Every great idea starts with a problem. For Christy LaSalle, that problem was sandy, scorching hot, and happening in real-time under the brilliant Barbados sun. It was 2017, and like any active family, hers was soaking up a well-deserved vacation. But as she tried to shield her legs from the intense rays with a standard beach towel, she was met with a familiar, frustrating reality: the towel was heavy, trapped heat, and held onto sand with a vengeance. It was anything but a comfortable solution.

That moment of discomfort became a moment of clarity. Sunscreen was essential, but it wasn’t the whole story for all-day protection. What if there was a better way? What if you could have a cover-up that was as protective as it was beautiful, as comfortable as it was functional? This question was the seed that would grow into Salt n Rays, a brand built from the ground up by a woman who saw a need and decided to fill it herself.

Designing the Perfect Solution

Christy returned from her trip with a mission. She envisioned a product that could solve all the problems of that frustrating beach day. It needed to offer serious sun protection without causing you to overheat. It had to be lightweight and shed sand easily. And be chic enough to wear beyond the beach.

After months of dedicated research and design, the flagship Salt n Rays UPF 50 Towel & Wrap was born. This wasn’t just another towel; it was a thoughtfully engineered piece of gear. The fabric was chosen for its softness and durability, but most importantly, for its certified UPF 50 rating, which blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

The practical benefits were woven into its very design:

  • Stays Cool & Breathes: Unlike heavy terrycloth, the fabric is lightweight and breathable, providing shade without trapping stifling heat.
  • Quick to Dry, Quick to Go: The highly absorbent material dries you off in seconds, and then the towel itself dries rapidly. You can say goodbye to packing a damp, heavy towel in your bag.
  • Built for Adventure: The towel is resistant to fading in saltwater and chlorine, and high-quality stitching ensures it holds up season after season.

More Than Just a Towel

What truly sets the Salt n Rays towel apart is its elegant versatility. Christy, who designs all the unique and classy patterns herself, ensured it could transition seamlessly from a practical towel to a stylish accessory. It can be effortlessly tied as a chic sarong, a wrap, or a skirt, making it the perfect piece to take you from the water’s edge to a poolside cafe. It’s an all-in-one solution for the minimalist traveler and the busy parent alike.

This multi-use functionality speaks directly to the brand’s core mission: to inspire sun-soaked adventures while protecting the skin you’re in. It’s about giving families and individuals the confidence to enjoy the outdoors without compromise. The towels have become a go-to essential, used daily at the gym, on the boat, or simply after a shower, and they are a popular, thoughtful gift for loved ones.

Fast forward from that pivotal day in Barbados, and Salt n Rays now ships its products to every state. The collection has expanded to include apparel and accessories, all designed with the same commitment to quality and sun safety. In a little-known facet of its business, the brand also partners with other companies to create custom graphics and high-performance merchandise for the outdoor industry, bringing its unique blend of style and function to a wider audience. Salt n Rays is a testament to how a single, relatable problem, when met with passion and innovation, can create a truly brilliant solution.

Written in partnership with Tom White