The beach is a prime spot to meet and chat with boys in the summer. You want to look hot, bronzed, and beach-ready before you arrive. What about the once you get to the beach, though?
We asked our guy crowd what they think of our trendy floppy hats, cutout bathing suits (they’re James Bond-sexy, right?), or when we’re not feeling like splashing in the (often still freezing cold!) waves. Here’s what our 16 surveyed guys divulged.
On You Rubbing in Sunscreen:
Well, it looks like you can stop thinking everyone’s watching you when you do this, or that you should be extra sexy about rubbing in that coconut-scented lotion. 68 percent of the guys said there’s nothing special about seeing a girl put sunscreen on. Ben, University of Alabama ’12, said that every once in a while it’s hot. “There’s sultry ways to do it,” he said. “But the opposite is also true.” If you don’t know whether you’re being the sultry one or the “opposite”, apply your sunscreen just before you leave the house or in the restrooms on site. When it comes time to reapply (remember that this is every few hours), use the new aerosol spray sunscreens – they make it easy when your hands are sandy. Plus, with the spray version, you won’t have to spend as much time rubbing it in. Make sure to use clear sunscreen so you don’t have white stuff everywhere – not hot.
On Him Rubbing in Sunscreen for You:
These answers were in classic guy form – they’ll take any excuse to touch your bod, especially if it involves rubbing in lotion, like sunscreen. Over 90 percent of them said it’d be hot if you asked him to rub in your sunscreen for you. Max, University of Vermont ’15, said he’d take you up on the offer, “no hesitation.” One of our guys though, Joe, Cortland ’11, reminds us to think about who you’re asking though. “If I didn’t know her at all, she’s just being too easy,” he said. To avoid this, choose that guy friend you’ve always had a crush on. If you’re at the beach on a date or with a new hangout, definitely put this on your list as step one to heat up the rest of the afternoon.
On Those Bare-Almost-All Bikinis:
This one’s a bit of a toss-up. 56 percent of the guys said this was hot and 18 percent said it’s only OK in Europe or on vacation in the tropics. The rest said that even though it’s the beach, those styles of bathing suits are too revealing. Mike, Northeastern ’13, said, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it – but keep it classy.” If you feel comfortable and confident enough to show off your body and to handle the attention that brings, there are definitely some guys who will appreciate a girl as self-assured as you. On the other hand, though, if you’d rather stick with the basic halter and bum-covering bikini style, we (and the guys) say that’s fine, too. Taylor, James Madison ’12, summed it up with, “In the end it is up to the lady to choose what she feels most comfortable in.” We agree.
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On Cutout Bathing Suits:
63 percent of the guys on this question said only to pick a cutout suit “if you have the body for it.” More importantly, we say, if you know you can rock it. 13 percent of the guys said a suit like this shouldn’t be your first choice if you’re hitting the beach, but maybe if you’re at a resort pool or vacationing in a hotspot like L.A. or Miami instead. One wise guy mentioned, “The tan lines must suck.” He does have a point…
On Playing Beach Sports:
Whether or not the guys said this was particularly sexy (and almost 70 percent of them said it was!), most of the guys answered that seeing a girl play beach volleyball, Frisbee, or another beach sport at least grabbed their attention. Max, University of Vermont ’15, said he’s a fan. “Girls who get active with the guys are way more attractive because it shows that they’re outgoing,” he said. Next time you’re at the beach and your guy wants to play a little volleyball, don’t turn him down. You don’t have to play for hours, but at least show you don’t mind being involved (even just for 15 minutes). Bring a Frisbee or paddleball to the beach with your girlfriends and find a group of guys to play with. They’ll probably love the offer for a little friendly competition – and the chance to chat post-game.
On Going in the Water:
We asked the guys if they’d be annoyed if they brought a girl to the beach and she wouldn’t hit the waves with them. 25 percent of them said they wouldn’t appreciate a girl who just wanted to lie on a towel all day – they want someone to hang out in the water with. Another 60 percent said they’d let their girl relax on the sand for a bit, but then try to get her to join them. The number one thing this tells us: as much as they love seeing you tanning in your bikini, guys want to have fun with you at the beach. Of course there’s time to relax as well, but make an effort to get up and get a little wet. We guarantee that he’ll enjoy your company.
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On Girls Who Read All Day:
Sometimes the best part of going to the beach can be bringing a Cosmo, Glamour, or awesome summer page-turner and spending the whole day reading. We asked the guys if they’d be willing to approach a girl who did exactly this. A few confident boys said they definitely would – apparently they think they themselves would be more entertaining than the latest People. A few others said no way; it’d be awkward to interrupt her, especially if she seemed to be enjoying reading. The majority though – 70 percent – said if they made eye contact or she had looked in their direction, they might give it a shot. The part to take notes on here is that even if you’re relaxing or reading a book, take a break from having your head in the pages: look up, check for cuties, take a walk, smile at the boys walking by. If you look open to a conversation (and not totally invested in that book – even though it’s super awesome), you might just have a visitor stop by.
On Wearing Big Floppy Beach Hats:
They might be all over the celeb scene, but our down-to-earth college guys aren’t fans of girls sporting a big beach hat. One guy was easy-going enough to be a little more accepting of our trendy choices. Eugene, Syracuse University ’12, said, “I’m indifferent. If they’re comfortable wearing it or they like it for whatever reason then that’s fine. I personally think they’re a little excessive though.” The rest of our guys gave answers like “whack” and “not a fan.” Sathya, a University of North Carolina recent alumnus, said that for him, hats are “kind of like bracelets – accessories that don’t do anything for me.” If you’re not looking for a guy at the beach, or already have a cutie locked up, we say don’t worry about the responses from our surveyed guys. If you’re looking to meet someone, though, maybe keep the hat reserved just for going to and from the beach. You know, boys, those oversized hats are protecting our faces and necks from skin damage!
When it comes to the beach, it’s all about relaxing, and our guys know that, too. “Go to the beach to enjoy yourself,” Max, University of Vermont ’15, said. But, “you have to go in the water at least once.” Ben, University of Alabama ’12, said, “The beach is about fun, so if you’re not having fun, then get off the sand.” A little harsh, yes, but it’s a reminder to let loose a little bit and not worry about finding the perfect body-flattering position to lay in, or even stressing about the right accessories to match your new suit. Take a breather with a magazine or nap on the sand. Then step out of your comfort zone, hit the waves with your boy, or finally learn to throw a Frisbee in a straight line.