Swimming is a great all-around recreational activity for people of all ages. Besides being fun, swimming is a great way to keep us fit and healthy. Furthermore, it gives you the chance to expand your circle. Whether you’re heading to the pool or the beach, having the right swim gear ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
However, packing for swimming can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you're going with family or friends. To help you stay prepared, here’s a must-have checklist of swim gear to bring along.
Essential Swim Gear Checklist
1. Swimwear
Obviously, good swimwear is a must-have swim gear before you go swimming.
But before picking one, consider the following:
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Comfort – Look for swimwear made from flexible, breathable fabric.
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Quality – Choose durable materials that won’t wear out after a few swims.
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Sun protection – Opt for swimsuits with UPF protection if swimming outdoors.
Although bikinis are eye-catching, they don’t provide full coverage and protection of your body. Also, some pools and water parks have specific rules about swimwear, so check ahead to avoid any issues.
💡 Tip: Wondering what color swimsuit is safest? Some shades are more visible in water, helping lifeguards and others spot swimmers quickly. Read more in our guide on safe swimsuit colors.
2. Sun Hat
When swimming outdoors, a sun hat is an essential swim gear. Sun hat protects a large part of your face, neck, and shoulders from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
To choose the best one, consider the following:
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Comfort – Pick a lightweight, breathable material that fits well.
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Waterproofing – A water-resistant sun hat dries quickly and won’t get heavy when wet.
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Brim size – Hats with wider brims provide better coverage, shielding more of your skin from the sun.
🛒 Check out Cheekaaboo's Sweet Baby Girl UPF50+ Protection Outdoor Sun Hat made with 100% cotton for a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable fit for kids.
Plus, pairing a sun hat with sunscreen adds an extra layer of sun protection, keeping you safe while you enjoy your swim!
3. Sunscreen
No swim gear checklist is complete without sunscreen! Whether at the beach or the pool, it protects your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents sunburn.
To maximize protection:
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Choose SPF 50+ – Higher SPF offers better protection.
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Apply 30 minutes before swimming – Allows proper absorption.
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Reapply every 2 hours – Especially after swimming or sweating.
Before getting down into the water, you have to give the sunscreen a 30-minute to penetrate your skin.
4. Swim Goggles
Swim goggles are mandatory as they allow clear vision underwater without getting water into the eyes. Moreover, it protects your eyes from chlorinated water or saltwater, avoiding eye irritation.
When choosing swim goggles, consider the following:
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Fit – They should form a snug seal around your eyes without being uncomfortably tight.
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Adjustable Straps – To prevent slipping or leakage.
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Anti-Fog and UV protection – Ideal for outdoor swimming.
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Hair-Friendly design – Prevents hair snagging and is ideal for those with ponytails.
🛒 For kids, check out Cheekaaboo’s anti-fog swim goggles, designed with soft, snug-fitting frames for a comfortable and secure fit!
5. Swimming Cap
Many misunderstood that a swimming cap is swim gear just for professional swimmers. But, it’s actually for all swimmers as it helps to reduce ‘drag’ underwater, making swimming strokes easier. Moreover, a swimming cap protects your hair from the chlorine that the pools are laced with.
When selecting a swimming cap, look for:
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Comfortable fit – Not too tight, but secure enough to stay in place.
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Material – Silicone or latex caps are great for durability and flexibility.
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Ear Coverage – Some caps offer extra protection to keep water out of the ears.
🛒 Try Cheekaaboo’s soft and stretchy swim caps, specially designed to keep little swimmers comfortable while protecting their hair.
6. Swim Bag
Keeping your swim gear organized is only possible with a swim bag. It prevents your dry items from getting wet.
When choosing a swim bag, consider:
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Waterproof Lining – To keep personal items safe and dry.
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Multiple Compartments – Separate wet and dry items efficiently.
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Breathability – Helps prevent bad odors from damp clothes.
🛒 If you’re looking for a cute backpack for your little swimmer, check out Cheekaaboo’s Lil Explorer Neoprene Backpack with a 3D animal design.
7. Towel
Although a swim towel is not required for swimming itself, it is essential for drying off afterward. Once you get out of the pool, you have to quickly wipe off the water on your body to prevent catching a cold.
For the best drying experience, choose:
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Soft, absorbent material – Microfiber towels dry quickly and absorb more moisture.
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Large size – Ideal for wrapping around your body.
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Quick-Dry feature – Great for travel and frequent swimming sessions.
🛒 Cheekaaboo’s child-friendly swim towel is gentle on sensitive skin and dries quickly. It’s perfect for daily use for both infants and toddlers!
8. Clean Clothes
Bringing a set of clean clothes is just as important as packing your swim gear. After swimming, you need to change into clean clothes immediately to avoid irritation or catching a cold.
To stay organized:
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Bring a separate waterproof bag – This keeps wet clothes from soaking the rest of your belongings.
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Pack extra clothes – Having a spare outfit ensures you're not stuck heading home in wet swimwear.
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Include a lightweight jacket – Useful if the weather is chilly after swimming.
Having the right swim gear ensures a smooth, safe, and fun swimming experience. Whether you're preparing for a beach trip or a pool day, packing essential swim gear like swim goggles, a swimming cap, a waterproof swim bag, and sunscreen makes all the difference.
For high-quality swim gear designed for kids, check out Cheekaaboo's collection— from thermal swimwear to waterproof bags and anti-fog goggles, they've got everything to keep your little swimmers comfortable and protected!
