Beach Capsule Wardrobe Ideas For 2025
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A beach capsule wardrobe solves the age-old issue of “too many clothes, not enough luggage space!” Use our guide to create versatile summer ensembles that encapsulate your iconic fashion sense.
We’ve all been there: You’re packing for your upcoming beach vacation. You’ve pulled out all the pieces you just have to bring, folded them crisply, and crammed them into your suitcase. But to your horror—it won’t close.
If this worst nightmare is currently your reality, don’t fear—your swimwear guru is here.
In this article, I’m unpacking the packing solution that has saved countless travelers at baggage check: beach capsule wardrobes. This versatile space saver offers a way to pack light without limiting the number of unique ensembles you can rock during your getaway.
Learn the key to capsuling and get inspired to build your own with these beach capsule wardrobe must-haves.
The Secret to Packing Light
I’m going to reveal a secret the airlines would rather keep locked tight: You can pack a complete wardrobe for your beach getaway without checking multiple bags. Before you look at your overflowing suitcase and protest, believe me—it’s true.
The key? A capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobes aren’t a new concept. They’re an essential aspect of modern minimalism , which teaches us to:
Value our belongings
Purchase new items with intentionality
Declutter our homes (and, by extension, our minds)
Put simply, a capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of coordinated clothing pieces and accessories. It allows you to create more cohesive ensembles with fewer pieces, saving you money, closet space, and time in the dressing room.
People create capsules for all types of wardrobes, from business attire to athleisure and yes, even beachwear! With an air-tight beach vacation capsule wardrobe, you can pack a bag with plenty of room to accommodate a beach town shopping spree (or two).
9 Top Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
One misconception about capsule wardrobes is that each piece must be neutral or basic enough to match the others perfectly. Not so!
The key to successful capsuling is balance. Choose one or two core colors to base your capsule around, then find pieces that complement (or even tastefully clash) to create distinct looks with just a few swaps.
With that, let’s build a beach capsule wardrobe that’ll keep your vacation looks fresh without splitting your suitcase.
Monday Swimwear - Palma Top and Thong
Image Credit:Monday Swimwear
Image Credit:Monday Swimwear
Every beach wardrobe needs an itty bitty triangle bikini, capsule or not. The Palma bikini set from Monday Swimwear offers a particularly versatile option, with over two dozen colorways and patterns to pick from.
I’m partial to this espresso hue with white piping—retro yet timeless. The halter top includes removable cups and adjustable neck and back ties, and the thong features side ties and super-skimpy coverage.
Knix Classic - One-Piece Swimsuit
Image Credit:Knix
Image Credit:Knix
Knix is known for their versatile and size-inclusive selection of staple intimates and swimwear—ideal for a beach capsule wardrobe.
Their one-piece suit is a classic for a reason: It offers full coverage and a customizable fit, complete with a built-in shelf bra, removable cups, and adjustable straps. And for women with larger busts, the suit has thicker straps for added support.
Even better? It comes in a leakproof version for those beach days that happen to overlap with your time of the month . Layer it with a skirt or flowy shorts to seamlessly transition from beach to boardwalk chic.
Camilla - Low Back Halter One Piece with Trim
Image Credit:Camilla
Image Credit:Camilla
Every beach vacation capsule wardrobe needs that one statement piece you can’t wear often enough. Here’s a solid contender for your consideration.
Camilla Swim is the unofficial queen of statement swimwear. They recently partnered with HBO’s hit show The White Lotus to design a collection of one-of-a-kind, resort-ready pieces. This sarong features an intricate pattern combining florals and nautical elements, framed by a delicate geometric border. With the number of colors in this design, you’ll always be able to match it with something.
Seafolly - Mesh Effect Cover-Up
Image Credit:Seafolly Ladies
Image Credit:Seafolly Ladies
Every beachgoer needs a functional yet fashionable cover-up you can throw on when it’s time for a seaside lunch or a stroll to the shops.
This meshy, thigh-length number from Seafolly will instantly elevate any beach capsule wardrobe. With long wide sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a drawstring tie, you can cover up while still showing off your impeccable sense of style. I recommend choosing white to ensure it matches any suit in your capsule.
Vitamin A - Samara Sarong
Image Credit:Vitamin A
Image Credit:Vitamin A
Never has there been a more versatile beachwear item than the silky and sexy sarong. You can knot it around your waist as a mini skirt or maxi skirt, tie it around your neck as a halter dress, or drape it over your shoulders as a luxurious wrap.
The Samara sarong from Vitamin A features a high-contrast, diagonal stripe design that coordinates effortlessly with any look. Crafted from organic cotton and digitally printed to conserve water, this option is also an environmentally conscious one.
Marysia X Amanu - Virunga Scallop Sandal
Image Credit:Marysia
Image Credit:Marysia
One of the many benefits of capsule wardrobes is the ability to invest in high-quality, intentionally-made pieces.
Take these scalloped sandals from the Marysia X Amanu Resort 2025 collection: They’re made by hand using 100% genuine Italian leather. So, not only do they look chic, but they’re also crafted with quality and longevity in mind.
And with your order, Marysia will plant a tree in Madagascar, meaning you’ll make a lasting impact on the planet, too.
Alexander Wang Prestyled Cutoff Short With Silk Boxer
Image Credit:Alexander Wang
Image Credit:Alexander Wang
I adore flowy wraps and cover-ups as much as the next sea siren, but sometimes you just want to roll up to the beach in a pair of cutoff denims.
These distressed denim, super-short shorts from Alexander Wang offer a versatile capsule addition with a coquettish twist . They’re lined with a lacy silk bloomer that peeks flirtatiously above the waistband and below the cutoffs. How stinking cute is that?
Beach Riot - Rianne Dress
Image Credit:Beach Riot
Image Credit:Beach Riot
How can you have fun in the sun without a fun sundress? This find from Beach Riot will fill the sundress-sized hole in your beach capsule wardrobe.
The Rianne is a maxi-length, fully lined dress featuring wide, ocean-blue stripes that lengthen the legs and accentuate the bust. Throw it on over your suit after a dip or wear it out on the town for aperitivos with the girls.
Anine Bing - Indio Sunglasses
Image Credit:Anine Bing
Image Credit:Anine Bing
No summer capsule wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of sunnies. These bestsellers from Annie Bing feature a chunky acrylic frame and UV 400 protection for hyper-on-trend shade.
Assembling Your Beach Looks for Maximum Style
Now comes the fun part: Unpacking your capsule and assembling countless distinct and beach-ready looks. While the details come down to your unique style genius, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Start with one of your “core” pieces—like the Knix Classic One-Piece.
Add some flair with a statement item—like the Vitamin A Samara Sarong.
Pile on the accessories—like your fave sandals, bangles, sunnies, and more.
Every beach capsule wardrobe contains multitudes. Find more iconic swimwear styles to add to yours at MySwimLook.