Modest Swimsuit Test Review

by Felix

In the morning a parcel arrived from Asia with a generic modest swimsuit for review. Designed for both men and women, it has a longish hooded top, like a cagoule, and matching pants. Looked like a rainsuit from the 1970's made of soft nylon. Apparently it has not been treated with waterproofing as it is intended for sun and wind protection.

Breathability: Good

Since it was a warm day I decided to enjoy this suit for my morning workout, wearing nothing underneath, just as intended. It was loose fitting, the top reached almost to my knees. The pants were wide and fitted loosely. This suit felt very soft and cosy.

After half an hour exercise the suit got a bit damp from sweat but felt good on my skin. It dried out quickly as I moved around the garden.

The good breathability makes it a useful sun protection suit. Depending on the temperature, you can wear it on its own or with a base layer underneath.

Waterproof: Not much

Next I went into the shower, put the hood up and let it run. Within a few moments I was soaked through. The base layer of clothes was all wet. Clearly not waterproof, more for sun and wind protection than rain.

The wet nylon fabric became silky soft which felt very soft on the skin. This is important if you wear it for swimming with nothing underneath. The pants are just as soft and complete this swimsuit.

Drying Test: Quick

I hung it out in the breeze. Half an hour later it was dry, so I put it back on while working on my projects. It makes a nice comfy lounge suit for chilling at home.

This is not a new concept. In the Middle East and Asia long soft "harem" pants under a long tunic have been around for centuries. Now you can enjoy it in a modern easy-care fabric.

Swim Test: Easy

Next up was the swim test at our local pool. I wore this suit just like swimwear with nothing underneath. In the shower I only wore the bottoms and put the top on before I entered the pool hall. The lifeguard said I had to shower in all my swim clothes, so I went back to the showers and soaked the top as well.

The nylon fabric felt soft and light in the water, free flowing, not restrictive, didn't chafe. Once the air bubbled out I started swimming my training lengths. It felt very soft in the water. The loose cut fits all folks.

As expected it slowed me down a bit compared to wearing shorts or a one piece Lycra body suit. But the extra resistance is great for fitness training.

Drying Test 2: Quick Again

After my swim I took a long shower, keeping the swimsuit on to rinse out all the chlorine. Then I wore it on my walk home and it was almost dry on my arrival, so I kept it on for the rest of the day.

Swim Test 2: More Modesty

Most modest swimwear has a two-layered top for more decency, should the outer garment ride up when jumping about. This maybe a T-shirt, a swim shirt, or a nylon sports vest.

For my next pool visit I wore a tall T-shirt underneath that reached below my thighs, tucked inside my long pants. This time I kept the top on in the shower and it quickly soaked through to the T-shirt. Clearly not waterproof. No problem.

Swimming and splashing around in this outfit was just as easy. It felt more wholesome with the T-shirt underneath. After a short while I got used to swimming in this suit and barely noticed it at all. Playing ball with friends or messing about on floats was easy fun.

Afterwards I enjoyed another shower to rinse all the chlorine out. The suit took a bit longer to dry out on the way home because of the wet shirt underneath, but all was dry in the end. Easy.

Summary

Rating 4/5 ****

Pro: Although this is just an inexpensive windsuit, it is really comfy when used as modest swimsuit. Because of its breatheability you can wear it around the house or even as sleepwear. It takes up very little space and weight in your travel bag.

Con: The loose fitting design creates more drag, so you can't swim as fast as in a full body speed suit.