Do you like that jacket I’m wearing?
It’s actually my swimsuit.
I know, hot–right?!
For as long as I can remember, I have very much disliked showing my skin. It’s convenient that my faith dictates modesty, but I am naturally inclined to cover up even on my own terms. There are people who hate clothes, and who could walk around in their birthday suit all day every day if they didn’t get arrested. Undercover nudists, if you will. And there are those who would shower fully dressed if it meant they still could get clean. I’m most definitely in the latter category. A never-nude, if you will.
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RASH GUARD // SANDALS |
I’ve actually worked a lot on becoming comfortable in my skin and being brave about wearing my swimsuit when my kids and I go to a local beach or my in-laws’ pool. I have come a long way in that department. But my never-nude tendencies have become an advantage where skin cancer is concerned, because I’ve found a way to wear my suit and still keep covered up in order to prevent getting damaged by the sun: a rash guard! They can be a never-nude’s compromise for wearing a suit. The one I am wearing even zips up so it’s easy to put on and take off, especially when you consider how a wet rash guard practically strangles its owner. (And no one is paying me for this, just so you know. Otherwise, I would have exchanged the Costco one-piece I’m wearing under the rash guard for something far cuter and more expensive.)
I’ve learned as a mom that I love, LOVE rash guards for my kids–or swim shirts as we call them around our home. My children inherited my red-headed husband’s skin. That means they burn no matter how much sunscreen we put on them. So, as much coverage as they can get helps me feel better. We wear swim shirts, hats, AND sunscreen when we go out. But those swim shirts really lessen the amount of sunscreen I have to apply. And re-apply.
Did I mention we live in California? My sister pointed out on our most recent visit to Utah, that if you saw my kids out of all the cousins swimming, you wouldn’t have guessed they were the ones from California.
I took that as a compliment!
I might be raising nerds, but at least they won’t have skin cancer and wrinkles. And I my fingers are crossed they’ll thank me for that at some point.
One can hope.
I’m participating in a Mommy Style Monday series today, so please visit the other beautiful blogs below! And if you’d like to participate soon, check out Madeline and Kiana’s blogs to learn how to sign up.
Haha. I LOVE this! I too am so conscientious about my skin! I wear the strongest SPF sunscreen and reapply ALL THE TIME!
What size Saltwaters are you wearing? Were they tight when you originally got them? I sized up in mine and kind of regret it – my feet are swimming in them, and I kind of wish I had gotten my true size and stretched them out. Did you have to stretch yours out?
I got only rash guards for my little guy! I really wanted one for myself as well… but PhD student budget said no ha ha. I love the title by the way… Arrested Development is a classic 🙂
I am ALL about the swim shirts. Makes my life so much easier, especially when I have all the girls on my own at the pool (now I just need to get a new one for Star, because it's. . . a six month one).
i love my rash guard! love everything about this! and seriously i feel ya on the mysterious bruises, i wake up with new ones and I'm like, HOW!? 🙂
A girl after my own heart! I am vain about wrinkles too…
I am a size 10 in shoes, and I got that equivalent. My toes go to the end, but I think it was good to have them a little snug! They stretched out just a bit on their own. Hope that helps!
Keep checking zulily! And amazon definitely has some much cheaper ones for Mom. A shirt is the perfect compromise though, right?! And probably less hot…
I just tried to squeeze Bean into a 6 month old swim shirt this weekend, and yeah–it didn't happen. Star seems pretty dainty though, so cheers for prolonging a purchase!
I'm glad I'm not the only one, on both points!
I love your rash guard. I have been wanting to find one lately. Also I always have bruises on my legs in the most random places and I never know how I get them. You look great and are raising great kids.
Thanks, Kristen! I really do love it. It kind of bunches up some times, but I prefer the zipper to no-zipper. Back right at you with that last sentence!!