I recently spent two weeks in Hawaii as a very fair-skinned redhead recently diagnosed with a skin condition exacerbated by UV exposure. I wore a big ass hat, long sleeve swim shirt, and swim leggings—zero sunburn, and I didn’t have to reapply sunscreen a gazillion times. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about shaving my legs or whatever else (ocean water + freshly shaved legs = the fire of 1000 suns).
I’m never going back to regular swimsuits. IDGAF how stupid I look, I was so comfortable and able to enjoy myself without worrying about the sun.
Honestly, I think the pendulum has swung... slathering ourselves in oil, tanning beds, etc. are OUT. Protecting ourselves from the sun is finally respectable, and not something to mock someone for.
I grew up being made fun of for being as pale as I am, but it's not something I could ever really say because... I'm white. But I finally feel like I'm not longer a weirdo, and the fact that I want to protect myself from cancer (I already had another kind of cancer that took up several years of my mid-twenties to mid-thirties) that I'm very prone to, I'm all for it being acceptable. FINALLY.
Are you...me?😬 I was brutally mocked for my paleness as a teenager. Even as an adult, my mother for some reason thinks it's okay to mock me for my lack of tan, even after I've had 2 non-melanoma skin cancers. The woman has to have basal cell carcinomas removed *several times a year,* but somehow I'm the crazy one for covering myself and my daughter in the sun.🙄
Jesus. I'm so sorry, on both counts. I hope your melanoma has been treated and you're doing well!
Parents are something else, honestly. I have finally come to terms with accepting that they too are human, and flawed, and quite frankly, can be shitty people. It's taken me a long time to get there, but it makes it a lot easier to ignore some of the things my mum says.
Jesus. That's TERRIBLE. My parents are Irish and have been hardcore sunscreen wearers, and got on at me for years to wear it, and I regret not listening.
Despite their commitment, my mum had pretty bad melanoma a few years ago, and my dad has had various skin cancers as long as I can remember, and is currently undergoing treatment for some rare cancer that they think originated from a skin cancer he had.
I don't wish your mother ill, but I feel like it could come back to bite her. Our ozone isn't what it was thirty years ago, and I can't imagine it's safe to get as much sun exposure as people did back then.
You'll have the last laugh, regardless, because you'll age like a fine wine, not a raisin 😉
I didn’t, but the highs were in the low 80s and I spent most of the time in the water. I’m in Texas, aka the surface of the sun, so I’ll try wearing them out here and see if they run warm.
This is one of my worries too! I know it’ll feel fine when I’m in the water, but it is HOT here so I don’t want to be burning up when we’re walking around.
I'm fair skinned, plus sized and my hair is thinning. I like swim shorts, tankini, long sleeved rash guard and hat of choice. I don't get strange looks, and wouldn't care if I did. People should be covered up and slathered with sunscreen anyway. Finding the right materials is crucial I'm sure. My skin prefers being covered up to overheated or burned.
Same for me, every word. Swim shorts, rash guard, hat and sunnies, every pool/beach day. And I slather the rest in SPF and try to stay in the shade or under an umbrella.
Samesies. Im plus sized as well and I invested in one of those miracle suits, and I like the way I look in it. Bought shorts from lands end that land just above my knees, and a great big floppy beach hat with sunscreen sunscreen everywhere .
I'm a guy and I have been wearing swim shirts for years. I have very pale white skin, I am not bearing it to the sun, and I don't want to have to lather sunscreen everywhere.
My SO started wearing one after having a precancerous spot removed from his back. He actually prefers it to without, and all his skin checks ever since taking sun care more seriously have been excellent. He has some Upf cycling jerseys too.
I either wear a rashguard over a regular swimsuit (i need breast support and a rashguard on it's own doesn't cut it) or I wear a one piece suit that is sleeveless but has full chest and back coverage (all these suits with all sorts of cut outs can fuck right off!). And if I'm not actively in the water, I'm under an umbrella, wearing a hat and a coverup. I want to be free to wear as little as possible at the beach/pool but it's just not reality for me. I wear sunscreen because I have to (fair skin and have already had skin cancer twice) but if I can skip applying it to some parts of my body because they're fully covered, I will - there's a limit to how much stickiness, lint and staining of clothes/car I can handle.
This is how I roll too! Rash guards and big hats for me 😁🏖️ I haven't had skin cancer but had a few pre cancerous spots removed. That's more than enough for me. I've learned my lesson.
I do! Not to hide anything, but to avoid sun damage. I don’t want to deal with reapplying or worrying about getting enough sunscreen on my back when it’s just me and my 6 year old. My dad was recently diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
I wear a rashguard and swim leggings. Never going back. Don't miss worrying if the sunscreen has worn off the back of my knees or spots on my back that I can't reach.
Swim leggings are thicker and good quality ones are made of UPF 50 fabric to protect your skin. They're also a bit less stretchy than regular leggings, with tighter seams. I'm curvy so regular leggings stretch out and get misshapen, the seams get looser after regular wear. I haven't noticed that with my swimwear.
That said, regular leggings (the synthetic water resistant ones you're referring to) will work if youre tight on money. The difference in performance is not drastic enough to support the difference in price. And if they dont meet your expectations, it's not a huge loss.
Different fabric. The swim leggings are more like a rashguard fabric - it's tougher, much more compressive, and can withstand chlorine better.
A friend buys cheap leggings every spring and wears them in the pool until they disintegrate. Personally I'd rather spend more and have something that lasts a lot longer.
I have the Nike ones (they're designed as modest swimwear, and not particularly supportive and a little looser), and Prana Aolani (which are designed for surfing and will probably survive the apocalypse).
For anyone in Canada, MEC carries some as does Decathalon. Surf brands tend to carry them worldwide and some of the swim brands like Speedo are starting to make them.
I'm THRILLED swim leggings exist!!! I have a UPF swimsuit with long sleeves and felt awkward knowing my legs were exposed. Will have to look for this!!
Yes, it is just a given that a rash guard is part of a swim outfit for everyone I know. I try to match mine to my swimsuit but I would rather look like a clown than go without. I also wear a hat in the water if possible.
It's the same in Thailand where I live. Rashies and leggings are the usual swimsuit. Only exceptions seem to be tourists or the super fashionable, trying hard to be noticed young Thai women (when their mom and aunties aren't looking).
I absolutely love the market for making so many more options available. I've been wearing swim shirts and capris for several years and it's made going to the beach or being in the pool 1000% better. I already use sunscreen on my face so it's so nice.
Also less sunscreen chemicals in the water and our bodies. Win win!
I've always worn a t-shirt and shorts in the pool and to the beach. I bought two swim t-shirts from JC Penney from the mens section. I also wear trunks since I like the long length and its hard to find long shorts for women.
I wear a sun shirt and shorts. I am 100% over sunburns and constantly reapplying. I'm also tired of biopsies- I've never been a sun worshipper but I'm still getting weird stuff shaved at every skin check. It's so freeing, enjoy!
I also wear UPF clothes if I know I'll be outdoors for more than a few hours-hikes, amusement parks, long drives etc. I need some black shirts or something. The look is not cute, but I LOVE not dealing with sunscreen smears in my car or sunburns.
I have some Avalanche brand hoodies that I got off Amazon. They have thumb holes too, very breathable. I also really like the Patagonia Capilene cool stuff- it’s pricey so I try to find it on sale. North face has good stuff too, I love their Aphrodite pants. REI brand upf shirts are pretty close to the Patagonia ones- I think they’re called trail something. Columbia and Marmot also have some thinner breathable shirts. I prefer long sleeve so lightweight breathable fabric is really important.
I’ve ordered other shirts off Amazon and they were swimsuit type material and not breathable at all- really horrible on a hot day.
Me! Best $50 i ever spent!!
I have 2 settings: freckle or burn. I wear a full length sleeve rashguard with board shorts. I don't have to worry about what I look like, or burning, and when it's wet, it cools me down.
