Clothes for hot holiday days by the water

Short answer: By the water you move between sun, shade and wind all day. A thin layer that dries quickly is worth more than something that is simply light. Pack a dry layer for the afternoon, too, when the wind picks up.

Sun and shade in the same hour

Under the parasol it is cool, out in the sun it is warm, and you feel the difference as soon as you move. A thin top covers both and protects your shoulders when you walk along the water. Choose something that does not cling when you get warm, see bamboo tops for women.

Thin is not enough on its own

A light fabric is nice on a warm day, but what matters most is how quickly it dries. A top that gets wet from sweat or a swim should be able to dry in a short time. Otherwise it turns cold as soon as the sun goes behind a cloud or the wind picks up.

Salt and sand in the fabric

Everything gets salty and sandy at the beach. Sand settles in seams and pockets, and salt makes the fabric stiff as it dries. Choose something that can handle daily washing and still feels soft afterwards, see bamboo T-shirts for women.

Rinse after the beach

A rinse in fresh water removes most of the salt and sand. Do it the same day, so the salt does not settle. Shake out the sand before the clothes go in the water. Hang them to dry in the shade, so the colours last and the fabric does not go stiff in the sun.

The afternoon wind

The sea breeze picks up after midday, and a wet layer turns cold. Even on a warm day you can start to feel cold sitting in the wind in damp clothes. Bring a dry layer in your bag that you only put on once you have finished swimming, see bamboo sweatshirt for women.

Why you feel cold on a warm day

When water evaporates from fabric, it takes heat from the body. That happens faster when it is windy. So a wet top can feel cold even when the air is warm. Change into something dry as soon as you are out of the water, and you avoid sitting there shivering.

Packing the beach bag

A thin top, a dry layer, a towel and a bag for wet clothes are enough. The bag keeps the rest of your things dry and free of sand. Put the dry layer on top, so you can reach it quickly when the wind comes.

Home from the beach

Put the dry layer on for the trip home. Evenings by the water are often cooler than you expect. Hang up the wet clothes as soon as you get back, and rinse them if they are salty. Then they are ready for the next day by the water.

Frequently asked questions

What is best to wear by the water

A thin top that dries quickly, plus a dry layer for when the wind picks up in the afternoon. That way you are covered whatever the weather.

Why do you feel cold even on a warm day

Because evaporation from wet fabric cools the body, especially in the wind. A dry layer after swimming stops it quickly and keeps you warm.

Should you rinse your clothes after the beach

Yes, salt and sand make the fabric stiff. A rinse in fresh water the same day is enough, and the clothes should then dry in the shade.