Swimwear Trends for Hot Destinations

 5 Swimwear Styles Women Over 40 Are Loving in 2026

Swimwear shopping can feel very different after 40. Comfort, support, and flattering design start to matter just as much as colour and style. The good news? Swimwear in 2026 is designed with real women in mind.

This season’s styles combine thoughtful structure, beautiful fabrics, and silhouettes that celebrate shape rather than trying to hide it. The right swimsuit should help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the beach, pool, or vacation ahead.

Here are five swim styles women over 40 are loving this season — and why they work so well.

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1. The Modern One-Piece

        

The one-piece has made a huge comeback, and today’s versions are anything but basic.

Designers are using thoughtful details to create shape and style, including:

• subtle waist shaping

• textured fabrics

• square or V-necklines

• gentle ruching through the midsection

These elements help highlight natural curves while offering coverage and support.

Style tip:
A beautiful one-piece can double as a top under linen pants or a wrap skirt for an easy beach-to-lunch look. Add a lightweight button-up shirt worn open as a layer and finish with a straw hat and oversized sunglasses.

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2. High-Waisted Bikini Sets

High-waisted bikini bottoms remain one of the most popular options for women over 40.

Why they work so well:

• offer gentle tummy coverage

• define the waistline

• pair easily with supportive tops

Many women also appreciate the ability to mix and match sizes for the top and bottom — something that’s harder to do with a one-piece.

The look feels modern, flattering, and a little bit retro in the best way.

Style tip:

The higher waist creates shape while the layered pieces soften the look with effortless elegance. Add wide-leg linen shorts for beachside walks, choose simple gold jewelry for a polished finish.

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3. Tankinis That Actually Look Stylish

Tankinis have evolved far beyond the styles many people remember.

New designs feature:

• soft draping fabrics

• flattering ruching

• longer torso coverage

• supportive built-in bra cups

They offer the flexibility of a two-piece while providing the coverage many women appreciate.

They’re also incredibly practical — making it easier for swimming, walking the beach, or relaxing poolside.

Style tip:

Tankinis offer the flexibility of a two-piece while providing the coverage many women appreciate. Pair them with bikini bottoms, swim shorts, or skirted styles to create a flattering silhouette. Choose styles designed with bra-like support for comfortable, everyday wear—even on the warmest days.

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4. Swim Dresses & Skirted Styles

 

Swim dresses and skirted bottoms are becoming increasingly popular for women who want a little extra coverage without sacrificing style.

Today’s designs are far more modern than older versions, featuring:

• light flowing fabrics

• shaping panels

• built-in supportive suits underneath

They provide comfort while still feeling stylish and resort-ready.

 

Style tip:

The flowing silhouette feels relaxed and feminine, making it perfect for poolside lunches or resort patios.

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5. Supportive Bikini Tops with Adjustable Fit

 

Support makes a huge difference in swimwear confidence.

Many 2026 styles feature thoughtful construction such as:

• underwire support

• adjustable straps

• molded cups

• wider bands for comfort

These features help provide lift and structure while maintaining a beautiful silhouette.

Style tip:

The structured top provides support while the flowing layers balance your silhouette. Enjoy beach volleyball or reading by the pool with equal confidence.

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Why Swimwear Fitting Matters

One of the biggest mistakes women make when shopping for swimwear is choosing a suit without a proper fit.

Swimsuits are more like lingerie than clothing — the structure and support need to match your body.

A professional swim fitting can help you find:

• the right cup support

• proper torso length

• flattering leg height

• the best silhouettes for your shape

Often women are surprised to discover that a different style or size completely transforms how a swimsuit feels and looks. Mix and Match swim styles ensure the most flattering fit, and your confidence is the sexiest look you will wear

The right swimsuit should make you feel comfortable, supported, and ready to enjoy the water, the sunshine, and the moments that come with summer travel.

With so many thoughtful styles available today, finding that perfect suit has never been easier.

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5 Essential Bra Styles!

For most of us, bras not only help to prevent sagging as we age, they also prevent various neck and back problems, especially if you have bigger breasts. 

We enjoy different fashions and activities, and need different styles of bras to provide a better fit which plays a key role in enhancing the look of your tops, shirts, and dresses. The right bra will make your older clothes hang better, let you appear like you've lost weight, and boost your confidence.

