if I printed off all these posts I could make myself a very modest garment!
As a European, I would like to point out that there is ‘modesty’ and ‘modesty’. If my reason for not wanting to wear a bikini was that I am ashamed of my body, then that would be very sad, as a body is a gift from God and we have a duty to look after ours.
I would not call my decision ‘modesty’ but ‘insecurity’ - or maybe even vanity, because there is the underlying assumption that people are actually going to be looking at me!
If I chose a 1 piece for practical reasons, then that is a different matter. Personally, I’d rather wear a 1 piece as I don’t want to be spending all my time worrying I’ve reached everywhere with the sun tan lotion!
I have actually been skinny-dipping once because it was a naturist beach. I had wandered into the area on a walk and I was not going to curtail my appreciation of the beach and the wading birds just because of a few naked sun-worshippers! I certainly did not find it distracting. Most of them were well beyond middle age and I found it quite reassuring that these people were so comfy in their own skin. There was nothing sexual about it. I really enjoyed the swim because it was amazing to really experience the feel of the sea and not care one jot - because I knew nobody was going to bat an eyelid. It was incredibly liberating to be able to totally divorce pure nakedness from sexuality.
If a passing man had seen me and got excited, that would have been his problem to deal with. However, surely there is a difference between a man thinking ‘that’s a nice sight - aren’t women’s bodies amazing!’ and then moving on - and a man who stands there for hours, gazing in pure indignation, totting up all the ways my body is leading him astray. I know which one I’d label a pervert
On the other hand, had I deliberately gone shopping before my trip and bought the bikini that gave me the most elevated chest and least concealed lower half and spent the week prancing around the pool and sun loungers, deliberately showing off my assets and congratulating myself each time I saw a man gazing appreciatively / lustfully, then that would have been totally different! I would be presenting myself in a manner actually deliberately intending to invoke a response. I would only behave like this in private with my husband - and then only if he asked nicely.
Wherever I am though, I would respect the culture of the people who live there. That is good manners - full stop.
I LOVE the tankinis…to me, if you are not a fan of one pieces, but find bikinis too immodest, those are awesome. I have worn those, and feel very comfortable, and they are modest. Again, wear a cover up for sun protection, and for increased modesty. Thanks for those links. 
All that being said, I’m pleasing to the eye according to the guys here at work, my husband, my family, and some random guys… I just don’t like being eye candy! That’s why my opinion is that is more in the portrayal of the wearer and the eye of the beholder!
lol