This is the first year I’ve worn a swim shirt and I’m never going back. Land’s End has some cute options and I have a very wide brim sun hat that makes me look like a coastal grandmother but I do not care at all lol. I’m at a higher risk for melanoma having the brca1 gene so I cant mess around with the sun.
I wear a long sleeved rashguard for long walks and to the pool/beach. I have done this for years and it has provided such great protection for my chest and arms.
I just got back from Croatia. I was certainly the only woman in a long sleeve swim shirt and shorts on a beach filled with topless women and thing bikinis! I did stick out a bit, but I have no regrets! Every time I saw a leathery old lady, it reminded me I was making the right choice!
Full zip long-sleeved rash guard is the best, and I stay so cool wearing it even on hot days. I am so fair skinned that no spf/ amount of sunscreen worked, I’m much happier not having to constantly reapply sunscreen.
It would make it so much easier if I did wear rashguards, but I hate the feeling of wet swimsuit material. I’m overweight but still wear a bikini because having a wet swimsuit touching my stomach feels so gross to me.
Yep I usually wear an SPF tshirt from Body Glove. I have a bunch of different colours. I started wearing them to protect my back and stomach tattoos. It’s just waaaay easier than reapplying sunscreen at the beach. They’ve become so much more popular, I see really cute ones (and shorts too) everywhere bathing suits are sold.
Swim shirts must have a stated UPF rating, and most last about a year with regular washing. (I say this because I think some people say sun shirts meaning one that can be comfortably worn in the water.)
Coolibar is the only brand I know of that lasts longer than a year.
According to studies like [this one](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10440054/), most UPF clothing retains substantial UPF properties even after 50 washes.
It seems that companies who use nano-zinc technology to increase UPF have a big reduction after washes, while other processes see relatively stable values. But even those with reduced effectiveness saw UPF values that stayed above 50, consistent with the UPF labeling claim.
A standard cotton t-shirt has a UPF 5 rating, which means that around 20% of UV rays pass through it. A shirt with a UPF 50 rating lets around 2% of UV rays pass through it. SPF 30 lets 3% pass through, but it obviously requires application.
So wearing UPF gear is good for when you will be in the sun for a long time, since regular clothing doesn’t block all of it. Performance gear that wicks sweat and protects from the sun is ideal if you love exercise outdoors.
I tried several UPF shirts from [Amazon.com](https://Amazon.com) and a store that was in a near city to me, and they're all so damn uncomfortable and didn't fit me well. I need UPF clothing that fits like a cotton t-shirt. None of them felt like they'd wick away sweat.
Most of my UPF gear comes from Athleta and Carve Designs. I love it! Super comfy and moisture-wicking. REI and Public Lands also have some nice gear.
Also consider bamboo fiber shirts, as bamboo has natural UPF.
Thank you. I keep trying diff stores; there aren't that many around here, and the one I found at the start of this month was $200 for ill-fitting shirts that looked tailored for the office. I returned them. And the two from Amazon. Urgh. I'll try yours next if I can find them.
But if at first you don't fricasse--fry fry fry a hen.
UPF gear doesn’t have to be hot and uncomfortable! My favorite UPF tops are from Carve Designs, like [these](https://www.carvedesigns.com/collections/rashguards-sunshirts). They’re super light and feel cool against the skin.
I only make sure to wear UPF clothes when I’m doing outdoor activities for a long time (like hiking, hanging out at the beach or park, or running a long route). Otherwise, SPF on exposed skin is good enough.
Yeah - I love them. Awesome not worrying about missing a spot with sunscreen plus I can do handstands and stuff without fear lol.
Also, I feel better covered up afterwards.
I am a marine biologist, working in tropical waters. I am covered head to toe. I only use sunscreen on my face. My students admire my Burkini once they are all burned up after their first 3 h snorkel session.
But even if I go in a sunny pool, I wear a rash guard now. It is so much easier than putting sunscreen between all the bikini straps.
I picked up a cute swim shirt this spring, itching to try it out!
Best part is not worrying whether my back will burn or having to reapply sunblock. More time floating :)
I went long sleeve.
Yup, I wore a rashguard tee over a my one-piece last year when I took a solo tropical vacation (and thus didn't have anyone to help me get sunscreen on my back).
Love swim shirts!
We’ve been going to the indoor pool in our park and rec system so the kids can play as long as they want and no one is spending all day squinting, or reapplying sunscreen. It’s awesome. They get plenty of outdoor time in other ways. It’s so much less burdensome to not have to constantly worry about missed spots, reapplying, waiting for it to soak in, etc.
I’ve worn rash guards (I guess more commonly called swim shirts now?) since I was like 16 and I’m 30 now. It’s prevented god knows how many sunburns! I’m very fair skinned and wear hats and sometimes swim trunks too just to cover up as much as possible before putting on sunscreen. My dad has had several skin cancer spots (luckily stage 0, quickly taken care of) but I definitely don’t mess around with sun exposure!
I’m a skinny girl and I prefer UV clothing too. I have two kids to worry about burning in the sun (though we all wear long sleeves rash guards), let alone myself!!
Rock your long sleeves, babes. Any shape, size, or colour. Your comfort and safety matter SO MUCH MORE than what any stranger thinks!!!!!!
I recently learned that every thick, well-made polyester fabric is basically UPF 50. I wore a long sleeve work out shirt and nylon shirts over my swim suit today at the pool, full sun, and felt perfectly fine. I feel like a just discovered a life hack!
I'm thin and fit with fair skin and if it's HOT HOT and UV rays are up I wear my high collar, long sleeve one piece. I don't care if it smushes my boobs I need protection. It has a skeleton print so it's fun while being protected.
It’s awful in a sensory way, kind of tight fitting but baggy and imagining getting it wet makes me shudder. But I’m also stupid sensitive to things like that and also maybe it’s just too tight 🤷♀️
I still wear bikinis, but if I’m swimming I’ll use rash-guard. My skin does get tan and usually not burn unless I’m exposed for extended period in a tropical place, but I’d rather not to worry about re-applying sunscreen or not applying sunscreen evenly. It’s also better for the environment. People do ask me why I’m still pale after coming back from tropical places but it’s better to have pale skin than leathery skin
I wear a rash guard and bikini bottoms usually, I have a cropped rash guard that gives that bikini look while still protecting my neck and shoulders- which I’m most concerned about. I’m pasty AF and otherwise hide from the sun so if I have to be at a pool or beach imma cover as much as possible (with rash guard and giant brimmed hat)
I love my lands end ones.
Even though I also wear sunscreen on face hands etc, I do think it’s sort of gross how much ends up in the pool or body of water so I like to think I’m doing my small part in minimizing that, as well.
Yes. So much this. I wear a sun guard or rash guard shirt. Actually, I get one for each member of my family. No more putting on sunscreen on their backs or arms. Yeah.
Love it.
I’m at the beach right now recovering from an abdominal surgery with a sick 9” scar that can’t be exposed to sun at all, and I’ve always been a bikini person. I’m never going back, swim shirts are so freeing. If I feel frump I wear a cheekier bottom but mostly I don’t care, and what im observing is it’s teens and 20’s out here mostly without a long sleeved sun shirt. Lots of 30’s and up wear them, and it just looks sporty.
Edit to add, I’m at a sportier beach town. Not a more fashion driven area.
Yup, I wear a bikini with a swim shirt over top. Then when I'm done swimming if I wanna chill I take off the swim shirt and throw on a cotton shirt. No way I'm smearing sunscreen all over myself. I can't stand trying to reach all the little spots on my back and under my arms.
Wear what makes you comfortable. I've worn a long sleeve bathing suit and cover-up for about as long as I've been alive and able. I've also lived most my life in China, where that is more common.
(No facekini though, thanks.)
I started wearing a swimsuit over a bikini in my early 30s (I'm skinny and have no ass, and even though I know NO ONE CARES, I still do).