These essential styles will round out your wardrobe.

1. a nude ... a bra that matches your skin tone — from delicate lace, smooth fabric, or full-coverage cups, and the straps will almost disappear too. If you love lighwieght t-shirts, cups molded out of thin foam which eliminate nipple show-through, come in styles from light spacer fabric to memory foam. 

2. a black bra ... an absolute staple - this colour works under anything dark and and saves your nude bra from getting discoloured. Coverage varies from balconette to full cup, and fabric options start with lace, to half lined or fully lined. For others a black t-shirt bra is first on the list.

3. a relaxation bra ... if you’re hanging around the house, traveling, or running errands, find a comfy bra to lend just enough support on easy days. Think wire-free styles in super-soft fabrics, bralette styles, and tank-top cuts. For larger busted women, this bra style is also recommended as a sleep bra for better muscle health.

4. simply beautiful ... a pieced bra will always be the most supportive bra in your collection. Delicate lace and flat seams are perfectly placed to lift and support "the girls" creating a shape that balances you. Want to look like you just lost 10 lbs? switch from a minimizer that compresses breast tissue to a lace bra, and know that even under a sweatshirt you are looking beautiful.

5. a sport bra ... even when you don't participate in in high impact sports, your yoga class, backyard gardening or riding lesson requires extra support. Breasts are supported by the non-elastic Cooper's ligaments - sport bras stop unwanted bounce which breaks these ligaments down and causes permanent sagging. 

Whether you're an A or a K, they're non-negotiable for all bust sizes.

Why do you need more than one bra? 

You've invested in a great bra - and you want it to last! Even if you are not sweating, body heat wears down your bra fibres. Rotate your bras, so the cups and straps can relax, keeping their shape and elasticity. Wash after 2 or 3 wears: fasten clips, use a laundry bag, hand wash or use gentle cycle on cold, air dry only, and store flat (twisting your favourite t-shirt bra with one cup inside the other will break down the fabrics).

Finding your Best Swim Bottom!

You're the most beautiful when you feel beautiful - so take these suggestions tongue in cheek, and wear whatever makes you happiest...

When you are wearing a bikini, tankini or onepiece, how a swimsuit leg cut is the most important consideration when looking for a flattering fit. Colours and patterns are second, but working towards a balanced look - for the top and bottom halves of the body to look proportioned, will always be the most flattering.

Best bottoms for an hourglass. This silhouette is naturally proportional and balanced.

• Your hips and shoulders are almost the same size.
• You have rounder or sloping shoulders.
• You have a clearly-defined waist.

Accentuate your clearly defined waist and great legs. Keep the style simple, from a skinny tie side to high cut leg, and in one-piece swimsuits try a wrapped  waist. The new belted bottoms will also look great. Keep colors similar across the bust and hips.

 

 Best bottom for a pear. With a clearly accentuated waist and a bust smaller than the hips, it's the second most common shape.

• Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
• You have round, sloping shoulders and a well-defined waist.
• Your buttocks and thighs are full and round.

Overall your swimsuit needs to add volume to your upper body while keeping the bikini bottom simple, and emphasize your waist (creating balance). Keep bottom colours darker than the top. Higher cut legs will divide the size across your hips, minimizing them.

Best bottoms for an apple or athletic build. The key is finding one that minimizes the attention to your tummy and hips.

• Hips and shoulders have the same width; waist is the same width or wider.
• Your lower legs and arms look slender.
• You might appear short-waisted.

Bottoms should be darker, try tummy-control, ruched, and high-waisted.  Alternately a slight scoop under your belly. Patterned, ruffled, or embellished tops draw the eye to your face, and empire waists are your friend. Retro swimsuits with dark bottoms, ties or ruching help define your waist.

Best bottom for a wedge shape. Find a flattering swimsuit that accentuates your waist and optically balances the top and bottom.

• You have strong and broad straight shoulders, wider than your waistline or hips.
• You have an athletic build and rather flat buttocks.
• You have an undefined waist.

