I love swimming, but hate shopping for swimwear. Anything less than hideous never comes in my size. I've even considered custom swimwear that costs nearly as much as my wedding gown.
This year, I decided to try my hand at making my perfect swimsuit (or if not perfect, as good as anything I've ever been able to buy).
I ordered a convertible, underwire swimsuit bra frome Onestopplus. The straps are detachable and can be attached at different points for different suit strap configurations. This way I don't have to build a bra into my suit.
I started looking at online images of swimwear for ideas. My first search (using the search terms "modest swimwear") and found everything from navel-covering 50's style bikinis to longsleeved burkinis for muslim ladies (think full scuba gear without the mask and with a dress over the top of it all).
I did like some of the short sleeved, knee-length (just above, or just below) swim dresses.
It's not about religion for me, I just like to have my upper arms and thighs covered. I don't mind a low-cut suit, because I actually like my boobs and even my neck and shoulders. Heck I'd even rather bare my midriff than my batwings.
I saw a cute plus size bikini once in the early 90's in a plus size fashion magazine. It had a cropped lycra, short sleeve t-shirt with a short-but-not-too-short pleated swimskirt that just covered the navel, but barely (and I think it had suspenders). I would have bought it if it had come in deep shades of navy or royal blue rather than dayglo orange and pink, and if the pricetag weren't $350.
I'd like to make a suit that's flattering, comfortable, and covering without looking too strange.
Shorts sleevers probably won't work, but cap sleeves might. Knee length may be too long, but I think I can get away with mid-thigh.
Hopefully my sewing and design skills are up to the task of making something presentable.