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Nothing encapsulates summer like a blissful day at the beach. Whether you like to lounge under an umbrella with a book or spend your days surfing the waves, there are a number of beach essentials to add to your packing list that’ll have you prepared for a great day in the sun.
Beach Essentials
Keep the weather in mind when packing for your trip. Think about how long you plan your beach day to last. Here is a list of essentials to pack:
- Swimsuit: One-piece or two-piece
- Wetsuit or boardshorts: For surf sessions
- Rashguard: For UV protection and surfing in warmer waters
- Beach clothing: Anything from sarongs and beach cover-ups, to shorts, oversized shirts and dresses. Don’t forget to pack underwear
- Footwear: Slides, flip-flops, and sneakers for the way home. Sandals are always a safe choice too
- Sunglasses: Take your pick, micro or oversized, aviators or more unconventional
- Hat: Visors and floppy sun hats offer extra protection from the sun.
- Beach towel or blanket
- Spare drying towel if you have space
- Beach bag: An oversized structured tote or basket bag, ideally woven or canvas to handle the elements
- Bikini bag: A waterproof pouch to store your wet bikini
- Cooler bag: You won’t regret keeping your water cold
- Beach umbrella
- Beach chair, blanket or towel to sit on
- Sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
- Hair accessories: Hair ties and clips, a UV or conditioning spray to protect from the sun and ocean
- Small first aid kit, just in case
- Tissues
Depending on how you like to spend your time at the beach, there are some other essentials to consider. If you’re there for a long time, you might want to bring snacks or a packed lunch, and maybe headphones and a powerbank. You might want toys and games for the kids, or even a net and volleyball. Also, a book or e-reader never goes amiss.
Beachwear Inspiration
Beachwear clothing comes in a variety of styles and types. If you want to take sun protection even further, invest in high UPF beachwear. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating denotes how well the fabric protects you against UV rays, a UPF 50 blocks about 98% of the sun’s rays. Look for swimwear, clothing, and accessories like hats with high UPFs.
Outfit Ideas
You can never go wrong with a bikini and a beach cover-up. The right cover-up can go from sunlounger to dinner.
Another great transitional beachwear outfit is the skirt co-ord. Pull on a skirt and matching top, add sandals and you’re ready for a day of fun or a night out.
A one-piece swimsuit can readily form a complete outfit with a pair of shorts, sarong or skirt, and platform espadrilles. You can choose a classic swimsuit, or a trendier one-piece with cut-outs, mesh or some unique straps and closures. Layer-up with an oversized shirt worn open.
Pair your favorite bikini with wide-leg linen pants for cooling ventilation and a matching boxy shirt.
Embrace the comfort of a maxi dress – take it all the way with a netted or crochet piece that gives glimpses of the swimwear underneath.
Try monochromatic fits. All-black or all-white beach outfits quickly make a fashionable statement without much effort. Mix it up with other single-hued outfits.
Cold-Weather Beachwear
The beach isn’t just for sunny days. On these occasions, it’s better to layer up and keep warm in the ocean breeze.
The Essentials
A sweatshirt or hoodie.
Shirt: Great for colder days, or as a layer over swimwear. Choose a thicker shirt material.
Pants: Linen will provide coverage while allowing you to cool down if the weather warms up. Canvas and cargo pants are a great choice if you need something thicker.
Maxi dress: Maintain the beachwear aesthetic while protecting a large portion of the body from the cold.
Waterproof jacket or coat.
Sneakers: With a good quality sole to tackle the elements.
Socks to wear with sneakers.
Hat: Baseball caps can provide insulation when it's cold, and ventilation when it warms up again. Chilly weather might require a wide-brimmed wool hat or a knitted beanie.
Being prepared and packing the essentials in your beach bag will ensure you stay comfortable and make the most of your day at the beach.
