5 Tips to Help Trans Guys Feel More Comfortable At The Beach

As summer has already hit in some places people are prepping to jump into pools and lay on beaches for the next few months.  Being half dressed in public is a little nerve-racking for anyone, but it can be even more anxiety-inducing for trans guys going to the beach.  Here are some helpful tips I've picked up over the years as a trans man who loves to go to the beach! 

Get A Rash Guard

If you bind your chest I recommend wearing a rash guard. Initially intended for surfers, rash guards are essentially very thin t-shirts that are cool and that dry quickly. Where I grew up on the beach folks would wear swimsuits and rash guards all summer long.  Before I got top surgery I got my rash guard in the little boys department at Target, and they are becoming increasingly easier to find.  Wetsuits are also a good look for trans men. The best part about both options is that you can bind under them and still look natural.

Packing Tips

If you are a guy who chooses to pack in your swimsuit, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, your packer should be able to be plunged in water without losing its shape or being destroyed. Most commercial soft packers should be okay in water, though they may feel gross after the swim until you have a chance to dust them with cornstarch. Once you've chosen a swimmable packer the next thing you'll want to consider is how to safely keep it in your swim trunks. Perhaps the best method is to pick up some sort of small pocket or pouch, like a baby sock, a nylon sock, or something that will allow you to keep the dick in place. It’s also important to not have a lot of skin to packer contact because it could potentially give you  a UTI over time. I sometimes wear tight underwear like a jock strap under my suit and keep my packer in place that way. My partner has also sewed pockets into many pairs of my underwear and swim trunks, giving my guy a home that keeps it in place and from touching my skin. 

Work With Your Hair

How you present your hair for the beach depends on whether or not “passing” or presenting in a binary way is what you are after, or if you're into an androgynous look. Either way, I suggest making sure your body hair looks good! If you want to pass, get a shorter haircut, grow out the beard, and make sure your stomach and leg hair is visible. If you just want to feel good and don't care about passing- dye it, wear it up,  shave, braid it, or put flowers in it. Do whatever makes you feel amazing! Confidence is key. 

Get a Suit That Fits Well

Whether you are into trunks,  a one-piece, or a bikini, make sure you wear a suit that is neither too tight or too baggy. Suits that fit your body make you feel more relaxed, and ultimately help boost your confidence. Whatever you do, make sure you feel at home in your swimming and sunning apparel.

Bring a Friend

Having an ally or another trans friend along is helpful in most situations. But it can be especially helpful when at the beach and you need someone who can affirm and love your beautiful beach-ready body! 

Photo of Tom Phelan as Cole on Freeform's The Fosters.