When it comes to sun protection, I’m picky in the best way. I’ve tried just about everything under the sun (literally), and these are the products I reach for again and again. From wear-everywhere clothing to sunscreens that feel like skincare, these are my sun-safe essentials. Tied-approved, travel-tested, and always in my bag.
Tied Sunwear | The Naomi Dress
You probably saw this one coming, but I really do wear the Naomi nonstop. It’s lightweight, breathable, and ridiculously easy to throw on over a swimsuit or wear out to lunch. The adjustable ties let you style it your way, and the full-length coverage means you don’t have to think twice about sun exposure. It’s also the first thing I pack for any warm-weather trip.
Andie Swim | Amalfi One-Piece
This is what I call my safety suit. It’s the swimsuit I always feel good in. It is comfortable, flattering, and made to last. The adjustable straps make it easy to get the fit just right, and the fabric holds up beautifully over time. Whether I'm swimming or just sitting in the shade, this one never lets me down.
Alastin | HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
If I had to live with just one face product all summer, it’d be this one. It’s a tinted SPF that somehow makes your skin look smooth and glowy. No white cast, no heavy feeling, just sun protection with skincare benefits that make you feel like you’re wearing real makeup (even when you're not). Also, I am fairly pale and it works on me, but it is absolutely deep enough for a wide spectrum of skin tones. It is pricey, but it lasts forever and doubles as your foundation.
Supergoop! | Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
This is hands-down my favorite body sunscreen. It goes on so smoothly, disappears right into your skin, and has a subtle, clean scent that’s never overwhelming. It’s hydrating without being sticky, high in sun protection, and it never stings your skin, something I can’t say for a lot of other body SPFs.
Lack of Color | Holiday Bucket Hat
A bit of a splurge, but absolutely worth it. I’ve had my Lack of Color hats for years, and they still hold their shape and style. Whether I'm at the pool, on the lake, or doing errands on a high UV index day, I always feel just a little more pulled together in one. They offer great shade for your face and look chic with pretty much everything.
Calpak | Compakt Zippered Pouch Set
These Calpak Compakt Zippered Pouches are my forever travel essential. I have three sets—and I use them for just about everything. They weigh almost nothing, but somehow make me feel wildly put together. I keep sunscreen in one, hair stuff in another, and all my little things (lip balm, SPF stick, jewelry, etc.) in the smallest. Whether I'm packing a carry-on or just heading to the pool, bags-in-bags is the system that keeps me sane. Bonus: they fold flat and take up almost no space when not in use.
Dock & Bay | Beach Towels
These are my go-to towels for the backyard, beach, and everything in between. They pack down super small, dry quickly, and somehow never seem to hold onto sand. Plus, the color options are really fun without being overly loud.
A few thoughts...
Sun protection doesn’t have to be bulky, boring, or something you dread. I’m all about products that make it easier to enjoy life outdoors without compromising comfort or style. Whether it’s a beautifully made hat or a dress that works from pool to patio, these are the things that help me feel good under the sun.
I also really value things that last. Everything on this list is something I’ve owned for years or loved enough to gift. You truly can’t go wrong—buy well, and you won’t find yourself panic-ordering on Amazon every summer, especially for things you’ll only use once. Quality over quantity is always the goal, especially when packing for travel.
It’s a small part of why we started Tied. We kept running into products that either cost too much or fell apart after one trip. The only thing we consistently re-up, and you probably already guessed, is sunscreen.
If you have a sun-safe favorite I need to know about, send it my way. I’m always looking for things that make life in the sun easier, more beautiful, and a little more effortless.
Here's to packing well, staying protected, and finding pieces you’ll actually use year after year.