Why Celebs Are Ditching Teeny Bikinis
Model Gigi Hadid wearing a Seafolly top. (Photo: Instagram.com/gigihadid)
Rash guards have been fringe-trendy for a while now — who didn’t want to look like Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush, blonde and badass in a Billabong top? But it’s only this summer that they’ve really taken off. Beach-going celebrities such as Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Reese Witherspoon, Lea Michele, Blake Lively, Eva Longoria, and Jessica Biel are pulling rash guards over their itsy-bitsy bikinis for additional sun protection.
Consider it the anti-Kardashian move — while others are baring all, the cool kids are covering up in style. And retailers are taking note. Instead of the usual monochrome swim shirts, this season’s offerings are bright, in-your-face, and made to wear with bikini bottoms. Between poppy florals, trippy kaleidoscope designs, and Breton stripes, there’s a rash guard for everyone.
1. Mara Hoffman, 2. Stella McCartney for Adidas, 3. Lands’ End, 4. J. Crew, 5. Mott 50, 6. Nanette Lepore, 7. Maaji, 8. Trina Turk
The best part: Experts agree that rash guards are a smart move when it comes to sun protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, rash guards are a great option for anyone spending time in the sun and water—they protect the covered areas for hours, and there’s no reapplication required.
Kate Bosworth — inspiring bikini-ditchers since 2002. (Photo: 2002 © Universal, Courtesy Everett Collection)
Here’s the thing, though — you can’t just throw one on and assume you’re all set for sun protection. You’ll end up with damaged skin in areas that aren’t covered by the rash guard, such as your hands (which tend to show signs of aging early) and neck. “It’s important to still apply sunscreen to any exposed, uncovered areas of skin every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating,” according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. “For outdoor activities, we recommend applying a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.”
Jessica Biel walks the beach in her rash guard. (Photo: FameFlynet)
That said, you don’t need to worry about applying sunscreen under the rash guard. “I recommend applying sunscreen anywhere the skin is not covered by the sun-protective clothing, and then an additional 2 inches under the area where the clothing ends,” New York City-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, tells Yahoo Health. “Clothes can shift in the water or just when you are moving around, so you want to make sure you have a bit of overlap in those areas.”
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley almost steals the show from her adorable dog. (Photo: FameFlynet/Mike)
If you want to be extra safe, says Bowe, “look for reputable brands that do extensive testing to ensure UPF protection.” She likes Coolibar, one of several brands, including Lands’ End and Mott 50, which market their rash guards to those looking specifically for SPF.
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