Sun-Lovers' Guide to Essential Lounging Items

Estimated Reading Time: 10 Minutes

Essential Lounging Items

When you're planning a day at the pool, lake, or beach, it's crucial to pack smart to ensure safety and comfort under the sun. Here’s a list of must-haves for a sunny outing, inspired by Coolibar’s commitment to sun protection.

1. Sunscreen

Traveling to a sunny destination like the Caribbean or Miami means you’ll be exposed to a lot of sun, sea, and sand. To avoid sunburn, it's essential to use sunscreen with SPF 50, which blocks 98 percent of harmful rays. Sunscreen does lose its effectiveness over time, so always check the expiration date. Many people have suffered sunburns from using expired sunscreen. If you can’t find an expiration date on the product, mark the month and year you purchased it, and remember it should be good for about three years. For those using sunscreen continuously over several days, like on vacation, an eight-ounce bottle provides enough coverage for two to three days at the beach for one person. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating. For environmental safety, opt for reef-safe sunscreen that doesn't contain reef-harming ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Use it up!

2. Lip Balm with SPF

Though you may be in the habit of wearing lip balm daily to prevent chapped lips, using a lip balm with SPF when you spend time outdoors is a simple but effective way to boost your sunscreen habits. In fact, using sun protection on your lips may even be more important than other areas. Dermatologists say that it's equally as important to protect the lips as we do the rest of the body, especially since it's a popular spot for skin cancer. It safeguards against sunburns, skin aging, and skin cancer. Everyone should wear it regardless of pigmentation or skin type, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

3. Wide-Brimmed Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is a stylish way to protect your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. It’s especially useful during the hottest hours of the day. Coolibar’s collection includes chic and protective hats perfect for sun safety. Here are some top picks:

  • Women's Tempe Sun Hat UPF 50+: This hat features an innate textured pattern and an oversized 4" brim that provides excellent face and neck protection. The chin cord with a natural wooden bead ensures the hat stays secure in windy conditions. With a cotton lining and moisture-wicking internal headband, this hat combines style with long-lasting comfort.

  • Women's Brittany Beach Hat UPF 50+: This classic floppy beach hat combines fashion with function by providing superior sun protection, even to your shoulders, with an ultra-wide 6" brim cover. It’s travel-friendly and perfect for packing, making it a true must-have for every woman this spring and summer. The fully lined crown and grosgrain sweatband with elastic string ensure adjustable sizing and maximum comfort.

  • Women's Marina Sun Hat UPF 50+: The Marina Sun Hat offers comfortable, dependable UV protection with a fully lined crown, moisture-wicking internal sweatband, and crushable, packable construction. Its breathable design makes it perfect for everyday leisure and relaxing by the pool, lake, or ocean.

Coolibar's research, experience, and dedication to the science of sun protection clothing, UV performance fabrics, and styles are the basis for all our products. Our UPF sun protective clothing, sun hats, and sun protective swimwear provide the highest UV protection available to keep you cool, comfortable, sun-safe, and looking good. It's like effortless sunscreen you wear.

4. Cover-Ups

Cover-ups are a vacation essential, offering both style and sun protection. Here are three great options from Coolibar in our exciting new 2024 colors:

  • Women's Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl UPF 50+: This versatile shawl is your perfect travel companion. It can be worn in multiple ways, providing a stylish accent piece over your shoulders, upper body, or head. The ZnO™ fabric is super soft, lightweight, and cool, offering the highest quality zinc oxide protection. Available in new 2024 colors: Vivid Coral, Navy Gulf Stream Stripe, Magnolia Pink, and Baja Blue.

  • Women's Marietas Sun Wrap UPF 50+: Heading to the gallery at the golf club or an outdoor wedding? The Marietas Sun Wrap offers reliable UV coverage in a stylish package. Made with ZnO™ fabric, it embeds tiny particles of zinc oxide into every fiber, providing continuous protection that won't wash out. This wrap is super soft, lightweight, and perfect for travel. Available in new 2024 colors: Peachy Pink, Misty Aqua, and Peachy Pink Etched Flowers.

  • Women's Vrae Everyday Fashion Wrap UPF 50+: The Vrae Fashion Wrap is made from sustainable Moduri™ fabric that flows beautifully. It features subtle side buttons that allow you to wear it in multiple ways, offering both style and sun protection. This versatile wrap with full-length sleeves is perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite in your wardrobe. Available in new 2024 colors: Misty Aqua and Peachy Pink Etched Flowers.

Coolibar's research, experience, and dedication to the science of sun protection clothing, UV performance fabrics, and styles are the basis for all our products. Our UPF sun protective clothing, sun hats, and sun protective swimwear provide the highest UV protection available to keep you cool, comfortable, sun-safe, and looking good. It's like effortless sunscreen you wear.

5. UV Protection Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. UV rays are present year-round, whether it is sunny or cloudy and whether we are inside or outside. But what are UV rays?

UV (Ultraviolet) light is a form of radiation emitted from the sun and artificial sources. While some exposure to UV light is beneficial, too much exposure can increase the risk of certain eye diseases and other health issues, including skin cancer.

Short-term impacts of UV exposure on our eyes are corneal sunburn (called keratitis) and eye redness and irritation. Long-term effects of UV exposure include an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and even eyelid skin cancer. In fact, 5-10% of skin cancers occur around the eyes.