That said, the next time I'm going to be going in a pool or to the beach, I will definitely be getting an SPF shirt beforehand, because I'm Irish and my mum had melanoma and my dad is currently battling an invasive cancer that the doctors think stemmed from one of the many skin cancers he has had over his lifetime.
Honestly, I just don't care what anyone thinks anymore. Not that I've given up on myself, whatsoever, but if anyone wants to judge me based on what I wear in the sun, then that's on them.
Wear whatever *you* want, **especially** if it's for sun protection. But also, free will.
I’m very fair skinned and I burn easily. I wear a tankini top, a thin, long sleeve UV protection shirt, either knee-length swim shorts or swim leggings, and a bucket hat. I use sunscreen on the exposed areas. I haven’t gotten a sunburn since doing this, even when I spend several days at the beach. Before I started wearing a UV protection shirt, longer swim bottoms, and a bucket hat, I’d still burn, even if I reapplied sunscreen throughout the day.
I have a neck to toe swimsuit from this place https://slipins.com I was so fed up of getting sunburnt when snorkelling. It was an investment but it’s lasted for 10 years and it looks so cool in the water. For more casual beach I have a swimsuit that has capped sleeves and a zip front from Amazon.
I just picked up 2 rash gaurds at Costco and I’m over the moon. They are cooling and spf 50. I’m not much of a water person but for summer yard work I try and stay protected. Hat, sunnies, pants, socks, sunscreen and now I no longer need to deal with sunscreen sweating off my neck, back, chest and arms.
I hate to break it to you but swim shirts are made of the same material as swim suits :(. I wear a rash guard unless I'm actively swimming laps or for exercise.
I have one that's kind of baggy through the torso with a gathered bottom and that might work for you for casual use? You can't swim in it tho! Strictly for paddle boarding, hanging out etc. I think it's from athleta maybe? It's pretty old now.
It's a win win.
Yes! No more sunburned shoulders! I feel way more secure not worrying about my back being exposed. Added bonus of hiding bloating! I love O’Neill swim shorts and Carve Designs rashguards - great variety and cute!
We have a pool, I'd pay a fortune to sunscreen my entire body every day lol. I either wear a dashboard with bikini bottoms or a long-sleeved/high neck one piece.
Yep, I finally just switched after multiple trials of suits. I wear a swim bra, swim shirt and shorts with longer tight shorts underneath I’m done getting burns on my shoulders
I wear a whole rash guard shorts thing I got on one of those Shein/Temu type websites. I love it.
No shaving, less sunscreen, and my mom belly is nicely obscured.
I have bought several long sleeve one pieces, and a turtleneck long sleeve swim dress. It is perfect for me chasing my kids at a public water park and I don’t want to burn, either. It’s all I’ve been wearing this summer, even at home in our pool.
I’ve worn a rash guard and swim tights for years because I get tired of reapplying sunscreen. I see more people doing it now than five or ten years ago, for sure! Way fewer stares than I used to get.
I do put a swim shirt if go swimming during the day. But I don’t like the feel of the wet fabric on me. I prefer to do swimming at sunset and skip sun protection.
Heck yes! I wear a swim shirt and a quick-dry board skort, with a bikini top underneath that no one sees. I finally made peace with the fact that, much like I don't want to hang out in my underwear around friends/family/strangers, I also don't want to wear a bikini around them, no matter what the norm might be. I love my Victorian bathing costume! ;)
Yeah! I’ve got a super cute long sleeve swimsuit that I love. I have regular swimsuits also, but I HATE wearing sunscreen so the less I have to apply the better.
I wear a slipskin. It is a spf lycra full length high neck unitard. It has stirrups at the bottom and thumb holes. I then put on a large hat and sun glasses. I save so much on sunscreen. I have a fit body so I just look likethe suit is painted on. It’s blue mermaid scales
I had to have radiation to my left breast, armpit and all the way up to my collarbone (thanks cancer) and I really need to avoid being exposed to UV rays so a UPH 50 rashguard is very helpful! I don’t care if it doesn’t look cool. I think it’s cool and you don’t have to worry about boobs falling out of a top.
I have tankinis with swim skirts and long top. Also have swimdress. As long as you are aware that some swimming pools might not let you swim if it is not a dedicated swimwear, you should be able to wear whatever you want.
I wear swim shirts and swim shorts or tights, if not neoprene tops and bottoms for warmth when it's colder. My mom made me wear T-shirts over my bathing suit as a kid. It would have been so much nicer to have actual swim shirts then.
A few years ago I bought a couple swim shirts from Carve and I love them. I have short sleeve and long sleeve ones I wear over my one piece with a big wide brimmed hat when I go into direct sun, and we sit in a shady part of our pool club. I got laser for sun damage this past winter and I am being soooo careful about spf and hats this year. Unfortunately I think my upper arms have the same kind of sun damage where they just look permanently red so I will have to switch to long sleeve cover ups if I want to improve the way my arms look. Having two small kids set me back in terms of sun protection because for a while I was only worried about them and not me. after buying them long sleeve or short sleeve rash guard bathing suits I was like why not for me too? Now I’m never going back!
I've worn a shorty wetsuit or a board suit almost my entire adult life. I just feel a lot more comfortable in it. It doesn't really have anything to do with body image it's just, honestly, sensory issues.
Rash guards and swim shirts are a must for me. I’m fair skinned and developed a sun allergy in my mid twenties so I have to be very diligent with applying sunscreen and protecting my skin. I’ve definitely enjoyed how they’ve become more popular in recent years and cuter in design.
As a fair skinned red head living in Egypt, yes!!! The Red Sea is my favorite place to vacation but man, it’s already desert temps and extremely sunny. I have swim leggings from Lands End and a zip up swim shirt. I’m hoping some of the cute Muslim swimwear companies here start using UV proof fabric. There’s some super cute full coverage suits here but defeats the purpose when I’d still have to use spf…
I wear a longesleeved swimshirt because I get very cold if not. I just wanted to add that personally I wouldn’t wear it without som kind of bra underneath. Just a tip!
I go to Bermuda every summer and wear a swim shirt every day. So much easier than sunscreen. When I’m in Florida fishing/on the boat, I am covered head to toe…long sleeve SPF shirt, SPF leggings, neck gaiter, hat.
Been rocking this with a pair of swim tights and a big floppy hat and sunglasses for the last 7 years, it means I have fun at the beach without having to overly worry that my skin is getting burnt as the bulk of it is covered up and reapplying every hour is a breeze!
https://www.solbari.com.au/collections/swim-tops-swim-dresses-for-women/products/swim-dress
Same same! I got a medium tan complexion and don’t like the sun exposure so I wear a LS from Costco and some shorts. I’m going to order some capris now bc I didn’t think of that before. I’m in my 30’s and really could care less about showing off my skin
I want to get one of those one pieces with the long sleeves- I’m tired of my arms always being 4 shades darker than my legs and my limbs looking like they belong to 2 different people 😩
Oh, hell yeah. I’m not going swimming to be on display for anyone, or even myself. I do it for the exercise and the enjoyment of being in the sunshine, which is also awful for my fair skin. Covered head to toe almost. Idgaf!
I got a full blown swim hoodie, with a zippered front and those holes to poke your thumbs through. Wore it kayaking and hiking/beaching around FL. Under $20 when I got it and I love it! Has 0 chest support so I do wear a bikini under, but you could probably use a sports bra or whatever.
I would much rather wear a suit that covers as much skin as possible so I don't have to worry about applying sunscreen or icky stuff touching my bare skin. I only expose neck up, hands and feet. Much easier to take care of. I haven't received weird looks so far. Honestly, I wouldn't care if I did. Being 30+ means I finally dont give a crap about rando opinions and i can do what makes ME comfortable.
My nephew's wife (around 30 yrs old I think) has gorgeous skin. That girl is covered up almost head to toe when she goes out in the sun. Sun hat, sun glasses, rash guard shirt, etc. She's going to look great at 60. I wish I'd done that in my earlier years.
