What to wear when just sunbathing? - YouLookFab Forum

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What to wear when just sunbathing?

The Cat

Veteran

I definitely need to refresh my beachwear capsule. Most of my life, I have used bikinis when sunbathing, and one-piece bathing suits only when swimming. Now I am past sixty and feel that my bikini days are over. I don't swim more than a few times a year, but what I really need are some suitable outfits for sunbathing on the terrace, in my family's and friends' gardens, and on the beach.

I have been thinking about tankinis, which are new to me. However, I just read Inge's recent inspirational Link Love post about swimwear, where she refers to this advice from Angie: https://youlookfab.com/2006/04.....it-part-1/
So now I wonder if I should look for a couple of great one-piece bathing suits. But I wonder: Will they look and feel OK for just sunbathing / relaxing on terraces, in gardens, etc.?

What do you all think? Any suggestions? What do YOU wear when sunbathing--bikinis, tankinis, one-piece bathing suits, shorts & tank tops, or something else?

Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from bj1111

LaPed

Veteran

What about a one-piece suit plus a skirt or pareo? There are so many pretty, floaty midi and maxi skirts out there right now.

taylor

Veteran

I wear a one piece and will usually throw on shorts , or a tankini , and again throw on shorts if I’m walking around.
I depends on YOUR comfort level.
I have never really felt comfortable in swimwear .

smittie

Veteran

I like tankinis and I have no problem sunbathing in them, but then again, I am someone who feels too exposed in a bikini.

I also like bathing suits, but would choose a type that is not a speedo or racing type as the material in these is very thin (although the patterns hide a lot) and I don’t think there is any padding in the bust area. Also, I find it nice to be able to adjust the shoulder straps and the speedos don’t have that adjustment.

Joy

Veteran

Sunbathing!? Lots and lots of sun screen or sun block. Skin cancer is real. A friend who never sun bathed does not have much of her face left after skin cancer removals. Cover up. Big hat and rash guards or in ten years you mayregret it.

The Cat

Veteran

Joy, thanks for the warning. But I have sunbathed (my way) for decades, and my skin is still fine. Of course, I sunbathe with care--and never in the middle of the day, usually in the evening or even night. I am in Scandinavia, where the sun is not so harsh as in many other parts of the world. For a large part of the year, we actually live more or less in darkness. In our few summer weeks, we love to be outside and enjoy the wonderful long light days & nights.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My version of “sunbathing” is hanging out under a huge umbrella with sunglasses, book and a cold drink. But I still wear sunscreen anyway!

I’ve been wearing bikinis for beach vacations for years, even though I’m turning 54 this year and am far from skinny or young. Whatever. If someone doesn’t like it, they can look away. I like bikinis because they are easy for bathroom breaks, can be an easier fit than other swimsuits, and sometimes even seem, oddly enough, more flattering on me than many one pieces — perhaps something to do with being very short torsoed.

But I say wear whatever is most comfortable for you! I have never found a Tankini to be my friend — the tops are usually too long and too loose in the body if they fit in the chest. But they are fab for many of my friends.

Bottom line, I have multiple swimsuits for multiple uses. Bikinis for beach vacations, serious swim suits for lap swimming, and some nice-looking and not too skimpy one-pieces for casual swimming with friends and family. We have a pool in our backyard so this is an important capsule for me, and I’ve bought according to what I feel looks best and feels most comfortable to me. I say wear what makes you feel best!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I’m a firm believer in a sporty look- swim shorts or surf shorts, plus a bikini top. I find it practical for swimming and sports, and also not too revealing for hanging around socially.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

It surprises me to see that question coming from Scandanavia, or anywhere in Northern Europe. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of women in Germany, of all ages, in bikinis or less.

Years ago, I had suits that had tops like sports bra and bottoms like bikinis. That gave me more coverage than a standard bikini while keeping the ease of a 2-piece. Idk if they still make them but you might like one.

I’ve only had 1 or 2 true tankinis. What I didn’t like about them was the wet fabric on my tummy after a dip in the hot tub. The one I liked best had side ruching that let me adjust the length of the top.

