The Perfect Beach Outfit for Boys

Little boys put every item to the test within minutes, so it’s important that what they wear can withstand excessive amounts of play. We know you want swimsuits, rash guards and sandals that will look presentable in vacation photos, but googles, life vests, sun hats and sunglasses that will continue to protect your little guy all day long. This beach outfit for boys will do the job.

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Swimsuit 

When you have little boys, you need two things in a swimsuit—an elastic waistband and a lining in the suit. Hatley, a well-known and trusted rain coat brand bought by moms across the country, provides UPF 50-plus swimsuits with all of the essentials, including that elastic waistband that offers a little give. Suits are machine washable, feature a faux fly front and seam pockets. Fun patterns include sharks, dinosaurs, alligators and even retro surf island fun. Matching rash guards create the perfect set or you can mix and match with other brands. Sizes range from age 2 to 10.

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Rash Guard

Babies through 16 years old can now find rash guards at The Children’s Place with all sorts of patterns, characters and colors to fit every style and age range. UPF 50-plus blocks 98 percent of harmful rays from the sun, making it a whole lot easier to apply sunscreen this season. The pullover, short-sleeve rash guard is machine washable and tagless, creating the most comfortable swim experience your little man can hope for in the water.

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Sandals

Flip flops and little people don’t always create the magic we hope for, which is why sandals are the better option, especially for boys. KEEN Newport sandals still allow kids to run, but also get their feet wet. Sand can easily slide through the mesh webbing. Adjustable straps make it easy to tighten and loosen for easy on and off at the beach. Sizes are available for ages 1 through 12 years old. Do keep in mind that the “waterproof” tab is not on the toddler version of this sandal, only the older kids’ styles. Have no fear, parents—these shoes still dry out pretty quickly.

Related: 12 Best Flip Flops for Kids

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Sun Hat 

Kids of all ages need to protect their heads from the sun just as much as the rest of their bodies, as scalps can easily get sunburned. THE HAT DEPOT Bucket Travel Cap is easy to pack up and take anywhere, and comes in a variety of colors. The wide brim around the entire cap protects both the face and neck from those harsh rays, adding a bit more protection on top of the sunscreen. Multiple colors mean you can match the sun hat to your favorite boy’s swimsuit and rash guard.  If you’re looking for a bit more of a hipster look, though, we love a little fedora to match daddy on a hot summer day at the beach.

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Sunglasses

Anyone who’s ever owned a pair of sunglasses knows how easy they are to break. Add kids into the mix and they are even more likely to snap, crack or get scratched. Oh, and they will definitely get lost before you even get to the beach. VATTER Unbreakable Polarized Sport Sunglasses solves at least one of those problems by creating one of the most durable kids’ sunglasses available. Don’t believe us? It’s one of the most reviewed and highly rated kids’ sunglasses on Amazon. The lightweight frames are super tough, wear resistant, and can actually prevent eye and face injuries. UV400 eye protection and nine-layer polarized lenses mean your son’s eyes will stay safe from the harmful rays of the sun, while also giving him a clear view of the beautiful world around him.

Related: 11 Best Sunglasses for Babies and Toddlers in 2019

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Swim Googles

You can’t go to the beach and not look under the water to see all of those fabulous critters! Aqua Sphere makes googles in several shapes and sizes to fit every water situation your child can think about getting into. Classic styles work great for older children, while a larger mask is perfect for younger kids who need a little more help getting their mask on or for those don’t like the mask too close to their eyes.

Best Beach Outfit for Boys: Life Vest 

Safety is always top priority when you’re at the beach. If your child can’t swim, and even if they can, they should have a life vest on when they are in the water. Even strong swimmers can tire out in the waves. The younger the swimmer, the faster they’ll tucker out and require assistance quickly. If you have an independent guy on your hands, who loves to go just a little farther than you like, loves to boogie board, and hang at the water’s edge while you tend to other kids, grab a Body Glove Life Jacket. This U.S. Coast Guard Approved vest uses the highest quality Neoprene available, has one leg strap for maximum safety, zips up in front and has two adjustable buckles to make sure that jacket is staying on.

Keryn Means lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband, two boys and one fluffy little pup. She is an award-winning travel journalist with bylines on Thrillist.com, Travel Age West and more, and loves to talk travel on ABC’s Good Morning Washington. You can find Keryn dragging her two boys around the DC area most days and across the globe several times a year. Follow along on their adventures on WalkingOnTravels.comand on Instagram.