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Best Modest Swim Skirts for Women That Are Cute and Concealing

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Summer is almost here, and it’s time to dive into the best swim skirts for women. Whether you prefer something modest or like the frilly look, there are plenty of cute styles to accentuate your assets without showing off your goods. From vintage-inspired to classic one-pieces with flowy bottoms, you’ll be tempted to grab them all.

Although swimsuit shopping can be nerve-wracking on and offline, I assure you there are options that will make you look smashing. Find out how to shop for the best swim skirts, plus where to find the best deals on bathing suits right now and some of our favorite swim skirts.

Do swim skirts have shorts underneath?

Most swim skirts include shorts attached at the waist. Although not all skirts have them, most of the best swim skirts for women will offer better coverage. They’re a great option for swimming or any sporty water activity where you don’t want to make your privates public.

Some suits, like the Coco Contours Halo Sarong Swim Skirt in Midnight Plumeria, have a bikini bottom underneath instead of shorts. They’re still great for doing laps, but things can get cheeky — if you know what I mean. If you want to go from the pool to town in your suit, you’ll want something with shorts or boy briefs instead, like the Sunset Sporty Swim Skirts from Bare Necessities.

HerRoom

Swim skirts with shorts often include a panty liner for protection. However, many are part of a one-piece bathing suit or swim dress.

My personal favorite is the Leonisa from Her Room. Its skirt can be worn multiple ways, and the top has slimming mesh tummy lining to create a more streamlined appearance. In my opinion, anything that lets me look like I’ve been doing crunches without requiring me to do crunches is worth my attention. Plus, since it’s a regular swimsuit, you don’t need to worry about wearing anything else beneath the swim skirt.

What swimsuit is best for a muffin top?

If disguising love handles or a bigger middle is a priority, you’ll want something with slenderizing-design features. Bathing suits that have shapewear are ideal for this, because they smooth bumps, giving the illusion of a toned physique. Some, like Miraclesuit Marais Allover Slimming V-Neck Swim Dress, can even make you look like you’ve lost a few pounds by offering full-body contouring.

Swimsuits with ruching can also minimize muffin tops. The material’s bunching actually draws the eye upward, making the torso look longer. If you don’t believe me, check out this swimsuit romper. It features a skort bottom, and a blouson blouse with a drop waist, which can make you seem taller and leaner.

What is the best brand of swimwear?

One of the brands making the best swim skirts for women is L.L. Bean. The company has been making outdoor and activewear since 1911, and their swimsuits are stylish and functional. If you’re looking for something you can swim or boat in, check out their Slimming Swim Skirt. It’s high-waisted, comes in several pretty colors, and offers UPF 50 plus protection.

L.L. Bean also does international shipping — in case you need to order a suit on holiday — and their return policy gives you a year to send something back if you’re not completely satisfied.

If you’re plus size or over fifty, you may feel like you shouldn’t show a lot of skin. And though I respectfully disagree — like, really disagree — there are some brands making gorgeous swimsuits with more coverage. Swimsuits For All has a ton of cute swim dresses, sexy but tasteful one-pieces, and gorgeous cover-ups.

If you’re into classic swimwear, don’t forget to check out J. Crew’s full coverage swimsuits, and HerRoom makes some of the best swim skirts for women out there. Whatever you choose, remember that the perfect bathing suit will ultimately be whatever makes you feel comfortable and supported.

Best sales on modest swimsuits for women

What are the best swim skirts for women?

  1. Best overall swim skirt for women: L.L. Bean Slimming Swim Skirt
  2. Best swim skirt skort for women: Zip-Pocket Swim Skort
  3. Best swim skirt swimsuit for women: Miraclesuit Marais Allover Slimming V-Neck Swimdress
  4. Best swim skirt short for women: Athleta Makani Swim Short
  5. Best high waisted swim skirt for women: Sunset Sporty Bikini Bottom Swim Skirts
  6. Best detachable swim skirt for women: Leonisa One Piece Swimsuit with Multiway Skirt
  7. Best swim skirt for women with big busts: Tie Front Underwire Swim Dress
  8. Best wrap swim skirt for women: Lulus Clear Waters Cream Multi-Floral Swim Coverup Wrap Skirt
  9. Best swim skirt swimsuit for women with tummy control: L.L. Bean Slimming Halter Swim Dress
  10. Best swim skirt romper for women: Boston Proper Side Tie Swim Romper
  11. Best swim skirt with swim leggings for women : Coolibar UPF 50 Plus Kahula Skirted Capris
  12. Best swim skirt for thigh coverage: Hilor High Waisted Swim Skirt
  13. Best bandau swim skirt for women: Beach House Swim Denise Shirred Bandeau Swimdress
  14. Best swim skirt tankini: Women’s Chlorine Resistant Tummy Control Swim Skirt Swim Bottoms
  15. Best swim skirt for women with board shorts: Coolibar Shorebreak Skirted Swim Shorts
  16. Best plus size swim skirt for women : Danify Plus Size Skirted Suit

