What is considered modest swimwear, really?

Let’s clear up a massive misconception right off the bat: modest swimwear isn't just one silhouette, and it certainly isn't one-size-fits-all.

At its core, modest swimwear simply offers more coverage than traditional swimwear, whether that means a little more around the hips and thighs or full-length protection. And the reasons women choose coverage are as varied as the Aussie coastline:

• Religious or cultural reasons
  You want pieces that honour your values without benching you from the water.
• Sun safety and skin health
  You want high-grade sun protection without the stress of missed spots and constant reapplications of sunscreen.
• All-out movement
  You want to chase toddlers or swim laps without worrying where your bathers ended up.
• Scars, surgery, or changes
  You want comfortable coverage for C-section scars, post-op healing, or a body you simply want to dress on your own terms.

Finding what styles work for you

Whether you want a little extra reassurance around your hips or full head-to-toe UV defence, with Sheila, you can mix, match, and build your own coverage equation.

The best in bottoms

Alyssa Mid Swim Short

The everyday sweet spot. 

Sitting comfortably mid-thigh with a secure high-rise waist, this is the ultimate Goldilocks short. It gives you extra upper-leg coverage, prevents any inner-thigh chafe, and transitions from morning laps to a flat white in no time.

Gemma Swim Capri

Below-the-knee brilliance. 

Designed for those who want serious lower-body protection without feeling weighed down. The below-the-knee cut keeps your thighs and knees completely shielded from the sun, while looking great wherever you are. 

Lara Swim Legging

Full-length, zero compromise. 

Ankle-length swim leggings that move like high-performance activewear and protect like no other. Ideal for extended surf sessions, paddleboarding or anyone who wants 100% lower-body coverage.

Tops that have you covered

Elle Swim Tee

The effortless layer. 

Love your bikini or one-piece but need extra chest and shoulder protection when the midday sun hits? The Elle is designed to be thrown on anytime, anywhere. Lightweight, breathable and stylish enough for the walk home.

Ash Cropped Rash Guard

Sun-safe meets sporty.

Gives you full-length arm and upper-body coverage while letting you pair it with high-waisted shorts or capris. It keeps your shoulders safe from burns while keeping things light and breathable.

Cate Rash Guard

The adjustable classic. 

Full sleeve, high-neck sun protection with a sleek front zip so you can dial the coverage up or down as the day warms up. Built for long days on the water or walking with your girlfriends. 

Mina One-Piece

The one-and-done foundation. 

If you prefer classic swimwear with a considered, supportive fit, Mina delivers. With full seat coverage, a stay-put neckline, and double-lining, it’s the fail-safe staple that feels locked in while you live it up.

Pro tip: Pair any of the bottoms with our tops, and you’re golden.

Why coverage is your best line of sun defence

We all know the sunscreen drill: apply, wait, swim, reapply, repeat. But let's be real – it’s easy to miss a spot, and reaching the middle of your own back practically requires dislocating a shoulder.

From a sun safety perspective, covering up is one of the most effective ways to reduce your UV exposure.

The science is straightforward: a standard white cotton tee only offers a UPF rating of around 5, allowing roughly 1 in 5 UV rays through. UPF 50+ swimwear, on the other hand, blocks at least 98% of UV radiation. It won’t wash off in the surf and, unlike sunscreen, doesn’t need reapplying throughout the day.

For anyone who loves spending hours outdoors, has a history of skin damage, or just wants to take the stress out of sun safety, coverage-first swimwear is an absolute game-changer.