Any experience with Land's End or Other Full Coverage, "Modest," or Dorktard Swimsuits

[JudiAU]

I like the kids to be covered as much as possible in the summer. The sun is not our friend. This usually means a unitard aka the "dorktard" according to DH but I can't find anything in a 7T that isn't hugely expensive.

At the least I need a full sleeve rash guard boy/7T and girl 3T with some sort of bottom for both. Probably have to give in and do shorts for DS and DD is potty learning so I might forgo dorktard with a swim skirt.

Gymboree is pretty cheap on sale but mostly do short sleeve shirts. Land's End or One Step Ahead seem like the best options.

Any experience with either brand? Neither is cheap but needing less sunscreen is genius.

[MissMaegie'sMama]

I've had good luck with Land's End clothes, and their prices are pretty reasonable if you sign up for email notices-- they often run 20-30% off promotions (kind of like Gymboree).

I considered buying suits from OSA a few years ago, but the online reviews were mixed regarding swimsuit quality, and it seemed like a lot of money to spend on an iffy product.

Edited by MissMaegie'sMama - 3/24/11 at 8:38pm

[Super~Single~Mama]

I LOVE lands end kids.  I can rarely afford them, but when I find them used or on sale cheap, I buy ahead.  For your dd you could probably do a swim skirt and a long sleeve rash guard, and I know they have rashguards with matching trunks, and pretty decent prints too.  I would go for it.

[ssh]

If you sign up for email notifications they send you info on sales and promotions. I got two spring dresses for $15 a piece. The regular prices for dresses are between $24 and $36. They also have percent off promotions and clearance items. I've bought $5 shirts and $9 yoga pants. I haven't tried their swimwear yet but their returns policy can't be beat. You can return anything for any reason at any time. So if you don't like the quality you can return it. Their sizing is different than most places. My tall 5 year old wears 7 or 8 from anywhere else and size 6 or 6x from lands end. If you call the person on the phone will even give you the exact measurements of the garment if you need help deciding on the size. Also you can return things to many sears stores instead of shipping things back.

[4evermom]

I've been happy with Land's End swimwear for myself and ds.  Ds is picky, comfort wise, too.  Sign up for emails so you get any offers that are out and check the overstock section of the website.

[beanma]

Thumbs up for Lands End here although we've not gone the dorktard route. I've bought regular swimsuits for the kids from them before and I feel like it's good quality stuff. They're definitely better than some bathing suits I've bought elsewhere. Definitely check out the overstocks and sale sections and you can surely find a coupon for free shipping. I'm on their email list and usually get 2 or 3 emails a week about free shipping or a sale.

[Lisa1970]

My daughter has a tankini that covers as much as a 1 piece and we liked it. I think Lands End is a good brand. Tell your dh it is not dorky to not show off your pieces parts.

[34me]

My 17 yo dd is not only a red head she is extremely modest, as in she wears a swim skirt. She loves her Lands End suit. And because they are associated with Sears returns are super easy.

[Red Pajama]

We shop lands' end swim clothes. I buy the long-sleeve swim shirts for my boys, and have been happy with those. My daughter wears a one-piece, which she (and I) like as well.

[carfreemama]

I got a sweet LE swimskirt for dd for $5.97 last week. They also have wonderful swim shorts and those were on sale for $10.97. The tankini top wasn't the same style, but it looks great wtih it and was maybe $7. All SPF 50 or something.

They also have regular skirts, shorts and tops that are UPF/sun blocking and I love them. They have them for women, too. I forget what they call these clothes, but you can search under "outerwear" and find them, I think. Def. sign up for e-mail notices. I'm in Halifax and always get free shipping and discounts. I love LE! FWIW, dd is a slim size 7 and she actually is wearing their regular size 7 in swim and 7 slim in everything else; sometimes smaller.

[justKate]

OP are we related? Here's my DD's dorktard from REI:  http://www.rei.com/product/809065  She also wears swim shoes and a huge hat. 

If your DD is still in diapers, this is awesome because it has snaps at the legs, unlike some of the others I've seen.  It goes up to 4T.

For your DS, I would probably do long sleeve rash guard with the little collar, and some very long board shorts.  Or he-capris. 

[JudiAU]

Oooh. Good dorktard and at reasonable price. Never thought of REI.  I placed an order today because Land's End has swimwear on sale but I doubt it will pass muster with DH.