On skin cancer, I agree with you that the sun in Northern Europe is much less harsh than in North America, and the season is much shorter. Still, with shifting holes in the ozone layer, it might be worth looking into, as well as skin cancer rates where you are. Sun bathing for years with no issue isn’t indicative, as it can take years to develop. My dad never intentionally sat out in the sun, but he did yard work regularly, and we went to the beach every year. In his mid-40s, we got a pool at home that he was in after work or on weekends. In his mid 60s, he began developing small spots of cancer. The first were operated out easily, and he’s worn hats and sunscreen very consistently ever since, but they have continued to develop, larger and more quickly. He had several taken out last year, big enough that he was uncomfortable afterwards.

ETA: I just checked out Angie’s post at the link. What is it about tankinis that puts you off them? She says they need to have a fitted waist and top that comes close to the bottom. But really it’s all about body type. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pic of you. I think of you as fairly straight, without a lot of hip or bust, but also not much of a stomach. Is that right?

Style Fan

Veteran

I don't really sunbathe these days but I do have a few bathing suits. All of mine are bikinis or two pieces. I don't like to wear one-piece suits or tankinis. This is just what works for my particular body. I am 63 so I don't think age really matters.

I usually wear a matching wrap or skirt with my suit to cover up more when I am with a group of people.

Bijou

Veteran

Living in Australia, swimming is almost a national sport, we love water and water sports. I never sunbathe, our sun is just too harsh and the potential for skin cancer and melanoma is definitely an issue. I have had about 4 moles removed by my dermatologist, just to ensure that there was no potential melanoma. So like Janet, I am lathered in suncream and sitting in the shade in a full length caftan when out of the water. I wear a bikini when swimming (in Finds below).

I have had tankinis but found that my last one (with a racer back) made me feel like I was dislocating my shoulders trying to get out of it when wet. I was in the change room at my gym and thought I was going to have to ask someone to cut me out of the thing as I got stuck trying to get it off. That experience made me go back to bikinis.

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Bijou, too funny! Also too familiar, alas.

Runcarla

Veteran

For the kind of activity you are discussing, I wear a bikini and lots of sunscreen. I own one piece suits, however they are 'gear' for fitness/lap swimming. There are some lovely one piece suits with elegant necklines and strategic ruching that look great on their own, or with a skirt or sarong - however if you are going in and out of water what makes these more structured garments look good dry, can make them uncomfortable once wet. FWIW I'm 58 YO.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think a tankini would be great for what you describe. I don't like them because I don't like the way the tops usually float up in the water. However, since you're not actually planning on swimming, I think they be fine. They're easier to fit than a one-piece but have the same conveniences as a bikini.

SarahD8

Veteran

I'll put in a plug in favor of tankinis. They seem to be a good match for my proportions and do the best job of skimming over my personal lumps and bumps. But, it's all about what you like best. If you haven't tried tankinis before but are intrigued, why not give one a shot, The Cat?

That said, I agree with others that bikinis don't have an age limit.

rachylou

Veteran

If you’re not swimming, you can wear a fashion one-piece! There are a lot out there, I feel, not truly made to touch water because they’ve got beading or a bit of ruffle or delicate straps, trims, etc.

rachylou

Veteran

I also have to add I’ve always looked better in one pieces. I’ve a short waist and it makes proportions awkward. Look spectacularly bad in boy shorts.

lisaflex

Veteran

we have pool in yard and entertain often during summer and hit the FLA beaches a few times during winter. i wear a tankini from lands end that is modest and does not float up in the water! i always have a sunblock buttonw down with me and a pareo to match the suits.

Jules

Veteran

As it’s my preference to be more covered, I have a small collection of light weight dresses I can put over my suit. They are pieces sold as real clothes rather than as cover ups, but may be bare, thin, gauzy, too youthful, too short... basically things I enjoy but would not buy to wear as dresses at my age and stage of life, but which work as beach and pool side cover ups (and worn into resort buffets and casual restaurants). I feel good in these and enjoy buying them, more so than bathing suits!
Here’s one I picked up from Old Navy with an upcoming trip to Mexico in mind. I’m not suggesting this particular piece for you, just broadening the definition of poolside a bit.
I have fond memories of spending a long evening sitting in the slowly setting sun on a cruise ship deck touring the Baltic in July... and then realizing it was after 10 pm! Even as a Canadian the extra long day and sunset was striking and I can see how you would treasure it.

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Roberta

Veteran

I hadn't worn a two piece in 40 years, but last summer switched to one because I could not find a suit with enough support up top. A colorful Elomi swim bra and a black skirted bottom and I feel awesome on the beach. And a big straw hat.

As I watch the snow flurries outside my Chicago window . . .