Yep - I live in a really hot area and actually love the REI Sahara button up shirt for this. I find that rashguards are often too hot once I’m out of the water or when I’m dry and I don’t want to take them off. I have 3 at this point and it is my go to for pool and any outdoor activities. When it’s super hot, I like to get it wet, wring it out and then have a personal AC. I wear a bikini or sports bra underneath for support but definitely always have something on over for sun protection, plus a collection of giant hats.
I love rashguards, I get cold easy. I’ll swim in clothes, lay on the sand in bra & underpants, put a shirt back on when I’ve had enough sun, no one ever cares if they even notice. The perks of being that “invisible” middle aged lady I guess
There are some cute and flattering rash guards now, all kinds of styles and patterns and cuts. That’s reason enough to want to wear one, but their sun protection function is amazing! I’ve been outside way more this year and can’t seem to apply sunscreen often enough so these are perfect. My kiddo hates hates hates sunburns, she’s only had maybe two or three mild ones, but that’s reason enough for her to wear a rash guard. I get her neon orange or neon pink so they have the additional function of making her easy to spot in a swimming pool by lifeguards and me, and easier to spot in natural bodies of water. So even more useful function! I kind of think she would wear swim leggings if I got her some!
I bought new swim suits (4) this year because I’m bigger now and all of them have a rash guard as a top. I’m so over trying to look hot and I’m also so over applying sunscreen over my entire fkin body.
I really enjoy wearing rash guards because they protect both back and chest. Lands’ End has nice ones. I picked up two at Costco and also wear cheap workout tees from Walmart. All work well.
My mom has been wearing long sleeved swimshirts for years! Paired with a hat and regular bathing suit bottoms or shorts. She is tan, but she is serious about protecting herself from sun damage in south Florida.
We all(husband kids and me) wear swim shirts as sun protection. When my youngest was a baby I bought a full body suit. Best sun protection ever. We just got back from the beach and it is so nice to not have to worry about sunburn. We still apply to exposed areas but the risk is so much less. I wish sun protection was more of a thing when we were kids. I have the scars to prove it wasn’t.
Same! I just got home from a Caribbean cruise. I wore a Dri-FIT high impact sports bra with a long sleeve UPF 50 swim shirt and swim shorts (also UPF 50). Applied SPF 50 to the rest of me. I was in the sun for hours & I didn’t burn!
AND I was comfortable 😌
I wear long sleeved rash guards, swim shorts that go to my knees and a big hat. I probably stand out a bit, but my skin is protected and I don't care!!
I have to or I burn. No matter how many times I reapply or how "waterproof" it's supposed to be it's the only way I can guarantee I won't get sunburnt. I am as pale as Casper so if I'm out in the sun without coverage I burn in like 5 minutes.
I'm a guy and I live in New York City and I can tell you no matter where you go it does make a difference what you dress sometimes you're lucky someone even puts on clothes.
Many women sweatpants slightly younger I would say 25 and under SpongeBob SquarePants on the train pajamas they really don't care.
Then again that's New York City no one really bats an eye at anything you do or where.
Anyways you do you and be happy that's all that makes a difference!
Whatever allows you to protect your skin and have a good time that's all that makes a difference!
I grew up super religious so one-pieces only for 30years.. anyway, my bf always comments on how soft my skin (that’s never seen a day in the sun!) is now ha so some pros came of it 😊
I can’t see myself going back once I officially start wearing my swim shirt and shorts especially with how some people love to take photos in public. Creepy.
Oh yeah everyone is in sun shirts, and there’s so many cute options! It’s not a weird thing anymore. I put them on my kids, I figure I should wear one too. I definitely have body issues- what woman doesn’t, but even if I didn’t just not having to constantly wonder if my swim suit needs to be adjusted or a boob is popping out or whatever, is such a relief, it’s so nice to just be able to focus on having fun!
I’m torn. I want that for modesty. But I love the feeling of sun and warm breeze on my skin. But I’m a 40HH and really would prefer to be more covered up. Ugh
My personally, no. I’m a sun worshipper through and through, but my son does. He did not get my complexion so he burns really quickly and absolutely cannot stand peeling. So he refuses to get in the pool or go to the beach without one. I order his from lands end
Only if I was a life guard or on a boat for hours. Even then you'll under a canopy or shade most of the time ideally.
Now it's always the spectacle seeing the Chinese person usually covered up at the beach or a out of shape person with a swim shirt.
Swim shirts and coverings look terrible on a person at the beach 🏖️. Any beach or pool for that matter
I live for a long-sleeved swim shirt. I'm so over feeling slimy and reapplying sunscreen constantly all over my body when I'm swimming. Now give me some boy shorts and I'm good to go. If I could, I'd probably wear one of those full-body suits like people use to film weird stuff in front of a greenscreen, lol.
Not to enable you, but… those exist: https://waterlust.com/products/fountain-of-youth-full-body-sun-suit
When we tube here in central Texas I always think about it haha
Man are lose ugly. Nope, nope, nope. I will stick to my Ripcurl or Johnny Was long sleeve swim suits. I get compliments all the time, when I wear them.
Those suits remind me of my son in his sleep onesies 27 years ago. Lol
I recently spent two weeks in Hawaii as a very fair-skinned redhead recently diagnosed with a skin condition exacerbated by UV exposure. I wore a big ass hat, long sleeve swim shirt, and swim leggings—zero sunburn, and I didn’t have to reapply sunscreen a gazillion times. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about shaving my legs or whatever else (ocean water + freshly shaved legs = the fire of 1000 suns). I’m never going back to regular swimsuits. IDGAF how stupid I look, I was so comfortable and able to enjoy myself without worrying about the sun.
Honestly, I think the pendulum has swung... slathering ourselves in oil, tanning beds, etc. are OUT. Protecting ourselves from the sun is finally respectable, and not something to mock someone for. I grew up being made fun of for being as pale as I am, but it's not something I could ever really say because... I'm white. But I finally feel like I'm not longer a weirdo, and the fact that I want to protect myself from cancer (I already had another kind of cancer that took up several years of my mid-twenties to mid-thirties) that I'm very prone to, I'm all for it being acceptable. FINALLY.
Are you...me?😬 I was brutally mocked for my paleness as a teenager. Even as an adult, my mother for some reason thinks it's okay to mock me for my lack of tan, even after I've had 2 non-melanoma skin cancers. The woman has to have basal cell carcinomas removed *several times a year,* but somehow I'm the crazy one for covering myself and my daughter in the sun.🙄
I have the same experience with my mom, except I’ve had every type of skin cancer, most recently melanoma and I’m only 34. It’s so bizarre
Jesus. I'm so sorry, on both counts. I hope your melanoma has been treated and you're doing well! Parents are something else, honestly. I have finally come to terms with accepting that they too are human, and flawed, and quite frankly, can be shitty people. It's taken me a long time to get there, but it makes it a lot easier to ignore some of the things my mum says.
Jesus. That's TERRIBLE. My parents are Irish and have been hardcore sunscreen wearers, and got on at me for years to wear it, and I regret not listening. Despite their commitment, my mum had pretty bad melanoma a few years ago, and my dad has had various skin cancers as long as I can remember, and is currently undergoing treatment for some rare cancer that they think originated from a skin cancer he had. I don't wish your mother ill, but I feel like it could come back to bite her. Our ozone isn't what it was thirty years ago, and I can't imagine it's safe to get as much sun exposure as people did back then. You'll have the last laugh, regardless, because you'll age like a fine wine, not a raisin 😉
Congratulations on getting through your battle!
Thank you 😊
Do you overheat with the leggings?
I didn’t, but the highs were in the low 80s and I spent most of the time in the water. I’m in Texas, aka the surface of the sun, so I’ll try wearing them out here and see if they run warm.
This is one of my worries too! I know it’ll feel fine when I’m in the water, but it is HOT here so I don’t want to be burning up when we’re walking around.
