5 Best Modest Swim Shorts for Women in 2026
Looking for swim shorts that actually cover what you want without sacrificing style? I get it—you want comfort, coverage, and durability all in one. There are some gems out there that do just that, with features like high waistbands, longer lengths, and thicker fabrics that hide hips and thighs nicely. Sounds perfect, right? Well, stick around—these top picks might just become your new go-to for summer fun, and I promise, they’re worth a look!
Baleaf Women’s High Waisted Swim Board Shorts
- 5'' Inseam & V slits design: women swim shorts with flattering length, allow you move freely. V...
- Tummy Control: 4 inch high waisted waistband offers full coverage for this boardshorts
Are you looking for swim shorts that give you good coverage and feel comfortable all day? The Baleaf Women’s High Waisted Swim Board Shorts could be just what you need. These shorts are great if you want to stay covered but still look nice and feel easy to wear. They are made from quick-drying fabric that’s soft and breathable. This makes them perfect for hot days or water fun. The high waistband helps control your tummy and gives a flattering look. They also have pockets, so you can carry small things like keys or snacks—no need to hold everything in your hands. Whether you’re kayaking, walking on the beach, or relaxing by the water, these shorts help you stay comfortable and modest.
Best for: People who want modest, comfy, and versatile swim shorts that work for swimming, relaxing, or outdoor fun.
Pros:
- The quick-drying fabric is soft, breathable, and keeps you comfortable.
- The high waistband gives a good fit and helps control the tummy area.
- Pockets are helpful for storing small items when you’re at the beach or outdoors.
Cons:
- Some people find the fit tight or that the size runs small.
- The pockets or seams may wear out faster after many washes.
- Sometimes, the fabric or seams can be see-through in certain areas, so you might want to wear an extra layer or choose your size carefully.
G Gradual Women’s 7″ Swim Board Shorts with Pockets
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Made of stretchy and comfortable swim fabric that provides UPF 50+ sun...
- HIGH WAISTED DESIGN: 4" width knitted waistband with high elastic offers full coverage and tummy...
Looking for swim shorts that are comfortable and practical? The G Gradual Women’s 7″ Swim Board Shorts with Pockets might be just right. They come in sizes that fit true to your normal size, whether you’re XL, XXL, or petite. The high waistband feels comfy and helps keep everything in place, perfect for swimming, walking, or hiking. These shorts are made from quick-drying, breathable fabric. They dry fast and help prevent chafing, so you stay comfortable. The pockets are big enough to hold your phone and small essentials. Plus, they come in many stylish colors and offer SPF 50 protection. These shorts are a great pick for summer fun.
Best For: Women who want comfortable, modest, and practical swim shorts with pockets and quick-drying fabric. Perfect for beach days, outdoor activities, or swimming.
Pros:
- Fit well for different body types, including tall and plus-size women
- High waistband is comfy and adjustable, giving good coverage
- Durable, breathable, quick-drying fabric with handy pockets for your stuff
Cons:
- Some women may find the back cut too low or the waist too loose
- Fit can feel different for everyone, sometimes hips are wider or proportions feel off
- The swim liner is light and may need extra swim bottoms underneath for some women
These shorts are easy to wear and offer a lot of benefits. They are perfect for anyone who wants simple, modest, and practical swimwear. Just pick your size, and enjoy your summer days at the beach or pool.
Womens Black High Waisted Bikini Bottoms
- High waisted bikini bottom: our high waisted swim bottom mid to high-rise design, provides enhanced...
- Tummy control swim bottom: experience a slim, chic, and unique look with our excellent tummy control...
If you want swim bottoms that are stylish, comfortable, and give you extra coverage, women’s black high-waisted bikini bottoms are a great pick. These bottoms cover the whole rear, so you don’t have to worry about riding up or showing too much. They give you confidence. The high waist hides your tummy and feels snug, giving you good tummy control while still looking good. Keep in mind, sizing can be different for everyone. Some people find them a little small, so you might want to choose a bigger or smaller size depending on your body. They are made with about 12% spandex, so they stretch well and keep their shape. This makes them perfect for sunny days at the beach or pool.
Best for: Women who want bikini bottoms that cover well, stay comfortable, and look stylish. They are good for different water activities.
Pros:
- Cover the whole rear and fit snugly
- Made with stretchy material for comfort
- Easy to match with different swimsuit tops
Cons:
- Sizing can be different for each person
- Some find them small or large, depending on their body
- The fabric is thicker, so they might feel a little firm for someone who prefers lightweight swimwear
SANTINY Womens High Waisted Swim Shorts with Pockets
- Knee Length--12" inseam: The womens swim shorts with knee length does not ride up and provide...