Sunglasses with UV protection are a must. Polarized lenses are highly recommended as they reduce glare and provide better visibility.

6. UV Protection Clothing

Ultraviolet (UV) protection clothing is a smart choice for extended sun exposure. Coolibar offers a range of stylish and effective UV protection garments. Here are three great options:

  • Women's Morada Everyday Long Sleeve T-Shirt UPF 50+: Searching for sun shirts that go with anything in your wardrobe? The Morada Everyday Long Sleeve T-Shirt is a solid choice and a great value. It’s slightly fitted to feel like it's made just for you. Dress it up or down, wear it solo or layered: the choices are yours. Plus, it features our ZnO™ fabric that embeds millions of tiny particles of zinc oxide into every fiber. These particles provide the same UV protection found in better sunscreens and won't wash out. Available in new 2024 colors: Misty Aqua, Vivid Coral, Apricot Crush Floral Paradise, and White/Navy Stripe.

  • Women's Petra Wide Leg Pants UPF 50+: Step into the most wonderfully comfortable and luxurious silky sun pants you'll ever find. Our lightweight Petra Wide Leg Pants sit just below the waist with floor-grazing hems to create leg-lengthening lines and effortless style, perfect for long travel days, comfy yoga, or lounging. These convertible sun pants feature hidden side seam pockets with a side seam vent for breathability and a mid-calf tie for a harem pant look. Easy to care for machine wash fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection you can depend on. Available in new 2024 colors: Peachy Pink, Misty Aqua, Magnolia Pink, and Apricot Crush.

  • Women's Hightide Long Sleeve Swim Shirt UPF 50+: Sporty, with a feminine touch. Our Hightide Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt keeps you covered for long days on or near the water. Chlorine and saltwater resistant fabric is great for water sports in any setting. Available in new 2024 colors: Palm Green, Bold Yellow, Red Crush, and Clear Sky Blue Mosaic Garden. 

7. Beach Bag and Other Essentials

A sturdy beach bag is essential for carrying all your gear. Look for one with a cooler storage pouch to keep drinks cool. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all your beach day necessities without being too bulky. Here are three key features to look for:

  • Cooler Storage Pouch: This feature is a must-have to keep your drinks cool and refreshing throughout the day. Look for a bag with a dedicated cooler compartment that can hold several bottles or cans and keep them chilled for hours.

  • Ample Storage Space: Ensure the beach bag is spacious enough to carry all your essentials, such as towels, sunscreen, books, snacks, and more. Multiple compartments or pockets can help you stay organized and easily access your items when needed.

  • Durability and Comfort: Choose a beach bag made from sturdy, water-resistant materials that can withstand sand, sun, and surf. Comfortable, reinforced straps are essential for carrying the bag over long distances without straining your shoulders or back.

8. Beach Blanket

Invest in a high-quality beach blanket that is quick-drying and easy to clean. Some blankets are designed to stay in place even in windy conditions, making your beach experience more enjoyable. Here are three key features to look for:

  • Quick-Drying Material: Opt for a beach blanket made from materials that dry quickly, ensuring that it remains comfortable and free of moisture throughout the day. This feature is especially important if you plan to use it after swimming.

  • Easy to Clean: A beach blanket should be easy to shake off sand and debris, and it should be machine washable for convenience. Look for fabrics that resist stains and can be cleaned effortlessly after a day of fun.

  • Wind-Resistant Design: Some beach blankets come with built-in stakes or sand pockets to keep them anchored in windy conditions. This feature prevents the blanket from blowing away and ensures it stays in place, providing a stable and comfortable surface.

9. Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof phone case is a lifesaver for protecting your phone from water damage, whether you're taking photos near the water or get caught in a sudden downpour. Here are three key features to consider:

  • Full Protection: Ensure the phone case provides complete protection against water, sand, and dust. A good waterproof phone case will keep your device safe even if it's fully submerged.

  • Touchscreen Compatibility: Choose a case that allows you to use your phone's touchscreen and camera without having to remove it. This feature is essential for taking photos and videos or making calls while your phone is protected.

  • Durability and Fit: Look for a case made from high-quality, durable materials that fit your phone snugly. A well-fitting case will provide better protection and prevent water from seeping in.

10. Quick-Dry Towel

Quick-dry towels are perfect for beach days. They dry faster than regular towels and are lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry. While many resorts provide towels, bringing your own can be convenient. Here are three key benefits:

  • Fast Drying: Quick-dry towels are made from materials that dry rapidly, ensuring that you always have a dry towel ready to use. This is particularly useful when you are in and out of the water frequently.

  • Lightweight and Compact: These towels are designed to be lightweight and take up minimal space in your bag. They are easy to pack and carry, making them perfect for travel and outdoor activities.

  • Highly Absorbent: Despite their lightweight nature, quick-dry towels are highly absorbent and effective at drying off after a swim. They provide excellent coverage and comfort without the bulk of traditional towels.

Additional Tip

Bring along some soothing aloe vera-based after-sun lotion. It helps with sunburn relief and keeps your skin hydrated. After a long day in the sun, aloe vera-based lotion can cool and soothe your skin, reducing redness and discomfort. Its hydrating properties also help replenish moisture lost during sun exposure, leaving your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Enjoy your day by the water safely with these essentials. With Coolibar’s dedication to sun protection, you can ensure a fun and sun-safe experience.