As we shepherd in the first tides of summer, dreams of sandy beaches inevitably dance through our heads. Whether you're jetting across the country or heading across town—a beach is a beach—there are certain essentials you'll need to carry with you. There's the basics—SPF, sunglasses, beach reads—but then the options multiply. Ocean spray for your hair? Tanning oil? Flip-flops? For reasons somewhere between a need for guidance and insatiable curiosity, we called in the experts for a glimpse inside their beach bags (and to see their bag of choice, of course). See how six swimwear designers—each are oceanside regulars—pack their bags for a day at the shore.
Photo: Courtesy of Francesca Aiello
Bag of Choice:
What's Inside:
Ocean Spray 150 ml
"I love misting this spray in my hair after I get out of the ocean. It gives you a really natural beach wave that I'm obsessed with!"
Gigi Rectangular Sunglasses in Brown and Turquoise
"I love a good pair of sunnies and have recently been obsessed with these from The Attico. The blue lens is so fun and adds a little flair to your look!"
Tia Terry Triangle Top
"We all know I am a sucker for a triangle bikini set—I carry one with me always. We just released one of my go-to sets from our line in a new pink terry cloth with contrast green terry binding on the outside. It is so fun to wear, so unique, and my absolute favorite of the season right now."
Nylon Hawaiian Bucket Hat
"A bucket hat is something I always have in my beach bag. It is so easy to throw on after getting out of the water, protects my face from the sun, and looks cute with whatever bikini you have on!"
New Everyday Mineral Sunscreen
"This baby is releasing on May 28th, and I am SO excited for you to try this. It is a broad-spectrum SPF 30 that can be used for face and body—protection against UVA and UVB rays. I have such sensitive skin that I wanted to create a super-lightweight sunscreen that is easy to wear every day and doesn't have that typical sunscreen feel that is super thick and heavy. This is vegan, full of vitamins, and is a lightweight, non-nano formula that leaves no white cast. I have been using this product every day because I know how important sunscreen is, whether you are outside at the beach or not, and I finally have something that is so easy and lightweight to wear! This is literally in every bag I own."
Photo: Leigh Webber
Bag of Choice:
What's Inside:
Sanitizing Gel
"I always keep this sanitizing gel in my bag from the clean beauty brand Esker that we carry on our website."
Untamed by Glennan Doyle
"I always have a good book to read. I just finished Untamed by Glennon Doyle, which I loved—it was like therapy."
Photo: Courtesy of Dos Swim
Bag of Choice:
What's Inside:
Sunscreen
"Our friends just launched a new sunscreen called Vacation—it smells amazing (like coconut and bananas)!"
Tanning Oil Pump Spray SPF 15
"This is a classic oil and our tanning staple—smells good, and always reminds you of vacation."
Brazil Logo Flip-Flops
"The classic Havaianas flip-flop fits in any bag and goes with everything—we own multiple colors!"
Ghosts: A Novel by Dolly Alderton
"Last summer, I started reading Murakami's books. For my next beach trip, I have Dolly Alderton's new book, Ghosts." —Paula Hess
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W Durrow
"The Girl Who Fell from the Sky is next on my summer reading list! I just finished Such a Fun Age, which I loved." —Shay Johnson
Photo: Courtesy of Camilla Whitman
Bag of Choice:
What's Inside:
UV Clear Broad-spectrum SPF 46
"This is my favorite sunscreen. It's pretty clean, it works, and it doesn't leave a white cast on my skin like lots of other natural sunscreens do."
Bianka Cat Eye Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
"I don't go anywhere without these sunglasses. They are the perfect shape—modern, with a slightly vintage feel."
Opia Hat in Seagrass
"I don't have this Clyde hat yet, but I love how easy it is to pack and throw on. I love the natural materials and the bell shape."
Anda in Tomate
"The Anda is so sleek and fits in the palm of my hand. I love that I can keep my cards separate from my cash. Everything from this brand is so thoughtful and beautifully made."
Bag of Choice:
What's Inside:
CC Cream
"I always carry the CC Creme by CHANEL. It's protective and can be used as makeup, as well."
54mm Gradient Square Sunglasses
"For sunglasses, I'm currently mixing between my favorites, AC Brazil and Celine…and my iPhone. It never leaves my side."
Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@paupauhess
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