To bring attention to small hips go for fuller coverage patterned bottoms, tulip-shaped skirts, or wide-leg swim shorts. Tie side bottoms with wider ties work well too. Lighter colours pull attention down, and balance with darker halter or triangle style tops. Tankini tops should flare over the hips.

sketches from Karen Cox/SheKnows. Look for more inspiration at 

https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1109215/body-shape-chart/

How Men Wear Shorts & Look Great!

Your perfect answer to summer comfort in relaxed settings - these are definitely not business attire - but for the cottage, pool party, backyard BBQ or just meeting friends for drinks, you need to have them. But what style suits you best?

A tailored pair of shorts will define shape and create a flattering profile, they should feel comfortable and suit your body shape, without being too tight or restricting movement. Tailored doesn't always mean slim-fitting, just that everything needs to fit properly.

Lois 6" Cargo Short

Wearing shorts is about confidence and comfort -  shorter lengths are cooler so when this style works for you -  you can show some leg. If you’re a shorter man, be this bold, as the long and baggy styles will swamp you.

Length of shorts is about personal judgement but if your whole thighs are on show, even when perfectly toned, it's probably a little too short. Anywhere between two and six inches above the knee is the perfect length for a tailored pair of shorts.

Straight legs look best on a man whose hips are wider than shoulders with a bigger waist. 

 

Slim Leg 10"inseam

Tailored is not skin tight (which would also almost guarantee you would feel uncomfortable, and self-conscious too). Fitted mid-length shorts are flattering on all body types, and Lois comfort waistband stretches while maintaining that tailored look.

A man that is tall and thin with a shoulder width that approximately matches hips is considered a rectangle or athletic shape. Their best look is a sleek flat front - baggy shorts don’t complement any body - slim legs, but still keep the fabric loose on the thighs. 

Most golf shorts have these similar features, and pockets.

 

Lightweight Cargo Short

Cargo shorts are practical for many men, side pockets allow you to get your wallet out of the back pocket, but don't overstuff these pockets, and keep the length above the knee. Get your shorts hemmed if necessary.

While flattering on medium to tall men, still avoid a leg opening that is a lot wider than the circumference of your leg (that'll make legs appear smaller and thinner, again, not a flattering look). You don't need a great body to look great; you just need your clothes to fit.

For bigger guys, don't go for a roomier, baggy pair of shorts, rather than make you look thinner, they'll just make you look sloppy. Find a smaller pair instead, fitted but with enough room to move around in. 

Mens trends have embraced shorts, wear them with confidence, barefeet and sandals, or a shoe with short ankle socks if necessary.

 
 

Help to Love Yourself in Swim Today!

 

We are surrounded by summer all year round—at least in the fashion sense - fashion is about understanding how best to layer, which fabrics breathe, and what you will be comfortable in whether you. Your lifestyle keeps you running, and summer is the highlight, you deserve to enjoy it!

 

It is so much fun and so rewarding to help someone discover the swimsuit that creates the “aha” moment, when you can say, “I look good in this one—I love the colour and the fit and I’m going to have a great holiday!” 

If you are planning a pool party, visiting a friend at the cottage, or dreaming of a vacation, no one looks forward to buying a swimsuit. At Sand'n'Sea we understand that a swimsuit threatens to bare many of your perceived flaws making it difficult to have a great time if you’re self-conscious and uncomfortable. But we have solutions!

No one comes in a cookie-cutter shape and fitting the shape you are today is key. Our goal is to help you love that shape and to wear it comfortably. 

It’s not magic; it’s about our selection. We offer mix-and- match fitting which allows us to customize a look for you by handpicking pieces from over 20 brands. Beyond the dizzy-ing array of hues, we have top pieces that enhance a small bust or support a generous one. There are styles to fit a short or a long torso and suits with varying degrees of tummy control or side ruching. 

We can help you find a strategically placed print to minimize or even disguise the bits that we don’t want noticed. 

Bottoms also need to fit well and range from tiny tie sides and high-cut legs to high-waisted control skirts and boy shorts—you can be as modest or as flirty as your personality calls into play. But no-one wants to loose their bottom as they come out of the water.

Once the fit is fabulous, then it’s all about your favourite colours. Whether you are a poolside fashionista, a beach vol- leyball champion or a snorkelling aficionado, we have suits from which you can choose.

