I used to be that person who would pack three different bottles of sunscreen spray for a single day at the beach and I would still end up with random red patches all over my back. It was honestly so exhausting trying to make sure I covered every single inch of my skin especially when the wind was blowing the mist everywhere except on my body. Last summer I got a really nasty burn on my shoulders during a boat trip because I missed a spot and I just decided I was completely done with the whole routine. I went online and ordered a long sleeve one piece swimsuit on a total whim even though I was worried I would look like a scuba diver or a middle school gym teacher. Honestly it was the best thing I have ever done for my summer sanity. Wearing a rash guard or a long sleeve suit means you can basically skip ninety percent of the full body lotion application and just enjoy your day without checking the clock every two hours for a reapply.
The sheer bliss of skipping the messy application lines
There is nothing worse than that sticky and greasy feeling you get when you mix sand with fresh sunscreen spray right after you get out of the water. I used to spend the first twenty minutes of my beach day just trying to reach the middle of my back or begging my friends to help me out. With a long sleeve suit you just zip it up and you are completely good to go. The fabric does all the heavy lifting for you and it blocks the sun way better than any cream ever could anyway. I noticed I save so much time in the morning now because I only have to put a little bit of protection on my face and my hands and my legs. It feels so liberating to just run straight into the ocean the second you arrive at the sand instead of doing a whole prep routine.
Keeping your cool even when the sun is blazing
A lot of people always ask me if I am sweating or suffocating under all that extra fabric but it is actually the exact opposite. Most high quality long sleeve swimsuits are made from this really cool and breathable tech material that feels amazing when it gets wet. When the ocean breeze hits the damp fabric it actually keeps your core temperature down way better than being totally bare. It acts like a little personal air conditioner for your torso and arms. Plus you do not have to deal with that intense stinging heat on your skin at the end of the day because your upper body has been sitting in the shade the whole time.
Why you can actually be active without the constant stress
I love doing water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling but doing those things in a regular bikini is basically an invitation for a terrible sunburn. When you are floating on your stomach looking at fish your entire back is just baking in the sun for hours. My long sleeve suit has completely changed how I vacation because I can stay out on the water for half the day without a single worry. You also do not have to worry about your straps slipping or your top coming off when a big wave hits you. It gives you this awesome tomboy confidence where you can just focus on having fun and being adventurous instead of constantly adjusting your clothes.
The surprising fashion upgrade of the surf girl look
I actually think the long sleeve athletic look is way cooler and more sophisticated than the typical beach outfits you see everywhere now. It gives off this very effortless and professional surfer girl energy that feels really grounded and chic. I found one with a cute zipper down the front so I can leave it open a little bit if I want to show some skin when the sun goes down. When we go grab tacos or drinks after the beach I just throw on a denim skirt or shorts and it looks like a stylish long sleeve top. You do not even need a cover up because the outfit is already built right into the suit.
Saving your wallet and the ocean environment at the same time
Good sunscreen is getting ridiculously expensive these days and I used to go through a whole bottle in just one weekend trip. When you calculate how much money you spend on those sprays over a few summers a high quality long sleeve suit easily pays for itself in no time. It is also a lot better for the coral reefs because even the reef safe sunscreens can leave a weird film on the water when tons of people are using them. Knowing that I am protecting my skin and saving money while keeping the water clean makes me feel so much better about my beach choices. It is the ultimate lazy girl hack that actually makes you look like a total pro.
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