I don't like swim suits and have constantly looked for a ameliorate solution.  The hatred of bikinis began in junior high. That's when I jumped off the high dive and had a "wardrobe malfunction" – correct in front of the boys! The earth did not swallow me up, every bit much as I wished for information technology. I moved on to a tankini, thinking it would solve my wardrobe problems. That mirage ended when I lost the bikini bottoms while launching a sailboat in heavy surf. Then there was the problem of containing "the girls". Most swimsuits are non designed for curvy women. Modest suits cost hundreds of dollars.  My loathing of standard swimsuits grew.  Surely there was something that allowed full participation in water sports at a reasonable price.  Thankfully, a solution exists!  Sunday-savvy designers are creating innovative options in rash guards every bit swimwear.  What'south even amend? The new swim pieces brand perfect multi-utilize travel garments.

Swim tops from Lands End. Capri from HydroChic. Swim apparel from Athleta. Skirt from LL Bean.

Swim adjust alternatives for travel

Back in the old days, designers viewed sun protection equally a functional necessity with no thought toward style. Rash guards looked like workout shirts and many of them had huge logos printed across the chest. Those days have changed.  Many swim companies are designing cute shirts and bottoms that offer UPF l+ protection.  Rash guards shirts come in a variety of styles and sleeve lengths.  Manufacturers offer swim bottoms equally shorts, skirts, skorts, capris, or tights.  You can even find swim dresses!  Many of these pieces look like normal street wear. That ways you tin can use them equally office of your capsule wardrobe.  They also have backdrop that brand them bang-up for travel.

Swim top from Lands End. Skirt from LL Bean. Leggings from Coolibar

Great properties of rash guards

Rash guards have several properties that make them superior to swim suits:

  • They offering UPF 50+ sun protection – How do you stay out in the sun all day without risking fire or skin cancer?  Rash guards with UPF 50 protection cake out 98% of the sun's UV rays.
  • They dry quickly – Rash guards are swimwear, so the cloth is designed to dry apace.
  • They wick wet – The backdrop that allow the rash guards dry quickly as well hateful that they wick sweat abroad from the torso. This makes them a not bad choice for other outdoor activities, such as hiking and running.
  • They shed dirt – The synthetic fabric resists clay and stains.  Many spots disappear with a light wipe from a damp textile.
  • They come as separates – Each piece is sold separately, allowing you to mix and match as needed.  Layer rash guards over sports bras and bicycle shorts if you desire greater back up.  Bonus – drying time is reduced because each piece dries separately.  Swimsuits usually have multiple layers of material which slows drying time.
  • They expect like normal clothing – Many rash guard tops look like knit tops.  Some swim skirts and shorts come in conservative lengths that y'all could article of clothing beyond the beach. Some bottoms even have pockets!  Solid black swim capris and leggings are duplicate from the non-swimwear versions.

Swim sets from Lands End, Lime Ricki, Swim Outlet, Athleta.

The negative properties of rash guards

No garment is perfect, and rash guards take a few negative properties:

  • They are tight fitting – Rash guards are worn shut to the torso to prevent air pockets (chimera bust anyone?).  Some people may not desire a close fit.
  • They don't come with undergarments – Rash guards don't unremarkably come with a built in bra or undies.  You'll demand to vesture another garment underneath them, either a swim suit or a sports bra and bike shorts.
  • They are synthetic – Almost rash guards are made out of nylon, polyester, and lycra.  That means that they hold odors.  You'll need to shampoo them regularly if you lot want to eliminate stink.
  • They require special care – New materials reduce the chance of chafe and pilling, just don't eliminate it.  These garments volition besides melt if y'all throw them into an industrial dryer.  They demand manus washing and air drying.
  • They look like polyester – Some of the patterned rash guards are only printed on one side.  That gives them the advent of cheap discount clothing.

Rash guards equally travel clothing

Then how do rash guards piece of work as travel clothing?  Quite well, actually.  The textile is very lite weight and resists wrinkles.  The tops are surprisingly absurd for hiking.  The tighter fit of the top restricts air motion, making it warmer than a loose garment.  The garment wicks sweat apace though, and I'm fine hiking in 80 F (27 C) sun.  The quick dry backdrop make them great garments for outdoor activities, such every bit jungle treks or mountain hikes.  The leggings are great for all day activities in the sun, such as snorkeling or inner tubing.  They make a nice layer under pants, just like regular leggings.

Swim leggings from Coolibar.

I usually vesture a sports bra or wheel shorts nether my rash guards.  The support is superior to bathing suits.  My black rash baby-sit pinnacle combined with the blackness fitness brim looks similar a casual piffling black dress.  I wouldn't wear it to the opera, only it's fine for a casual eating house.  The perverse function of me smirks at wearing my "bathing arrange" off the beach.  I have a unmarried outfit that works in multiple situations.  The all-time part, of course, is that I can fully participate in swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, whatever without the worry of sunburn or loss of vesture.  And at present I can do information technology while looking cute.

Tops from Lands End. Skirt from LL Bean. Capris from HydroChic. Board Shorts from SwimOutlet.

Consider rash guards for your next water or gamble trip

Rash guards and swim wear have evolved over the by few years.  Many tops and bottoms look like normal clothing.  If you lot are going on a water trip or take a chance travel trip you should consider bringing forth rash guards instead of a swim suit.  They volition expand your capsule wardrobe while protecting you from the sunday.