Honestly I used to be that person who packed like five different tiny bikinis for a three day beach trip. I really thought I was gonna look like some tropical goddess in all my photos. But to be real the reality was always way less glamorous than the stuff you see on Instagram. 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 to Thailand I finally just caved and bought a long sleeve swimsuit on a whim and I am telling you now I am never going back. It is funny because I thought I would look like a dorky scuba diver or something but it actually ended up being the most stylish and functional thing I owned for the whole trip. It just makes everything about being at the beach so much easier when you aren't constantly fighting with your clothes or the sun.
You can finally stop obsessing over sunscreen all day
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. The best thing about a long sleeve suit is that you basically have a built in shield for your most vulnerable spots. I love that I can just zip up 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.
It actually doubles as a really cute top for lunch
One of my favorite hacks lately is wearing my long sleeve swimsuit as a bodysuit 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 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. 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 always a win in my book.
No more 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. I have had way too many close calls where a wave hit me and suddenly my top was halfway around my waist. It is so embarrassing and just plain annoying. With a long sleeve suit everything stays exactly where it is supposed to be. There is something really empowering about being able to move around and dive without having to constantly check if you are still decent. It just lets you focus on having fun instead of worrying about your outfit falling apart every time you move an inch.
It gives off a very cool surf girl vibe
There is just something about a long sleeve suit that looks so much more intentional and cool than a basic bikini. It gives off this effortless active vibe like you actually know what you are doing on a surfboard even if you are just there for the photos like I 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 keeps you warm when the sun goes down
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. Having that extra layer of fabric on your arms makes a huge difference. 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. 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 it you will wonder why you ever bothered with those tiny stringy tops in the first place.
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