Swimsuit Coverups Between Dives

[kimbalabala]

Hi Everyone! I have had several skin cancers removed (3 Mohs procedures) so I have to be super careful when in the sun. I use a ton of reef-friendly sunscreen and look like Casper the Friendly Ghost's friend Wendy - but I'm looking for something to wear when I'm on a boat and don't want to slather on more stuff. I have a cool lightweight cotton, zippered hoodie that I got in Cozumel and I'd love to have several (so light - and fairly cool) and can't figure out where to find them. I'd love to find some pull on pants - baggy and light. And if possible, I'd prefer to look decent - not planning on a fashion show but I'd prefer not to cringe when I put this stuff on!!

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

 

[mselenaous]

I live in long sleeved rash guards & knee length rash shorts or board shorts. And all that lycra helps my wetsuit slide on & off easier.

 

[WarrenZ]

Check out columbia I think they make several hoodies that might fit the bill for portable wearable shade.

 

[WrmBluH2O]

I've found good UPF 50 gear that's not hideously frumpy from:

Mott 50 (expensive)
ExOfficio (expensive)
TASC Performance (moderately priced) - bamboo, so soft & smells great
Columbia (as mentioned by previous poster)

 

[Kevrumbo]

In the heat of the tropics, all you need to cover up between dives is an easily packable sun hat with a full length breathable but thick enough sun-shielding Sarong. . . (for us Guys, the Polynesian "skirt" is called a Lava-Lava).

How to tie a Sarong.

 

[kimbalabala]

Thank you WrmBluH2O - I had found some of those - and am finding more as I discover new ways to search for what I need. I found a hooded wrap cardigan that was thigh length and NOT UGLY!

Kevrumbo, I need something that will shade my face, neck, shoulders and arms. Also will need some leggings or pants (can't see wearing a skirt of any kind on a dive boat without falling on my face!). The skin cancers I've had removed have been on my temple, my shin, my arms, face and chest. I need coverage from head to toe. A sarong just won't cut it while the sun is out. I think I'd need to use several!! But thanks anyway.

 

[Cali_diver]

Kimbalabala... I always bring a sarong since it can double as a towel and wrap around anything. Athleta.com has some fun spf cover up stuff but most of it is geared toward athletic builds.

 

[crabbyfiddler]

There are a couple of sites that carry sun protective water wear...
http://www.uvskinz.com/Dresses-Cover-Ups-Women-s/1828.htm
http://www.coolibar.com/thumbnail/UV-Swimwear/Women/Swim-Shirts-Rash-Guards/pc/2223/c/2279/2209.uts

 

[jmb]

I wear a diveskin and just keep it on between dives, along with a hat that has a big brim and longer back to shade my neck. Another website for sun protective clothing is www.solumbra.com - lots of light weight clothing & other accessories as well as shirts & pants intended for use in the water.

 

[DiveMaven]

With all the different areas you need to cover, I agree that a dive skin with a hat might be your best option. check out http://www.divegoddess.com/fabcat.html There are some fun fabrics.