Life is also about savoring the ride ... trains, planes and automobiles are all more enjoyable in clothes that still look fabulous when you arrive. We understand how fabric moves with you and our selection of lifestyle fashions and travel attire in trendy basics and colours will get you through your busy day or destination in comfort and style. 

We invite you to come and immerse your-self in summer colours, take your mind to a happy place and know that you can find all that you need for your busy lifestyle at Sand'n'Sea Boutique, in downtown Napanee, Ontario.

If you don’t have travel plans but yen for sunny days, come in
and soak up our warm atmosphere. The staff and I would love to meet you and help you to release your inner diva!

 

 

Simplify Your Christmas Shopping

'Tis the Season to show those you love just a little something extra, it doesn't have to be expensive, it just needs to be inspired ...

Under $20, protect their skin

SunBum skin protection is healthy for your skin, 

start with tanning towels, use SPF50 or SPF30 sunscreen in cream or spray, or try SPF15 tanning lotion. 

For sensitive skin there is SunBum Baby skin care, and the cooling lotion is great for wind dried skin or if you forgot to re-apply your sunscreen. 

One of our favorites is their collection of hair care products.

Under $30, just a little something extra

Something casual or something very personal

From fashion jewellery, a light pashmina wrap or swimsuit pareo, to coconut wash 

or our best selling one size bamboo leggings (in 4 colours).

To one size panties from Chantelle or thongs from HankyPanky, to sized control from Spanx.

Under $50, something special

A little something extra

Starts with a soft fall scarf or gloves, mens or ladies belt, Kuma sunglasses with bamboo arms 

or a Simbi bracelet that supports clean drinking water in Haiti.

Thinking of your traveler, a hat, flip flops or SPF30 rashguard 

(Body Glove, Beach House, Reef, Tommy Bahama) is always appreciated. 

Gift our best selling personal up a level in the  one size fits all retro thong from HankyPanky.

Still don't know what to get?

Our Gift Certificates are on everyone's Christmas List.

A Day in the Life of ...

Let's have some fun - introducing our new meme friends, Sandy, Simone & Betty - three women who cross paths in L&A, as a fast friendship follows.

Sandy

Sandy is a travel agent, 29, rocks her boho fashion style and enjoys relaxing at home. It's getting close to her third wedding anniversary, and they've enjoyed camping this summer and a couple of local wine tours. (note; if you follow her fashions, she's an apple shape)

Simone

As a single professional, Simone might work from home but dresses business casual (you never know when you might run into a prospective client).  She's 40, loves working in marketing and her new condo. Works hard, relaxes with friends, her summer included the theatre and really great dining experiences. (note; Simone has an athletic, rhubarb shape)

Betty

A nurse working 12hr shifts, and busy mom with two young children, she and needs comfortable fashions to keep up with all their activities and for running around on their hobby farm. At 35 they own their rural property, and have escaped on a couple of stay-cations this summer, thanks to neighbors willing to keep an eye on the alpacas. (note; with South American ancestry she knows how to style a traditional pear shape)


Follow along as our ladies, meet, become friends, share their lives and plans for the future. You might identify with one of our avatars, or just enjoy the places they go this year.

Who said we had to be serious all the time  :)

Cruise Season at Sand'n'Sea Napanee

just a peek at what we have for you ...

Cruise season runs from mid-November till mid-March 

and to help you set off on your vacation totally prepared, we are OPEN daily :)

Lingerie Dept.

Swimwear mix and match for a perfect fit.

Coverups, beach bags and sandals.

Ladies Travel Fashion & layers for changing climates.

Natural Fibres so your skin can breathe.

Mens Dept. with shirts, shorts & pants, swim and sandals.

Sunscreen and bottled sunshine :)

#WomenTalkTravel about River Cruises

This is a hot topic - with so many trips to choose from - it works for every age group. You can link this more intimate form of cruising with fine dining, historical tours, biking cross country or international shopping excursions.

River Cruising is the top of many bucket lists because it offers such a diverse experience.

Can you imagine - drifting through picturesque villages, floating by resplendent castles and awe-inspiring cathedrals? That’s what you get with European river cruises. They’re multi-generational, safe, no fuss and filled with beauty.

Aline Lamere has worked in tourism all her life and traveled the world from Thailand to Mexico, from The Caribbean to Bali, Hong Kong and Japan. As someone who’s worked for a Greek cruise line and taken many European River Cruises, Aline will shared her knowledge of travel and cruising with us on Nov 21. 

