Don’t hate me, friends in cold places, but we are down here in Florida for Spring Training and it’s hotttttttt. I’m not complaining or trying to rub it in (Minnesota people, I’m looking at you), I promise. I grew up going to the beach. My summers were filled with the smell of Bain de Soleil and Ham Sandwiches and maybe an Italian Ice if we had behaved (you know the kind with the wooden spoon). I think I was 20 before I realized sand wasn’t a condiment with a ham and cheese. There are few places that bring me as much joy as a mom as watching my kids enjoy the beach. Obviously, we now know and slather ourselves and our kids in sunscreen because a sunburn on your kid makes you feel like a child abuser. The thing is, we are still getting tan. I’m an everything in moderation kinda gal but my chest is covered in sun damage and I want to protect it (and maybe get a chemical peel for it down the road.) So when I opened my J.Crew catalog, I saw these and thought this might be the perfect solution.
I mean the Queen of Ivories was seen wearing a rash guard down under. Granted, hers looks sort of surfer-ish. So what’s a non-surfing, brown spot sporting, further skin damage preventing, style conflicting preppy boho mom to do? I ordered one, actually two up (it said order up a size so I figure I’ll return the one that doesn’t fit. ) Call me a poser, I don’t care but still call me Ivory. They also have ones for the Littles. Now all we need is some Lemon Italian Ices…….and I’m back at Jones Beach!
Tell me, would you wear a rash guard for protection?
Available at J.Crew
-Ivory
Photo Blue Wasp/Grey Wasp/Splash News
Crewcut Rash Guard
Crewcuts Rash Guard
I would because I hate the smell of sunscreen, but living in Minnesota, I don’t go to the beach.
Possibly. I really like the striped ones.
I do. – I have to, skin cancer runs in the family and I’ve had too many sunburns! Granted, I’m usually the only adult at the pool in MN with one but I don’t mind and I’ve actually had a few people tell me it’s a good idea! And I wear it in FL too.
My skin is so horrible since I moved to Florida. I need a rash guard for my face.
That isn’t true! -Ivory
Yes. Two reasons- I had a sunburn already and was spending a week at the lake. And if I’m making my kids wear one (my oldest had a “abnormal” spot removed when she was 6) I should set an example. The oldest is 13 now- not fond of the rash guards at that age.
When I lived in California I sported a rash guard a lot (I did surf). Now I wear it when I’m doing water activities. Those pictures of the rash guards are cute they don’t give that I-need-a-surf-board vibe. Just make sure you read the fine print on the description. Some rash guards are only UV protective to a certain degree. Found this out when I bought some for the hubby who is also a ivory
Krista, Thanks for the heads up! I guess the fabric is UPF 50. I will have to look up exactly what that means but they describe it as the sun protection in fabric. Sorry your H took a hit for the Ivory’s….but I’ll learn from that mistake. -Ivory
Always have, especially at water parks, always will
Ivory, YES is my answer! I started sporting the rashguard/ bikini bottom look a couple years ago because of skin cancer concerns (I’m super fair, irish girl). At the time I was miserable and sad to let go of my cute bathing suit look. But now I think this look is really taking off and last year Athleta had a couple ADORABLE matching bikini/ rash guard sets that made me feel so much better and more hip about the whole thing! (and btw…I think they might be more flattering than the horizontal striped J Crew styles, why did they do that?) I’m constantly teasing my husband that I’ve started a trend, but seriously I think its THE smart, safe way to go these days. Not to mention the timesaver if me & my 3 young kids all wear rash guards its just that much less sunscreen i have to apply. Love it! I say go for it
Kelley, I will have to look at the Athleta ones! I’m totally still a Gap girl! I’m about to bring this trend to Fort Myers Beach. I haven’t seen one yet but we bring the average age on the beach down by decades. I am excited to get mine and try them on. Do you just wear a bikini top underneath? -Ivory
I checked the catalog and online…..it must be a little early for rashguards in Athleta but I’m going to keep my eye out.
My husband has worn one for years, and was adamant that all children wear them. The oldest is 10 and youngest is 4. When I first started ordering them, it was difficult to find. But now much more common. Other countries, Austrialia, South Africia, the students in schools are required to wear rashes and bonnets(hats) during the school day and on field trips-have friends there. Due to the cancer issues, I think it is much more common and safer. Your children will follow in your footsteps. (BTW–he feels that it is an issue of vanity/stupidity(on the part of the parents) when little kids are on the beach shirtless or in bikinis.) Yes, I would wear one.
My husband has worn one for years, and was adamant that all children wear them. The oldest is 10 and youngest is 4. When I first started ordering them, it was difficult to find. But now much more common. Other countries, Austrialia, South Africia, the students in schools are required to wear rashes and bonnets(hats) during the school day and on field trips-have friends there. Due to the cancer issues, I think it is much more common and safer. Your children will follow in your footsteps. (BTW–he feels that it is an issue of vanity/stupidity(on the part of the parents) when little kids are on the beach shirtless or in bikinis.) Yes, I would wear one.