- High Waisted: This bathing suit shorts features a wide elastic waistband offers a great tummy...
Do you wish swimwear looked good and was practical too? The SANTINY Women’s High Waisted Swim Shorts with Pockets may be just what you need. These shorts are knee-length, so they give good coverage. They have a built-in bikini bottom, so they won’t become see-through when wet. Plus, they have UPF50+ sun protection, so you can stay safe in the sun. The shorts come in bright colors, like black and fun leopard print. They also have pockets to hold small stuff like keys or money. The fabric is soft and thicker, so it hides bumps. Many people say these shorts are comfortable and look good on. One thing to watch out for? Some say they slide down during movement. You might want to choose a tighter waist.
These shorts are great for active women who love water sports, relaxing at the beach, or hanging by the pool. They offer good coverage, protect from the sun, and are easy to wear. The soft fabric makes them comfortable all day. They come in fun colors and styles, so you can pick what suits you best.
Some points to remember: The shorts give full coverage with the knee length and built-in bottom. They protect from the sun with UPF50+. The fabric is thick and soft, which helps hide lumps and bumps. But some users find that they slide down a little when they move a lot. Also, darker colors like black might fade a bit after many washes. Light colors could be see-through, and sizing might run large for some body types. You may want to choose a size smaller for a better fit.
HODOSPORTS Womens Swim Shorts Quick Dry Board Shorts with Pockets
- Built-in Compression Boxer Liner: 3'' upgrade lining offers ample coverage, non-see-through,...
- Two Deep Side Pockets: For 6.5'' phone or common objects storage.
HODOSPORTS Womens Swim Shorts are a great choice if you want shorts that give you full coverage and still feel comfy. These are quick-dry board shorts, made from lightweight fabric that dries fast after you get out of the water. They are perfect for swimming, beach days, or just relaxing by the pool.
The shorts have deep pockets that can hold your phone, keys, or even small seashells. They come with a built-in boxer liner that keeps you comfortable and helps prevent chafing and wedgies. The shorts fit true to size and are just above the knee, giving you good coverage without being too long.
Whether you’re swimming, running, or hanging out, these shorts make activities easier and more fun. They look stylish and are simple to wear.
Best for: women who want comfortable, quick-drying swim shorts with pockets for water fun or beach time.
Pros:
- Light, quick-drying fabric
- Pockets big enough for phones and keys
- Comfortable fit with inside liner
Cons:
- Might feel tight around the thighs when wet, especially for larger legs
- No inside pockets for extra storage
- Some women may prefer to size up for a looser fit, especially during pregnancy or all-day wear
Factors to Consider When Choosing Swim Shorts for Women Modest Coverage
When choosing modest swim shorts, it’s all about the details that match your style and comfort needs. Think about waist coverage—are you more comfy with a higher rise or something a bit lower? Plus, the length, fabric thickness, and sun protection features can make a big difference in how confident and protected you feel—trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way!
Waist Coverage Level
Choosing swim shorts with the right waist coverage helps you feel comfortable and confident in the water. High waistbands are a good option. They cover more of your stomach and lower back. This is helpful if you want to hide a less-flat tummy or just like a secure fit. Many modest styles have a wide or elastic waistband that keeps everything in place. This makes swimming or jumping waves easier and less worried about slips. High waistlines also stop the shorts from riding up or slipping down. That means you can focus on having fun instead of adjusting your suit. Adjustable waistbands are helpful too. They let you set the fit just right. No one wants to keep tugging at their swim shorts all the time.
Length and Cut
Think about the length and cut of your swim shorts the same way you pick out clothes. You want them to feel comfortable and look good. Do you like shorts that reach your knees or longer ones? Longer shorts give you more coverage and hide your hips and thighs if you want to stay modest. Shirts with a higher waistline help flatten your stomach and add a modest look. If you want full coverage, try board shorts. They cover more skin and are great for keeping things simple. Look at how wide the leg openings are too. Straight or wider openings can hide more skin and keep you feeling modest. Choose a style that is long enough and has a conservative cut. This will help you feel confident and comfortable. Find what feels right for you, and enjoy your swim!
Fabric Opacity and Thickness
Choosing the right fabric for swim shorts is important if you want to stay comfortable and confident, especially when they get wet. Thicker fabrics are better because they are more opaque. This means they won’t turn see-through when damp. Fabrics with higher GSM, which means grams per square meter, are usually thicker and stronger. Have you ever noticed how light fabrics become see-through in water? That’s because they are too thin. Fabrics blended with spandex add stretch, but if the thread count is low, they can still be slightly see-through. To avoid surprises, hold the fabric up to the light before you buy. Checking the fabric this way helps you see if it’s thick enough to stay opaque when wet. This simple step makes sure your shorts stay modest and look good, no matter if they get wet or dry.