Best Swim Skirts For Women

Best Swim Skirt
Best overall swim skirt for women

L.L. Bean Slimming Swim Skirt

$70
  • Description
  • Pros

Not big on showing your bum? No problem! The L.L. Bean Slimming Swim Skirt offers great coverage without hiding your lovely figure. Hitting mid-leg, it has discrete bottoms beneath the skirt, which means you can bend, dive, and whatever else without showing too much. The high-waisted design is made of a blend of Italian nylon, spandex, and lycra, and gently cinches you in. It’s available in plus size, and comes in several shades of blue, as well as black. Whether you prefer to wear this while splashing in the pool or lounging, you’ll benefit from its UPF 50 plus protection, and flattering fit. To complete the ensemble, pair with a matching halter bikini top or a printed tankini top.

Promising review: “The Slimming Swimwear Swim Skirt has a nice, heavy and stretchy fabric…I like the length, the high-waist, and would recommend it to anyone who would like to cover up their upper thighs and not have a muffin top.”

  • UPF 50+ protection
  • Quick dry fabric
  • Available in plus sizes
  • Color options!
Best Swim Skirt
Best swim skirt skort for women

Zip-Pocket Swim Skort

$60
  • Description
  • Pros

If wearing a bathing suit makes you feel like you’re walking around in your underwear, consider these Zip-Pocket Swim Shorts your comfier alternative. Made from a combo of lycra and nylon, the swim skirt is slimming to the hips, and holds in your tummy without squeezing tightly. The shorts hit a few inches above the knee, so if you’re not into short shorts, these are perfect. The flouncy skirt features pockets where you can keep your phone or a waterproof camera — remember those? Starting at size 14, the swimwear goes up size 34, and is available in black and purple.

Promising review: ‘This is the best swim skirt ever. It’s perfect for waterparks, beaches, and water sports. I felt more confident and active with the shorts underneath, especially on waterslides. And having a pocket to stash keys or ID cards is amazing. It stayed in place without adjusting and I didn’t need a coverup while walking around.’

  • Hip minimizing
  • Tummy control
  • Pockets
Best Swim Skirt
Best swim skirt swimsuit for women

Miraclesuit Marais Allover Slimming V-Neck Swimdress

$198
  • Description
  • Pros

This cute swim dress offers coverage to your lower half, and highlights the feminine form. The thick straps of the halter top provide support and enhance the bust, while the all-over body control material makes you look like you’ve dropped 10 pounds. If you’ve been on the hunt for something that shapes, slims, and enhances, this is it! Available in black, as well as midnight blue.

Promising review: “I had purchased a Miraclesuit a few years ago and have never looked back since! This is a very flattering swimsuit if you are a curvy girl — it’s worth the investment. Besides being a great fit, a coverup is not needed.

  • A-line silhouette
  • Pull-on style
  • Built-in shapewear
Best Swim Skirt
Best swim skirt short for women

Athleta Makani Swim Short

$35
  • Description
  • Pros

Although not technically a skirt, skorts offer the same type of movement — and coverage. Whether you’re swimming, paddleboarding, or just frolicking through the sprinklers, you’ll love these light, quick-drying ones from Athleta. They skim the legs, allowing you to kick your legs without having to tug any material back into place, and there are built-in waterproof undies for fuller coverage. We’re advocates of sunscreen, but these are UPF 50 plus rated, and can be tossed in the washer when you’re done playing outside. Available in elfin purple, black, and deep blue, any one would look lovely with a bikini halter, or this bright Cabana Life Rashguard.

Promising review: ‘This is a very comfortable swim short. The waistband is soft and doesn’t squeeze you but still feels secure. It’s great for some extra coverage, while still looking cute. It runs slightly large, but not enough for me to size down.’

  • Lightweight
  • Built-in briefs
  • UPF 50+ protection
Best Swim Skirts For Women
Best high waisted swim skirt for women

Sunset Sporty Bikini Bottom Swim Skirts

$42
  • Description
  • Pros

What makes a swim skirt great is that it really looks like streetwear, so if you need to run to the store mid pool party, you don’t have to change. One of the best swim skirts for this come from Bare Necessities’s Sunset Sporty collection. Each features a high-waist, and zippered pockets where you can put your I.D., keys, or cash. Although the skirt has a relaxed fit, its luxe microfiber creates some structure to enhance your shape, and it would look super cute with a T-shirt as you dash across the street. Boy briefs are sewn in beneath, giving full coverage, and you can pair whichever you choose with your favorite tank, bikini, or tankini top when it’s time to swim again. Happy customers love to layer it on top of their favorite one-piece, and suggest sizing down for the best fit.

