"They can put their arms up and their belly still doesn't show," Rawlins said.

Rawlins pinpoints two type of customers: women who like the sporty looks cut to cover the legs to mid-thigh and those who want a modest swimsuit for religious reasons, primarily Catholics, Muslims, Mormons and women who live in the Bible Belt. The heavier material she uses in the suits' construction adds to the modesty, she said.

"I've received over 200 e-mails thanking me (for creating the suits)," she said.

Prices are as modest as the suits. Advertising is primarily word-of-mouth, although a Google search on the Web for modest swimwear usually puts her in the top five on the list. Because her business is so rare she doesn't have to pay to be that high up on the search engines, Rawlins said.

Her dedication has paid off. Last year her business won a "Best of State" medal in the apparel subcategory in production and manufacturing.

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E-mail: rodger@desnews.com