Bikinis may never completely vanish, but this summer, the beach is seeing a noticeable shift. Instead of barely-there styles, a growing number of women are opting for swimsuits that cover more skin—long sleeves, high necks, and even full-body suits are becoming the new standard. Whether it’s to protect their skin, reflect a changing beauty standard, or simply feel more comfortable, women are redefining what beach fashion looks like.
Full-Coverage Looks Are Gaining Popularity
Photos of Anne Hathaway in a tie-dye full-body swimsuit on the Amalfi Coast and Halle Berry in an oversized sun hat aren’t just celebrity outliers but reflections of a broader style shift. The evolving beach wardrobe includes long-sleeved swimsuits, UPF-rated fabrics, and even beach accessories like gloves and visors.
Protecting the skin is one major reason behind the trend. The National Institutes of Health emphasizes that extended sun exposure accelerates skin aging and increases skin cancer risk. With rising awareness, more beachgoers are dressing for sun defense without sacrificing personal style.
Skin Protection Is Leading the Change
Instagram | shopdaise | Daise creates stylish, protective clothing with UPF 35+ ratings, like long-sleeve playsuits and coverups.
Too much sun doesn’t just burn—it breaks down skin elasticity, raises melanoma risk, and speeds up the appearance of wrinkles. In response, many brands are turning to fabrics with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Garments rated UPF 40 or higher do an excellent job of blocking damaging rays. Dermatologists still advise pairing them with sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for complete protection.
Daise, a New York-based label, was created after its founders realized that their linen and cotton outfits weren’t shielding them from the sun as effectively as they had assumed. They began offering clothing rated UPF 35 and up, including long-sleeve beach playsuits and lightweight coverups that maintain style without compromising safety.
Sun-Savvy Celebrities Are Setting the Tone
Caroline Goldfarb, co-founder of Fishwife, wears rash guards, giant-brim hats, and occasionally burkinis, which she calls “chic and iconic.” Her beach wardrobe reflects both concern for skin damage and admiration for modest swimwear styles often led by Muslim designers.
Charlotte Palermino, skincare entrepreneur and licensed esthetician, now packs UPF layers for hot beach days when reapplying sunscreen constantly isn’t practical. On vacation in Italy, she paired a one-piece with long-sleeved shrugs and lightweight pants. Her rule? If it’s stylish and functional, she’s wearing it.
Michelle Monaghan was seen in Indonesia in a mock turtleneck swimsuit, and Kate Hudson opted for a massive cowboy hat while soaking in a hot tub. These aren’t just fashion statements but deliberate choices aimed at long-term skin health.
Post-Cancer Shifts and Protective Mindsets
Some women have adopted full-coverage swimwear following a melanoma diagnosis. Sarah Buxton created the swimwear brand Tutublue after undergoing skin cancer surgery. The colorful full-body suit Anne Hathaway wore came straight from Buxton’s collection. According to her, once she began wearing the suit, strangers constantly asked where she got it.
Leah Alexis Adams, from Cleveland, once favored bikinis but now chooses long-sleeved swimsuits and UPF 50+ dresses. Though she occasionally wears a bikini on vacation, it’s paired with protective accessories and lots of sunscreen. Her approach balances sun protection with occasional indulgence.
Beach Fashion, Reimagined
Instagram | yogaderm | Jennifer Chwalek warns that total sun avoidance can cause a vitamin D deficiency, so enjoy it wisely.
This shift in swimwear doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Natalie Broussard, a scuba diver from Wisconsin, wears a snug, full-length swimsuit she calls “super cute.” It looks nothing like the outdated cover-ups often associated with more coverage. For her, dressing this way reflects confidence—not limitation.
Dermatologists support the trend. Amy Wechsler, a New York-based dermatologist, explains that many women who spend on cosmetic treatments also choose sun-protective clothing. Sunscreen helps, but it doesn’t work alone. Hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated outfits add extra protection that’s often more reliable.
Even with all this protection, dermatologists still recommend balance. Jennifer Chwalek of UnionDerm cautions against avoiding the sun altogether. That approach could cause vitamin D deficiency. The goal is smart exposure—not total avoidance.
The Beachwear Trend That’s Here to Stay
Once seen as conservative or out of step with trends, full-coverage beachwear has taken on a new life: stylish, smart, and unapologetically personal. Think long-sleeve swimsuits, wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight sleeves—not as a way to hide, but as a way to feel good in your own skin. Whether the choice is about sun protection, aesthetic, or pure comfort, the message is the same: it works.
This summer, that approach is redefining what beach fashion looks like.