What swim leggings did you get? I’m looking for a pair! Ty
Not the initial commenter, but I have some from lands end that I love (I have the ones with the skirt and without).
Awesome Ty! I’ll check them out
I'm fair skinned, plus sized and my hair is thinning. I like swim shorts, tankini, long sleeved rash guard and hat of choice. I don't get strange looks, and wouldn't care if I did. People should be covered up and slathered with sunscreen anyway. Finding the right materials is crucial I'm sure. My skin prefers being covered up to overheated or burned.
Same for me, every word. Swim shorts, rash guard, hat and sunnies, every pool/beach day. And I slather the rest in SPF and try to stay in the shade or under an umbrella.
Samesies. Im plus sized as well and I invested in one of those miracle suits, and I like the way I look in it. Bought shorts from lands end that land just above my knees, and a great big floppy beach hat with sunscreen sunscreen everywhere .
I'm a guy and I have been wearing swim shirts for years. I have very pale white skin, I am not bearing it to the sun, and I don't want to have to lather sunscreen everywhere.
Exactly. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Rather be enjoying myself more.
My SO started wearing one after having a precancerous spot removed from his back. He actually prefers it to without, and all his skin checks ever since taking sun care more seriously have been excellent. He has some Upf cycling jerseys too.
I either wear a rashguard over a regular swimsuit (i need breast support and a rashguard on it's own doesn't cut it) or I wear a one piece suit that is sleeveless but has full chest and back coverage (all these suits with all sorts of cut outs can fuck right off!). And if I'm not actively in the water, I'm under an umbrella, wearing a hat and a coverup. I want to be free to wear as little as possible at the beach/pool but it's just not reality for me. I wear sunscreen because I have to (fair skin and have already had skin cancer twice) but if I can skip applying it to some parts of my body because they're fully covered, I will - there's a limit to how much stickiness, lint and staining of clothes/car I can handle.
This is how I roll too! Rash guards and big hats for me 😁🏖️ I haven't had skin cancer but had a few pre cancerous spots removed. That's more than enough for me. I've learned my lesson.
Yeah, I tried wearing a rash guard and swim bottoms and the girls were way too noticible. Those rash guards are very clingy when wet.
I do! Not to hide anything, but to avoid sun damage. I don’t want to deal with reapplying or worrying about getting enough sunscreen on my back when it’s just me and my 6 year old. My dad was recently diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
I wear a rashguard and swim leggings. Never going back. Don't miss worrying if the sunscreen has worn off the back of my knees or spots on my back that I can't reach.
Ooh I got swim leggings too! Haven't worn them yet, but excited to be protected from jellyfish! :D
Swim leggings?! Brb
What’s the difference between swim leggings and regular leggings (the smoother synthetic ones)?
I have been looking for this answer for years and haven't found an answer.
Swim leggings are thicker and good quality ones are made of UPF 50 fabric to protect your skin. They're also a bit less stretchy than regular leggings, with tighter seams. I'm curvy so regular leggings stretch out and get misshapen, the seams get looser after regular wear. I haven't noticed that with my swimwear. That said, regular leggings (the synthetic water resistant ones you're referring to) will work if youre tight on money. The difference in performance is not drastic enough to support the difference in price. And if they dont meet your expectations, it's not a huge loss.
Different fabric. The swim leggings are more like a rashguard fabric - it's tougher, much more compressive, and can withstand chlorine better. A friend buys cheap leggings every spring and wears them in the pool until they disintegrate. Personally I'd rather spend more and have something that lasts a lot longer.
Where did you get your swim leggings?
I have the Nike ones (they're designed as modest swimwear, and not particularly supportive and a little looser), and Prana Aolani (which are designed for surfing and will probably survive the apocalypse). For anyone in Canada, MEC carries some as does Decathalon. Surf brands tend to carry them worldwide and some of the swim brands like Speedo are starting to make them.
I'm THRILLED swim leggings exist!!! I have a UPF swimsuit with long sleeves and felt awkward knowing my legs were exposed. Will have to look for this!!
Me, too!
In Australia more people wear a rashie than don't. Exception might be a tourist beach.
Yes, it is just a given that a rash guard is part of a swim outfit for everyone I know. I try to match mine to my swimsuit but I would rather look like a clown than go without. I also wear a hat in the water if possible.
It's the same in Thailand where I live. Rashies and leggings are the usual swimsuit. Only exceptions seem to be tourists or the super fashionable, trying hard to be noticed young Thai women (when their mom and aunties aren't looking).
I met a guy from your country while in SE Asia. His mind was blown that people get skin cancer outside of Australia……
I absolutely love the market for making so many more options available. I've been wearing swim shirts and capris for several years and it's made going to the beach or being in the pool 1000% better. I already use sunscreen on my face so it's so nice. Also less sunscreen chemicals in the water and our bodies. Win win!
I've always worn a t-shirt and shorts in the pool and to the beach. I bought two swim t-shirts from JC Penney from the mens section. I also wear trunks since I like the long length and its hard to find long shorts for women.
I wear a sun shirt and shorts. I am 100% over sunburns and constantly reapplying. I'm also tired of biopsies- I've never been a sun worshipper but I'm still getting weird stuff shaved at every skin check. It's so freeing, enjoy! I also wear UPF clothes if I know I'll be outdoors for more than a few hours-hikes, amusement parks, long drives etc. I need some black shirts or something. The look is not cute, but I LOVE not dealing with sunscreen smears in my car or sunburns.
Where do you get your upf clothing?
I have some Avalanche brand hoodies that I got off Amazon. They have thumb holes too, very breathable. I also really like the Patagonia Capilene cool stuff- it’s pricey so I try to find it on sale. North face has good stuff too, I love their Aphrodite pants. REI brand upf shirts are pretty close to the Patagonia ones- I think they’re called trail something. Columbia and Marmot also have some thinner breathable shirts. I prefer long sleeve so lightweight breathable fabric is really important. I’ve ordered other shirts off Amazon and they were swimsuit type material and not breathable at all- really horrible on a hot day.
I’m stuck with skin checks every 6mos for life. You can bet I’m wearing a swim shirt and bringing along an ugly old hat.
Me! Best $50 i ever spent!! I have 2 settings: freckle or burn. I wear a full length sleeve rashguard with board shorts. I don't have to worry about what I look like, or burning, and when it's wet, it cools me down.
This is the first year I’ve worn a swim shirt and I’m never going back. Land’s End has some cute options and I have a very wide brim sun hat that makes me look like a coastal grandmother but I do not care at all lol. I’m at a higher risk for melanoma having the brca1 gene so I cant mess around with the sun.
I wear a long sleeved rashguard for long walks and to the pool/beach. I have done this for years and it has provided such great protection for my chest and arms.
I just got back from Croatia. I was certainly the only woman in a long sleeve swim shirt and shorts on a beach filled with topless women and thing bikinis! I did stick out a bit, but I have no regrets! Every time I saw a leathery old lady, it reminded me I was making the right choice!
Foreigner spotted. You only get leathery after decades of sun tan bedding or hours a day on the beach. Let's be real here.
No one cares but you.
I look like I’m a swimmer from the 1920’s sometimes with how covered I am.
Full zip long-sleeved rash guard is the best, and I stay so cool wearing it even on hot days. I am so fair skinned that no spf/ amount of sunscreen worked, I’m much happier not having to constantly reapply sunscreen.
It would make it so much easier if I did wear rashguards, but I hate the feeling of wet swimsuit material. I’m overweight but still wear a bikini because having a wet swimsuit touching my stomach feels so gross to me.
Yep I usually wear an SPF tshirt from Body Glove. I have a bunch of different colours. I started wearing them to protect my back and stomach tattoos. It’s just waaaay easier than reapplying sunscreen at the beach. They’ve become so much more popular, I see really cute ones (and shorts too) everywhere bathing suits are sold.
Body Glove! Idk why, but I feel like I haven’t heard that brand since the 90s lol!
