the pool or beach because you’re not struggling with so much wet fabric when nature calls. This is quite modest, with underwire molded cups and UPF 50+ sun protection, and the top is long enough to more than cover the top of the bikini bottom. It also comes in navy.

Here are some other modest bathing suits and several rashguard types which offer great protection from the sun, especially while swimming.

Nordstrom Rack makes it easy to add high-quality pieces to your wardrobe at affordable prices. They’re a great place to update your getaway wardrobe or simply update your spring look. Mt favorite way to shop them is online for the largest selection. You can also shopĀ using their app or in-store. Plus, they have easy returns to any Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom location.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

61 Comments

  1. Searching for a flattering swimsuit is one of my least favorite things to do! But I had to find one last summer for a couple’s trip to Arizona. Very surprisingly, I found several very nice suits to choose from on the Target website. Brand was Dreamsuit. Well made and great price — especially if you can catch them on sale.

  2. You look great in the suits. I wish I was a size 10! lol. I have a pet peeve. most of the swimsuit coverups are rayon! I cannot wear rayon anything here in Florida with 93 degrees and 72 dew point. I wish they would make more cotton coverups! I love the gray long one but again, it is rayon! just me sounding off!

  3. You look great in everything. You must have been in my neighborhood. Recognize the lifeguard stand and the paths! Love it here

    1. You live in a gorgeous spot; lucky you!

  4. I think you really made some good choices! For the cover up to me it needs to be very easy to slip into. I especially like the huge bluse with the stripes – and also the dark dress, because it has such a wide open neck, which maikes it easy to slip into it – while maybe not yet all dry by oneself.

  5. What size are the swimsuits?? We are about the same size. Thank you!!ā¤ļø

    1. I’m wearing a 10 in the suits.

  6. Love all these suits, maybe the tankini the best. Thank you for the coverup ideas too, I need a new one badly. Iā€™ve had good luck with Lands End suits and would appreciate a post on skin protection wear.
    You looked like you had a great time!

  7. So disappointed that the cutest cover-ups I’ve seen in awhile are both sold out! Love the Tommy Bahama and the short navy one! Oh well. You look terrific in both, and I love that blue suit on you! Just gorgeous. Also, love seeing the pictures on the beach. Leaves me dreaming of a tropical vacation…

    1. I’m sorry they sold out very fast. I’ll keep my eye out to see if they restock.

  8. I love the orange suit and all the coverups. The ruching dress looks awesome! Thanks for being brave. I know trying on swimsuits is never fun.

    1. I have to admit, it was tough to post these photos. Iā€™m a very modest person.

      1. Elizabeth says:

        As an extremely modest person, I commend you for posting. You look great. I never took off my cover /rash guard at the beach on our last trip to Hawaii.

        Thanks for some great suggestions.

  9. Great post! I am on a seemingly never-ending search for a cover-up with short or 3/4 sleeves and pockets. Why in this era of pockets in formal gowns, they don’t think of putting pockets in beachwear? I’m wearing an ancient zip-up one with pockets I bought in Florida years ago. Would love something new!

  10. You look fabulous in all of it. And your hair looks great blowing in the beachy breeze!

  11. Great options! I have a long torso also, I have had luck with JCrew long sizes, in swimsuits.

  12. Bathing suit time šŸ˜±. I like the shorts and tankini tops. They hide a multitude of sins.
    Love all the cover ups
    That blue suit look awesome on you šŸ˜€

    1. Thanks Lin. I love blue everythingšŸ’™

  13. “My own ruching.” Ha, one to remember. Thanks for the chuckle. Also for the tip that bright sun means wearing brighter, more-saturated colors.

    1. Thatā€™s what I found, although white looks surprisingly great at the beach.

  14. I love the blue suit and the tankini. Iā€™m hoping my suits still fit for my trips up to the pool. Just need to find a coverup. I liked the blue shorter one. I will agree bathing suit trying on is not a favorite thing to do.

  15. Catherine says:

    Great suits. It is awesome to see photos of swimsuits on a real body! On your search for coverups did you find any with sun protection. I end up wearing a rashy and shorts over my swim suit, keeps the dermatologist happy. But it just isnā€™t pretty. Perhaps you could do an entire blog post on clothes that offer sun protection.

    1. I would love to do a post on clothes with sun protection. Iā€™m on a hunt for stylish ones.

    2. Try TJ Maxx, look in their fitness area of Womenā€™s clothing. Tommy Bahama golf skirts or pants & golf long sleeve, full zip, jackets with pockets have Upf 50 and made of the same material as their rash guards in their own stores. Most of the time come in solid navy or black at my store location. I use their jackets as rash guards or my walking jacket.

  16. Ruthie Rorebeck says:

    I just have to say that all of your time in the gym really paid off! Also, I live in Florida and am always in search of a better swim suit, so I loved this post. I usually buy tankinis from Land’s End, but I will check out Nordstrom Rack.