Promising review: ‘This has good quality construction, nice fabric, and is a great fit…It’s totally cute! Since I’m a size 12 I originally bought the extra-large, but I returned it and ordered a size large for a better fit.’

  • Color options
  • Pocket with zipper
  • Soft
Best Swim Skirts
Best detachable swim skirt for women

Leonisa One Piece Swimsuit with Multiway Skirt

$83
  • Description
  • Pros

We see this tropical print swimsuit worn on some island, but even if you’re just hanging by the pool, you’ll still look gorgeous wearing it. The swimsuit has elastic built into the back, sides, and tummy to help it adapt to your shape. Microfiber smooths any lumps or bulges, and the bust has soft cups sewn in for a touch of support. But what makes this number really shine, however, is its detachable wrap. The swim skirt can be worn to the side to show a hint of upper leg, or worn as a regular swim skirt. It’s on the short side, but we support ladies flaunting whatever they’re comfortable with, so it’s all good in our book.

  • Convertible skirt
  • Slimming center
  • Wireless support cups
Best Swim Skirt
Best swim skirt for women with big busts

Tie Front Underwire Swim Dress

$24
  • Description
  • Pros

Can’t you see yourself splashing around in a fun number like this? And if this print doesn’t suit you, the Tie Front Underwire Swim Dress comes in eight other vibrant options, each with a sweetheart neckline and gauzy skirt. The bodice has an underwire bra, making this an ideal choice for those with a larger chest. The soft cups are removable — if that’s your preference, and the sides can also be adjusted, so no side cleavage shows. The A-line silhouette offers a relaxed fit, but there’s some stretch in the suit beneath, and it’s hip and tummy minimizing. Regardless if you like a modest swimwear or want something youthful and flirty, you’ll love how this makes you feel.

Promising review: ‘Once I ditched the cup liners, this suit was adorable! It’s actually comfortable. I haven’t been to the beach in years, but I did so feeling as secure, covered and confident as possible thanks to this suit. I definitely recommend.’

  • Adjustable cup coverage
  • Tummy control
  • Color options
Best Swim Skirts For Women
Best wrap swim skirt for women

Lulus Clear Waters Cream Multi-Floral Swim Coverup Wrap Skirt

$55
  • Description
  • Pros

Wraps are great for coverage outside of the water. We like this semi-sheer Swim Skirt Coverup Wrap for its light material and gorgeous print. It ties to the side, so you can run through the sand or back to your hotel room without it ripping. Since it’s short you’ll be able to still tan your legs (don’t forget your SPF), and there’s a hidden button closure for additional security. Lulus has a bikini top and bottom in a matching print, but this would also look great with a solid color one-piece or tankini.

  • Removable
  • Lightweight
  • Bright floral print
Best Swim Skirts For Women
Best swim skirt swimsuit for women with tummy control

L.L. Bean Slimming Halter Swim Dress

$100
  • Description
  • Pros

Made from a sturdy lycra fabric, this cute swim dress has just enough slimming stretch to flatten out your middle. Its material is resistant to resist chlorine, sun damage, and offers UPF 50 plus protection for those lazy afternoons on the beach. The halter top lifts your chest, while providing support, and the cut isn’t low enough to be risque. A little flowy but still form fitting, this will quickly become your go-to swimsuit. Available in regular, plus size, and long.

Promising review: ‘This swim dress is slimming, flattering, and comfortable. I have a scar on my upper thigh, and it covers it perfectly.

  • UPF 50+ protection
  • Stylish blue print
  • Long-lasting fabric
Best swim skirt romper for women

Boston Proper Side Tie Swim Romper

$70
  • Description
  • Pros

For days you just want to lounge poolside with your feet in the water, try this Boston Proper Romper. It’s flouncy, light, and offers a little more coverage than a basic suit. The drapey blouse doesn’t cling to your middle, and it has a shelf bra with soft cups for extra support. The shorts are flattering and fully cover the bum area, which is all you really need. Trust us when we say you’ll make a splash whether you wear this on vacation or at the next family pool party.

Promising review: ‘The suit is true to size and covers just right!’

  • Wireless bra frame with removable soft cups
  • V neckline and adjustable straps
  • Wrap front style with one button side closure and adjustable side tie
Best Swim Pants
Best swim skirt with swim leggings for women

Coolibar UPF 50 Plus Kahula Skirted Capris

$79
  • Description
  • More Info

This swim pant/skirt combo has the best of both worlds: a flare skirt that balances out your curves, and attached swim capris that provide extra coverage. It come in two solid colors other than this fun print, offers UPF 50 plus protection, and is ultra-stretchy. These can be worn swimming, but also when you play tennis or racquetball!

