Don't combine waterproof and stylish in one beach bag.

I wouldn’t bother looking for a beach bag that’s both truly waterproof and fashionable. The two don’t overlap well.

Proper waterproof bags — like roll-top dry bags from Sea to Summit, Yeti, or even basic outdoor brands — are made of thick PVC or coated nylon with welded seams. They’re ugly on purpose. They work. Meanwhile, anything marketed as a “stylish waterproof beach bag” is usually just water-resistant: a coated canvas or a splash-proof lining that won’t survive a dunk or a tipped-over cooler.

Best practical move: carry a nice canvas tote for your towel and sunglasses, and stuff your phone, keys, and wallet in a small waterproof pouch inside it. That way you look good and don’t lose your AirPods to a wave.

Your friends will be busy being jealous of your dry phone to care about the bag.