Best Beach Swimwear of 2026: Rash Guards, Liner-Free Trunks & Kids Ear Bands
If you've ever spent an afternoon with a sunburned kid who refused sunscreen, you already know: rash guards are non-negotiable. And if you've ever worn board shorts with that scratchy mesh lining in the salt water, you know there's a better way. Here's what we actually use and recommend for the whole family.
Rash guards — the sun protection kids will actually wear
A rash guard is simply a more effective, more practical form of sun protection for kids than trying to reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes. Full coverage on the torso and arms, stays on through waves and ocean play, and most kids don't even notice they're wearing it.
Kids long-sleeve rash guards — UPF 50+
Look for UPF 50+ rated fabric — this blocks 98% of UV rays. Long sleeves are worth it even if kids resist at first. Brands like Rash Guard Kids, O'Neill, and Roxy consistently rank well. Size up slightly so they have room to move and it lasts a full season.
Shop kids rash guards on Amazon →✎ Editor's Note
Our kids wear rash guards from the moment we arrive until we pack up. Hayden and Kenneth are good about it — Jess, the youngest, needs a little more convincing but once he's in the water he forgets entirely. For little ones especially, it's just easier and safer than chasing them around with a spray bottle every hour.
Toddler swim ear bands — essential for kids with ear tubes
If your little one has had ear tubes (grommets) placed — which our youngest Jess had done at age 2 — keeping water out of the ears during swimming is not optional. Ear bands and swim headbands designed for this are the practical solution that actually works in ocean and pool play.
Swim ear bands for kids — especially for ear tube wearers
Swimfit and Ear Band-It are the two brands we've used most. They hold swim earplugs in place during active play in ways that earplugs alone simply can't. Available in multiple sizes — measure your child's head circumference to get the right fit. They work for pool and ocean use.
Shop swim ear bands on Amazon →✎ Editor's Note
Jess had tubes at 2 years old and this was one of the first things we bought before his first full beach summer after the procedure. The ear band keeps earplugs secured even when he's diving, getting hit by waves, and doing everything a toddler does at the ocean. Do not skip this if your child has tubes — the pediatric ENT will tell you the same thing.
Men's board shorts — skip the mesh liner
This is a quality-of-life upgrade that sounds minor until you've spent a full beach day in traditional board shorts with a scratchy mesh lining. Built-in compression liner shorts are the better option — they look the same from the outside, feel dramatically better, and work as actual swimwear when you want them to.
Men's board shorts with built-in compression liner — no mesh
Volcom, O'Neill, and Quiksilver all make good options in this category. Look for “compression liner” or “liner-free” in the product description. They're typically marketed as hybrid shorts and work equally well in and out of the water. Worth the slightly higher price point.
Shop liner board shorts on Amazon →✎ Editor's Note
Once you switch to board shorts with a built-in liner, you will not go back. The mesh insert in traditional board shorts feels fine in the store and progressively worse as the day goes on — especially in saltwater. The compression liner stays comfortable all day and dries fast. This is a small upgrade with a big daily payoff.
Women's swimwear and cover-ups — practical picks
A quick-dry cover-up is non-negotiable for Maghan — it does double duty as sun protection and a layer when the ocean breeze picks up in the afternoon. Look for lightweight woven or crinkle fabrics that shake off the sand and dry fast. Paired with a supportive one-piece or tankini that's designed for actual water activity (not just poolside), this is the practical beachwear setup.
Quick-dry cover-ups and swimwear for women
Prioritize quick-dry fabric, sand-resistant texture, and UPF-rated cover-ups when possible. Maxi cover-ups offer the most versatility — they work for the beach, the walk to the ice cream shop, and anywhere in between.
Shop women's beachwear on Amazon →The quick swimwear checklist
- Kids: Long-sleeve rash guard (UPF 50+) — one per day if possible
- Toddlers with ear tubes: Swim ear band + earplugs — non-negotiable
- Men: Board shorts with built-in compression liner — no mesh
- Women: Supportive swimsuit + quick-dry cover-up
- Everyone: Rash guards aren't just for kids — adults benefit too on long beach days
