California Beach Clothing

You may want to know what passes for California beach clothing these days if you're planning a Southern California beach vacation. Unless you're staying at an ultra fashionable resort such as the Bacara in Santa Barbara or the Montage in Laguna Beach, it's all pretty casual.

CALIFORNIA BEACH CLOTHING FOR IN THE WATER

As people become more aware of the long term damages of the UV rays of the sun, which Southern California has such an abundance of, the rash guard shirt or swim shirt has been showing up more and more on the beaches, especially on children.

This is especially true for those who like to spend a long time in the water. While surfers are usually protected from the sun by their wetsuits, during the summer and early fall the water temperature is warm enough for swimmers, body boarders, snorkelers and surfers to stay in longer without one. A rash guard shirt is light weight, comfortable and protects your skin from the sun.

As for swim suits, men usually wear longish surf shorts or trunks, called board shorts, in all different patterns, colors and styles.

Bikinis have made a comeback. Women wear bikinis, tankinis or one pieces. Bikini tops with womens board shorts are seen as well. If you love to play in the waves or bodysurf, you want something that's going to stay on and not wash up on shore.

ON THE SAND

Men wear tee shirts or loose fitting button up short sleeved shirts, while women wear a variety of cover ups and wraps, including sarongs, long flowing skirts, beach shorts, fitted tank tops, tee shirts, and long sleeved button up shirts. Anything that is cool, dries fast (if put on over a wet swim suit) and protects from the sun is perfect for Southern California beach clothing.

The sarong is particularly suited as a beach coverup, since it is lightweight, versatile, comfortable and flattering. Learn how to tie a sarong.

ON THE FEET

Flip flops rule, and there is a huge variety to choose from, ranging from the basic classic rubber ones you can find at most drugstores, to funky styles decorated with colorful fabrics, beads or rhinestones. Colored flip flops are a very popular California beach clothing staple.

ON THE HEAD

Southern California still hasn't caught on the the necessity of sun hats the way the Northern Californians or Austrailians have, but they are pretty prevalent at the beach at least. There's the classic straw lifeguard hat with the wide curved down brim, other styles of straw hats, baseball caps, surfer hats, crushable bucket hats, visors and wide-brimmed, floppy hats for women.

SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

The best kind of California beach clothing looks great, feels comfortable and protects your skin so you can enjoy being out there as much as possible.

White cotton shirts, pants and skirts are cooler because they reflect the sun, but they do not offer much in the way of sun protection. Particularly cotton, which has a loose weave, lets in too much UV. When it is wet, the weave gets looser, so this is even worse. Many people have gotten sunburnt despite wearing a white teeshirt while swimming for a prolonged period have learned the hard way.

A good test is to hold the item of clothing up to the sun. The less that peeps through, the safer it is for your skin. And the darker the better, though not as cool.

Though styles change often, Southern California beach clothing has always remained pretty casual. Look for a surf shop or clothing shop in the beach town you are staying at for the latest local styles.

It is recommended that everyone limit their sun exposure between the hours of 10 and 4 and to stay in the shade whenever possible. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and/or protective clothing is advisable. Even waterproof sunblock comes off through sweat and water play and needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.

Click here for info on beach gear to bring along.

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