There was a time when packing for a week at a beach resort was pretty simple. Swimsuits. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. A hat. Done.
These days, I pack a little differently.
When I’m heading somewhere warm for a week, particularly somewhere with lots of pool time, beaches, boats and outdoor lunches, UPF50+ sun protective clothing is just as important to me as sunscreen.
And I don’t mean that I’ve stopped using sunscreen. Quite the opposite. I use both.
For me, it’s about having a few layers of protection rather than relying on sunscreen to do all the work.
Why sunscreen alone isn't enough for me
We all grew up with “Slip, Slop, Slap”, but the advice has evolved. Cancer Council Australia now recommends 5 SunSmart steps when UV levels are 3 or above:
1) Slip on UPF50+ protective clothing,
2) Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen,
3)Slap on a broad-brimmed hat,
4) Seek shade,
5) Slide on sunglasses.
That makes a lot of sense to me.
Sunscreen is brilliant for the skin that is exposed, but it needs to be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Cancer Council says an average adult needs around 35ml – about seven teaspoons – for full-body coverage.
When I’m on holiday, swimming, walking, sitting around the pool and generally enjoying myself, I know I’m not always going to be thinking about whether I’ve missed a bit of shoulder, back or thigh.
That’s where sun protective clothing comes into its own.
UPF50+ swimwear gives me another layer of protection
One of the reasons I created Suncheeter in the first place was because I wanted stylish swimwear that gave women more coverage without making them feel like they were wearing a tent, or settling for a daggy men's rashie.
I wanted something I would look good in and could actually enjoy wearing.
Cancer Council explains that UPF50 and UPF50+ clothing provides excellent protection, blocking around 98% of UV radiation through the fabric. It also points out that the amount of skin covered by the garment matters – clothing can only protect the skin it covers.
That combination is important.
So what do i pack?
So, when I’m packing for a resort holiday, I’ll take a UPF50+ Swim Dress or Rash Top, rather than planning to spend the entire day in a swimsuit and covering myself in sunscreen.
It means my shoulders, back, arms and torso have another physical barrier between my skin and the sun.
And, frankly, it’s much easier.
What I actually pack for a week in the sun?
My resort packing list has become something of a formula.
I’ll usually pack a Suncheeter UPF50+ Swim Dress for those days when I want to swim, walk around the resort, wander down to the beach or head straight from the pool to lunch.
The A-line shape gives me the coverage I like, without clinging to my tummy and hips, and I don't feel a self-conscious wearing just a swimsuit.
For me, a little more cover up is important. It gives me confidence.
Why having more than one swim item is good.
I’ll also take a UPF50+ Rash Top.
This is particularly useful for long days outdoors, swimming, paddle-boarding, snorkelling or sitting on a boat. I like having the option to zip the neckline higher when the sun is strong and have more coverage through my arms, shoulders and back.
Having a few items you can swim in and wear all day for sun protection makes sense when you're in and out of the pool all day. I like to mix it up with different colours and patterns.
Always pack must-have swim leggings for the ultimate in UPF50+ protection.
Then there are the UPF50+ Swim Leggings.
Depending on what I’m doing, I’ll choose a cropped, short or longer length. They give me more coverage on my legs and are particularly useful when I’m walking, swimming or spending a long time in the water. They also help with something else I’m very familiar with – thigh chafe!
Underneath, I like having a Swim Crop Top and Bather Bottoms so I feel supported and comfortable without needing to wear a traditional bikini.
Don't forget our Swim Sets
For an economical way to shop swimwear, have a look at our bundled UPF50+ sun protection swim sets. You get beautifully coordinated swim sets and you save.
Sun protection is about enjoying the holiday
The thing I’ve realised is that choosing more coverage doesn't mean I’m thinking about the sun all day. Actually, it’s the opposite.
Once I’ve got my UPF50+ swimwear on, sunscreen on the exposed areas, my hat and sunglasses, I can get on with enjoying myself.
And that’s really what Suncheeter has always been about.
Not covering up because we’re ashamed of our bodies. Covering up because we like the choice. Because we can.
I love the beach. I love swimming. I love warm weather and sitting somewhere beautiful with a cold drink.
I also happen to like having a little more coverage these days.
So if I’m packing for a week at a resort, I’m not choosing between sunscreen and sun protective clothing.
I’m taking both.
Because for me, good sun protection is about layers – and good swimwear is about freedom.
My resort sun-protection checklist
- UPF50+ Swim Dress or Rash Top - both is best!
- UPF50+ Swim Leggings - at least two lengths.
- SPF50 or SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- Broad-brimmed hat
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Shade whenever possible
- Plenty of water
- And, of course, something nice to read beside the pool!
Because I’m on holiday. I want to enjoy the sun – not worrying about it. Make life easy with Suncheeter.
Is it best to use sunscreen AND sun protective clothing when you're in the sun?
It is best practice and it makes for a more enjoyable day. Forgetting to get enough sunscreen on hard-to-reach parts of your body can be a painful experience. Whereas simply popping a stylish piece of sun protective clothing such as a UPF50+ swim dress or rash top takes care of the problem easily.