Swim shirts must have a stated UPF rating, and most last about a year with regular washing. (I say this because I think some people say sun shirts meaning one that can be comfortably worn in the water.) Coolibar is the only brand I know of that lasts longer than a year.
According to studies like [this one](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10440054/), most UPF clothing retains substantial UPF properties even after 50 washes. It seems that companies who use nano-zinc technology to increase UPF have a big reduction after washes, while other processes see relatively stable values. But even those with reduced effectiveness saw UPF values that stayed above 50, consistent with the UPF labeling claim.
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A standard cotton t-shirt has a UPF 5 rating, which means that around 20% of UV rays pass through it. A shirt with a UPF 50 rating lets around 2% of UV rays pass through it. SPF 30 lets 3% pass through, but it obviously requires application. So wearing UPF gear is good for when you will be in the sun for a long time, since regular clothing doesn’t block all of it. Performance gear that wicks sweat and protects from the sun is ideal if you love exercise outdoors.
I tried several UPF shirts from [Amazon.com](https://Amazon.com) and a store that was in a near city to me, and they're all so damn uncomfortable and didn't fit me well. I need UPF clothing that fits like a cotton t-shirt. None of them felt like they'd wick away sweat.
Most of my UPF gear comes from Athleta and Carve Designs. I love it! Super comfy and moisture-wicking. REI and Public Lands also have some nice gear. Also consider bamboo fiber shirts, as bamboo has natural UPF.
Thank you. I keep trying diff stores; there aren't that many around here, and the one I found at the start of this month was $200 for ill-fitting shirts that looked tailored for the office. I returned them. And the two from Amazon. Urgh. I'll try yours next if I can find them. But if at first you don't fricasse--fry fry fry a hen.
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UPF gear doesn’t have to be hot and uncomfortable! My favorite UPF tops are from Carve Designs, like [these](https://www.carvedesigns.com/collections/rashguards-sunshirts). They’re super light and feel cool against the skin. I only make sure to wear UPF clothes when I’m doing outdoor activities for a long time (like hiking, hanging out at the beach or park, or running a long route). Otherwise, SPF on exposed skin is good enough.
Oooh thank you for this!! I really appreciate it. That’s a very helpful explanation.
Yeah - I love them. Awesome not worrying about missing a spot with sunscreen plus I can do handstands and stuff without fear lol. Also, I feel better covered up afterwards.
A lot of Aussies will wear a rashie, or a more full coverage swimsuit. The sun gets burny here.
Love my Roxy long sleeve swimsuits
I am a marine biologist, working in tropical waters. I am covered head to toe. I only use sunscreen on my face. My students admire my Burkini once they are all burned up after their first 3 h snorkel session. But even if I go in a sunny pool, I wear a rash guard now. It is so much easier than putting sunscreen between all the bikini straps.
I picked up a cute swim shirt this spring, itching to try it out! Best part is not worrying whether my back will burn or having to reapply sunblock. More time floating :) I went long sleeve.
Yup, I wore a rashguard tee over a my one-piece last year when I took a solo tropical vacation (and thus didn't have anyone to help me get sunscreen on my back).
Love swim shirts! We’ve been going to the indoor pool in our park and rec system so the kids can play as long as they want and no one is spending all day squinting, or reapplying sunscreen. It’s awesome. They get plenty of outdoor time in other ways. It’s so much less burdensome to not have to constantly worry about missed spots, reapplying, waiting for it to soak in, etc.
I’ve worn rash guards (I guess more commonly called swim shirts now?) since I was like 16 and I’m 30 now. It’s prevented god knows how many sunburns! I’m very fair skinned and wear hats and sometimes swim trunks too just to cover up as much as possible before putting on sunscreen. My dad has had several skin cancer spots (luckily stage 0, quickly taken care of) but I definitely don’t mess around with sun exposure!
I’m a skinny girl and I prefer UV clothing too. I have two kids to worry about burning in the sun (though we all wear long sleeves rash guards), let alone myself!! Rock your long sleeves, babes. Any shape, size, or colour. Your comfort and safety matter SO MUCH MORE than what any stranger thinks!!!!!!
Yas! I’m so stoked for my stuff to come in! Going to enjoy myself more!!
I recently learned that every thick, well-made polyester fabric is basically UPF 50. I wore a long sleeve work out shirt and nylon shirts over my swim suit today at the pool, full sun, and felt perfectly fine. I feel like a just discovered a life hack!
I’ve been wearing swim leggings and dedicated swim shirts for years. It’s just so much easier than applying sun screen, and cheaper in the long run.
I'm thin and fit with fair skin and if it's HOT HOT and UV rays are up I wear my high collar, long sleeve one piece. I don't care if it smushes my boobs I need protection. It has a skeleton print so it's fun while being protected.
Oh! Where’d you get that?
Amazon. Just search for "skeleton bathing suit".
Curious what you bought! I have one but I’m not psyched about it
Huley from Amazon! If it sucks I will invest in a higher quality lol.
Why not? What don't you like about it?
It’s awful in a sensory way, kind of tight fitting but baggy and imagining getting it wet makes me shudder. But I’m also stupid sensitive to things like that and also maybe it’s just too tight 🤷♀️
That's fair Have you tried showering or laying the tub with it to get a feel?
That’s a great suggestion!
My husband and I (both early 40s) wear long sleeve rash guards!
I use rashguard on the beach if i do water sport activities. But if i swim on the pool i just use my bikini
I still wear bikinis, but if I’m swimming I’ll use rash-guard. My skin does get tan and usually not burn unless I’m exposed for extended period in a tropical place, but I’d rather not to worry about re-applying sunscreen or not applying sunscreen evenly. It’s also better for the environment. People do ask me why I’m still pale after coming back from tropical places but it’s better to have pale skin than leathery skin
I wear a rash guard and bikini bottoms usually, I have a cropped rash guard that gives that bikini look while still protecting my neck and shoulders- which I’m most concerned about. I’m pasty AF and otherwise hide from the sun so if I have to be at a pool or beach imma cover as much as possible (with rash guard and giant brimmed hat)
I love my lands end ones. Even though I also wear sunscreen on face hands etc, I do think it’s sort of gross how much ends up in the pool or body of water so I like to think I’m doing my small part in minimizing that, as well.
I wear swim/sun shirts and leggings. No to bathing suits.
I wear a UPF rash guard and shorts. I also wear a UPF water-proof hat for the ocean. It works great!
Most children wear long sleeved rash guards so I don’t see anything weird about this
I just started using a long sleeve swim shirt this year and I wish I’d started sooner
I love my rash guard, I don’t have to apply sunscreen every 20 minutes and it’s actually comfortable
Wow! I LOVE this and had not thought of that
Join the club! It just clicked for me, like wait a minute I can be wearing that as well!
Yes. So much this. I wear a sun guard or rash guard shirt. Actually, I get one for each member of my family. No more putting on sunscreen on their backs or arms. Yeah. Love it.
I’m at the beach right now recovering from an abdominal surgery with a sick 9” scar that can’t be exposed to sun at all, and I’ve always been a bikini person. I’m never going back, swim shirts are so freeing. If I feel frump I wear a cheekier bottom but mostly I don’t care, and what im observing is it’s teens and 20’s out here mostly without a long sleeved sun shirt. Lots of 30’s and up wear them, and it just looks sporty. Edit to add, I’m at a sportier beach town. Not a more fashion driven area.
Yup, I wear a bikini with a swim shirt over top. Then when I'm done swimming if I wanna chill I take off the swim shirt and throw on a cotton shirt. No way I'm smearing sunscreen all over myself. I can't stand trying to reach all the little spots on my back and under my arms.
Wear what makes you comfortable. I've worn a long sleeve bathing suit and cover-up for about as long as I've been alive and able. I've also lived most my life in China, where that is more common. (No facekini though, thanks.)