Promising review: “Seriously stop looking – these are the ones you want! They fit perfectly and are much more durable than other brands. I bought so many similar items and returned all but these. Vacation here I come!”

  • Pull on
  • UPF 50+ protection
  • 4-way stretch
Best Swim Skirt
Best swim skirt for thigh coverage

Hilor High Waisted Swim Skirt

$27
  • Description
  • Pros

If showing your upper thighs makes you cringe, you’ll love this swim skirt from Hilor. It’s hard to believe you could crawl stroke in it, but you can! It has built-in bottoms, and a relaxed fit for you to kick, doggy paddle, and more. Along with being great for the pool, it can be worn to play tennis, paddle boarding, and whatever else you can think of. The high-waist has a wider elastic band and tummy control to smooth a muffin top out of sight, and the skirt falls a few inches above the knee. Available in fifteen colors, more than 3,000 happy customers at Amazon recommend it.

Promising review: ‘Perfect length for my self conscious self! I do wish the waist was a little higher to hide stretch marks but other than that it’s the perfect swim skirt. Received tons [compliments] from women asking where I purchased it.’

  • Longer length
  • Goes up to size 22
  • Built-in briefs
Best bandau swim skirt for women

Beach House Swim Denise Shirred Bandeau Swimdress

$128
  • Description
  • Pros

This vintage-style skirted swimsuit may look super short, but it’s designed with high-end fabrics that bend with you for extra comfort, easy fit, and shape retention. The bodice has cups to enhance your shape, but if you’re not into padding, they can be easily removed. The suit includes a strap to keep it in place, but to avoid weird tan lines, detach and wear as photoed above. Made from a combo of microfiber jersey, nylon, and spandex, this swim dress is ultra-comfortable and stylish, too.

Promising review: ‘Lot’s of support for large breasts. Beautiful color and very flattering.’

  • Bra Hook & Eye Back Closure
  • Underwire
  • Tummy Control Lining
  • 4-way stretch
Best swim skirt tankini

Women’s Chlorine Resistant Tummy Control Swim Skirt Swim Bottoms

$68
  • Description
  • Pros

— Take 20% off with code MEADOW

Tankinis may be the best invention to swimwear since goggles, and this one may be our favorite. Available in several summery colors, this swim skirt sits just below the natural waist and offers a firming tummy control lining that’ll leave you feeling ultra confident. Pair it with many of the tankini tops offered at Lands’ End, but this Chlorine Resistant Blouson Tankini Swimsuit Top is our favorite. If you’re wearing this to the beach, you’ll want to wear with some wedged flip flops. However, if you’ll be practicing your backstroke in the neighbor’s pool, keep things extra stylish by adding these leather slides. Owners of this vibrant swimsuit set love it’ bright color, but warn that it has an underwire, which some may not like.

Promising review: ‘Love the color and length of this swim bottom. The construction is of excellent quality, made to last more than one season.’

  • Can mix and match with various swim tops
  • UPF 50 protection
  • Chlorine Resistant spandex lasts longer than suits made with ordinary spandex
Best Swim Skirts For Women
Best swim skirt for women with board shorts

Coolibar Shorebreak Skirted Swim Shorts

$40
  • Description
  • Pros

I love kayaking, and a swim skirt with a board short is the best thing to do it in. For one thing, it’s not a big deal if you get wet. Secondly, it’s much cooler than basic workout gear. These, from Coolibar, are my favorite, offering protection from the sun and chlorine. It has a four-way stretch, and sits high on your waist, keeping your middle tucked in. The front has a bit of ruching, and there’s even a small interior pocket! All you need is your paddle shoes, and you’re good to row.

Promising review: ‘I can’t say how much I love these. The backs of my thighs and higher get burned on snorkeling trips, especially if the swimsuit moves and exposes areas that don’t get any sun. These have completely solved this issue. Cute enough for wearing down to the beach and on hikes that ended at beaches and waterfalls in Hawaii, they never chaffed and were of excellent quality.’

  • UPF 50+ protection
  • Great for all water sports
  • Quick drying
swimsuits for women over 50
Best plus size swim skirt for women

Danify Plus Size Skirted Suit

$46
  • Description
  • Pros

This skirted swimsuit from Amazon has all the elements a woman over 50 could want, from its a one-piece design and pretty pattern on the top half, to the discreet shorts that are hiding beneath its skirt for plenty of coverage. Did we mention it also comes in plus sizes? Choose from black or navy.

Promising review: “I am in love with this swimming suit! It fits so good and the shorts under the skirt is so comfortable! The padding in the chest is perfect, it’s just thick enough to cover everything up!”

  • Trendy pattern
  • Shorts underneath
  • Comes in 2 colors

Want more? Don’t forget to check out our other swimwear stories!

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