All the benefits of a large ocean cruise, in a more private intimate setting ...

1. Unpack just once

Forget about lugging bags from one lobby to the next – river cruises allow you to really get comfortable. Unpack just once and keep your home comforts close by in your private cabin

2. A new destination every day

Rivers were the first highways, river crossings the beginning of cities. Greet each new day in a new city, stopping at each port for several hours at a time. Tick off a few bucket-list destinations at once, like France, Spain and Portugal, or maybe about Moscow and St.Petersburg, visit Vietnam, China and Cambodia without worrying about language challenges.

3. On-shore activities for active or passive people

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to explore several ports either independently or on a pre-arranged guided tour. Often partnering with local guides to customize intimate adventures ashore, from tours of ancient castles to bustling markets and other cultural hubs.

4. Indulgent wining, dining & VIP service

On board you can expect fine dining matched with premium beer and wine. Some meals are matched to the countryside, so you can glide through Bordeaux with a full-bodied red or bask in Bavarian fare in southern Germany. Add the indulgence of Concierge services to take care of an extra blanket or to plan activities for your next docking. Modern ships are also full of amenities, such as fitness centres, spas, bars and pools.

5. Inclusive extras

Be sure to ask what is included, and which costs are extra when booking. There are added extras already worked into the cost, making it much more budget-friendly than you might imagine. Your meals and beverages on board are almost always complimentary, with more all-inclusive cruises taking care of airport transfers, gratuities and even on-shore tours. Others will let you opt in to only the excursions that interest you the most, and schedule free days in between.

 What's on your bucket list?

#WomenTalkTravel about Packing Cubes

Do you have trouble getting everything you need into your suitcase? Do you travel between locations, and struggle to find what you need to wear? then packing cubes will help you  ...

Fall travel is especially hard to pack for, temperatures switch daily and fitting the right pieces into your luggage is harder than ever. We'll chat about that, packing cubes and other travel solutions. Fall air also makes me think of apple cider, cozy layers and delicious soups - we'll have some interesting tastes for you to sample as well.

Designed to compress, organize, and pack clothing as well as other items, packing cubes fit perfectly into most carry-on suitcases, tote bags, backpacks and even duffel bags. 

 What goes in ... depends ...

• If your making several stops on trip, try 1 cube for each stop or activity. 
• If your sharing your suitcase with someone else, use colour coded packing cubes to easily find your outfits. (note; when traveling with others, best practice is to mix clothing between 2 suitcases so that if 1 gets delayed, you still have something to wear).
• If your trip requires clothes for different temperatures, use 1 cube for lightweight clothing, layering pieces, and heaviest pieces at bottom.
• Just consider what will help make your life easier on the road, and at your destination.

What to buy ...

• you can still add clothing under & around the cubes, just lay bulkiest clothing at the bottom of your suitcase, and roll pieces to fit between cubes.
• cost is relative, stay low if is this a one time adventure, invest in better quality if you are a repeat traveler, always test the zippers for durability.
• some styles are breathable fabric or water repellent.
• start with 2 or 3, you can always add more.

By using packing cubes, you can pack what you want & save space. Enjoy everything about your trip - for business or vacation - as much as possible by cleaning up your packing. Planning what goes in the cubes, whether it is for a long weekend or for week-long vacation overseas, will help all your  packing go easier and faster.

Quick tip

- on a longer trip reducing the pieces of underwear you carry will save space! We love Hanky Panky lace, recommended by our customers, take only 2 pair! One to wear & wash at night, its dry to pack the next morning and you've a fresh pair on. We stock regular and curve sizes ... 

hanky panky styles will flatter anybody

 

5 Must Have Bra Styles

Summer heat and light weight clothes mean you cannot hide a bra that fits badly. Sometimes an investment in your wardrobe means you only need a new bra to freshen up your look (although I love a new dress, some days the budget doesn't').  So what style of bra do you really need?

1. t-shirt bra

A sweetheart neckline and tight u-back ensure the C Ideal from Chantelle will be invisible under your lightest t-shirts.
Innovative space mousse cups are crush resistant (great for travel).

How to Look Great & Feel Better!

