What to Wear to the Beach: A Complete Packing List
Packing for a day at the beach is anything but relaxing. You’re mentally juggling a hundred things that need to be remembered, from shade protection to snacks to favorite floaties. And if even one of these items is left behind, you can imagine the fallout.
To help you prepare for the ultimate beach day, we’ve listed out all the must-haves to pack into your beach bag.
Swimwear
A beach day without swimsuits will go south very quickly. If you’re close to the beach, you might put your swimwear on before venturing to the sand. But if you have a bit of a drive, your kiddos may be more comfortable changing at the beach-side changing rooms.
Remember to pack swimsuits that the whole family will be comfortable wearing for a full day of fun in the sun. For your little boys, look for swim trunks with built-in liners to avoid annoying rashes. For girls, consider halter-style one-pieces that won’t budge or tug after hours of swimming.
Don’t overlook your own comfort either. For dads, make sure to get swim trunks at a length you feel comfortable with. For moms, consider a one-piece that will help you feel supported and cinched throughout your whole day.
If you want to give your kids a surprise they’ll love, consider getting matching swimwear for the whole family. At Hadley’s Bungalow, we offer matching swimwear sets in all kinds of patterns, from our light blue-striped Bermuda Bloom swimsuits to our bright red and blue Patriot collection.
Shop this season's matching sets to see which ones would bring the biggest smiles to your family’s faces.
Cover-Ups
After a few hours in the sun, you may want to give your shoulders a break. A light kaftan dress can provide some coverage without warming you up. A sarong is also a versatile option you can throw over your shoulders or tie around your waist.
Men and women alike can bring an oversized linen button-down shirt to act as a layer between your skin and the sun. And when the wind rolls in and it gets chilly? Consider a cozy terry cloth sweatshirt for your kids to soak up any lingering moisture.
Sun Protection
We all know how a sunburn can be a sour end to a beach day. Be vigilant from the beginning by having your child wear a rashguard. Rashguards today have all kinds of designs and patterns, making them a fashionable option for protecting your kids’ upper halves. And if they’re hesitant to wear one? Show them photos of the professional surfers who proudly rep rash guards. Hopefully, they’ll see that sun protection can be cool!
Don’t overlook your head either. Bring hats for the whole family, from wide-brimmed sun hats to bright bucket hats with a chin strap for the kids.
Another sun-smart accessory? UV detection stickers. You stick one of these onto your kid’s shoulder, slather them with sunscreen, and send them off to play. When the sticker turns a different color, you know it’s time to apply more sunscreen. UV stickers come in all shapes, so your kids might even want to put these on.
Gear for Little Ones
Depending on the age of your children, you may need to pack a few extra essentials to keep them safe and clean. Bring plenty of swim diapers, as this is one thing you don’t want to run out of when your little one wants to get back in the water.
Those sensitive little feet also need some additional protection on hot sand and rocky beaches. Water shoes are a great way to safeguard against anything lurking under the waves.
Young children also need support to safely swim in open bodies of water. For your child, that may look like a life jacket, water vest, arm floaties, or a puddle jumper. It’s also a good idea to pack a few larger floaties that kids of any age can hop on or lean against when their muscles grow tired.
Other Beach Essentials to Pack
Of course, there are many other items you’ll want to bring to the beach in addition to pieces of clothing. To help you remember, here’s a quick checklist of other important items to pack:
- Towels
- Drinking water
- First aid kit (throw in some aloe vera for sunburn and diaper rash cream for any body rashes from boogie boards or sand)
- Snacks
- Ziploc bag/waterproof bag
- Mesh bag for wet shells/toys/swimsuits
- Wet wipes
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
Keep Your Family Comfortable with Hadley’s Bungalow Swimwear
Days at the beach are full of precious family memories. Keep your family happy and comfy by wearing Hadley’s Bungalow breathable swimsuits. Check out our full collection of stylish, matching swimwear today.
