Spending most of your time by the water means dressing for sun, salt, and sudden breezes. The goal is simple but important - stay comfortable while keeping UV exposure in check. Build a small kit that you can repeat every day, so getting out the door is easy, even when plans change with the tide.
Long sleeves and full-length coverage can feel cooler than you expect when the fabric is light and breathable. A Cleveland Clinic explainer notes that clothing labeled UPF 50+ lets through less than 2% of UV light, which is the highest rating and a strong base for everyday beach wear.
Soft knits or wovens with a smooth, tight construction will block more rays than loose weaves. You can simplify your beach wardrobe with UPF 50 sun protection clothing that blocks most UV exposure and still dries quickly after a swim. Add vented panels or mesh underarms if you run hot, so you can keep sleeves down during peak sun.
Look for lightweight tops that dry in minutes and do not cling when damp. Raglan or set-in sleeves with flat seams prevent chafing under a backpack or while paddling.
If you prefer short sleeves, pair them with wrist gaiters or sun sleeves for extra coverage. Colors matter less than fabric structure, but mid to darker tones often shield a little better at the same weight.
Shade your face, ears, and the back of your neck with a full-brim hat. Reporting from NBC Select highlights guidance from the Skin Cancer Foundation that a brim of at least 3 inches all around offers better sun protection than smaller styles.
Add wraparound sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection so reflected light does not sneak in from the sides. A strap helps keep them on when a wave hits or the wind picks up.
Rash guards make great swim shirts and everyday tops, especially when they have a high neck and long sleeves. Choose ones that stretch without getting thin when wet, and rinse gear after each session to keep fabric performance steady.
Cover-ups should work like clothing, not just look the part. A button-front shirt or zip hoodie lets you air out on the walk home and blocks late afternoon rays when the sand is still bright.
Boardshorts and skorts with quick-drain pockets avoid the soggy anchor effect. A soft waistband and 4-way stretch make it easy to sit, sprint, or jump into a pickup game without feeling restricted.
For your feet, pick sandals or water shoes with secure straps and textured soles. They rinse clean, grip on rocks, and protect against hot boards and rough parking lots.
Long-sleeve UPF shirt or rash guard
Full-brim hat and wraparound sunglasses
Quick-dry shorts, skort, or lightweight pants
Neck gaiter or bandana for extra shade
Water shoes or strapped sandals
Small microfiber towel and dry bag
Refillable water bottle and lip balm with SPF
Lightweight hoodie or overshirt for late sun
A featherlight windbreaker blocks gusts without trapping heat. Look for a thin shell with a water-repellent finish, back vents, and a hood that cinches so it stays put when the breeze kicks up. Packable designs fold into a pocket, which makes them easy to stash under a seat or in a tote.
Cool mornings feel better with a thin fleece or breathable hoodie. Pick pieces that dry fast and shake off sand with a few taps. Skip heavy cotton since it holds water and gets clammy after a swim.
Plan a simple 3-piece system so you can adjust on the fly. Start with a quick-dry base, add light insulation, then top with a shell when wind or spray picks up. Cuffs that seal and a drawcord hem keep warm air in without adding bulk.
Rinse beach clothes with fresh water after every session to clear salt and sunscreen. Wash on gentle and skip fabric softeners, which can coat fibers and slow drying. Hang in the shade so colors last longer and stretch stays true.
Check tags for any special care notes and store gear fully dry. Separate wet items in a small mesh bag so airflow keeps odors down. A simple routine like this keeps your staples feeling new - and working hard - all season.
Fix small issues before they grow. Snip loose threads, dab pre-wash on sunscreen marks, and reapply a durable water repellent to shells when rain stops beading. Rotate pieces so the elastic and seams get a break between wears.
Packing this way frees up your attention for the water and the people you are with. Keep a small stack of mix-and-match pieces by the door so you can rotate clean items and always have a dry backup. With a reliable set of sun-smart basics, you stay comfortable on repeat and make more time for the beach itself.
Every March 14th is Pi Day, and if you’re a math teacher, it’s your special holiday. You see, it’s called Pi Day because the date is 3/14, which matches the first few digits of the number pi, 3.14. It’s a fun way to celebrate that famous number used in geometry.
