The idea of modesty to the average person in 2023 is likely either a totally foreign or laughable concept. From the time we were born, we began being conditioned to accept more and more revealing and provocative clothing (or lack there-of) as normal. Now, we’ve got toddler girls wearing bikinis and crop tops. How did we get so far from the elegant dresses our great-great grandmothers once wore? What is a daughter of the most high to do in this day and age?
What the Word Has to Say About Modesty
While there are no specific commands regarding modest dressing in the Torah, we are given many applicable principles to apply in this area.
“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.”
-Proverbs 11:22 NASB
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.”
-1 Timothy 2:9-10 NASB
“A modest and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.”
-SIRACH (ECCLESIASTICUS) 26:13 את CEPHER
Not Just For Women
While women are the usual target for modesty conversations, we believe it is just as important for men and boys to be dressed modestly as sons of Yah. We ask that the men also wear shirts, especially while walking around the camp. It can be just as much of a stumbling block for a woman to see a shirtless man as it can be for a man to see a lot of skin on a woman.
Where to Find Modest Swimwear for All Ages
As a parent of young girls, I had to search high and low to find bathing suits that weren’t totally innapropriate and revealing. Even one pieces seem to be so high cut that you can see their bottoms if they don’t wear shorts on top. Finally, I found a few options that passed my criteria on Amazon. (Please note: We are not affiliated with Amazon and receive no money for recommendations, this is just what I found that works for our family!)
For little girls, I was able to find several different style options that fully cover the tops, and have a full pair of actual shorts built in under the skirt, rather than a bikini bottom. I’m still amazed at how difficult this was to find. There are even long sleeved rash guard top options for the fairer skinned little ones. The options I found were relatively affordable, ranging from $17.99-$27.99 per set.
For myself, I had to get a lot more creative. In years passed, I’ve always just worn my regular linen outfits, but this year I wanted to have something actually made for the water. The solution I was able to find was to order a rash guard top, and then “swim/athletic skirt with leggings” as my bottoms. When combined, they create what looks like a pretty one-piece swim dress! The best part is, the skirt even has zippered pockets. Some may find that it is also helpful to wear a regular swim top underneath as a waterproof bra. There are lots of different options for colors, skirt length, legging length, etc. The only downside I’ve found so far, is that the bottoms tend to hold a lot of water and take a little longer than regular swim clothes to dry.
Search terms: rash guard swim top for women, swim skirt leggings women, modest swimsuit for little girls, modest swimwear for teens
I hope these ideas may bless your family in some way! We can’t wait to fellowship with you all at HebrewFest 2023!
I just shared about this about an hour ago on my Instagram. I have been getting my suits from http://www.calypsa.com for a few years. I enjoy the quality and feeling like I’m wearing an outfit instead of underwear to enjoy time by the water.
Wow, I love those! Thank you so much for sharing!