Just Beachy

Well, Spring is getting hotter, and Summer is knocking at the door. Of course, Summer means swimming, and swimming means wearing a bathing suit of one kind or another. (just a warning to any guys, this whole thing is going to be pretty non-applicable to you) As the rest of the nation gears up to don their -ahem- less than decent swimwear, conservative people (especially women and girls) are faced with the quandary of how to enjoy the hot weather and still retain a modicum of modesty.
I wore the generic "one-piece" until I was about 11, and around that time we (my parents & I) decided that standard bathing suits did not incorporate enough material into their construction. So, we began our search. First, we got one of those stretchy little skirt things to go over my current suit. That was far from satisfactory. Then, in 2004, we discovered the bathing suits offered by the Hopkins family: http://swimmodest.com/ They are Mormons, and I consider their suit to be agreeably modest, and though the price is a bit steep for my liking, it is a good option for those who do not sew.
There are several other companies who make fine suits, but my favorite is Simply Modest Swimwear: http://www.modestswimwearsolutions.com/ Crystal Huyben has made a lovely, easy to follow pattern in multiple sizes, and that is how I make my own suit. Lycra fabric can be obtained at relative inexpense on Ebay, and it is such fun to choose your own materials!
Here is a picture from last year (when I still had long hair!)

These suits offer great ease of movement, and depending on the weight of fabric you choose, they aren't heavy, confining "bags." The length of sleeves, skirt, and leggings are all variable according to your taste. With that, I wish you all a happy, modest summer.
P.S. another benefit of more coverage is you don't get so much sunburn! :-)