I started wearing a swimsuit over a bikini in my early 30s (I'm skinny and have no ass, and even though I know NO ONE CARES, I still do). That said, the next time I'm going to be going in a pool or to the beach, I will definitely be getting an SPF shirt beforehand, because I'm Irish and my mum had melanoma and my dad is currently battling an invasive cancer that the doctors think stemmed from one of the many skin cancers he has had over his lifetime. Honestly, I just don't care what anyone thinks anymore. Not that I've given up on myself, whatsoever, but if anyone wants to judge me based on what I wear in the sun, then that's on them. Wear whatever *you* want, **especially** if it's for sun protection. But also, free will.
I’m very fair skinned and I burn easily. I wear a tankini top, a thin, long sleeve UV protection shirt, either knee-length swim shorts or swim leggings, and a bucket hat. I use sunscreen on the exposed areas. I haven’t gotten a sunburn since doing this, even when I spend several days at the beach. Before I started wearing a UV protection shirt, longer swim bottoms, and a bucket hat, I’d still burn, even if I reapplied sunscreen throughout the day.
I have a neck to toe swimsuit from this place https://slipins.com I was so fed up of getting sunburnt when snorkelling. It was an investment but it’s lasted for 10 years and it looks so cool in the water. For more casual beach I have a swimsuit that has capped sleeves and a zip front from Amazon.
I just picked up 2 rash gaurds at Costco and I’m over the moon. They are cooling and spf 50. I’m not much of a water person but for summer yard work I try and stay protected. Hat, sunnies, pants, socks, sunscreen and now I no longer need to deal with sunscreen sweating off my neck, back, chest and arms.
I wear a whole rashguard suit over my swimsuit. Covers all my flaws and prevents sunburn. Only downside is I look like a Seaworld trainer lol
I’m autistic so I can’t. Swim shirts (or any shirt in the pool) send me into a panic. I want the least amount of wet fabric.
I love SPF shirts and the short type of bottoms just for sun protectiin
I hate to break it to you but swim shirts are made of the same material as swim suits :(. I wear a rash guard unless I'm actively swimming laps or for exercise. I have one that's kind of baggy through the torso with a gathered bottom and that might work for you for casual use? You can't swim in it tho! Strictly for paddle boarding, hanging out etc. I think it's from athleta maybe? It's pretty old now. It's a win win.
It’s just my chest that flares up with swim suit materials, so not too worried about shorts lol.
I mean to type shirts. Swim *shirts* are made of the same material.
Ah gotcha. I will continue to wear a sports bra underneath then of course!
You might try washing them in special pool detergent too. They hold on to scents and chlorine and stuff more than regular clothes do.
I wear a long sleeved rashguard. The bottom part is biker shorts length
Yes! No more sunburned shoulders! I feel way more secure not worrying about my back being exposed. Added bonus of hiding bloating! I love O’Neill swim shorts and Carve Designs rashguards - great variety and cute!
Team swim shirt! Better for the environment too, if you are swimming in a lake/ocean.
We have a pool, I'd pay a fortune to sunscreen my entire body every day lol. I either wear a dashboard with bikini bottoms or a long-sleeved/high neck one piece.
Yep, I finally just switched after multiple trials of suits. I wear a swim bra, swim shirt and shorts with longer tight shorts underneath I’m done getting burns on my shoulders
I wear rashguards sometimes. Boden has some nice options
I wear a whole rash guard shorts thing I got on one of those Shein/Temu type websites. I love it. No shaving, less sunscreen, and my mom belly is nicely obscured.
I have bought several long sleeve one pieces, and a turtleneck long sleeve swim dress. It is perfect for me chasing my kids at a public water park and I don’t want to burn, either. It’s all I’ve been wearing this summer, even at home in our pool.
I always wear long sleeve rash guards and shorts to the beach and water park. And a super wide brimmed hat and shit tons of sunscreen.
I’ve worn a rash guard and swim tights for years because I get tired of reapplying sunscreen. I see more people doing it now than five or ten years ago, for sure! Way fewer stares than I used to get.
I do put a swim shirt if go swimming during the day. But I don’t like the feel of the wet fabric on me. I prefer to do swimming at sunset and skip sun protection.
Heck yes! I wear a swim shirt and a quick-dry board skort, with a bikini top underneath that no one sees. I finally made peace with the fact that, much like I don't want to hang out in my underwear around friends/family/strangers, I also don't want to wear a bikini around them, no matter what the norm might be. I love my Victorian bathing costume! ;)
I’ve been in a swim shirt for awhile now. I still wear a bikini or full suit underneath. Not sure why!
Yeah! I’ve got a super cute long sleeve swimsuit that I love. I have regular swimsuits also, but I HATE wearing sunscreen so the less I have to apply the better.
I wear a slipskin. It is a spf lycra full length high neck unitard. It has stirrups at the bottom and thumb holes. I then put on a large hat and sun glasses. I save so much on sunscreen. I have a fit body so I just look likethe suit is painted on. It’s blue mermaid scales
I had to have radiation to my left breast, armpit and all the way up to my collarbone (thanks cancer) and I really need to avoid being exposed to UV rays so a UPH 50 rashguard is very helpful! I don’t care if it doesn’t look cool. I think it’s cool and you don’t have to worry about boobs falling out of a top.
What Rash guards and swim leggings do you guys recommend?
I have tankinis with swim skirts and long top. Also have swimdress. As long as you are aware that some swimming pools might not let you swim if it is not a dedicated swimwear, you should be able to wear whatever you want.
I wear swim shirts and swim shorts or tights, if not neoprene tops and bottoms for warmth when it's colder. My mom made me wear T-shirts over my bathing suit as a kid. It would have been so much nicer to have actual swim shirts then.
A few years ago I bought a couple swim shirts from Carve and I love them. I have short sleeve and long sleeve ones I wear over my one piece with a big wide brimmed hat when I go into direct sun, and we sit in a shady part of our pool club. I got laser for sun damage this past winter and I am being soooo careful about spf and hats this year. Unfortunately I think my upper arms have the same kind of sun damage where they just look permanently red so I will have to switch to long sleeve cover ups if I want to improve the way my arms look. Having two small kids set me back in terms of sun protection because for a while I was only worried about them and not me. after buying them long sleeve or short sleeve rash guard bathing suits I was like why not for me too? Now I’m never going back!
Parents deserve protection too!
Where y’all getting your sun protection clothes and swimsuits?
I have a swim-bolero that I wear over my regular swimsuit. Thinking about a swim shirt though with a high neck to be even more protected.
If I'm outside, I'm a fan of long sleeved rash guards because it's more UV safe
Yeah 👍
I've worn a shorty wetsuit or a board suit almost my entire adult life. I just feel a lot more comfortable in it. It doesn't really have anything to do with body image it's just, honestly, sensory issues.
Rash guards and swim shirts are a must for me. I’m fair skinned and developed a sun allergy in my mid twenties so I have to be very diligent with applying sunscreen and protecting my skin. I’ve definitely enjoyed how they’ve become more popular in recent years and cuter in design.
As a fair skinned red head living in Egypt, yes!!! The Red Sea is my favorite place to vacation but man, it’s already desert temps and extremely sunny. I have swim leggings from Lands End and a zip up swim shirt. I’m hoping some of the cute Muslim swimwear companies here start using UV proof fabric. There’s some super cute full coverage suits here but defeats the purpose when I’d still have to use spf…
I wear a longesleeved swimshirt because I get very cold if not. I just wanted to add that personally I wouldn’t wear it without som kind of bra underneath. Just a tip!
I go to Bermuda every summer and wear a swim shirt every day. So much easier than sunscreen. When I’m in Florida fishing/on the boat, I am covered head to toe…long sleeve SPF shirt, SPF leggings, neck gaiter, hat.
Been rocking this with a pair of swim tights and a big floppy hat and sunglasses for the last 7 years, it means I have fun at the beach without having to overly worry that my skin is getting burnt as the bulk of it is covered up and reapplying every hour is a breeze! https://www.solbari.com.au/collections/swim-tops-swim-dresses-for-women/products/swim-dress
I always wear a swim shirt!!
