Best Bathing Suit for Your Body – Bikini, Burkini, or One-Piece?

Nothing converts you to one-piece bathing suits faster than an oops moment.  If you’ve ever worn a bikini, you know what I mean.  You’re swimming along when a wave or inadvertent push results in a generous side-boob viewing, or worse, total exposure.

Photo by Alex Blăjan on Unsplash

 For those of us who love to actually swim, finding a suit that’s both flattering and functional at the same time is a perennial challenge.  Like so many other good things that come along when you’re not expecting them, I spotted my all-time favorite bathing suit in the window of a shop in the German Colony, an upscale neighborhood in Jerusalem.  Named for a religious sect called Templers, these Christians traveled in the 1800s from Germany to the Holy Land to fulfill a messianic plan, and built beautiful stone houses so solid, they’re still standing. 

Photo Credit:  The Templer Inn

What caught my eye was the biggest bra I’d ever seen, more of a stage prop than something anyone but an ogress would actually wear. Its red silk cups spanned the entire window.  Arrayed beneath it, was a gray and black shirred Lycra tunic in an intriguing geometric pattern, matching capris, and a jaunty cap. What kind of store was this?  I wandered in and discovered a rare find – an independently owned lingerie shop, now run by the daughter of the founder.  She explained that this was a “modesty bathing suit,” a hot seller to Jerusalem’s religiously observant Arab and Jewish women, and tourists who want full coverage without sacrificing comfort and fashion.  I’m not a believer and cringe at the thought of women being told what they can or cannot wear. But this outfit was calling to me, upending any previous notions about what a ‘swimming costume’ could be.

How could I resist?  I tried it on and found it hugged my body in just the right way. Better than a rash guard with matching tights, this combo could seamlessly transition from the beach to the city, and if I dusted off the sand, could even work for brunch at a sidewalk café.  No one would guess it was a bathing suit.

Photo credit: Csuta

I’ve worn my suit for two years now, happily swimming in lakes and sea.  It always generates compliments. Unlikely to return to Jerusalem any time soon, I’ve searched the web for replacements.  The closest I can find are on sites catering to Muslim women who wish to swim while conforming to the rules of modesty.  Do your own search:  key words include swim pants, tankini, rash guard, and burkini, which is like a wet-suit, but not as form-fitting.  You’ll be amazed how comfortable three-quarter sleeves and capris are for swimming.  And think of how much you’ll be saving in sunscreen, needing to cover only the bottoms of your arms, legs and neck instead of all that exposed skin.  Your great-grandmother, your spiritual leader, and your dermatologist will approve!