Global travel has resumed in many parts of the world, and popular holiday destinations, such as Italy, are welcoming tourists for its summer season. According to reports, the country is expecting a 20 percent increase in summer tourist numbers as restrictions have been lifted, and Italy hopes to welcome 7 million more foreign tourists this year than in 2020. Visitors are expected to cluster in major cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, but it's also predicted that most tourists will be heading to Italy's famous beaches for rest and relaxation. If your vacation plans include a day trip or an overnight stay in Positano, Sardinia, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast, you'll need to look your best since Italians take their beach fashion and culture very seriously. Here's how to dress well for an Italian beach holiday and avoid looking like a tourist.

Wear the right swimsuit
In Italy, a two-piece bikini is a must for women, while men usually wear swimming trunks. Keep in mind that a one-piece swimsuit is considered to be too conservative, so dress as the Italians do and wear the newest style in two-piece suits. You can't go wrong with a black or white suit, but a printed two-piece in muted tones, or a plain one in a vibrant color like pink, coral, or aqua can also make you stand out. You may also want to enhance your outfit with a few accessories, such as a gold necklace, a stack of thin bracelets, thin hoop earrings, and a pair of oversized sunglasses. Don't forget to wear sandals to protect your feet, and channel your inner Fellini film bombshell by donning a floppy hat. 

Be well groomed
Before donning your swimwear, you'll need to spend a bit of time grooming to look and feel your best at the beach. Most Italian women wax off their body hair before going to the beach, so you may want to do the same and apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Keep your nails bare, and cut and file them to keep them in good shape. As for makeup, a bright pink or coral lip color is all you need for the beach, but you may also neaten your brows with a bit of brow gel and apply a tinted sunscreen on your face if you want to look a little more put together. 

Should you wear a cover up?
Wearing a cover up can help to protect your skin from the sun, and it also makes you feel a little less naked if you're thinking of dining at a beachside restaurant. However, it may not be necessary, depending on which beach you're staying. If you're in a public beach, or la spiaggia pubblica, you'll need to wear a sarong, a caftan, a t-shirt and shorts, or a light summer dress to have a meal or a drink at any of the beachside cafes, bars, and restaurants within the area. However, if you're on i bagni, or a private beach, then wearing a cover up isn't necessary if you want to grab a bite at the beachside restos.

Don't overstuff your beach bag
Nothing screams tourists like an overstuffed beach bag. If you're going to i bagni, you'll only need sunscreen, a book, your wallet, and dry clothes to change into since you can rent a towel, a beach umbrella, and a lounge chair there. Moreover, you can order food and drinks while you're sunbathing, so there's no need to bring a massive cooler filled with snacks. Meanwhile, if you're going to a public beach, make sure to bring a towel to lounge on since that will serve as your space saver on the beach. You're free to sunbathe anywhere on a public beach in Italy, as long as you place your towel on a spot to "save" it.

Experience Italy's fabulous beach culture this year. Make sure to  do your research if you're planning to go to a public or private beach, and dress well for your waterside holiday so you can look good and feel great.

Written by Jeniffer Dawson