Alright friends! It’s officially summer, which means pools are open and it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you’re aiming to spend the day poolside or frolic on the beach, there are certain items you’ll need. Here are 8 swim essentials you’ll need this summer.
Summer Swim Essentials
1. Sunscreen
We’ll start with the most important item in your swim essentials kit and that’s sunscreen. If you’re going to spend the day outside, you absolutely need sun protection.
Personally, I like to choose mineral sunscreens rather than chemical ones, but that’s up to you. Another thing I’ve recently become a huge fan of is powder sunscreen. I don’t think it’s as effective as lotion, but I definitely like to have it in my bag to refresh throughout the day.
And finally, did you know that certain hair products have UV protection? If you color or bleach your hair at all, that’ll help preserve it. So, a leave in conditioner with UV protection is a good idea.
2. Swimsuit
When looking for the perfect swimwear, think about your own body type and the coverage you’re interested in. And remember, you can look just as sexy in a one-piece!
Here are some suits you can get for less than $100 on Amazon.
3. Cover-Up
Sure, you can head to the pool with shorts and a t-shirt thrown over your swimsuit, but why not just invest in a cute cover up?
For one thing, it’s way easier, especially after a day spent in the sun and water (have you ever tried putting jean shorts on over a wet swimsuit?!)
But also, cover ups can be really cute and can double as a day-time dress when out and about.
4. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are swim essentials, yes, but they’re also a summer essential. And, at least for me, a spring, winter, and fall essential. Basically, the way some girls feel about shoes, I feel about sunglasses.
But even if you don’t, you’ll want to protect your eyes when out in the sun all day.
5. Beach Bag
Again, this one is perfect for a day at the beach or at the pool. Beach bags are typically larger than regular purses, but they also tend to be water-proof. In addition, you can get a beach bag with a built-in cooler so you can bring along your snacks without worrying that they’ll melt all over the place.
Related Read: 5 Sexy Beach Reads for Summer
6. Hydration Station
Here’s another item that’s essential for any outdoor activity in the summer. Staying hydrated is so important, so make sure to grab a large water bottle to bring with you poolside.
7. Sun Hat
This is one of my swim essentials that’s equal parts for style and health. Even if you have sunglasses and sunscreen, having a hat will give you extra sun protection. And, yeah, it’s a cute look!
8. Beach Towel
When I go to the pool, I typically bring a book and a snack and lay out in the sun. Other than a quick toe dip, I tend to stay relatively dry. Still, I always bring a beach towel to lay out on. Definitely something that’s essential to add to your bag.
27 Comments
Such great essentials! Need to invest in a coverup and a sun hat! Thing I never thought about, but you are right that having shorts sticking to your wet swimsuit is not the best!
I’m such a fan of the swimsuit coverup for exactly that reason!
I love those bags! Anything like this gives me such great summer vibes and brings back memories of living near the beach! Great list!
I’ve never lived near the beach, but that would be amazing!
These are some great essentials. Sun cream is so important. I like the one strap swimsuit you have shared, it looks so pretty! Thank you for sharing.
Lauren x
I know, it’s very cute! Thanks for reading xx
I am spending this last month in a Greek island and all the items you mentioned are a must. I hadn’t taken enough sun cream with me the first days and I almost got a sun burn.
Usually, I always carry with me also a book to keep me company.
Yes me too! I take a book with me everywhere I go!
All ideal essentials for a day at the beach. Sadly I don’t have any nice beaches near me that I’d want to spend any time on!
Sadly, neither do I – but I love being by the pool in the summertime. Not the same, I know, but still water!
Great stuff to have a good summer outside at the beach or swimming. Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely – thanks for reading!
Definitely searching for a new coverup!
Coverups are so useful!
Ooh I absolutely love your suggestions! I didn’t actually know that you can get hair products with sunscreen in so I’ll definitely be looking into that and I still need to get some good cover ups for my trip to Corfu in a few weeks. Thank you so much for sharing x
Yes, I know! Especially if you have colored hair, keeping it protected will help your color last longer.
This is a great list. My must-haves are sunscreen, a hat, and water. I am currently looking for some beach essentials for my holidays as I do not have any. Thank you for sharing this list.
Having a beach bag while you’re on vacation is really helpful I think.
You covered everything! Coverups are a must for me, especially if I’m eating and don’t want the burning heat on me. Sunscreen is also a must, don’t want a fun day at the beach to lead to skin diseases. Thanks for the post!
sejal | thelazygal.com
I love a good cover up – it’s a great way to not have to change after swimming if you’re running errands or something.
great list of summer essentials here! i’m a fair gal so sunscreen is a must!!
Same here! Plus, being sunburnt is never a cute look
agreed! LOL
What a helpful post going into summer! I need to find a good sun hat to keep the sun off my face! The only other thing I would add is good SPF lip balm. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, absolutely! Putting sunscreen on your lips and eyelids is so often overlooked, but so important
Water and suncream are definitely essential to looking after yourself! I bought my cover up in Primark about 7 years ago and I still use it because it’s so good 🙂
Don’t you just love when you find something you can keep forever?!