One reader asks:
“I recently had top surgery and my doctor instructed me to keep my scars out of the sun. Have any suggestion[s] for swimwear that provides water-proof chest coverage but is not a women’s tankini top?”
And another reader asks:
“Last year, I went to Miami with some of my gay guy friends. We went to the beach and then a fancy hotel pool party right after. They looked so stylish at both. But, I looked so stereotypical in a sun-faded black tank and board shorts. What are some alternatives?”
Autostraddle’s Swimsuit Issue has some great recommendations for stylish masculine swimwear options. I completely agree with their editors that rash guards are great for chest coverage for those who desire more water-proofing than what a tank-top provides but who do not want to wear bikini or tankini tops.
RASH GUARD + BOARDSHORT COMBOS
Rash Guards from left to right:
Volcom Round Stone Surf Tee Rash Guard
Volcom El Duble L/S Surf Tee Rash Guard
Level Six Coastal Rash Guard Shirt – UPF 50+, Loose Fit, Short Sleeve
Billabong Eclipse Surf Tee Rash Guard
Shorts from left to right:
O’NEILL Feral Boardshort
TAVIK Tripper Hybrid
VOLCOM Maguro Bonemuda Boardshort
TAVIK Loco Boardshorts
Another tip I liked from Autostraddle’s post: GO VINTAGE!
Marimacho’s Super Boi Swim Brief
You can always add a button-down to any of the boardshorts in the above collage to take them from the beach to poolside for a tailored, preppy look. But, my most fierce gay boy friends take style risks, such as adding some unexpected 70s flare and showing a bit more of the thigh (and they still read as masculine). Try some of these looks that are definitely not your standard tank-top/boardshort combo:
Shirts from left to right:
Mint Sequin Anchor Tank
Hamm’s Vintage Logo Navy Mens Tank Top
RVCA Commander Tank Top
ALTRU USA Tank Top
Shorts from left to right:
Diesel Divine Trunk DXY
Retro 1970′s Swimsuit/Swimwear
Vintage Activa Nineties Swimsuit/Swimwear
BOSS Hugo Boss Krill
If you’re not comfortable wearing only a tank by the poolside, you can certainly wear a lightweight sports bra for extra coverage under these vintage-inspired tops.
Now, to be FULLY prepared, you’ll need to know what to pack so you don’t end up sun poisoned and carrying your towel in a brown paper shopping bag. No worries. We show you how to pack for a beach getaway here.