Sun Protection Features
If you want to stay safe from the sun and still look good, check out the sun protection features in your swim shorts. Look for shorts made with UPF 50+ fabric. Think of it as a sunscreen you can wear! Longer shorts that reach the knees or below offer more coverage from UV rays. Want even more protection? Pick shorts with built-in linings or thicker material. These help prevent see-through spots and keep you safe without feeling heavy. Covering your thighs and hips is important, so choose styles that leave less skin exposed. An adjustable waistband keeps your shorts in place when you move around. This way, you stay comfortable and confident. Good sun protection features help you enjoy your time outside safely and make you feel good in your skin.
Fit and Sizing Accuracy
Choosing the right size for your swim shorts can be tricky. Sizes can be different between brands and styles. This means you might need to try a few to find what fits best. Always check the size chart before buying. Reading reviews can help. When other shoppers say whether a size runs small or large, it makes shopping easier. Some brands make their shorts smaller or bigger. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to order a size up or down. High-waisted shorts give more coverage but may need a size change to stay in place during active swimming or splashes. A good fit feels comfortable and stays in place, so you don’t have to keep tugging. Finding the right size helps you enjoy swimming without distractions.
Pockets for Convenience
Pockets on swim shorts might seem like a small thing, but they can be very useful. Imagine you need to carry keys or snacks. Without a bag, your pockets are the only place. Good pockets keep your stuff safe. They are deep and secure, so your things don’t fall out during swimming or playing beach volleyball.
Waterproof or quick-dry pockets are very helpful. They stop your phone from getting wet and dry fast. If you want to take pictures or listen to music, pockets with zippers or flaps are the best. They make sure your belongings stay put.
Pockets make your swim shorts more practical. You can use them for water fun or casual walks. A small pocket can make a big difference. It is worth looking for swim shorts with secure pockets so you don’t lose your phone or keys.
Material Durability
When you pick swim shorts for women, especially those that cover more, you want them to last. Look for fabrics like nylon, polyester, or spandex blends. These fabrics dry fast and are tough enough to handle daily use, saltwater, and chlorine. Reinforced stitches along the seams and pockets make the shorts stronger. This helps prevent fraying or seams splitting after many washes.
Some swim shorts also have UV protection, like UPF-rated fabrics. These materials protect your skin from the sun and help the shorts stay in good shape longer. Good swim shorts come with a sturdy, built-in liner. The liner keeps everything in place and can handle rough wear.
Choose shorts that are durable enough for an active day in the water. Nobody wants their favorite shorts to fall apart while they swim or play. Durable swim shorts give you comfort and confidence for many fun days at the pool or beach.
Movement Comfort
If you want your swim shorts to move easily during your fun day at the beach or pool, comfort is very important. Choose shorts that give you plenty of room to move without feeling tight or squeezy. Shorts that fit well but aren’t tight will stop you from feeling stuck. Use light, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics. These fabrics help you stay comfortable and avoid soggy material. Look for a waistband that stays in place and a supportive liner. These help keep your shorts from slipping or bunching, even when you splash around or swim. Think about the length and style of your shorts, too. They should be long enough for coverage but not so tight that you can’t walk easily. If your shorts have stretch panels, they make swimming, walking, and water sports much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Swim Shorts Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to choose swim shorts made from soft, hypoallergenic fabrics like nylon or polyester. Always check the material details and look for labels indicating skin-friendly, allergen-free options to guarantee comfort.
How Do I Properly Care for Modest Swim Shorts?
You should rinse your modest swim shorts in cold water immediately after use, avoid harsh detergents, and hand wash gently. Air dry away from direct sunlight to keep the fabric’s color and elasticity intact and extend their lifespan.
Which Materials Offer the Best Stretch and Durability?
You should choose materials like Lycra or spandex blends, as they provide excellent stretch and durability, ensuring your swim shorts move comfortably with you and last through countless swims, making your experience enjoyable and long-lasting.
Are Plus-Size Options Available for These Styles?
Yes, plus-size options are widely available for these styles. You can find them crafted with stretchy, durable materials that provide comfortable coverage and a flattering fit, making your swimwear experience enjoyable and confident.
Can These Shorts Be Worn for Active Water Sports?
You can definitely wear these shorts for active water sports, as they’re designed for durability and comfort. Just make sure they fit securely, and you’ll enjoy swimming, surfing, or water aerobics without worries.
Last update on 2026-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API