Beach Packing List: The Essentials

how to pack for beach

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. For more information on headwear, check out our Guide to Women’s Hats.
  • 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 power bank. You might want toys and games for the kids, or even a net and volleyball. Also, a book or e-reader never goes amiss.

beach accessories

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

bikini coverup

You can never go wrong with a bikini and a beach cover-up. The right cover-up can go from sunlounger to dinner.

SHOP WOMEN'S COVER UPS

skirt set

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.

SHOP WOMEN'S MATCHING SETS

one piece swimsuit

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.

SHOP WOMEN'S ONE PIECE SWIM

womens linen pants

Pair your favourite bikini with wide-leg linen trousers for cooling ventilation and a matching boxy shirt.

SHOP WOMEN'S BOTTOMS

womens maxi dress

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.

SHOP WOMEN'S DRESSES

womens matching set

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.

SHOP WOMEN'S ROMPERS

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

womens hoodie

A sweatshirt or hoodie.

SHOP WOMEN'S HOODIES

womens flannel

Shirt: Great for colder days, or as a layer over swimwear. Choose a thicker shirt material.

SHOP WOMEN'S SHIRTS

womens cargo pants

Trousers: 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.

SHOP WOMEN'S BOTTOMS

maxi dress with sleeves

Maxi dress: Maintain the beachwear aesthetic while protecting a large portion of the body from the cold.

womens waterproof jacket

Waterproof jacket or coat.

SHOP WOMEN'S JACKETS

womens sneakers

Sneakers: With a good quality sole to tackle the elements.

SHOP WOMEN'S SNEAKERS

womens socks

Socks to wear with sneakers.

SHOP WOMEN'S ACCESSORIES

womens baseball hat

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.

SHOP WOMEN'S HATS

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.

Related Guides

Maxi Dress Styling Guide

Hoodie Styling Guide

Mini Dress Styling Guide

Women's Hat Styling Guide

Flare Jeans Styling Guide

Regular Jeans Styling Guide

Mom Jeans Styling Guide

Relaxed Jeans Styling Guide

Skinny Jeans Styling Guide