Dear Answer Angel Ellen: As summer approaches, I always have the same question about swim shirts (aka rash guards).

I appreciate the different styles of swim shirts that can cover the arms, chest, etc., for sun protection. I would like to wear these with swim shorts for a more covered look. But my question is what does one wear under the swim shirts? I am uncomfortable with not wearing anything underneath (no support), but they don't really look right worn over another swimsuit top.

What do you suggest? What do your readers do?

--Jean W.

Dear Jean: Like you, I’m a big fan of those long-sleeve shirts that help protect against sun exposure. I wear mine over my swimsuit and never considered that “they don’t look right.” But now that you mention it … it does look a little lumpy.

The answer to your question is to wear a sports bra underneath the shirt. There are, of course, many styles of these bras -- front closure, back closure, over the head, wire, no wire -- at widely varying prices and levels of support. You can pick up a basic model for under $20 at Walmart or Target that, unless you’re training for the next swimming Olympics, should do nicely.

You didn’t ask, but most of these types of shirts are tagged with an SPF rating. That is the “sun protection factor.” An SPF 30 is the baseline level recommended by dermatologists. Obviously, susceptibility to sunburn varies by skin tone with the palest of us likely to sunburn more quickly than others.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have several fine chain necklaces and bracelets with a “lobster clasp” that I can't put on. It's very difficult to connect the clasp. I don't have anyone around to help me. Do you have any ideas on how I can wear some of my nice necklaces and bracelets again?

--Terri T.

Dear Terri: Thanks for asking because this is a pet peeve of mine and reminds me that I too have a lovely collection of necklaces and bracelets that are virtually impossible to put on without help.

Wouldn’t you think that jewelry manufacturers could/would/should come up with a better solution? So far, they have mostly ignored a crucial issue. And I’m not just talking about inexpensive costume jewelry. I have a lovely Tiffany necklace that sits in a box because I can’t secure the closure without an agile someone to help. How many times are we all dressed and ready to go and then, when we reach for the final touch -- a necklace or bracelet — it is hopeless. Try as we might, we can’t fit the two tiny parts together to secure the clasp.

There are several options. I’ve tried them all and they’re not great, but better than not being able to wear your jewelry:

*An inexpensive magnetic clasp that you can install on your jewelry without tools. They’re flimsy but some also have an additional “screw-in mechanism” for added safety Zpsolution Screw Locking Magnetic Necklace Clasps, ( amazon. com, gold or silver, 4 for $9.99).

*Use a paperclip (or large safety pin) to give you something to hold onto while aiming the clasp toward the little ring at the other end of your bracelet or necklace. Not easy to explain so watch a YouTube video titled “Bend Apart a Paper Clip. 5 Seconds Later…Every Woman Will Love This Trick!”

*Take your problem bracelet or necklace to a jewelry store and ask for installation of a bigger clasp.

Angelic Readers

There was a huge reader response to Peter N.’s complaint that king sheet sets always come with those long king-size pillowcases when many of us use standard size pillows “What a waste and a pain,” writes Nancy S. “I agree with Peter—they’re terrible” says Carole P. Others offered a “simple solution” like this one from Gretchen V.: “ Turn the pillow case inside-out and sew a new seam across the end to make it the length you desire. If you don't sew, you could even just use a row of safety pins closely spaced.” Others recommended a folding process, but Barb Y. says: “Yup, we know how to fold and tuck the excess fabric in. Been there, done that! Only works if you are a motionless sleeper. We are not! Ha.”

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