Anonymous

If you're not swimming and not specifically tanning, or not wearing clothes that would reveal tan lines, you could just wear small shorts and tank tops.

Although respectful of the truly concerning skin cancer risk, an article I read about the relationship between vitamin D and colon cancer has made me think that some exposure might be the best choice.

The Cat

Veteran

Thank you all for sharing your advice, viewpoints and experience.

Perhaps I should have chosen another expression than "sunbathing", as in my case, most of this activity is actually spent in the shadow--often reading or talking with, family, friends and othe people. Anyway, I need "outfits for being outdoors enjoying the summer evenings and wearing as little as possible, but still being modest."

This is not an age issue--or, if so, it is rather the opposite of what many of you seem to think. After decades when I have been expected to wear bikinis ("you who are tall and slim, must wear a bikini") I feel that by now I am definitely old enough to choose something else if I prefer so.

I have never quite liked the way my midsection tends to tan in odd, uneven stripes when I'm sitting (seldom lying) in a bikini. Am I the only one who have experienced this?

Besides, thinking of cancer etc., perhaps it would be a good idea to be a little more covered-up. That is why I have considered tankinis.

Having read your comments, I'm still in doubt what I'll go for. I guess I'll just have to try different bikinis, tankinis, bathing suits, shorts, etc. I can't say I look forward to that shopping session, but I hope it will end with some kind of success.

Jules, thank you for understanding what the long summer evenings in this part of the world can be like. And I love your cover-up.

Gail

Veteran

I have tankinis and one piece suits. I am more comfortable in the tankini but I think it’s because it has a skirt. Never in my life have I felt comfortable and confident in a bathing suit . Even when I was young in my early 20’s I hated it. I think perhaps it was because growing up in UK there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to have a tan and being a person with very pale skin I would have to work at one and couldn’t really be bothered. These days I hide under an umbrella as my family is full of skin cancer and I’m trying to avoid it. Having said all the above I plan to buy a new suit this year. I have a friend who has a pool and invites me over a lot in the summer. I need to up my game from my 10 year old , yes you read correctly, suits and my Target cover up. Perhaps we need a bathing suite PSA thread lol

Runcarla

Veteran

Gail, I don't need any new suits, but couldn't resist trying on a suit (bikini) that had all the earmarks of a winner. The brand was 'Nip Tuck', which I believe is an Australian manufacturer? It was more structured up top than I like, but Oh! My! Gosh! Was it flattering.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Isabel, wearing sunblock does not interfere with your body’s ability to make Vitamin D.

The Cat, when I was in middle school and high school, we used to “lay out” to get a tan, with oil slathered on because we thought we’d tan more easily that way. We also put lemon juice in our hair to make it look sun-kissed. Shortly thereafter, people in the US became aware of the possibility of skin cancer and that “activity” (if you can call it that—I thought it was torture to just lie still that way) became unpopular. I recognize that this is not what you are doing, but think it could be the association that was triggered in people’s minds by the word “sunbathing”

I’m amused that the tan on your belly bugs you—I have never, ever gotten tan there. The rest of me tans somewhat, but I never get very dark.

Mainelady

Veteran

Aside from tropical vacations I do very little sunbathing. Beach days and beach combing are real things where I live, so instead of lounging on a chair in the shade I am up on my feet and on the go.
I wear tankinis and one piece suits. When on vacation I often wear a long pareo or sundress over my suit when walking about. Add a big hat and a couple of pieces of jewelry and I am happy for a day of leisure. I am usually in and out of the water, so when lounging I will have a chair in the shade somewhere.
For beach days at home I wear loose and breezy sleeved dress style beach covers, or add a pair of shorts. All of mine have pockets to hold beach treasures.

Anonymous

No judgement here! I don't think I'd fare well at all in your winters.
I don't sunbathe either, don't have the patience to sit for a long time. But I think of some swimsuits as serious lap swimming ones, while others are for less active activities.
Now I'm coming from a darker non burning perspective, but I do worry that people will lose their natural protection by overrelying on these extreme spf sunscreens. In the same sense like resistance to antibiotics. I'm not at all saying skin cancer isn't real, or don't protect yourself, but the long term (even generational) effect isn't yet known. Sun fear could turn out to be nearly as bad as oversunning (which I don't promote either).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The Cat, I shade bathe too

The Cat

Veteran

Angie, "shade bathing" is a new and fun expression to me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

HIGH FIVE, sweet lady.

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