Dressing modestly is important!

Take a good look at this picture. Two girls, both wearing cute swimsuits, but the girl on the right has her stomach showing. Does it really make a difference? Look at it from a boy’s perspective. The girl on the left is pretty and confident, and she looks like she’s fun to talk to. The girl on the right is wearing a very small swimsuit, which is the same as seeing her in her underwear. Not only can you see her stomach and legs, but you can also see her breasts peeking out. If she bends over, a guy would get a good view and could easily picture her naked. So, does it make a difference?

Why do Christian women need to dress modestly? When God created man, He made him to be attracted to woman. When teenage boys, or even older men, see a girl dressed in a mini skirt or a bikini, they become turned on because they can easily imagine what she looks like without any clothes at all! “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak” (Romans 14:21). We need to be very careful how we dress because we can become a stumbling block to young men trying to find and obey God. When we dress provocatively, we invite guys to lust over us, and when they see us dressed like that they assume we are easy. Our bodies are for our husbands to see and desire, after we’re married, and for no one else.

Always remember that as Christians we are the light in the world and it is our job to reflect Christ. A first impression is very important in this. Let’s say you’re walking down the street and you see two girls. One is wearing a mini skirt, high-heeled shoes, a tube top, and huge hoop earrings. She has lots of make-up on, and she’s flirting with three boys standing around her. The other girl is wearing a pair of jeans, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt. She has her hair in a ponytail and is pretty while having only a little make-up on. If you were to choose which one of them was most likely a Christian which would you pick? I think the choice is obvious, and so is the point. The way we dress influences the way people think about us. If we want people to take us seriously as Christians, we have to dress the part.

You don’t have to be covered from head to toe to be modest, but you do have to be careful about shorts and skirts that go too far above the knee, or shirts that scoop down so low you can see the top of your breasts. Be proud of being a Christian, and take time each day to dress nicely and do your hair and make-up. It’s okay to want to look pretty, but there is a clear difference between pretty and immodest. Remember, your body is God’s temple and it’s your responsibility to keep it sacred. Your parents won’t always be there to tell you that your shirt is too short, so why not start making better decisions now.

Choose a style to flatter your body!

Divine Suits has great modest swim wear tips, some of which I will include below.

Large Chest: Choose a style that has solid, dark colors, with accessories such as piping or colored trim. This will de-emphasize your full chest, while bringing attention to other accessories of your suit. Also, the style you choose will need to have a full bra for complete support. The neckline should be simple yet flattering, but should not bring attention to your chest.

Thick Mid-section: Choose a style that has shirring in the middle, or wrap-waist styles. These accessories create an illusion of a smaller stomach. Shirring shapes you and gives a sophisticated look.

Thick Waist: Consider a style with no shirring or accessories in the waist. A simple neckline accompanied with a straight line of style is best—it will bring less attention to your waist.

Small to Medium Chest: Choose any style of tops with solid bright colors, prints, or two-tone colors to give a fuller look without compromising on modesty.

Balance Smaller Bust with Wider Hips: Choose a lighter or patterned top with solid or darker bottoms. Bust or neckline details like piping, bands, sashes or shirring in the middle will flatter this shape as well.

Our Favorites:

$ 0 – 30

$$ 30 – 50

$$$ 50+

Keep in mind that companies now sell tops, bottoms, and skirts separately. And it’s okay to spend a little more on a modest swimsuit that you’re going to keep for a while (there are cute ones out there!). Make sure you feel comfortable in your swimsuit. Take your friends or mom shopping with you for a second opinion on how the suit looks.

Modbe

Modbe is a web store that offers cute, modest swimsuits for girls. Their motto? Modern is as Modest be.

Price Guide

Tops: $$

Bottoms: $

Skirts: $$

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Ohana

Ohana sells one- and two-piece swimsuits that are very surfer chick and very cute. The company is named Ohana because it’s all about family and all about being modest.

Price Guide

One Piece: $$$

Tops: $$

Bottoms: $$

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Target

Target is a store that’s near just about everyone, and even if there isn’t one near you, you can always shop online. Target sells many different types of swimsuits; the trick is to find one that is both modest and cute!

Price Guide

One Piece: $$

Tops: $

Bottoms: $

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Kohl’s

Kohl’s sells a variety of cute swimsuits and can be found in most large cities or online. However, you’re not going to find a one-piece here, so make sure you’re comfortable with a tankini before you go shopping.

Price Guide

Tops: $

Bottoms: $

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Pick a swimsuit that you feel confident and pretty in, but that is also modest. Have fun this summer at the pool, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Alicia Marie Sargent

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