No doubt, when planning a day of fun at the waterside, the first thing in terms of the garment that comes to your mind is the swimsuit. You may have a perfectly fine bathing suit ready to wear, but for various reasons, you may not want to wear it. On the other hand, you may be interested in swimming but do not own a swimsuit and have no intention of purchasing one.
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Likewise, your visit to the waterside might not be to swim or directly engage in other water-related activities. You might decide to lounge around and get some tanning or take in the scenery and the cool breeze. To this end, it’s essential to know the available alternative swimwear i.e what to wear instead of swimsuit.
There are quite a few alternatives that you can wear if you don’t have a swimsuit or you are not willing to wear the one you have. A lot of people think that swimming is an activity only possible with a traditional bathing suit, but they’re wrong.
Thankfully, swimsuits are not the only beach-worth garments you can have when planning your beach vacation. And in this post, I will share suitable alternatives to a swimsuit that you can rely on to swim and get some tanning done. Regardless of your body type or size, you are sure to find the right option that works perfectly for you to go swimming without a bathing suit.
17 Best Swimsuit Alternatives to Wear to the Beach or Pool
If the diversity in style and design of swimsuits don’t appeal to you, or you require a change from the norm, or you are also asking yourself the question “what can I wear if I don’t have a swimsuit?”. Here are 17 options you can consider:
1. Swim Dresses
When it comes to bathing suit alternatives, your go-to option is the swim dress. A swim dress uses similar designs as a swimsuit with slight moderation. The outfit uses a flowing design and lightweight material and is not as tightly fitting as swimsuits. It often comes with shorts to keep you covered even after your skirt rises.
2. Cover-up dresses or tunics
Cover-up dresses are great alternatives to wear when you are going to the beach. They are elegant and flattering and if worn properly can turn heads. For these tunics you can get them in different fabrics, patterned, silk, floral, etc. Just make sure that they are lightweight and won’t be draggy when you wear them at the beach.
3. Rash guards
Rash guards are a great alternative to swimsuits, especially for activities like surfing, paddle boarding, or other water sports. Rash guards are essentially tight-fitting, lightweight shirts that are designed to protect your skin from the sun, salt water, and sand, while also reducing friction and irritation from your board.
4. Swim shirts
Swim shirts, also known as sun shirts, are another great alternative to swimsuits. Swim shirts are designed to provide UV protection for your skin, making them a great option for anyone who wants to avoid excessive sun exposure while swimming. They are also typically made of quick-drying and lightweight material, which makes them a comfortable choice for swimming and other water activities.
5. Summer Maxi Dresses
A lightweight maxi dress is a perfect alternative to a swimsuit. The summer variant of this flowing gown is ideal for taking a walk at the beach and getting your feet wet. But refrain from the temptation to take a dive or swim in this garment as it will most likely become lost or suffer other forms of wardrobe malfunction. Interestingly, there are several options of maxi dresses that you can get and rock on your vacation or visit the beach.
6. Sarongs or pareos
Sarongs and pareos are essentially large pieces of fabric that can be wrapped around the waist or tied in a variety of ways to create a skirt-like cover-up. They are lightweight, versatile, and easy to pack, making them a popular choice for beach vacations and trips. When you style them properly, you can be sure to turn heads at the beach.
7. Board shorts or swim trunks with a tank top
Very similar to having a two-piece swimsuit on, the board shorts or swim trunks and top combo is an excellent swimsuit alternative you should consider. Tops and shorts of different materials can be worn to perform several water-related activities without restrictions.
This is one of the most straightforward styles, and you are sure to see this more often on your visits to the beach. Thankfully, the combinations you can get out of this style are almost infinite, especially with a top like a tank top. You can also combine your shorts with a bikini, bandeau, crop, bralette, or button-up shirt.
8. Bikini tops with shorts or skirts
This option is popular for those who want to feel more covered up while still enjoying the beach or pool. Bikini tops are typically lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable for swimming and lounging in the sun. There is also a wide variety of styles to choose from, allowing you to find a top that suits your body type and personal style. This option is convenient as well, as it allows you to easily transition from the water to other activities without having to change into a separate outfit.
9. One-piece bodysuits
One-piece bodysuits are another alternative to traditional swimsuits. They provide more coverage and support than a bikini or two-piece, making them a popular choice for those who want to feel more comfortable and secure while swimming or participating in water sports.
One-piece bodysuits come in a variety of styles and designs, from sporty and athletic to more fashion-forward options. Some of the benefits of one-piece bodysuits include their ability to provide more coverage, support, and protection from the sun, as well as their versatility in terms of style and design.
10. Crop tops with high-waisted shorts or skirts
Crop tops with high-waisted shorts or skirts are trendy and fashionable and provide a unique and personalized look to your beach or pool day. Crop tops are designed to show off your midriff, while high-waisted shorts or skirts provide coverage and a comfortable fit.
Crop tops come in a variety of styles and designs, including sporty, bohemian, and glamorous. High-waisted shorts or skirts can also be found in different fabrics, such as denim or lightweight cotton. This combination is both comfortable and stylish, and it can be worn not only for swimming but also for other outdoor activities like beach volleyball or water sports.
11. Yoga pants and sports bras
Yoga pants and sports bras are another great alternatives. This combination is popular among those who want to feel comfortable and supported while swimming or participating in water sports. Yoga pants are typically made of lightweight and stretchy material, providing a comfortable fit for movement and flexibility, while sports bras are designed to provide support and coverage during physical activities.