After hearing "80% of women wear the wrong size bra" for years in the media including Oprah's Bra Revolution (since 2005), that number would be almost zero now.  Not true!

The top 5 health issues felt by women wearing the wrong size bra, go beyond how you look today. You understand that if your undergarments are uncomfortable, nothing else you do today will make you feel better,  but think about;

Back pain

Shoulder and neck pain 

Blockage of the lymph nodes 

Breast ligaments

Skin problems

How your bra fits effects your health (via Beauty Health Tips).

Now think beyond your bra - what about your back? 

Anatomy of a Sports Bra

From soft flowing yoga to a high impact workout, when you are active you need to protect the girls accordingly.

Your sports bra must control;

• upward bounce
• downward sag
• natural shape
• allow for upper body flexibility

to allow you to achieve your personal best in every activity you love.

Summer Requires Strapless Bras!

Piege Bra of the Year $68

There is nothing cooler to wear in the summer than a dress - short & flirty, casual natural fibers, or elegant maxi - they all have various necklines, thin straps, or the classic bandeau. Keep life simple and invest in a strapless bra this year. You don't have to break the bank to get good support.

Foundations for your Holiday Wardrobe

from our Fall 2013 article in Artisan's Bay Magazine Fall 2013 pg.8 - the importance of good underpinnings (you know those bra and panty sets you love/hate)  ...

You will always feel more festive in clothing that is comfortable and helps you feel beautiful!

Being at ease in your holiday fashions starts with the first layer you put on. You cannot enjoy a fabulous event if you are constantly tugging at ill-fitting underpinnings, trying to relieve that waistband that digs into your skin or the old bra that pulls on your shoulders.

Swimsuit Advice for your Pear Body Shape

guest blog from our favorite Style Guru 

The Owl and the Peacock: Shop your shape: Pear: Shop you shape: Pear You are a pear
shape if you carry your weight around your hips and bottom. You have a beautifully defined waist and ...

Swimsuit Advice for your Apple Body Shape

 guest blog from our favorite Style Guru 

The Owl and the Peacock: Shop your shape: Apple: Shop you shape: Apple You are an apple shape if you carry your weight around your middle have no defined waist but lovely slim legs and ar...

5 Tips for Post-mastectomy Swimsuit Shopping

Anita post-mastectomy

We've said it befor - swimsuit shopping is daunting for women - all women, not just you. The basic
principles for finding one that helps you feel fantastic, and as confident as you can be heading to the pool or beach, don't change when you are ready to purchase a new swimsuit in the years after a mastectomy.

1. take your time - expect to try on numerous suits to find the shape and colour that flatters your current shape. Don't worry about the size number, it will change depending on the designer, pay attention to the fit and comfort. If you are not comfortable in the shop, it will not get better after hours of wear.
 ....

Hot Travel Essentials

   10 essentials to pack for traveling to a hot destination (after your passport!)

1. two daytime dresses  one to double as a swimsuit cover-up, perfect for lunch and  dresses are cooler.

2. two evening outfits  polazzo pants, elegant or flirty dress, be flexible.

Customer Love = Loyalty Rewards

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We are very excited to be offering a

Loyalty Rewards Program

for our wonderful customers!

We want to reward you for coming back and shopping with us, so why not give back to you and say thanks!   Here are the details:

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Membership is free and bonus offers will be promoted via e-mail or facebook – make sure we have your data **

• Points are only issued at the time of purchase, no retroactive rewards can be collected. Only one rewards card per customer per transaction.
• Every dollar spent in the store gives you 1 Loyalty Point, calculated based on net purchase (after discounts, promotions, coupons and before taxes).
• Sand ‘n Sea standard exchange or return policy applies to Reward Points, see our return policy in store for details. In the event of a store credit being issued no points will accumulate at the time that the store credit is redeemed.
• Points will be issued when gift certificates are sold but no rewards will accumulate when the gift certificate is redeemed.
• Sand'n Sea may change or terminate the Program or any or all of its benefits in its sole discretion at any time, without notice and for any reason. Current program is effective December 1, 2012 thru July 1.2015.

 ** there will be fabulous opportunities for free bonus points - double your points days - and promotions for earning extra points - you'll be cashing in your savings in no time :)