Nylon-spandex blends dry fastest.

Yes. If you’re beach hopping, you want a suit made of nylon (or polyester) blended with spandex/elastane. Avoid cotton, avoid anything labeled “board short” with thick lining, and avoid those cheap crinkly fabrics that hold water like a sponge.

Nylon dries in minutes when you squeeze it out. Polyester is almost as fast and holds up better in chlorine if you’re hitting a pool too. The spandex gives stretch but doesn’t trap water. Most swimsuits from reputable brands (Speedo, Nike, Patagonia, etc.) use this mix. The thing to watch for is lining – a second layer of mesh traps water and takes forever to dry. Get a suit with a single layer if you can, or one with a thin, quick-dry liner.

Board shorts often add a thick outer fabric that feels heavy wet, and the built-in liner can be a sponge. For beach hopping, I’d go with a snug brief or a jammer style if you’re a guy, or a simple one-piece or bikini that’s mostly nylon. Squeeze it out with a towel, give it five minutes in the sun, and you’re good to go.

You don’t need a fancy “tech” suit – just read the tag. If it says cotton or “100% polyester” without stretch, keep looking.