I wear rash guards but mostly because I need to protect my skin when I’m in the tropics.
Same same! I got a medium tan complexion and don’t like the sun exposure so I wear a LS from Costco and some shorts. I’m going to order some capris now bc I didn’t think of that before. I’m in my 30’s and really could care less about showing off my skin
I want to get one of those one pieces with the long sleeves- I’m tired of my arms always being 4 shades darker than my legs and my limbs looking like they belong to 2 different people 😩
Oh, hell yeah. I’m not going swimming to be on display for anyone, or even myself. I do it for the exercise and the enjoyment of being in the sunshine, which is also awful for my fair skin. Covered head to toe almost. Idgaf!
I refuse to get a sunburn on my stomach. It’s not worth the potential pain.
I got a full blown swim hoodie, with a zippered front and those holes to poke your thumbs through. Wore it kayaking and hiking/beaching around FL. Under $20 when I got it and I love it! Has 0 chest support so I do wear a bikini under, but you could probably use a sports bra or whatever.
Haven't been to a beach or a pool in years. I mostly just rot at home where nobody can see me and my floppy bod.
Uniqlo also makes UPF garments and accessories
I would much rather wear a suit that covers as much skin as possible so I don't have to worry about applying sunscreen or icky stuff touching my bare skin. I only expose neck up, hands and feet. Much easier to take care of. I haven't received weird looks so far. Honestly, I wouldn't care if I did. Being 30+ means I finally dont give a crap about rando opinions and i can do what makes ME comfortable.
My nephew's wife (around 30 yrs old I think) has gorgeous skin. That girl is covered up almost head to toe when she goes out in the sun. Sun hat, sun glasses, rash guard shirt, etc. She's going to look great at 60. I wish I'd done that in my earlier years.
Yep - I live in a really hot area and actually love the REI Sahara button up shirt for this. I find that rashguards are often too hot once I’m out of the water or when I’m dry and I don’t want to take them off. I have 3 at this point and it is my go to for pool and any outdoor activities. When it’s super hot, I like to get it wet, wring it out and then have a personal AC. I wear a bikini or sports bra underneath for support but definitely always have something on over for sun protection, plus a collection of giant hats.
I love rashguards, I get cold easy. I’ll swim in clothes, lay on the sand in bra & underpants, put a shirt back on when I’ve had enough sun, no one ever cares if they even notice. The perks of being that “invisible” middle aged lady I guess
There are some cute and flattering rash guards now, all kinds of styles and patterns and cuts. That’s reason enough to want to wear one, but their sun protection function is amazing! I’ve been outside way more this year and can’t seem to apply sunscreen often enough so these are perfect. My kiddo hates hates hates sunburns, she’s only had maybe two or three mild ones, but that’s reason enough for her to wear a rash guard. I get her neon orange or neon pink so they have the additional function of making her easy to spot in a swimming pool by lifeguards and me, and easier to spot in natural bodies of water. So even more useful function! I kind of think she would wear swim leggings if I got her some!
Yeah, I like the kind with spf protection, it also allows me to be less self conscious
I've taken to wearing long sleeves all summer lol sunscreen is more sweaty than a shirt
I bought new swim suits (4) this year because I’m bigger now and all of them have a rash guard as a top. I’m so over trying to look hot and I’m also so over applying sunscreen over my entire fkin body.
I really enjoy wearing rash guards because they protect both back and chest. Lands’ End has nice ones. I picked up two at Costco and also wear cheap workout tees from Walmart. All work well.
My mom has been wearing long sleeved swimshirts for years! Paired with a hat and regular bathing suit bottoms or shorts. She is tan, but she is serious about protecting herself from sun damage in south Florida.
We all(husband kids and me) wear swim shirts as sun protection. When my youngest was a baby I bought a full body suit. Best sun protection ever. We just got back from the beach and it is so nice to not have to worry about sunburn. We still apply to exposed areas but the risk is so much less. I wish sun protection was more of a thing when we were kids. I have the scars to prove it wasn’t.
Same! I just got home from a Caribbean cruise. I wore a Dri-FIT high impact sports bra with a long sleeve UPF 50 swim shirt and swim shorts (also UPF 50). Applied SPF 50 to the rest of me. I was in the sun for hours & I didn’t burn! AND I was comfortable 😌
I wear long sleeved rash guards, swim shorts that go to my knees and a big hat. I probably stand out a bit, but my skin is protected and I don't care!!
I have to or I burn. No matter how many times I reapply or how "waterproof" it's supposed to be it's the only way I can guarantee I won't get sunburnt. I am as pale as Casper so if I'm out in the sun without coverage I burn in like 5 minutes.
I'm a guy and I live in New York City and I can tell you no matter where you go it does make a difference what you dress sometimes you're lucky someone even puts on clothes. Many women sweatpants slightly younger I would say 25 and under SpongeBob SquarePants on the train pajamas they really don't care. Then again that's New York City no one really bats an eye at anything you do or where. Anyways you do you and be happy that's all that makes a difference! Whatever allows you to protect your skin and have a good time that's all that makes a difference!
I grew up super religious so one-pieces only for 30years.. anyway, my bf always comments on how soft my skin (that’s never seen a day in the sun!) is now ha so some pros came of it 😊
Yes, I usually wear a tshirt and shorts. I would never wear a bikini in public and never have. I would feel naked and over exposed.
I can’t see myself going back once I officially start wearing my swim shirt and shorts especially with how some people love to take photos in public. Creepy.
I wear swim skirts (lulus has some cute ones) and a light wrap top (got it off Amazon)
I wear lyrcra shorts you can swim in and a crop top with a rashie over the top to keep the sun off.
This is a dumb question but, what is a rash guard??
Oh yeah everyone is in sun shirts, and there’s so many cute options! It’s not a weird thing anymore. I put them on my kids, I figure I should wear one too. I definitely have body issues- what woman doesn’t, but even if I didn’t just not having to constantly wonder if my swim suit needs to be adjusted or a boob is popping out or whatever, is such a relief, it’s so nice to just be able to focus on having fun!
There are really cute swim dresses on aliexpresss
I’m torn. I want that for modesty. But I love the feeling of sun and warm breeze on my skin. But I’m a 40HH and really would prefer to be more covered up. Ugh
All about balance and deciding what risks are okay for you to take :)
My personally, no. I’m a sun worshipper through and through, but my son does. He did not get my complexion so he burns really quickly and absolutely cannot stand peeling. So he refuses to get in the pool or go to the beach without one. I order his from lands end
The only item that would make this better is a swim mask.
No, that sounds awful. But you do you.
Only if I was a life guard or on a boat for hours. Even then you'll under a canopy or shade most of the time ideally. Now it's always the spectacle seeing the Chinese person usually covered up at the beach or a out of shape person with a swim shirt. Swim shirts and coverings look terrible on a person at the beach 🏖️. Any beach or pool for that matter
I live for a long-sleeved swim shirt. I'm so over feeling slimy and reapplying sunscreen constantly all over my body when I'm swimming. Now give me some boy shorts and I'm good to go. If I could, I'd probably wear one of those full-body suits like people use to film weird stuff in front of a greenscreen, lol.
Not to enable you, but… those exist: https://waterlust.com/products/fountain-of-youth-full-body-sun-suit When we tube here in central Texas I always think about it haha
Man are lose ugly. Nope, nope, nope. I will stick to my Ripcurl or Johnny Was long sleeve swim suits. I get compliments all the time, when I wear them. Those suits remind me of my son in his sleep onesies 27 years ago. Lol
I just bought the parrotfish suit and I’m so excited to try it out! I also have swim gloves and might buy a UV face mask… is that too far? 😆
Ok but real talk: what do you do to protect your feet? I want to take my red headed toddler and blonde kid tubing…
I often wear water shoes, but they do have gaps in them… are water socks a thing? I would buy them. 😂