Independent Designers
FashionablyModestPatterns.com
FashionablyModestPatterns offers the swimsuit pattern shown at the left
in little girls, girls, and women's sizes.
From their web site:
"This two-piece
swimwear pattern is comfortable, easy to make, and most importantly,
modest. The pattern is very versatile and comes with many options to
allow you to customize it to your modesty standards.
The top
has a high neckline in both back and front, and the pattern comes
with an option to add sleeves. The top is long enough to cover well when
in and out of the water, and can be lengthened, if you prefer. A
sewn-in-bra is included in the ladies' pattern. The skirt is full and
can be lengthened to your liking. It has sewn-in fitted
shorts and sewn-in-panties."
Modest-swimwear.net
Modest-swimwear.net offers the swimsuit pattern shown at the left in
little girls, girls, and women's sizes.
From their web site: "This swimsuit has been designed for modesty, comfort, and flexibility. The swimsuit covers well even during active swimming and doesn't hinder your movement while in or out of the water! The leggings are not attached to the swimsuit to make it easy to take on and off, and more flexible and comfortable to swim in. The neckline, sleeves, leggings and skirt length can be adjusted to suit your preferences. The bodice is lined, so there is a double layer of lycra fabric covering the entire bodice. There is no shelf or cup bra attached." (ModestSwimm note: you could easily wear a regular bra under this suit if you needed additional support.)
Contemporary Commercial Patterns
Jalie offers the great basic tank pattern shown at the left along with several other swimwear patterns. They also carry a lot of activewear patterns that could easily be adapted for swimwear.
There are several very cool things about
Jalie patterns. First, they generally come in 20+ sizes (all the
way from children's to plus sizes. Second, you can see the pattern
pieces, yardage requirements, and instructions right online at their web
site. And third, many of their patterns can be adapted for maternity.
Of all the commercial pattern companies, Kwik Sew has the best selection of swimsuit and activewear patterns. Not all stores carry Kwik Sew patterns, so you may wish to check their Internet site to see what is currently available.
It is
also worth checking out Kwik Sew's patterns for leotards and activewear,
as some of these patterns would be suitable for creating swimsuits also.
Stretch-and-Sew.com
Stretch and Sew currently carries several one-piece swimsuit patterns. Stretch and Sew patterns are available via their web site. The pattern shown at the left is an example of a currently-available pattern (as of May 2007). As the photo at the right shows, this is a very flattering pattern for mature women.
Over the years, Stretch and Sew has offered a broad variety of modest swimsuit patterns. Many of their out-of-print and vintage patterns can be found on eBay.
Vintage Patterns
Vintage patterns can offer the most beautiful, elegant styling. Many vintage patterns are available on eBay and elsewhere on the Internet.
Many vintage patterns are not for the inexperienced seamstress. Some may have features such as zippers, and may need to be modified for more contemporary cloth and styling. Many vintage patterns may require more advanced sewing skills than contemporary patterns. In addition, many vintage patterns are not multi-sized.
Despite this, vintage patterns can be a great option for experienced seamstresses looking for wonderful, unique design. A number of vintage patterns are shown in the Vintage Swimsuit Patterns photo gallery on the Swimsuit Ideas page. In many cases, you can see the company name and pattern number, which you can sometimes use to locate a pattern on eBay or elsewhere on the Internet.