A huge thank you to Backcountry & ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post.
We’re loving our time in North Carolina this year. It’s one of our absolute favorite places in the world. The weather is beautiful, the ocean is gorgeous, and we’re lucky enough to have found a place to stay that’s just a short walk to the beach.
The kids love exploring there: looking for shells, dodging the waves, collecting an insane amount of sand in their hair and on their bodies. From the quick-drying towels we bring on every trip to quality swimsuits that will last, Backcountry has everything we need to make beach days that much better (use code: THEMOMEDIT for 15% off your first full-time purchase, exclusions apply).
On Z: Patagonia P-6 Tank Top | Jetty Bayside Volley Swim Trunks
On Me: Carve Designs Hayes Swimsuit | Free People Feelin Good Utility Pant
The Swimwear & Beach Essentials Our Family Swears By
We’re sticking to last year’s routine of heading to the beach in the late afternoon/early evenings so the kids can play without overheating in the direct sun. When we’re lucky, the tide is nice and high so they have an extra large area of shallow water to play in together. It makes for the perfect after-dinner stroll. The kids can chase each other in the water, and Zack and I can lay out some lightweight towels and enjoy a beverage without worrying (as much) about the waves and currents. (Until one of the kids throws sand and the other starts to cry — because you know that happens every time.)
My Beach Outfit, Starting With This One-Piece Swimsuit
As for me, I’m always looking for a swimsuit (preferably a one-piece) that’s sexy-without-being-too-sexy. One that will stay put when I have to chase the kids (because I inevitably will have to do that) but is still cute. I was SO happy when I found this suit from Carve Designs. I love the straps in the back. They keep everything secure, are adjustable for the perfect fit…and look at that design!
The back of this one-piece has enough coverage that my cheeks aren’t popping out, but I also don’t feel like the cut is too matronly. There’s a built-in shelf bra for extra support for the girls (with removable padding in the cups) and it’s double-lined for extra smoothing. In short? It’s the ultimate non-mom suit for moms. (Not like a regular mom, like a cool mom.)
The Cargo Pants Just Right For The Beach
The suit layers perfectly under my new favorite beach pants. I first discovered these green Free People utility pants back in March and I loved them SO much that I had to buy them in beige as well. They’re just the perfect summer pants: lightweight, comfortable, packable and incredibly versatile. They can be styled up a bunch of ways. (Oh, and they’re machine-washable and dryer-friendly!)
Carve Designs Hayes Swimsuit | Free People Feelin Good Utility Pant | Goodr Mach G’s Polarized Sunglasses | Teva Flatform Universal Sandals
It’s Not A Beach Outfit Without Sunnies
And speaking of new favorites — these sunglasses! I picked them out because I loved the all-black aviator design, but the best part about them is how seriously lightweight they are. They don’t slip or slide…like at all, regardless of how sweaty you are (I’ve worn them running with zero issues) and the polarized lenses protect from UV rays and reduce glare. They come in a number of colors (I’m loving the red mirrored lenses) and are only $35. Goodr is definitely a sunglasses brand to try!
Carve Designs Hayes Swimsuit | Free People Feelin Good Utility Pant | Goodr Mach G’s Polarized Sunglasses | Teva Flatform Universal Sandals
Tevas Are Great For Sand & Surf
You guys, I’ve been wearing my Birkenstocks so much lately, I developed a tan line of the straps on the top of my foot. Soooo I realized it was probably time to switch it up….BUT – I still wanted something as comfortable and supportive that I could wear with everything I could wear my Birks with. And since I’ve been seeing them everywhere, I thought I’d try some Tevas — and they’re good, you guys.
I went with the flatform Tevas (hello, 2.25-inch height boost and cushioned footbed!) and love how comfy they are. The straps are adjustable for the perfect fit and the soles are grippy so you don’t slide around in them when walking, even on slippery surfaces. (I love that I could wear them in the water, too.) They do run a bit big, though. I’m typically a 7.5/8 and went with a size 7 in these. They were perfect.
Teva Flatform Universal Sandals
Beach Essentials For The Family: The Best Swimwear, Packable Towels & Cooler Ever
Since we’re here for so much longer this year, we had to be pretty selective about what to pack. It was important to have quality swimsuits for the kids that would protect them from the sun and last throughout their intense playing/wrestling/chasing one another. Sunscreen is always a struggle with these two, so rash guards are my favorite way to keep them protected. Greenlea loves her long sleeve surf suits (I’m obsessed with that retro print!) and I always make sure to buy Ozzie a matching rash guard for his swim trunks.
The kids love watching the dredging boats. They’re there around the clock working to re-nourish the beach.
On Greenlea: O’neil Twiggy One-Piece Surf Suit
On Ozzie: Ruffle Butts Swim Trunks | Ruffle Butts Rash Guard
I can always tell when this one is coming after me. Look at that face!
And this one…turned into a teenager overnight.
O’neil Twiggy One-Piece Surf Suit | Ruffle Butts Swim Trunks | Ruffle Butts Rash Guard
Of course, I couldn’t leave Zack out. I love the pattern on these swim trunks, and Zack loves them even more because they’re so comfortable. They’re soft and stretchy and they don’t have one of those tight mesh liners that he says start to chafe after a while. We both like the modern fit. They’re not overly baggy but not short-shorts either. They’re also quick-drying and…they have pockets!
He’s been wearing them with this fair-trade certified tank when he wants more coverage from the sun. It’s made from 100% organically grown cotton, so it’s breathable and super-soft.
Patagonia P-6 Tank Top | Jetty Bayside Volley Swim Trunks
Shana and Mike brought the cooler last year, so we decided it was time for us to get one of our own. This cooler backpack from Stoic is perfect. It holds up to 24 cans (and snacks, of course) and is comfortable to wear (I do take turns once in a while).
Stoic Cooler | Patagonia P-6 Tank Top | Jetty Bayside Volley Swim Tunks
There’s a bottle opener attached and Zack loves that he can clip his keys to the loops. This thing keeps our drinks cold all day long. (And it’s also great to use in the car on our road trips.)
And last, but not least, if you don’t have one of these lightweight Packtowls, you absolutely need one. They take up SO much less room than traditional towels, are super soft and absorbent, and are quick-drying. The microfiber blend soaks up four times its weight in water, and it’s anti-odor treatment means it resists odor build-up. We take them on every trip to use at the beach or hotel pools. They fold down to about the size of a book, so they’re perfect for packing.
Cheers to family beach time!
XOXO,
Scotti
ps. Don’t forget to try our discount code THEMOMEDIT for 15% off many full-priced pieces! (First time orders only, exclusions apply.)
A huge thank you to Backcountry & ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post! You guys make going to the beach SO much easier.
Photo Credit to Terah Hoobler Photography. Terah, it’s always a pleasure to work with you! And readers, thank YOU so much for your support. It is so appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed!
