Modest Beach Outfits: How to Build a Covered, Flattering Swim Look

A modest beach outfit is a swim top and bottom that covers what you want covered, stays put when you move, and still looks like you. At HAPARI, that usually means a longer tankini top paired with a high-waisted bottom, swim shorts or a swim skirt, all mixed and matched in your size.

Beach days are supposed to be fun. Relaxing. A little salty air, a cold drink, and a whole lot of sun. But if you're constantly tugging at your swimsuit, adjusting straps, or wondering if you're showing too much, that "fun" turns stressful real fast. Here's how to put together a look you won't have to think about once you're on the sand.

Build Your Modest Beach Look

• Start with the top: a high-neck tankini covers up to the collarbone, a slimming tankini covers and smooths your midsection.
• Then pick the bottom: Tummy Tuk bottoms sit at your natural waist, Tummy Tuk Shorts add mid-length coverage, the Isle Tummy Tuk Ruffle Skirt has a built-in bottom.
• HAPARI tops have no underwire. Support comes from removable foam cups or a built-in shelf bra, plus adjustable straps.
• Tops and bottoms are sold separately. Our size chart runs XS to XXL (US 0 to 18) and cups AA to E; check the size options on each product page.
• Every piece is 80% nylon, 20% spandex with UPF 50+ sun protection.

What counts as modest swimwear?

Modest swimwear is any swimsuit designed for more coverage than a standard bikini: higher necklines, wider straps, a longer top that covers the midsection, and fuller bottoms or shorts. How much coverage counts as "modest" is your call.

Whether you prefer more coverage for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, today's modest swimsuits are designed with elegance and intention. Modest swimwear isn't just for one kind of woman. It's for every kind. And modest doesn't mean plain. You can go sporty, chic, or bright and bold. That's the beauty of it.

How to build a modest beach outfit

A modest beach outfit comes together in 4 steps: choose your top by coverage, choose your bottom by coverage, check the fit, then add your layer for the walk from the car.

1. Pick your top by where you want coverage. Chest and neckline? Go high-neck. Midsection? Go for a longer slimming or luxe tankini.
2. Pick your bottom by how much leg and tummy coverage you want: a high-waisted bottom, mid-length shorts, or a swim skirt.
3. Size each piece on its own. Because tops and bottoms are sold separately, you can wear a medium top with a large bottom (or the other way around) and get both right.
4. Finish with what you already love: a sun hat, a sarong or a light cover-up for lunch or the boardwalk.

5 modest beach outfit ideas

Each of these looks pairs a real HAPARI top with a real HAPARI bottom. Swap the print, keep the formula.

Which modest swim tops give the most coverage?

The High-Neck Strappy Tankini gives the most coverage up top, and the Slimming Tankini gives the most smoothing through the midsection. None of our tops use underwire: support comes from removable foam cups or a built-in shelf bra, plus adjustable straps.

Our Slimming Tankini has been our best selling tankini style for over 15 years, and the Sorbet Slimming Tankini holds 4.8 out of 5 stars across 934 reviews. Most tops also have secret pockets for Illusions inserts if you want extra shape. Browse all our modest tankinis in one place, or see more modest tankini styles here.

Which bottoms are the most modest?

Tummy Tuk Shorts and the Isle Tummy Tuk Ruffle Skirt are our most modest bottoms, with mid-length coverage and a high waist. The Tummy Tuk Bottom is the classic: it rests at your natural waist and gives full coverage with tummy control.

• Tummy Tuk Bottom: rests at your natural waist, full coverage and tummy control, and the waistband can fold down if you want it a little lower.
• Tummy Tuk Shorts: a high waist band that smooths your waistline, a mid-length leg that won't slip or ride, and a full lining.
• Isle Tummy Tuk Ruffle Skirt: a modest swim skirt with a wide, supportive waistband, a slightly longer length, and a built-in bottom.

You can mix and match different tops and bottoms to get the comfort and coverage you want. Shop all our high-waisted swim bottoms, then pair them with any top.

Is a tankini modest?

Yes, a tankini is one of the most modest two-piece options, because the top runs long enough to cover your midsection. You get the coverage of a one-piece, the mix-and-match options of a bikini, and the flexibility to wear it your way.

Whether you're fuller in the bust, carry your curves in your hips, or want something to smooth out your midsection, the right tankini does it all. And the bathroom break is a lot easier than in a one-piece. If you're still deciding between the two, here's our take on tankini vs bikini. Or shop all our tankini swimsuits.

Family friendly swimsuits for beach trips with the kids and in-laws

A family friendly swimsuit is one you can bend, squat and run in without worrying about falling out, riding up or showing more than you meant to. Coverage up top, coverage on the bottom, and straps that stay put.

No, you don't want to wear a cheeky bikini on the beach with your in-laws, and you shouldn't have to give up style to avoid it. Our swimwear is made for active beach and pool days with your family, without worrying about exposing yourself, feeling uncomfortable, or constantly pulling at your swimsuit. That's why our tops are designed with:

• High necklines and full coverage bottoms
• Quality fabric that stays in place and keeps its shape
• Adjustable straps, with some styles you can tie 3 ways
• Secret pockets for Illusions inserts, for added shape or mastectomy needs

For a family trip, the most coverage outfit (High-Neck Strappy Tankini with a Tummy Tuk Bottom) or the sporty one (Sport Tankini with Tummy Tuk Shorts) are the two we'd pack.

How should a modest swimsuit fit?

A modest swimsuit should fit snug, not tight: it stays put when you move, the top doesn't ride up, and the bottom doesn't dig in. Measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them to our Size & Fit Guide before you order.

Look for features that match your day. Do you need extra support in the bust? Want tummy control or adjustable straps? Prefer a longer hemline or a built-in shelf bra? These small details make a huge difference in how confident and comfortable you feel.

How do you care for your swimsuit?

Rinse your swimsuit in cool water after chlorine or salt water, wash it by hand or machine on cold, skip the bleach, and line dry. Good care keeps the fabric and the shape.

Ready to put your outfit together?

Pick a top, pick a bottom, and you're set for every beach day, pool party or family trip. Start with our modest swimwear collection, where modest tops are paired with Tummy Tuk bottoms and shorts, and find your perfect fit.