    1. The rack has some great, great pieces and the prices are amazing!

  17. Really love the peach suit and blue coverup! I’ll have to look into these. I need a new suit that I can wear in the ocean and am looking for a tankini –so far, no luck. Ocean beaches can be hot or cold and windy. Last year both Talbots and LLBean had long-sleeved terry coverups, which I’ll grab this year if they reappear … also rash guards / sun shirts and beach shorts. Thanks for making summer a little closer.

    1. It was hailing here yesterday so I hear you!!

  18. Hi Jennifer,

    Experiencing lots of snow and cold here in OR so todays post is a breath of spring/summer.

    Love the black eyelet. I love all the suits, okay time to shop for a new of both! Hesitate to tell you when I last bought both!

    Thank you!

    1. Itā€™s been years for me so I needed the update!

  19. Miami is the place we wish we could be today for those of us on the northern plains! Sure wish I could look like you in those suits! So pretty! I need to buy more bust support, so swimsuits are such a guess and I usually end up paying full price. Please, did you buy the twist dress in small or extra small? Reviews say it runs big. I am most worried about the bust and if the size of the sleeve opening is too big. I can sew it tighter if needed. I usually buy small/size 6 at JCrew/Talbots, etc., but my bust is DD; weight 120, height 5’1″ (thinking I will need to hem). Thank you!

    1. Sorry I forgot to put sizes. Iā€™m actually wearing a medium. Since itā€™s a tee shirt type fabric I wanted it looser. You could probably wear the small because I weight 20 pounds more than you.

      1. I just ordered the twist grey dress in Medium! You and I could be sisters in coloring, size and taste. I am older but I have purchased items you wear before. This dress is perfect for my dinner out on our 30th anniversary on July 8. I love that dress on you and I hope it works for me too! I love the blue suit and the tankini. You look terrific in everything on this post!

      2. It’s really a great little dress, and you can’t beat that price!

      3. I just ordered it in the fuchsia rose for my trip to Mexico next month.

  20. Love all the suits. Several years ago I decided on the one piece suit rather than a swim dress. A friend told me when you travel those people will never see you again so donā€™t worry about your body. Enjoy the trip.

    1. I agree! Just enjoy. In fact, itā€™s a great attitude to have all the time.

  21. Love all of these selections and they look great on you! Coral suit and twist tie dress are my faves. I’m long-waisted which makes it difficult to find a suit that fits properly. You mention you are as well. Do you have that issue? Longitude is the brand I have bought in the past for the extra length.

    1. I do have that problem so often need to go up one size. Thanks for sharing that brand.

    2. Deb, Lands End has lots of suits available in long sizes

  22. Melinda Beckettt says:

    I love this post, Jennifer. You look great in the suits and I like the way you showed the various cover ups and accessories. You need them at the beach, but also if you have a pool as well.

    1. Great point about the pool.

  23. Jennifer, you look great in all of the swimsuits! Thanks for sharing this fun post.

    1. Thanks Judie. Iā€™m not that comfy in swimsuits so this was a stretch for me.

  24. I have had the La Blanca with the straps in the back for several years. I have it in black and blue, it sells out every year at a Nordstrom. It looks lovely on you!

    1. Itā€™s my personal favorite too.

      1. Let me say you look great in a bathing suit! LaBlanca suits are so stylish and I have had several. I have also found I love the Lands End tankini tops with the 5ā€ boardshorts bottom for a sportier look. A little more coverage for taking grandkids to the pool. You can usually get the tops in your bra size. Your trip to Miami looks wonderful, I would love to get out of the Colorado snow and cold.

      2. Board shorts sound brilliant!

  25. I love the coral bathing suit, I think that was my favorite on you, and because I love the color!

  26. Appreciate this post as can do with a new swim suit though favourite of mine today was the ‘front twist crewneck dress’ as know I’d get a lot of mileage out of it. Thanks Jennifer. -Brenda-

    1. Happy Friday Brenda

  27. Love all these swimsuits and coverups. You look great in all of them.
    I only wear one piece suits at indoor pools where I donā€™t have to worry about sun. When I swim outdoors, I wear Lands End tankinis. I like the high neck and back tankini tops with SPF. I usually do laps for 30-40 minutes so I need more coverage. They also have nice board shorts and coverups. I have a Nordstrom Rack close by so will check it out. Thanks for your wonderful posts.

    1. The Lands End fit beautifully. I was happy to get one.

      1. Janice in Ky says:

        Iā€™ve been a Landends customer since the 80ā€™s. Love their swimsuits, coverups and rash guard clothes.
        They have the long torso suits in most of the sizes and styles. Iā€™m only 5ā€™ tall but have a long torso šŸ˜• so I really appreciate this option. I wear the coverups for dresses more than coverups. Throw on and go. The rash guard top work great for everyday tops, the material has spf and is very cooling.

  28. Love the suits you’re modeling! Very nice. And I do own the (similar) gauzy shirt-like cover up. Thank you for sharing!

  29. I love the twist front maxi dress! Just bought on in navy. Thanks Jennifer.

    1. I really enjoyed this blog. The bathing suits, coverups, accessories were all perfect! I would wear any item featured today. I need the blue bag.

    2. Itā€™s a great dress and so affordable.

  30. Love these bathing suits and cover ups; thank you for this post!

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