Help me: do I need both of these?

So I've been doing a little vacation shopping, and I am trying to keep summer purchasing to a minimum. Now that independence day is past, we are in true summer -- which in Maine is the shortest season of all. It doesn't make sense for me to have a lot of really hot weather clothing. Even if I go to the beach here, it is very breezy and not tropical. And although we will be in Tulum, Mexico -- where it will be VERY hot -- for 6 days in August, I don't want to buy/take more than I need to.

I am taking two swimsuits (see below). And here is my question for you: I recently purchased both of these coverups (sleeveless navy, sleeved striped). Both are extremely lightweight, and short but long enough to wear over my suit with sandals to wear to a casual lunch at a taco shack or similar. They were on sale, but -- again, I don't want to overpack or overbuy.

Do I need two coverups? And if not, which one should I keep? I like both, they fit well. I'm open to suggestions. (And I really don't want to try any others -- so please just tell me your thoughts as they relate to these choices.) Thank you!!!

J.Crew

French bikini top

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J.Crew

Bikini brief

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J.Crew

Halter underwire one-piece swimsuit

$110.00

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J.Crew

Gauzy tunic

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J.Crew

Cropped cotton tunic

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8 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I am probably not going to be of any help as I really love both coverups and think that they work differently. The black one, can also be worn with shorts, whilst the striped one is wonderful if you need to stay sun-smart and are in hot weather. If I was going for one cover up only - I would choose the striped coverup. However, I can really imagine you in the black one over your bathers looking amazing - so I vote keep both and enjoy your holiday!

Liz

If I were keeping one, it would be the striped one, because it will protect you from the sun.

Janet

(website)

Personally, when I go on a beach vacation, I like to take two coverups, just as I like having more than one swimsuit. That way, if one gets a little funky smelling or I spill guacamole on it, I can wear the other one while the first one gets washed. I also like the idea of having one with more coverage that's a bit more tunic-like, and another that is more like a sundress. It's barely any additional room/weight in the suitcase, so I say go for it and take both!

texstyle

I'd take both and limit something else instead (if necessary). Love the jcrew bikinis - same ones I've been buying the past couple of years.

Maneera

I'll be of no help to you. I'd take both. They're so so cute!!!

I spend a lot of time in swimsuits + coverups on vacation, so I like variety. It's boring to have just one.....

unfrumped

I'd combine analytical and emotional.
Probably you need something like the stripe for sun or breeze protection
And to serve as slightly more sedate. Plus if might work in Maine with bottoms of on other vacays at hotel pool/ elevator.
But if I were to look/ feel Ahmazing in the tank coverup and had access to shade, i would probably pull that on a lot, because I would mostly wear something over suit except while in the
water and then that one looks sporty- natural, and the dark color camouflages water drips. I would use vacation time to wear my alter- ego fun clothing as long as it's not a huge investment.

Suz

I'd take both, too. They each fill a slightly different function. And enjoy the holiday!

Peri

I wouldn't consider the first one a coverup because there is minimal sun protection with it. You could put in more in the category of a top and take one less top if you think it is more versatile?

Anonymous

As Suz says....plus you'd get sick of wearing the same one all day every day, no? Love your swimsuits.

El Cee

I would take both, as others have suggested. I see them as fulfilling two different roles. Use the striped tunic when you need full sun protection and the sleeveless one when you are not as concerned about sun but still want a little modesty for casual dining.

AviaMariah

I think two cover ups make sense. That way if one gets damp you have another to wear until it dries out.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Take both so you don't get tired of one. I always end up spending more time in coverups than anything else on beach vacations.

Elle

I would take only the striped one since it will provide the best coverage (and it is cute).

Of course, I'm a minimalist, so take my opinion for what it is worth. But, based on your comments, you generally don't need much in the way of hot weather clothing. So if you take two, you'd need to be happy with only wearing them on this vacation

Have a wonderful trip!

Both! adorable.

Astrid

I would take the striped one - better protection and a pattern is more fun with your solid colored swimwear.

skylurker

Well, if it were me and my pale skin, I wouldn't take the navy tank one, it looks pretty useless at covering up.

kkards

I'm not going to lie, I get sun screen all over everything...so 2 swim suits and 2 over ups aren't enough for me...because both end up a total mess.

jill58

I would take them both but if you were determined to only bring one I would vote for the striped one. I too think that the first one functions more as a top but could be worn as a coverup in the shade or when you're well covered with sun screen.

Glory

I am also going to enable both. They are very different and I think you will get good usage. Plus they will work for several years to come! Enjoy your vacation.

I'm an enabler, so I say both.

Ledonna N.

I would say take the one piece

Karie

Two coverups is a great idea if you have room for both in your suitcase. I, however, only ever bring one. I bring two bathing suits and one coverup. I like the striped one best as it provides a little more coverage. Have fun on your vacation!

viva

Thanks for all this great input! I'm leaning toward bringing just the striped one. Although there are so many great arguments here for both, I just don't think I need two, and I will have other options (casual t dress etc). But I hadn't really thought about the coverage aspect (so obvious!) so appreciate your help choosing.

Staysfit

I'm voting for the long sleeved with stripes. It's cute and practical. It gets the job done.

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