Yoga pants and sports bras come in a variety of styles and designs, from simple and athletic to more fashionable and trendy options. They can also be paired with different cover-ups or accessories, like hats and sunglasses, to create a personalized and stylish look.
12. Jumpsuits or rompers
A romper or jumpsuit is a suitable alternative to check out in terms of what to wear instead of a swimsuit. This type of garment comes in a different styles, so you are sure of finding one that works for you. You have the print, floral, strip, or plain romper. Asides from multiple styles, you can also combine your romper with utility, denim jackets, or cardigans. Talk about having fun in a garment that is free, stylish, and in vogue.
13. Denim shorts with a loose tank top
Denim shorts are typically made of durable and breathable material, providing a comfortable and relaxed fit. The loose tank top also provides a comfortable and breathable fit, while still providing coverage and a relaxed style. This combination is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it a great option for a day at the beach or a night out.
14. Sundresses with or without sun hats
Sundresses are typically made of lightweight and breathable material, providing a comfortable fit and a stylish look. Sundresses come in a variety of styles and designs, from simple and casual to more elegant and formal options. They can also be paired with different accessories, like sun hats and sunglasses, to provide extra protection from the sun and create a more complete look.
15. T-shirts with shorts or leggings
T-shirts are typically made of soft and breathable material, ensuring a comfortable and effortless fit. Meanwhile, shorts or leggings provide coverage and comfort, depending on your preference. This pairing is versatile and can be styled up or down to suit different occasions, making it an excellent option for a beach day or a casual outing.
16. Off-the-shoulder tops with high-waisted shorts or skirts
Off-the-shoulder tops paired with high-waisted shorts or skirts offer a chic and trendy alternative to traditional swimsuits. Off-the-shoulder tops typically feature a relaxed and airy fit, providing comfort and breathability. High-waisted shorts or skirts also offer coverage and a retro-inspired style, creating a flattering silhouette. This pairing is versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it a great option for a day at the beach or a night out.
17. Palazzo Pants and Tops
Aside from swimsuits, you can also rely on a pair of palazzo pants and tops as suitable alternatives when going to the beach or pool. The Palazzo Pants remain a favorite of many, especially during the summer. Since it is a casual outfit, it is also very versatile.
If you will be wading in the beach water as the waves hit the shore, this is an incredible option. You have to combine your palazzo pants with a crop, bikini bra, or bandeau top. The same combination is also applicable for tanning.
Is it Mandatory To Have A Swimsuit On at the Beach Or Pool?
No, especially at beaches, there is no mandatory rule that says you must have a swimsuit on before visiting the beach. This can change if you visit a public pool or water park with different rules. For some swimming pools, it’s compulsory to have some form of swimsuit on before getting in the water, while others have a more straightforward control of the dress code. Regardless, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the rules in each pool before heading out there.
4 Tips on How to Go Swimming Without a Bathing Suit
Here are some additional tips on how to go swimming without a bathing suit to complement the swim suit alternatives mentioned earlier.
1. Wear workout clothes
If you have a sports bra and leggings or shorts, you can wear them to go swimming. Just be aware that they may not be as comfortable or streamlined as a proper swimsuit, so you might not be as efficient in the water.
2. Consider going in your underwear
While it may not be the most fashionable option, going in your underwear is a practical solution. Make sure to choose a pair that won’t fall off or sag when wet, and be aware that cotton underwear can become heavy and uncomfortable.
3. Cover up with a t-shirt
If you don’t want to expose your upper body, you can wear a t-shirt or other top over your underwear or shorts. Just keep in mind that it may not be as comfortable or easy to swim in as a swimsuit.
4. Get creative with accessories
You can use a towel or sarong to cover up your lower body or wear a long necklace or scarf as a makeshift swimsuit top. While these solutions may not be as practical as a swimsuit, they can be a fun and creative way to make do without one.
Can you swim without a bathing suit?
Yes, you can swim without a bathing suit, but it is not recommended. Swimwear is specifically designed for use in the water, and regular clothing can weigh you down and make it difficult to move through the water. It's also important to note that some public swimming areas have specific clothing requirements for health and hygiene reasons, so it's best to check the rules before swimming without a bathing suit.
Can you swim in normal clothes?
Swimming in normal clothes is not recommended, as clothes are not designed for use in the water. Normal clothes can become heavy and clingy when wet, making it difficult to move through the water.
Can you wear regular clothes in the pool?
It is not recommended to wear regular clothes in the pool. Regular clothes are not designed for use in the water, and they can become heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable when wet. Also, chlorine and other chemicals in the pool can damage and fade regular clothing over time, which can ruin the garments.
What can I wear to the pool if I don't have a swimsuit?
If you don't have a swimsuit, there are still some options that can work as a substitute. You can wear shorts and a T-shirt, a sports bra and yoga pants, or any comfortable and stretchy clothing that is suitable for water activities.
Conclusion
Whether you like it or not, swimsuits do not appeal to everyone. For this reason, knowing the available swimsuit alternatives to wear can be pretty handy. While swimsuit alternatives abound, it’s essential to understand how these garments can help you put on your visit to the waterside. Not all swimsuit alternatives are suitable for swimming, and those that aren’t are indeed great for lounging and getting good tanning for your skin.
