I used to be that person who would pack like five different tiny bikinis for a three day weekend thinking I was going to look like a tropical goddess or something. But honestly the reality was always way less glamorous than the photos. I would end up with these really awkward sunburns on my shoulders or I would spend the whole time feeling super self conscious while snorkeling because my top kept sliding around in the waves. Last year when I went on a trip I finally just caved and bought a sleek one piece on a whim and I am telling you now that I am never going back to the old way. It is funny because I used to think one pieces were just for lap swimming or for older ladies but they actually ended up being the most stylish and functional thing I owned. It just makes everything about being at the beach so much easier when you aren't constantly fighting with your clothes or worrying about the sun hitting your skin too hard.
You can finally stop obsessing over sunscreen every hour
We have all had that moment where you realize you forgot to put lotion on your back and now you are a bright shade of lobster for the rest of the vacation. It sucks so much and it basically ruins the vibe. The best thing about a solid one piece especially those with a bit more coverage is that you basically have a built in shield for your most vulnerable spots. I love that I can just pull it on and go out on a boat or spend hours in the water without having to set a timer on my phone to reapply sunscreen every thirty minutes. It saves me so much time and honestly a lot of money on expensive lotions too. Plus your skin will definitely thank you when you aren't peeling by day four of your trip which is always the worst part of a beach holiday.
It actually doubles as a really cute bodysuit for lunch
One of my favorite hacks lately is wearing my swimsuit as a real top once I am out of the water. If you find one with a cool print or even just a sleek solid color you can just throw on some denim shorts or a flowy linen skirt and you are ready for a nice lunch. I have even worn mine to a casual dinner at a beachside cafe and nobody could even tell it was swimwear to be honest. It just looks like a high end sporty top or a chic bodysuit that you bought at a boutique. This is a total lifesaver for packing light because it means you have one less actual shirt to worry about cramming into your suitcase which is a huge win for anyone trying to travel with just a carry on.
No more embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions in the waves
If you are into paddleboarding or even just jumping into the ocean you know that waves are not exactly bikini friendly at all. I have had way too many close calls where a wave hit me and suddenly my top was halfway around my waist and I had to scramble to fix it. It is so embarrassing and just plain annoying when you are trying to have fun. With a one piece everything stays exactly where it is supposed to be no matter how hard the water hits you. There is something really empowering about being able to move around and dive and play without having to constantly check if you are still decent every five minutes. It just lets you focus on the ocean instead of worrying about your outfit falling apart.
It gives off a very cool and intentional vibe
There is just something about a well chosen one piece that looks so much more intentional and cool than a basic string bikini. It gives off this effortless and active vibe like you actually know what you are doing on a surfboard even if you are just there for the photos like I usually am. I’ve noticed that a lot of the higher end brands are doing these amazing cuts now with open backs or cool zippers that make them look really fashion forward. It feels a lot more unique and sophisticated than the standard beach look everyone else is wearing anyway. It is basically the difference between looking like you just threw something on and looking like you have a real vacation style.
It keeps you warm when the wind picks up
Even in tropical places that transition from the hot sun to a breezy boat ride or a late afternoon swim can feel a bit chilly sometimes. Having that extra layer of fabric on your torso makes a huge difference in how long you can actually stay outside. I find that I can stay in the water way longer than my friends because I am not shivering the second a cloud covers the sun or the wind starts blowing. It is just that extra bit of comfort that makes the whole beach experience feel a lot more luxurious and a lot less like a struggle against the elements. Trust me once you try a really good one you will wonder why you ever bothered with those tiny stringy tops in the first place.
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